Hangin' with the "herd"

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Dairygoats : One Thread

This is just one of those "feel good" posts that asks nothing but your time- and a connection to your own enjoyment of goats, if you are so inclined. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This evening was exceptionally pleasant. After being cooped up all day, my whole family decided to get outside for some air and activity.

So, my husband and three children (ages 10, 11,11) played baseball together. Me? Well,I headed down to the goat pen to get good and grubby. I like to unwind by plunking down in the grass and spending time watching the antics of four yearling dairy goats as they vie for my attention. My wether (I am his human) finally shared me with the other three does- so everyone got a good bunch of lovin' :oD I get a kick out of how they feel the need to check out every pocket rivet, bootlace, hair scrunchy, ring, my watch, and my breath ( "Has she had Dorito's lately-cuz we really love Doritos!!!") So we plunked down together in the grassy pen, and I watched the DH and kids play ball.

Later, after heel kickin' and then snugglin' up to chew cud, I decided it was time to put the crew up for the night. I have double layer doors to the back of the barn. Just single width doors- one made out of metal that keeps the wind out -if needed, otherwise I keep it propped open for better ventilation. The other door is a wood frame with fencing stretched across it to keep out dogs, coyotes and the like- while keeping the goats in. As I readied to close the swinging fence door by unpropping a big rock out of the way, I ushered the goats into the little barn. Out of three obedient goaties, one- the gentle "low on the totem pole" Saanen doe decided to play a game with me. I had all the time in the world so I thought I'd see just what she was up to.

She walked behind the fence type door and with her front leg pushed it shut. Then she proceeded to give a "happy goat wiggle" and off she ran kicking her heels and generally flaunting her freedom- I guess. I could hear her little hooves thumping all ove the place as she raced to and fro in sheer joy. She then made her way back to the now irritated "barn bunch" standing at the door- thinking it was closed and locked (it wasn't - only closed) - don't believe for one minute that they didn't know what she was up to! I went over to the door and pushed it open expecting the other three goats to hop out and join her- but they didn't they just watched her as she made her way behind the door again, and with the same leg closed it as she had before. She repeated her happy-happy goat dance pretty much like the time before and had the look of one highly delighted critter- wagging tail held high and all! The rest of the bunch was now voicing their opinion of this delighted Diva.

I'm telling you that I watched that goat do the same trick over and over about ten times before I decided I had to get up to the house. I had to laugh- it really was a hoot to witness. This same goat is usually so gentle and mild, but she definitly has a thinking brain. When she was 5 weeks old she figured out how to step up on my son's skateboard and with two front feet -and by walking, she could make it go back and forth /up and back on the carport.

On nights like this I remember exactly why I keep my hayburners. They give me joy, even when none of my friends can figure out why ~I~ think the goats are so much fun.

Wendy Hannum *The smiling woman with hair and dirt all over her tee- and probably nannyberries in her hair.*

-- Wendy Hannum (wubba@skywardinternet.com), April 13, 2002

Answers

I can just picture that little stinker! They are really fun to be around! Thanks for sharing--nanny berries in the hair and all! Jan

-- Jan in Co (Janice12@aol.com), April 13, 2002.

Thanks for sharing a nice story. I too love to spend time with the girls my daughter and I love to just watch them eat and play on thier 'rock' mountain. So relaxing.

-- shari (smillers@snowcrest.net), April 14, 2002.

Haha, I am the rock mountain for the kids around here! These (dam raised) kids would rather jump onto my lap and leap off, careen around the pen, and climb back on, than to play on the rock or compost pile. They are soft and cuddly now, hopefully they will behave better as they get, uh, larger...;-)

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), April 14, 2002.

Wonderful Story, When I am stressed and need to relax, I go out to the goat barn and sit with them. Nothing relaxes me better than watching my goat girls play. My friends think I am crazy too, for loving my goats. Thanks for sharing your story

-- Barbara (vozarbi@sensible-net.com), April 14, 2002.

Thanks for sharing. Despite protests to the contrary (especially to our spouses), I think this is the real reason many people raise goats rather than monetary or other reasons.

-- Lenette (kigervixen@nospam.com), April 15, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ