While we try to remember that Shakes was just another
animal at Gorman Heritage Farm, most of us could not help but develop some
kind of attachment to this "Gentle Giant" and are truly saddened by his
unexpected death on October 21, 2007
As we would with any true friend, we would like to remember
Shakes through stories, images and the service he gave to the farm as a
symbol, a means of learning, and just a familiar sight.
If you would like to add your own thoughts about Shakes, please e-mail
them to
Gorman Heritage Farm. Thank you.
If you would like to make a memorial
donation. please send it to "Remembering Shakes" c/o Gorman Heritage Farm.
10052 Reading Road, Evendale, OH 45241
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My
fondest memory of Shakes will always be a sunny spring day last school
year. Shakes and the girls were grazing in the pasture, on the hillside
above the little stage meadow. This group of tiny 4 year olds I was
leading, spied him from afar and went charging up the hill to pet him.
There he gently sat down and let 24 curious little hands stroke him and
touch his horns, giggling that they could feel his heart! How many hearts
he touched that day!
Susan V.
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My son has great memories
of Shakes from time spent at camp the past 2 summers. Shakes seems to
creep into all his stories about the farm – he really loved him! When
I asked him what he wanted to say, he just said “he was a great
friend”. We will miss him!
I also want to say that I’m so pleased to know that my
children are learning a true love and appreciation of animals through
the programs at the farm. Thanks to everyone there for passing their
compassion and love for animals on to my children!
Sincerely, Jeanne
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How sad and
how sudden to hear of Shakes passing. He was a good natured old brute. Not
really that old in the bovine world. He and I had just started getting
really acquainted. He was learning to respond to voice commands and not
doing too badly starting to school at his age. We hoped to progress into
learning the yoke and pulling loads. (Or more accurately that was my goal
for him) But he seemed to amble along willingly. So I will miss him for my
own personal reasons. Bye, Bye, Shakes!
Dick M. |
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I knew Shakes from Long Branch Farm, where I was a
volunteer educator. Part of our rotation, even with the preschoolers, was
to brush Shakes. He was brought indoors and tethered, inside the
Educational Arena. Some of the little children were quite
apprehensive about approaching him, but after one brave soul brushed him,
almost all the other kids followed suit.
One of my favorite "picture memories", in my mind, was
from this past summer. Sandra and I were riding around the farm
around 7:30 pm. In the field behind the Alfalfa Barn, Shakes was lying
down and almost snuggled up
against him lay, Little One (the ram). Perhaps the sheep
was using Shakes for shade???. The other two cows were a distance away.
But the memory of seeing that huge black creature and that small white
sheep laying next to each other, was just beautiful.
We will definitely miss the Gentle Giant.
Joyce W. |
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During the tour last week, the adults were very
disappointed at not seeing Shakes. We will all miss this sweet animal!
Lyn P. |
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When we first met shakes, he became our friend instantly
and we were instantly bonded forever. Now the farm won't be the same
place! I have always had pets, but I have never met a animal that has
touched my heart that deeply. When we first met him, we were afraid but
then we noticed something missing-it was his wild nature. Shakes strength
was his gentleness and he taught me something. Gentleness is strength.
Thank you Shakes, we love you always!
Linda & Ali
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Shakes was a great addition to the farm,
and he will be sorely missed. Our family collected money for him every
year at Christmas, and it was a pleasure to have been associated with
Shakes. ... Thank you for all that you do
and all of the joy and education that the farm provides.
Mark L. |
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Good old Shakes!
Mike
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One morning when I was feeding
Shakes, (as a volunteer) I went out in his yard to visit him. When I
started to pet him, he rolled onto his back like a dog. To me it looked
like he wanted to be pet under his chin! So I pet his chin and he looked
so happy and relaxed. I could tell he enjoyed this.
Anna M.
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I was very
sorry to read about Shakes. I had only seen him a few times, but I was
impressed with his gentle nature and size.
Irene F.
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I'm so sorry to hear about Shakes. I had fun
looking at some very old
pictures of Shakes in his previous home and thought you might enjoy
looking
at (not publishing) this one. The very small child in the foreground is
my
now nearly 8 year old son!Kim S.
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I am sorry
to hear about Shakes passing. Our daughter Mya has attended your Farm
Apprentice program for the past two years and often spoke of Shakes and
his sister, and how he would let them come near him without scaring them.
Wanda |
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So sorry to hear about Shakes. A gentle giant is an apt
description. I'll never forget the first time I met him and I thought
whoa! No way am I going near him, but it wasn't long before Emily had me
convinced that he was a real sweetheart. When I brought my kids to the
farm last year they were very impressed when I got in the field to pet
Shakes. They all thought I was going to be killed! After they saw how
gentle he was they all wanted to pet him. I was able to lead him to the
fence so they could give Shakes a little pat.
Shakes will be missed, but his memory will long be a part
of the farm.
Bob L.
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