The Peace Abbey - Joshua Passes

Following several weeks of appearing tired and sluggish, Joshua was seen by a local veterinarian who felt he should be brought to Tufts Large Animal Hospital in Grafton, MA. There he underwent a series of diagnostic tests that concluded that he had cancer of the stomach and was terminal.

The following day, Joshua was put to sleep while Lewis cradled his head and thanked him for the joy he provided the staff and the children at the Abbey and Life Experience School and all who visited. With tears of sorrow, Lewis couldn't help but think of the millions of animals who are sent to slaughter and there are no tears shed -- no one cares.

Photo: left to right, Joshua and Belle with Buddhist monks from Nepal.

Joshua was 9 years old. He arrived at the Abbey with his brother Jacob following their pregnant, mother Belle's escape from the slaughterhouse. They were born two months later here at the Abbey and served as greeters to visitors who made their way to the barn. There is no telling how many people gave up eating meat because of their relationship with Joshua. One look into his eyes and you couldn't help but feel that he loved living as much as any other creature, and deserved to live out his life in peace ... and that he did. He will be missed.

We will be providing sanctuary for another goat to provide Jacob with companionship and Abbey visitors with another reason to give up eating animals. In Joshua's honor, we ask that you give up eating meat for the rest of the day, or for the rest of your lives.

The Following prayer was sent in by Veronica Ramos of M.A.F.A., the animal rights group under the care of the Peace Abbey.

"Dear one, you have graced this earth with your beautiful presence, And now you are called home. Look for the light that will guide you there. Your angels and guides and our Creator await you with loving, open arms. Father-Mother God, thank you for caring for our brother in this life and in the next. And thank you for the privilege of being present at this holy transition. And so it is."
--- from 'Peace to all beings'

The vet bill is $750.00. Those who would like to contribute in honor of Joshua can do so online or send a check to the Peace Abbey, Box 216, Sherborn, MA 01770. Thank you.