Goodbye Dixie. . .

You were an amazing pet.  We never knew that we could ever fall in love with chickens, but soon after bringing you and your sisters into our home, we did.  You had an amazing life for a chicken.  You got to go swimming, sledding, and played with the kids so often.  You were allowed to free range from dawn until dusk and gave our family so much joy.  You had the important job of being at the top of the pecking order and did a good job of eating weeds for me.  You rewarded us not only with your love, but also with your wonderful eggs.  You were a friend to Tara and Madeline and always made us smile.  You will be missed Dixie.  We will always love you.

Dixie died yesterday afternoon.  I finally found a vet an hour away that would see a chicken.  In my heart, I knew that I was taking her to him to be put to sleep.  She was no longer eating and barely drinking.  She was such a sweet amazing patient.  She always made the sweetest cooing noises whenever we were in eye shot of her.  She really loved when when the girls would sit and pet her while she was sick.  Dixie had a very large blockage in her crop and also in her abdominal region.  She is out of pain and I feel blessed that God allowed us to look after this precious chicken all of her life.  She was pampered and very loved.  Tara and Madeline took the news very, very well.  They had been preparing for that moment as they saw her getting weaker and weaker.  They are both happy that Dixie is no longer suffering.  We were very sad when she was suffering, but now that her suffering has ended, we are at peace.  We hope that one day we'll see all the pets that we loved and cared for again in heaven.  So today, we are so happy to have all the wonderful memories that Dixie gave us.