Mr. X in his prime
Our noble rooster Mr. X passed away on November 14th. We almost lost him the week before Christmas last year so the past ten months were a gift. Arthritis was his major problem. His last year or so was a quiet one compared to his previous 14 years of traveling around the country visiting nursing homes, garlic festivals, friend’s homes, and fourth grade classes. His last public appearance was at a local garden club where he nobly sat in the crook of my arm for a half hour as I lobbied for the 2008 California Proposition 2 to free millions of chickens from their inhumane cages. I wanted the audience to experience chickens as sentient beings that we should not abuse. In that short time the members got to know and love him as we did. He even nodded when I told them that he didn’t like cold French fries, only hot ones, and that he’d never met a dog he couldn’t dominate.
As I walked through the audience with him he patiently let them touch his glorious feathers and to feel how warm he was. And of course, he didn’t poop on me, much to their surprise. But then he never did poop when you held him unless you didn’t pay attention to his squirming-I-want-to-get-down warning.
Mr. X in his final days with Cathy
The house feels empty now. I still listen for his faint crow I would hear from the garage every morning. I miss him waddling up the walk after me. His walk through the house to go to his dog carrier in the garage every night, and his constant excitement and clucking when I offered him a handful of cantaloupe seeds or some lettuce leaves from the garden. And of course, the neighborhood children miss his cock-a-doodle-do when they would come to visit and feed him. This gorgeous chicken has left an indelible mark on his part of the world and will be remembered in all our minds for decades to come.
by Rosalind Creasy
Amy winslow - Such a touching membrance.
John & Lynn - We are new to gardening and to Mother Earth News. After reading your article and now going on your site and reading about Mr. X, we both, as animal lovers and adopters can relate with you and offer our sympathy.
Carri - So sorry to hear about Mr. X I’ve enjoyed your stories about him via your blog and speaking engagements.
Anna/Flowergardengirl™ - What a dear soul that sweet little guy was. I’m sad and happy for you. I cried when I read this cause it’s so priceless and I love you for being so genuine about it. Big hugs to ya.
Margaret Mather - I’m sorry for your loss. Hope you will find comfort in all the memories of joy Mr. X brought to you.
M
Mary Biber - The memorium to Mr. X brought tears to my eyes. What an a “special” life Mr. X had with you and you with him.
Debbie Tschanz - I loved hearing the stories about Mr. X. I know how much that “ROOSTER” meant to you and all who meant him. Can’t wait to see his book!
Debbie Tschanz - Where was spell check when I needed it!
Gail - Priscilla F Peahen, adpted and lived in my garden for the last 4 months~She didn’t pass away, but has been relocated to a luxurious country home where she is happy and surrounded with a bevy of peafowl. …As I read your touching story of Mr X, I felt those heart strings tug away~I miss that peahen after knowing her only 4 months, I know you must keenly miss your good pet friend. gail
Kathy Siddons - As a dog (black poodles, specifically) and chicken lover, your pictures captured my heart!
Diane Gibeau - Dear Rosalind, you are sweet! I believe like you all life has value, especially in the garden. I have worked at a garden center for almost 15 years, the last 4 years I refuse to sell any chemicals. I have grown my garden using organic methods and as you would know I have no pest problems, sure a snail,slug and some aphids. I explain to the public we must keep a balance and by using the chemical killer way you upset the balance. I must say, each year more and more people are listening. The movement is on and we can thank people like you that started and keep up the fight. I saw you speak at the garden show in San Mateo, it was great!!! Thanks again for getting the word out. Also, I enjoy growing veggies in with the garden ornamentals, it’s a beautiful mix.
ps I am looking forward to purchasing your new book and showing others what is possible in their garden!!! (suggesting they buy it also) Thanks, Diane
Warren R. Christianson - Thanks for sharing about Mr. X. After reading that, I have decided never to eat another chicken. I’ll stick with the plant foods. That rooster had real personality, didn’t he?
technician jobs - Do you people have a facebook fan page? I looked for one on twitter but could not discover one, I would really like to become a fan!
Jennifer - That was touching! Sorry for your lost. He was a gorgeous bird!