Forgiveness

I'm too sad to say much now, but know that while we were in Grass Valley today, Rosie dug into the pasture and killed the children's 3 chicks, another hen who'd just started laying, Buttercup, and our eldest hen, Soul Sister. She was at least 10 years old, and "mother" to many of the other hens.

Earlier this month she killed Little Red. That is 6 loved chicken pets.

Rosie is tethered now, and away from me. Which is good, because I could do her harm now.

This is my new policy for her. No longer a free country dog, but a dog with earned boundaries from now on.

The girls have approached me about this. They feel it is cruel.

They have already forgiven her!

I am amazed, and puzzled.

I suggested that this dog, and chicken ownership were incompatible. That we needed to make change. They would not consider finding Rosie a chicken-free household.

In considering our different feelings about this situation, I settle on this.

They are not parents.

Yes, they've suffered a huge loss.

But watching my children, react to this loss AGAIN (in addition to the loss of the hens), has hardened my heart to Rosie, irreparably I think.

(And I know she's doing what natural dogs do. And I said this to the children, but....)

My job is to protect my children, and I have not protected them from this adequately.

It's heartbreaking.