It's been a while since I mentioned how the little goats are doing. Sadly, in the week after getting Boxcar Willie, we had to have our vet put him down. He was sickly, and nothing we did helped him get better. We didn't want him to suffer any longer. He was a friendly little goat, and we miss him. He's buried here on the farm, near Dollie Mae, so she can keep an eye on him. (I haven't mentioned this yet, because it was kind of a traumatic little experience for me. *sniff*)
Now that Boxcar Betty is our only goat (for the time being), she's warming up to us. When we first got Betty, she didn't let us touch her. She was VERY shy, and hated being caught. But we've discovered that Betty will do ANYTHING for an animal cracker cookie! She'll even sit in my lap, and likes to be held! She watched very calmly as we trimmed up her little hooves. She's got quite the personality, and it's fun to see her express it as she gets more and more comfortable with us. In this photo, Alan is telling her that she needs to smile for the camera, and that soon she'll have new little goat friends to play with.
After we lost Willie, Alan found a breeder of Nigerian Dwarf goats not too far from us. We drove over one evening to see his recent babies. Oh my GOODNESS, babies babies EVERYWHERE! They were so FUN! We ended up putting a deposit on two of the babies we met that day. So that they can have plenty of time with their mama's, we're leaving them at his farm until the middle of May. Then they'll be old enough to come live on our farm, with miss Betty! More on them later!
Alan and I are headed down to a Dexter Cattle Association meeting today. Should be fun! There will be cows (and babies!) there to see!
Have a great Saturday!
A friend of mine found out I had goats and sent me to your blog. So Sorry to hear about Boxcar Willie. I have 2 pigmy fainting goats that are just to precious. We are still waiting on one of them to have her babies, her twin sister already had hers. I have pictures on my blog. I will come back and visit. We only have sheep, goats and llama's on our farm.
Posted by: Stephanie Eisele | April 29, 2008 at 08:51 AM
{{{{HUGS}}}}
Posted by: Beth M | April 28, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Oh so sorry for your loss. That is so hard, especially when they are so young. Betty is beautiful and sounds like she's a lot of fun. Can't wait to see the new goat babies. I love goats!
Posted by: Danielle | April 28, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Sending you and Alan my deepest sympathy for the loss of Willie! That is so sad. I hope you're able to get your money back.
Another fantastic photos, TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | April 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I'm sorry. :(
Posted by: Lydia Fiedler | April 27, 2008 at 05:34 AM
So sorry to hear that Boxcar Willie
was sickly and had to be put down...
at least he is not suffering.
Nice to hear that you have found some new friends for Betty..so she won't be lonely :)
Posted by: Dee | April 26, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Dear Anna,
I'm so sorry to hear of Willie's illness and death. Give Betty some extra treats and hugs.
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | April 26, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Ooooh, I'm so loving all the farm pics! I have to tell you, My DD(who is 4) would like to know how come Dixie didn't have 4 babies since she has "4 stomachs?"....I was rolling on the floor! She absolutely loves the animal pics:)
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | April 26, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I am so very sorry about Willie. Here I am sobbing and I did not even meet him. We all feel like we are part of your family and we get so attached to your furry babies too. I know he felt your love for the short time he had and he can smile and be healthy now over the rainbow bridge. Being around some new babies will help ease the pain a little. Warm hugs to you all. Janet in NC
Posted by: janetwmarks | April 26, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry about Willie. My thoughts are with you and Alan. I'm glad to hear Betty is going to have company soon!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | April 26, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Oh Anna, I am so sorry to hear about Willy. My thoughts are with you and Alan...
{{{BIG HUGS!!}}}
Posted by: Karrie Baker | April 26, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Dear Anna and Alan, So sorry to hear about Willie. My sympathies to you both.
Posted by: SusanH | April 26, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Losing animal friends IS traumatic and I'm sorry to hear that you had this sadness in your life. Sending warm thoughts your way as you mourn Boxcar Willie but also get to know Betty. I love reading about your animals as you and Alan seem such *kind* people. It's wonderful :-)
Posted by: Barb S | April 26, 2008 at 09:14 AM
So sorry for your loss. Sympathies to you and Alan.
Betty looks so sweet while she is taking the cookie from Alan:) She'll be a big help to you when the new babies come to your farm. Betty will show them that she can go to you without fear and they'll be right behind her, I bet.
Posted by: Cindy H. | April 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
oh, Anna! how sad! i'm sure Betty misses him, too, and is happy to have attention now.
Condolences,
Shala
Posted by: SWJC | April 26, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I am soooo sorry for the loss of Willie. My heart is with you. Funny though that you are getting Nigerian Dwarf Goats. We too have been looking at getting a few! They are really cute... and will produce much quicker than the miniature donkeys! That 11 months is killing me! This will be something for fun during the in between months. We think we are going to wait until summer when hubby is home a little more and we get a better fence up, I hear they are really sneaky at getting out!
Looking forward to what to call Dixie's Baby....
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | April 26, 2008 at 08:51 AM
OMG Poor Willie! That's so sad, Anna, I'm sorry that happened. :(
I'm glad you guys found 2 more to keep Betty company though. She will be a good big sister!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | April 26, 2008 at 08:08 AM