Everest 🐑
24 November 2022
I’m really not sure how to share this but you’ve had my back along the way and helped me with Everest so I wanted to share this part of our journey over the past couple of weeks.
On Nov 4th my dad who lives in Canada had a medical emergency and my son who graduated just days before and I knew we had to go by my parent’s side. My daughter still had exams to write so she stayed home with my husband. I had to figure out who could look after Everest and tend to his daily needs and care for him just as I would 🐑🐑
Dr. Laura didn’t hesitate to help me out and have Everest board with her. We thought it would be good for her to see how he was doing first-hand and also help her write some notes to update the surgeon we were talking to. So off Everest and his wheelchair went.
As I drove away his bleating 🐑 😭 was evident he was going to miss me, and wondered why I was not putting him back in the car with me as I had always done on our visits.
What he couldn’t see was how sad I felt as my own tears rolled down my face as I waved goodbye I knew this would be a big change for him as he had only ever stayed at my girlfriend’s house for a few hours at a time.
We landed in Edmonton and stayed by my dad’s side 24/7 for a week prior to his passing. The gift I received here was being here by my dad’s side, being able to have those moments with him, and as an only child supporting my mom through a very difficult and challenging time.
My dad passed peacefully on Nov 10 with us by his side and just hours later that day I received devastating news about Everest. Dr Laura had taken some X-Rays of Everest to give them a better look at his progress. She had sent them off to a specialist to read and interpret and the news was not what anyone expected after what we had thought were his wee legs strengthening, we actually got to see how the abnormalities with his bones had actually fused together improperly, which no surgery could now help him with.
We really had only one option for Everest and due to what they felt the severity of his pain level might have been. Dr Laura felt we couldn’t even wait until I got back home so that I could see and be with him for his last moments. 😭😭
This was one of the biggest heartbreaking moments and decisions I had to make during an already stressful and sad time in my life. So a few days later my Husband and daughter went out to be with Everest and spent some time spoiling him and being by his side. 🐑🐑
Everest had a chance! By stepping up and becoming his carer, he got to take his first steps that would’ve never happened. He had 4 months of Love, the best medical team, and sunshine on his face. He had a fur family that included our dog and 2 cats that loved playing with him, and they will miss him. Everest loved to watch the Guinea Pigs run around and loved his leg massages every night while watching TV. He got to travel, try out his new wheelchair, and eat most of my flowers, yummy treats, and Weetbix. Everest had a way of putting smiles on everyone’s face that met him. He also warmed the hearts of many strangers including you who reached out to financially support him and become part of his flock.
Everest made a difference in my life and for that, I am blessed 🙏🏻 💫
So, as I prepare to head back to Auckland, I am sad to know that Everest and his sweet baa’s and woolly hooves won’t be there to greet me and that will be yet another moment of grieving for me.
What I do know is that Everest gave me the gift of unconditional love and showed me how the underdog can be so determined no matter what lemons life gives you and that having a positive support flock around you is vital to helping you reach goals that can so big they scare you and even when you have no idea of how you could accomplish them, you should always have a big vision. Sometimes the path put in front of you is not always straight or smooth and can be full of surprises but having faith and a strong belief in what you’re doing is all you need!
So 🙏🏻Thank you for all your support and love over the past 4 months. It meant the world to Everest and me and I know for sure that there is Kindness in strangers that become friends along the way!
🕊️🕊️Everest you didn’t get to run free in the field I dreamed of but I do pray you’re watching over all those who loved you. 🐑 🙏🏻
Everest & Kimberly 🕊️🐑💫
