Neptune: Rest in Peace

Today is a very sad day for many of us who know and love Neptune, one of the most incredible beings I've been lucky enough to meet. Neptune is a beautiful, majestic, graceful goat at Farm Sanctuary and one of the many beautiful animals I've had the honor of knowing and loving.

His radiance and depth of spirit touched everyone who came near him, as his gentle, loving, wise soul was apparent as soon as you looked at him. Anyone who believes that animals don't have souls never met Neptune. His story is a sad one, but he was given sanctuary over 11 years ago, thanks to a compassionate neighbor who intervened on his behalf and thanks to Farm Sanctuary, who took him in. Though he gave his love generously, you could still sense a tinge of sadness at the memory of what he suffered before he came to the farm.

As we watched the sun set together for the last time, I felt him assuring me that it was all okay. That he was alright. It would all be alright. His dignity never failed him even to the end when it was incredibly painful for him to stand up or walk. My last image is of him lying down, with his head up to the breeze, facing the setting sun. Though my heart breaks at the thought of never seeing him again, my heart is filled with gratitude for having been graced by his presence in my life.