12-18-03

A phone call from my brother 50 miles away told me that a goat was due to be put down because his 'caring owners' hadn't got time for him anymore, he needed a shelter for the winter which they weren't prepared to provide, and he was making a mess of the garden !  well, what did they expect if they didn't give him anywhere else to live ??  Within the hour I was on my way (I'll never learn!) got lost on the way and it took over three hours to locate the house.

 

Anyway we managed to find him, and I was really upset to see the state of him, lovely coat knotted and messy, three horrible children climbing all over him, poor thing, they couldn't get rid of him quickly enough.

 

I could tell on the journey home that he was no ordinary goat, he behaved more like a dog !  looking out of the windows and taking an interest in what was going on around him.  I got some funny looks off other motorists I can tell  you, but I'm used to that sort of thing.

 

It was dark when I got him home, I'd prepared a stable for him, loads of fresh straw to lie on, hay to eat, a bucket of water and a bowl of food and goodies which he tucked into heartily.  I left him alone for the night as he was obviously confused, but wasn't making any noise, I'm sure he knew he would be well looked after, and it was probably the most comfortable night he'd ever spent.

 

I got up in the night and crept down to the stables with my torch to see how he was getting on, and he was curled up in the straw fast asleep, his food bowl empty.

 

The following morning, he had breakfast !!  the stable is huge, so it was no hardship for him to stay in there for a while until he got used to his new surroundings.

 

He loves cuddles and tickles behind his ears.  It was only a couple of days before he came out with me, he was on a lead, I wasn't sure if he would bolt or not, but it soon became obvious that he thought I was his mother and didn't move far from my side !  so he was allowed off the lead, and sure enough, stayed by me.

 

He's been well fed for a long time now, has put on weight, and loves to accompany me while I do the animal 'chores', he is a real pleasure to have around.  He charges about the place at full speed, but soon comes running back when he realises I'm not behind him !  He should have been sheared, but it's too late in the season now, he would catch a chill, so he can keep his coat for the winter.

 

I'm sending a couple of pictures, he really does think he's a dog, he sits outside the kitchen door and waits for me to go out and play !!   he's a darling and I love him to bits.

 

Jeannie