Thank you. Thank you for being the start to something I'm eternally
grateful for. Thank you for being the first. Thank you for always being
there as the one I could say, "that's my first show heifer." Thank you
for teaching me how to avoid getting kicked or butted, since you were
the first to do that too. You were the one that gave me calves to show
and keep as replacement heifers. You were the start to my herd.
You were the first beef animal I received a trophy for at the county
fair. You were way bigger than me, and that scared me, but you gave me
the confidence I needed. You were also the first cow I pregnancy
checked (and at nine years old, I didn't know what I was feeling for, but since it was you; it was okay). When you had your first calf, I was so nervous for everything
to go right. I was so excited that I could see you calve though. When
you finally had a heifer (after two bulls), I was elated that I'd
finally be able to keep one of your calves.
It's been 12 years, six of which you were on the show string, and 11
calves. You've given me two feeder steers to show, two show heifers, and four replacement heifers.
You're starting to "not be quite the cow" that you have been. Your udder
is going downhill, you're teeth aren't that great, and you're not quite
as sassy as you were. They tell me it's time for you to "take your last
ride on the big truck." Dad told me when you were still a calf that he
hoped I'd be in college when you had to be sold. I'm in college, so I
guess it must be time. It must be time for me to lead you on the trailer
for the last time.
Thank you, Princess, thank you for being the first.
