Farewell to Our Gentle Giant, Skunk

5 February 2018 – 20 May 2026

It has taken us a while to find the words to say goodbye to our beloved Skunk.

After recovering from his earlier bout of lameness, we genuinely thought our gentle giant was going to be okay. Sadly, things changed quite suddenly. Skunk became unwell, and despite treatment and veterinary care, it became clear that he was not going to recover. Just hours after we made the heartbreaking decision that it was time to let him go, we found that he had passed peacefully.

Skunk was never halter trained, but he didn't need to be. He was simply Skunk. Calm, steady and full of character, he had a quiet way of making himself known. He loved his cubes, tolerated being brushed when he was in the mood, and would even allow backline drenching out in the paddock. He trusted us in his own gentle way.

He was also one of those coos who seemed to mean something a little different to everyone who met him. His striking appearance, soft nature and unmistakable personality made him a favourite with visitors, adopters and everyone who followed his story.

A little piece of Skunk stays with us

Losing Skunk has also influenced a decision about the future of our fold. We have decided to keep his niece, Pipi Le’Pew.

Like her uncle, Pipi is affected by rat tail syndrome and has inherited the distinctive looks that made Skunk so recognisable. She could never replace him, nor would we want her to, but keeping Pipi means that a small part of Skunk's story will continue here at Glenstrae.

Why the blog has been quiet

We also owe everyone an explanation for how quiet things have been here on the blog.

There have been plenty of updates we've known we should be writing. We would think, I really need to update the blog, and then simply couldn't bring ourselves to sit down and do it. Skunk's passing affected us more deeply than we expected, and putting his story into words meant having to revisit a loss we weren't quite ready to face.

So, rather than continuing to put it off, we're finally catching up and sharing the updates that have been waiting in the wings.

Thank you for giving us the time and space to do that.

And thank you to everyone who adopted Skunk, visited him, followed his adventures, asked after him and loved him from afar. He was a very special boy, and he will be deeply missed.

Goodbye, Skunky boy. You were one of a kind. ❤️