Arrival and Departure

July 4th began with the speedy arrival of William, after a very rapid labour! Of which more elsewhere. Mother and new son were  safely ensconced in their own bed with Father and Hugh dancing  attendance so I made a quick get away and after defeating the M40 arrived home safely.

My house sitter greeted me with the news that "Pearly", no longer a tiny runt but a socking great fat pig was unwell. Coaxing her out of the sty with a banana I realised that things were indeed serious and the vet was summoned.
Hannah duly arrived and after painkillers were administered  and Pearly still could not walk, probably due to a slipped disc we decided that the gun was the only humane answer.

The dreadful deed was duly carried out and her remains were dispatched, at great expense, to be cremated.

Duchess was not desolate, rather an unfeeling mother,  but clearly as time passed she was lonely. Pigs are family animals and solitude is not a good way of life.
After some time I located a young gilt, a teenage female  pig not a million miles away and she was duly installed in the field. It was hate at first sight, as she was chased round the field and after several attempts to bite her, I reluctantly made up an alternative comfy bed in the adjacent stable. Several days passed, the nights got colder and finally I peeped in late one night and they were tucked up together keeping each other snug and warm. So, all's well that ends well..