Billy Blue Eyes
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

FROM Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve
Facebook posting, February 23, 2022

Billy was surrounded by the people who loved him when he passed, with a belly full of treats (his favorite were french fries), snuggled on his cushions covered in warm blankets.

Myself and everyone here at Wildwood are heartbroken to announce that last night we said goodbye to our dear friend Billy Blue Eyes.

Billy was one of the first goats taken in at Wildwood Farm Sanctuary and Preserve. Rescued from a neglect situation, he then joined his brother Orin, mother Nancy and aunt Sheba with a kind and loving family before the group found their way to us in 2014.

Billy won the hearts of everyone he met. With his cheeky antics and affectionate personality, he always made sure he was noticed. He was always first in line for a treat and a head scratch and would often sneak up behind volunteers to rub his face against them, leaving his white all over their clothes. No one minded though as they knew it was Billy’s equivalent of giving a hug.
Billy’s life took a turn in May 2021 when a freak accident led to a broken leg and subsequent amputation.

Billy didn’t let that stop him though and was often found in the barn stealing bananas and spending time sunning himself. But being an elderly goat with 3 legs and arthritis finally took its toll and in the last couple of weeks, Billy was no longer able to get up. We tried all the treatments possible including steroids, physical therapy, pain management, and acupuncture, but sadly Billy’s body had given up and we were advised he would not recover. At this point, the kindest and most dignified thing to do for Billy was to say goodbye.

Billy was surrounded by the people who loved him when he passed, with a belly full of treats (his favorite were french fries), snuggled on his cushions covered in warm blankets. We all miss him desperately, but take comfort in the fact that Billy lived a long and happy life and knew he was loved. We want to thank Billy’s team of veterinarians at Newberg Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary Services of Oregon, our animal caregivers and volunteers who spent countless hours caring for Billy, and everyone who donated cushions, bedding and helped us get him his cart. We are so grateful to them all. Billy’s final remains will be laid to rest in our sanctuary memorial garden. We already miss you so much sweet boy forever in our hearts.

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