We acquired Thomas at a 4-H auction. He was intended to be a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and ended up with our family for three and a half years. Tom had a couple of friends who were eaten by coyotes, bobcats and shredded by raccoons.
Tom always managed to survive the attacks, becoming an icon at the ranch. A mascot so to speak. Tom was always there when we would shoot targets or skeet. He would stand in the background, always behind the line, and cheer each time you would fire a shot. . Anytime there was action, Tom could be found close by.
He would follow us out to the back field as we searched for prairie dogs or coyotes. He would come and show our company his pretty feathers every chance he would get. Tom was friends with the hounds, the goat, and even the horses.
We have been busy with hunting season and are fortunate to have many people who help us care for the ranch. While Hank and the hunters were out yesterday, one of our very good friends dropped items off at our house. Tom quickly greeted him and strutted his fancy feathers as items were unloaded. When they were finished, they backed out of the driveway, and the unthinkable happened. Tom was squished under a truck tire. Our friend had admired and laughed at Tom for years. He frantically called to attempt to notify us that our friend had suffered a horrible accident.
Today we remember Tom and say thanks. Thomas, aka, Tom, you will be missed at the Anstine Ranch. You gave us lots of laughs and lots of smiles. We’ll be telling your stories for years to come.
Be sure to click on the links throughout the post and read about Thomas’ adventures.
“Spend more time with your family and friends, whether outside, hunting, at the shooting range or around the table, savoring all life has to offer.” MM
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Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to get outside, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
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Mia Anstine
MAC Outdoors LLC
PO Box 31
Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
Oh no how awful! I am so sorry you lost Tom. 🙁
Oh, so sad, ole Tom was one of a kind.
I know how hard it is to loose a friend, have lost 2 dogs and one horse this year.
So my heart goes out to all of you.
Lu Ann
Sorry to hear about Tom! What a cool feathered friend to have!
It is really very sad accident. I know what happened when someone you like is gone away.
I will miss you Tom.
Take Care.