In Memory of Neptune

Anyone who doesn't believe animals have souls never met Neptune. A beautiful white goat rescued by a compassionate neighbor and brought to Farm Sanctuary over 11 years ago, Neptune's story prior to his rescue is a sad one, but I have no doubt that his life at the sanctuary healed his wounds. His powerful presence was apparent to everyone who saw him. He was filled with radiance and beauty and gentleness and love and wisdom, and I was often moved to tears just being in his presence. I kid you not. His presence was that powerful.

Everyone felt it.

I had the privilege of spending many quiet hours with Neptune. I adore all the animals at the farm, but I could just sit with the goats (and the donkeys) forever. I have many fond memories of watching the sunset with Neptune, something he was wont to do. He would put his face up and feel the breeze on his face and seem to meditate as he faced the setting sun. He calmed me.

During my recent visits to the farm, it was apparent Neptune wasn't doing very well. His arthritis was worsening rapidly, and the pain medication wasn't giving him the relief he needed. Last week, I received a call that his quality of life was compromised to the degree that he would be euthanized.

A few days later, I was in a familiar scene, sitting next to Neptune again, as we had done so many times before, facing West into the breeze. It was extremely painful for him to walk, let alone stand, and it broke my heart to see him suffer. Through it all, as he struggled to walk to the pasture, he maintained all the dignity that characterized this amazing being.

He arrived at Farm Sanctuary about 11 years ago after having endured a most hideous abuse. He was kept by a man who lived in a rural area and had several animals. A neighbor was concerned about the mistreatment of the animals, including that of Neptune and another goat, Neptune's female partner. This neighbor wanted to help the animals without raising ire in the animals' "owner," but it was often to no avail. The neighbor would put water and food out for the animals, but it never got better. In fact, it was only when it got worse that this neighbor intervened and called the authorities. Unfortunately, it was this turn of events that would be bittersweet for Neptune. Bitter in the worst way. The "owner" of the animals was angry at what the neighbor had done and retaliated in a cruel, hateful way. For reasons unknown, he decided to move and left some animals behind. Before he did, he cut the throat of Neptune's companion and left her hanging on a fence. Worse yet, he tethered Neptune to this fence with only 1 foot of rope. Neptune endured this for several days before the neighbor found him and brought him to Farm Sanctuary. (This is the "sweet" part.)

Despite having been mistreated by a particularly cruel human, Neptune never held it against the other humans he met. And he met thousands, all of whom will tell you how incredibly special this goat was.

As I grieve for the loss of his physical presence, my heart is filled with spirit, his grace, and his beauty, and my memory is filled with countless, priceless shared moments. For it is through memory that we keep our loved ones with us.

I left him at dusk, serenely lounging in his golden pasture; and as I drove away, I was filled with immense gratitude for having been among the lucky people who knew and loved this special being. Rest in peace, Neptune. You will never, ever be forgotten.

(See more gorgeous photos of Neptune.)