Brunhilde
Brunhilde’s Story: The Wise Fighter with a Heart of Gold
Before My African Healing Centre existed, we lived on a commercial breeding farm where the farmer partnered with us - me and our daughter Lisa - to begin breeding goats on the part of the farm where we lived.
It was during this time, in April 2020, that Brunhilde - affectionately called Bruni - was brought to us as part of the farmer’s herd.
Bruni was a striking goat, a mix between dwarf and Boerbok, with big soulful eyes, long horns, and a feisty spirit. She was also very, very hungry - for food and for life.
In September 2020, Bruni gave birth to her first twins, which we lovingly called the Happy Chappies - a boy and a girl. It was one of the first natural births we were privileged to witness. The two white kids were strong and healthy, wobbling to their feet and eagerly nursing.
At that time, Bruni was still nameless - just one of many goats in our growing herd.
Bruni showed her wisdom early on. During the difficult days when the little girl was very weak from what we now understand to be floppy kid syndrome, Bruni trusted me completely. She allowed me to milk her freely, without resistance or prior bond, knowing I only wanted to help. For five long days, I fed the little one tiny droplets until she grew stronger and began to thrive.
The little boy was incredibly sweet and devoted, constantly cuddling his sick sister to keep her warm and share his love. Sadly, due to the farmer’s hard decisions, the boy was sold for meat, though I had wished to keep him for his gentle heart.
Brunhilde shortly after giving birth to the "Happy Chappies".
One sunny afternoon, as Sepp ate a carrot outside while the herd returned home, Bruni boldly planted herself in front of him, holding her head high and staring him down.
On Sepp’s question if goats could eat carrots (spoiler: they can!), he gave her a piece. She didn’t just accept it - she demanded more, with a look and a posture so commanding and hilarious that no one could resist giving her another bite.
From that day, we joked that Bruni was his goat, and he got to name her - Brunhilde, after a long-running joke between us.
Lisa was eventually asked to paint a bell for Bruni’s collar so he could easily spot “his” Bruni in the bush.
Bruni wore her special painted bell with pride, a mark of her uniqueness and leadership within the herd. The collar with her painted bell became a symbol of her dignity and special place in our lives, until eventually, it wore through and was removed.
On January 1, 2022, Bruni gave birth again, this time to twins Bärbel and Moritz.
Brunhilde browsing with the Big Herd.
Two years later, in February 2024, shortly after receiving an eviction notice from the farm, Brunhilde was diagnosed with skin cancer on her hind side.
Despite being otherwise healthy, she developed another cancerous growth that worsened over time and in May 24 the decision was taken to operate. Since radiation and chemotherapy aren’t options here in Namibia, surgery became the only alternative to euthanasia.
Though Bruni entered surgery with a low red blood count, her indomitable spirit carried her through. But as expected, complications arose - the tumor returned in a new spot, and during a second operation her heart even stopped briefly but was revived. Her son Moritz and another strong wether donated blood to help her recover.
Despite new tumors emerging and her body’s struggles to heal, Bruni stayed with us, nourished by daily portions of her beloved Blink-Blaar bush - freshly cut by our keepers just for her - and supplemented with loving care.
"We're not done yet."
When I contemplated euthanasia, Bruni would look me in the eyes, head held high, as if to say, “Not yet. I’m not done.” She carried an important message. I had to have some difficult conversations, to clear the way for new beginnings.
Only after these were spoken did Bruni allow herself to surrender and ask me to make the final move.
Saying goodbye to Brunhilde was one of the hardest things I’ve done. She was a fierce fighter, a wise leader, and a source of strength and laughter, even in the darkest moments.
Her courage gave me strength; her love gave me power; and her humor reminded me to find light, always.
Thank you, Brunhilde, for showing us the way. Your story will forever warm our hearts and bring smiles, even as we miss you dearly.
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