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Beloved Scottish Highland steer dies after 17 years at Allandale Farm
“In this acute moment of missing Willard, it feels impossible to overstate the impact this sweet, imposing steer and his brother have had on our community.”
Willard, one of the beloved Scottish Highland steers at Allandale Farm, is being remembered for his gentle presence and his impact on the lives around him following his death late last month.
Allandale Farm, which straddles the boundary of Brookline and Jamaica Plain, announced Willard’s passing on March 29.
“We are so grateful for his seventeen years of life on this farm and for the gift that this magnificent being was to the whole community,” farm staff wrote, sharing photos of the steer.
Willard died lying in his favorite spot on the farm, on a hillside overlooking the pond, according to Allandale staff.
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“The misty, cold weather reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands felt fitting as we gathered around him and said goodbye to our beautiful friend,” the farmers wrote.
Willard and his brother, Curtis, arrived on the farm in 2008 from Vermont.
“They had little nubs for horns and were adorable and playful while even then exuding the serene calmness they carried throughout their adult lives,” staff wrote. “As they grew in size and horn length, so grew the magical space that they held and hold still for all of us, these improbable residents of our Jamaica Plain neighborhood. In this acute moment of missing Willard, it feels impossible to overstate the impact this sweet, imposing steer and his brother have had on our community.”
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On social media, people reacted to the news of Willard’s passing with sadness, sharing their own memories of the animal. Several people mentioned their routine of searching for Willard and his brother when they drove by the farm on commutes or heading to Falkner Hospital.
“These animals have become extended members of our family,” wrote one person.
“We’ll miss his gentle presence,” wrote another. “What a tremendous life lived that touched so many.”
Allandale Farm held a celebration of life for both Willard and Curtis on Sunday, GBH reports. Originally intended as a birthday party for the pair, the event became an opportunity for attendees to share condolences and remembrances of Willard.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Willard and the depth of sadness at his passing,” Allandale Staff wrote on their website.
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