Saying good-bye isn't easy... by danette

Saying good-bye isn't easy...

My niece spent the last several months raising her pig from a baby to 266 pounds. Nurturing an animal in this way on a daily basis creates a close bond that is difficult in the end. All of the pigs, even after the auction, are not allowed to go anywhere other than the slaughterhouse in order to prevent the spread of illness. Pigs are not really a very healthy animal. The 4H project teaches these kids a great deal about raising farm animals for sale.

I credit my niece for doing her homework. Her pig received the highest bid of the day at $18/pound. She even beat out the Grand Champion.

I also give credit to our local grocery chain, Publix, for buying a number of the pigs, ensuring that everyone received at least $2.25/pound. Hooray for community-minded businesses who support our youth programs.

I am pleased to report that immediately following the sale, she had to depart to compete in a band solo/ensemble competition in a nearby town. She received an "excellent" for her solo and a "superior" for their trio.
Awww....how tough...it is interesting to see the attachment she obviously had with Rylee the pig! Congratulations to her on her accomplishment. Well done.
February 23rd, 2013  
Great shot..but really sad. She knows the outcome when she goes in I guess..
February 23rd, 2013  
@lynnb She was very attached, Lynn. She has a good heart.

@drewhuy She does. This is her 5th or 6th year. I give these kids a lot of credit.
February 23rd, 2013  
jan
Beautiful shot - catches the moment perfectly. (I wanted to cry with her even...)
February 23rd, 2013  
@janakamom Oh, believe me, everyone was crying!
February 24th, 2013  
Agree, true feelings hard to capture. she is obviously passionate about everything that she does. And you are a great aunt to support her! Love the photo
February 24th, 2013  
that is always the had part of 4h.
February 24th, 2013  
Beautiful shot....so emotional. My stepson raised two steers as 4H projects and I can remember those heartbreaking moments. I always had him name them after the meal they might end up being, that they were not pets and of their final destination.
February 24th, 2013  
Great capture Danette! You nicely captured the look of a breaking heart! Please tell her I said, "CONGRATULATIONS" on a job well done!
February 24th, 2013  
Amazing young gal with such good accomplishments. Very nice overall story.
February 24th, 2013  
Great capture. It shows her emotions so well. Quite a story.
February 24th, 2013  
She should be very proud of what she accomplished. Nice shot of the moment
February 24th, 2013  
wow what a girl! Most "young" people are happy to do nothing with there lives. She is a credit to you and your familly! Sad for piggy but could really enjoy a bacon sandwich now!
February 24th, 2013  
It's a very good emotional shot Danette - glad to had a happy ending to her day
February 24th, 2013  
You have captured her emotions well.
February 24th, 2013  
Oh, I can see the sadness. I can imagine that is very hard.
February 24th, 2013  
What a poignant and sad photograph. Your niece obviously has a good heart.
February 24th, 2013  
That's really sad - poor piggy.
February 24th, 2013  
@corgimom Steers are a lot of work! What a great idea to raise them that way, with the end result in mind, Steers are 2 year projects?

@brav Thanks, Richard. She is an accomplished young lady and does everything with passion. If you want to restore your faith in the youth, go to a 4H Fair!

@skipt07 I will tell her, Skip! Thanks for the Fav!

@cococat @chard @anazad511 @bardejov @bkbinthecity @shirleytemple @dreams @henrir @soboy5

Thank you all for your lovely comments. I am very proud of her!
February 24th, 2013  
@glenmoor It is sad, but they get an exceptionally good life.
February 24th, 2013  
No, they are a one year project. When you get your steer it is generally between 400-500 lbs already.
February 24th, 2013  
Oh, this picture breaks my heart. I would be crying right along with her if I were there :(
February 25th, 2013  
You've done a lovely job capturing the emotion here!
February 25th, 2013  
@istacy1011 We were all crying! Thanks for your kind words.
February 25th, 2013  
I give her credit...I couldn't do it! Nice capture of her emotion.
February 25th, 2013  
Thanks for linking to this. Poignant, and impressive.
June 24th, 2013  
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