Blog | RAMA's Family

19th Aug 2022

Yesterday, with very heavy hearts, we had to say goodbye to Eddie, one of our darling galgos.

He was such a bundle of fun and mischief from the moment he jumped in our car when we went to adopt Rufus in 2013. We weren't planning on adopting two dogs but after settling Rufus in to his new life with us and our rabbits, we just had to go back & get Eddie. So a few weeks later, we adopted him too and since then, he has brought much joy and laughter into all our lives.

Eddie lived life to the full, often at high speed and always with enthusiasm. He really was the sweetest, most affectionate boy, who not only loved his brother Rufus dearly but also accepted and 'mentored' Zeus who joined the clan a year ago. Eddie was always gentle around the sheep and ponies and wanted to be everyone's friend, even if the feeling wasn't always reciprocated!

In the past year or so, his legs had become a bit wobbly and he had a series of ailments but he tolerated them cheerfully. However, just two days ago, he lost his usual joie-de-vivre. We knew something must be seriously wrong so we took him straight to the vets. His latest ailment (a "ranula" under his tongue) would have required highly technical surgery and a long period of treatment, with no guarantees of recovery. Being frail enough already, we just couldn't put him through that.

So, a day after he had tried to chase his last squirrel, Eddie went to sleep, in the back of the same car he jumped into 9-and-a-half years ago and just a few weeks short of his 13th birthday.

We miss our darling Eddie-Boo so very much.

Nigel and Cheryl XxX

P.S. We've attached some of his final pics but will post more on social media

https://www.facebook.com/rama.lamadingdung/

https://www.instagram.com/refuge4agedmistreatedanimals/

https://twitter.com/RAMAsFamily

19th July 2022

Sorry for not being in touch sooner. We've dropped off the social media world for a few months as we have struggled to find the time to do posts etc what with my (N’s) arthritic hip slowing me down so much, meaning we have less time for admin, loading pics etc.

Everything takes so long for me to do now as I have to walk very slowly and carefully and I have to use a walking stick for the first 2-3 hrs each day til I loosen up! The waiting list for hip replacement surgery on NHS is currently anywhere from 3-8 years and I can't afford to wait that long as - although she's been brilliant - there's only so much C can do, jobs are piling up & it is taking its toll on her. So, we've decided to bite the bullet and get a £12k loan so I can go private. I am in hospital now having had it done on 18th July.

The pain over the past year or so, has been excruciating at times, despite constant medication, and my mobility has become so bad that we have struggled to manage with all our animal responsibilities – although, as always, the welfare of our animal family comes first. We've already got over 1000 sacks of used bedding from the shelters/stables that needs to be taken down to the composting heap & emptied (about a quarter-of-a-mile away down our fields). I would normally have done this whenever we have a spare hour but those days are gone for now. We can only hope that I’ll be on the way back to something like normal by September/Oct/the rainy season, so I may end up doing it in the winter!

Our only volunteer - and dear friend - Thomas, tragically passed away aged just 52, in March 2021. He is very sadly missed, not just for his physical help but also his humour, love & support. Our family loved his gentle presence & he lives on in them & in our hearts. We were honoured that his beloved wife, and one of our closest friends, Heather, chose to have T's ashes buried here.

Additionally, our main feed supplies for the animals have increased by 30% over the past couple of years and our overall animal-related costs shot up by 10% to £23,000 for the year-ending 31st March. It’s a worry as, apart from donations from a very small number of dear friends, we only have our pensions plus our savings from when we used to work for a living. If anyone can help, please go to our Amazon Wishlist https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2XC2HZ9GS8721?ref_=wl_share - or drop us a line via https://ramasfamily.wixsite.com/ramasfamily/contact-us.

Additionally, If you know anyone who’d be interested in volunteering here, please let us know. Be warned though - it's dirty, physical work.

We hope to re-commence more regular updates & posts over the coming weeks & months.

A friend wrote this beautiful poem for us, a few years ago....

The Good Shepherds

The flock look up from their pasture duties – of silently grazing the land for the benefit of the shepherds – their way of showing they too, can add to the beauty of the landscape. What has captured their interest? What has interrupted such an important part of their day? A rattle, in a pail – a gentle call from the lips of the shepherds – non-threatening a tangible tone in their voice of compassion beckoning to come forth. As if by an unseen string, they are drawn together into a group – save for the odd one or two, who decide to approach solely, a little nervous maybe, or just expressing their individuality. Heads at the pail in which is a treat – swaying, butting heads, a mastered skill to keep others away – yet somehow, all manage a turn in the pail – all get a taste of what is given unconditionally by the shepherds. Not for these the fear, abuse, and expectation that they exist only to profit man. The shepherds look into each individual’s eyes, and see the soul and true essence of their flock, personalities, a desire to be loved and respected for the true glory of who they are – fellow earth-dwellers – travellers in time. Not for this flock the destiny of their brethren – passing by in motorised cages – faces at the slats knowing what is to come. The shepherds who have to witness this almost daily, watch helplessly with heavy heart and moistened eyes – comforted only by the sight of their flock, safe - loved - secure. The shepherds, heads down, busy themselves with their labours, trying to come to terms with man’s ability to be blinded by greed, comfort given to them from the eyes of their flock – and the flock, with bowed heads, carry on their pasture duties quietly – knowingly – these two are ...............the Good Shepherds”.

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