Patience

Patience is a virtue. I work on patience daily as I am not very good at it. Also, Patience was a goat I loved very much. When we rescued her from a cruelty case, she had high fevers, wracking coughs, was emaciated, and was terrified of us. However, after working diligently with our veterinarians for months, Patience finally chose to live and slowly recovered.
Patience was funny and kind. She loved to climb on things and would jump up on tabletops, walls, and tree stumps. We were finally able to build play structures for the goats, and Patience claimed the highest, perching on the top and watching everyone below. Once she trusted us, she was gentle to even the most petite guest and the newest animal. She loved to have her back scratched and came running for treats, always asking for more.
Patience did not eat breakfast on Christmas Day, which was highly unusual for her. She looked frail and lacked energy. Unfortunately, our farm animal veterinarians were not working that day. Still, we consulted with them on the phone. Based on their advice, we gave Patience fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, probiotics, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. The next day, Patience was weak and shaky and would not eat, and it became clear that at the age of twenty-three, Patience was ready to transition. Not wanting her to suffer, I frantically tried to find a farm animal vet to help her, to no avail. Finally, out of desperation, I called All Creatures Veterinary Center in Newhall and explained what was happening. I knew they only treated dogs and cats, but I had to try. Holding my breath, fighting back the tears, I heard the woman on the other end of the phone say, “bring her in; we would love to help you.” What a relief!ç
Amid fear and hopelessness, we found an angel and a gift at All Creatures Animal Hospital that we will never forget. Instead of suffering, Patience got a royal send-off. We learned one last lesson: everything works out when we follow our instincts and have a little patience.
The Gentle Barn is a national non-profit organization in Santa Clarita, California, with locations in St. Louis, Missouri, Nashville, Tennessee, and one soon in New York. We are home to animals rescued from trauma and host to people with the same stories. We are open to the public on Sundays and host private tours, field trips, birthday parties, and cow hug therapy sessions. For more, follow The Gentle Barn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube. To visit and donate, go to www.gentlebarn.org.