The Last Patriarch

by Leanne

When I first arrived at the California Shelter five years ago, there was a certain group of residents for whom everyone had a special respect and fondness: our senior goats Neptune, Rumi, Nesta, Studley, and Cheech. These majestic animals benevolently “ruled” the domestic sheep and goat herd with poise and grace. All of the younger goats, including current herd-leader Rufus, wanted to be like them, and all of our guests couldn’t wait to meet and spend time with them. Sadly, as they aged, we had to say goodbye to them one by one, until only Cheech remained. 

Cheech was rescued in 1994 by Ventura City Animal Control. He was always the least conspicuous of the goat patriarchs, not only because of his small stature and the modest size of his horns but also because of his unassuming personality. Though he was not as quick as others to ask for attention from humans, he happily played with his fellow goats, wandering the shelter’s large green pastures with the herd and running after our ATV during hay feeds.

But as time passed, taking with it Cheech’s peers, his own age began to show, and he started to experience the first stages of arthritis. When the sheep and goats had the joy of running through the barnyard as they were moved to a new barn, he would be one of the last to arrive rather than one of the first. He started to enjoy basking in a comfy, sunny spot in the pasture instead of roaming to the far corners. Pain medication eased his discomfort, but his older body could no longer keep up with the younger crowd. During these latter years, he befriended a special goat named Sprout, and the two were close companions until Sprout, too, passed away. Through all of the changes and loss, however, Cheech’s strength and dignity endured. 

 
Cheech sunbathing with Sprout.

Eventually we moved Cheech in with a group of elderly and special needs animals, so he could live in a quieter atmosphere. He seemed happy to break away from the rowdier goats and quickly settled into a new routine, which included savoring a full breakfast of fruit, vegetables, grain, and alfalfa; finding a grassy spot in the pasture and relaxing there all day; enjoying another meal before bed; then settling into a deep straw bed for the night. When we happened to be a little bit late in feeding him or letting him out to his pasture, he was sure to let us know by crying out. 

Cheech didn’t always appear too attached to the other animals in the group, but when he happened to be separated from his roommates, as when the sheep were moved to another barn to be sheared, you could tell the bond was deeper than he let on: he would cry for them and eagerly await their return. That was the thing about Cheech – he was reserved, but he had a heart of gold. If you took the time to get to know him, you would discover a loyal friend.

 
Cheech with his friend, Simone.

Sorrowfully, as time progressed, Cheech’s arthritis worsened, and the time finally came for us to part with our dear friend. During his last days, he received many visitors who sat with him, spoke to him, and fed him some of his favorite treats. Though it was really hard to lose Cheech, the last of our longtime patriarchs, I feel great joy and comfort knowing that he had 15 wonderful years at the shelter to be free and grow old in peace. His passing marks an end of an era, but he and the rest of my old departed goat friends will always remain in my heart, and will never be forgotten. 

Comments

[Karen]

Thank you for tracing Cheech's life at the farm, Leanne. I'll never forget his patience, strength and sweetness of character. Nor will I forget the night Simone & I spent with Cheech in his barn, with Pippi breathing unrestrainedly, like an unwise stalker about to jump on us, next door!
Thank you Cheech for a lesson in patient endurance and Leanne for a unique experience.
Simone, if you're out there, please contact me - I'd love to get the pics you took of Cheech & me!!! Thanks!

[Colleen Patrick-Goudreau]

Thank you for honoring this group, Leanne. I miss all of them very much, and reading about sweet Cheech brought me to tears. His heart was so big, and he'll be remembered always.

[Becci]

A very nice tribute to Cheech.

[Tina Perez]

I had the honor of meeting Cheech when I was an intern in October.He was a very sweet old man and I watched/helped him eat dinner one day.It was hard to see him try to get up and move.I do believe he had a very happy life though.Here's to Cheech and his happy 15 years!