Last year I was privileged to rescue Galhinia who was being plucked alive. See her story on this link below.

https://chickenrescueandrehabilitation.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/galhinia-additional-benefits-for-additonal-money-plucked-alive/

and more

https://chickenrescueandrehabilitation.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/amber-and-galhinia-lay-eggs/

and more

https://chickenrescueandrehabilitation.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/sad-week-for-some-of-our-chickens/

Last Friday I was due to leave for Cape Town early in the morning. Galhinia clearly not well. Family went ahead to CT and I stayed behind to get her to a vet. She was put on a course of anti bios. I was reticent to leave, however my wonderful sister who is an animal rehabilitator agreed to nurse her for the weekend, and knowing that she was in such good hands I was able to go. I was aware that it may have been the last time I saw her, but also felt hopeful that the anti bios would kick in, and I would be fetching her to go home at the end of the weekend. I remember every detail of me leaving, I made sure I had a lasting pic of her in my head.

I got updates all day Friday. She was sleeping, eating a little, drinking and getting loads of cuddles.

Early Saturday morning Galhinia;s body temp started dropping. My sister wrapped her in a towel and hot water bottle and went to sit in the garden under a tree with a magnificent view of Jozi. It took about 5 minutes and Galhinia died in her arms. It was peaceful, and quick from Friday morning to Saturday Morning.

I miss her so much already. She had left a huge hole in my day, but has also made space for another rescue chook who needs some TLC and the opportunity to be a free hen. I focus on what I can do, and not what I cannot. Galhinia must have been just over 2 1/2 years, which is not bad for an ex battery hen, who suffered so much abuse. I know that in every interaction with her throughout our 15 months together, I was absolutely present in every interaction with her. The memories of her smell, the feeling of her plucked body, and then feathered body against my face such a strong memory.  She brought such joy to our lives.

RIP our magnificent girl.