Shanti

On Saturday I had to put my beloved Nigerian Dwarf goat Shanti to sleep. He suddenly became very sick on Wednesday and was rushed to Tufts University of veterinary medicine that afternoon. We did everything we could to make him better, but finally the only option was to perform dangerous major surgery which cost $3,000. I already had spent $1,600 on his vet care, and I'm 17 years old, so this is cutting into my college savings. I couldn't justify making him go through more surgery that probably would not work for so much money. I decided to let him go peacefully before he was in too much pain. I went to the hospital and he was very happy to see me, wagging his tail and licking my hand. I brought some of his favorite treats: peppermints and he gobbled them down, then I sat down and he put his head in my lap and the vet gave the shot and he died in my arms. Please, just this once, don't critique the photos. I just want to share a bit of Shanti's personality and zest for life in some pictures I have taken over the years.

Sorry to hear about Shanti (== peace in Hindi).

May his soul R.I.P.

I'm very sorry for your loss. He was sure cute! He was very lucky to have someone like you who cared for him so much.

His photos show how sweet he is! He looks like he is smiling in the last one. I know how hard the decision must have been, but your love was the greatest gift you could give him and you did a wonderful thing for him.

Marnie

With a friend like you I know Shanti was as happy and content with his life as could be. I feel for your loss and you have my deepest sympathies.

Very sorry to read of Shanti's passing.

God Bless...

I feel your pain.

Accept my kindest condolences for your loss

& for what its worth, I liked the pics very much indeed.

Take good care

Davey

I'm sorry for your loss---it is never easy to lose those that we love. Shanti was well loved it showed in the happiness in his eyes.

Thank you very much, everyone. Shanti was a very special little goat and was a good friend. His buddies, my two other goats, are lost with put him. Pace ("peace" in Italian) is his brother and has not been separated from him since birth, so is particularly upset. I have been spending extra time with him and Melino, my other goat, and we are all starting to move on. Shanti taught me a lot about love and loss, and I think I am a better and more compassionate person for having known him. He, like many other beloved pets, won't be forgotten anytime soon, and eventually the pain of having lost him will be replaced with all the happy memories I have of him. He was very good at making me laugh and sometimes trying my patience... for example, I brought him into the house when he was a kid and he got a bit too interested in exploring:

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing an animal is awful that is pain I have felt too many times. Thank you for sharing such sweet pictures of him