09/26/2025
It is with the most broken of hearts that we announce the loss of our youngest WInter. She got her name because she and her twin were born in the ownerâs home on the Winter Soltice nearly 12 years ago. Due to the loss of two of our youngest and healthiest so close together, we have decided to do a necropsy to rule out poisoning, or of them getting fed something they shouldnât have.
Winter was our âspiciestâ red bandana wearer, and avoided too much affection. We decided to have those who were lucky enough to have built a bond with her speak to who and what Winter meant to the herd.
âWinter. The Wrecker, of House Duchess. Sw***er of horns, and breaker of door panels.â Wearer of seasonal foliage. âShe was spicy because she liked her space,â Where her brother acted like a puppy, she was more like a cat, only affectionate on her terms, âGotta love a sassy female who stands on businessâ. We joked that we all need red bandana on occasion.âI spent a long time learning how she wanted to interact. She taught me a lot about boundaries, respect, and how to love someone the way they want to be loved. I looked forward to her âdrive-byâ affection.â Winterâs favorite pastime was carrying around branches to scratch on, protecting from invaders of the fenceline, and meditatively rubbing her horn against the wall.
âWinter was cut from a different cloth. Proud, fierce, and feisty, she knew exactly what she wanted and lived exactly that way. She was unapologetically herself.
She was often aloof, and because of this, it was hard to get to know her. But if you made the effort and really paid attention, you were richly rewardedâŠâ Sometimes, anyway. âThe way Winter carried herself was the embodiment of rebellion. She reveled in having twigs tangled in her lush, magnificent beard⊠Winter lived a life of fierce autonomy that was completely on her terms. She was unique, irreplaceable, and forever etched in our hearts.â
Join us remembering the unique individuals that have made this the most beloved herd. With 7 left, we are half of our original herd. And if you visit or live near the herd, please scritches only, NO FOOD! Our hearts can't take any more loss.đ
