Earlier this evening, Alan and I took Alan's parents out to Pride of Texas Ranch where we were picking up two Nigerian Dwarf goat kids who are now old enough to move to our farm.
The first time Alan and I went to the ranch to meet the goats and see if they had any babies we wanted to purchase, I didn't take my camera and regretted not having it once we got there! So today, I took my camera!
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the short time we were out at their ranch today.
Not only do they raise Nigerian Dwarf goats, but they also have a herd of Miniature Zebu cattle, which are BEAUTIFUL animals! They've had a few calves born on the ranch in the past month, and I was able to get a few photos of the little ones. Isn't this little fella just the CUTEST thing, standing with his mama!
The goats were all beautiful as well. The mamas are well kept, well fed, and as friendly as can be. Look at these three, watching us inside the barn. I think they're hoping for an early dinner handout. The bucks are kept in a separate area on the farm, away from the ladies, so they can manage the breeding program. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the fellas. They are all quite handsome though!
The babies were full of enthusiasm and happy to see us (I'm sure they are happy to see all visitors!) They
love to rub their heads on our legs, nibble on our shoe laces, and tug on our shirts. When you're surrounded by cute babies, it's tough to decide which babies to take home. At one point, I told Randy (the ranch owner) I'd take one of each. *grin*
Randy shows a true appreciation and affection towards all of his animals. Not only do we appreciate his wonderful critters, but we also appreciate his willingness to share information. He wants his animals to go to the best homes, and we're delighted to have a couple of his 2008 babies.
I'll share more info on the babies we did bring home with us a bit later... What a fun evening!
ok, LOVE the zebus! omigosh, what great colors. :)
laughed hard at you not bringing your camera the first time. it is my mantra, "don't leave the house without the camera." so...the other night...i did! AND i fell and cut open my leg and had to go have stitches and had no way to document it! grrrrrr
i want a goat. have i mentioned that? ;)
Posted by: Shala | May 20, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Anna: What cute pics. I can't imagine better parents for a couple of these darling goats than you and Alan. How do you two keep up with everything? Hugs, Troy
Posted by: Troy Louise | May 19, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Awwww! They are so cute!! They look gorgeous too-can't wait to see pictures of your babies!
Posted by: Danielle | May 19, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Oh how adorable!!! I am turning away and not looking... I can not look.... pout pout hubby says we are not quite ready to get any goats, oh but they are so cute! Sounds like a fun day!
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | May 19, 2008 at 07:51 AM
I love the one in the bucket!!! It looks like it is smiling!
I love looking at your animal photos!
Posted by: Leticia Fournier | May 19, 2008 at 04:05 AM
I love the coloring of the Zebu cattle. The goats look very curious about what you are up to in the barn.
Posted by: Laurie in MN | May 19, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Well, couldn't you just squeeze the stuffing right out of these little cuties!!! Absolutely adorable!
Posted by: Dotty | May 18, 2008 at 04:52 PM
What sweet goats! We go to a little farm about an hour away that has little goats to feed and hold. They are so much fun! Enjoy! :D
Posted by: Kimberly Gajewski | May 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM
How could one *not* love those beautiful animals? That Zebu calf is beautiful (as is its mother)and the goat babies are so sweet. I'm glad some of them are coming to live with you; I'll get to see them grow up (I hope.)
Posted by: Pat - An Arkansas Stamper | May 18, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Can't wait to see your new babies, Anna! I love those ranch scenes with all the goats.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | May 18, 2008 at 01:43 PM
What awesome animals! They are utterly beautiful creatures...all of them!! Your photo of the goats made me laugh...you mentioned the 3 watching you. I had to do a double take, because I only saw 2 faces...I wasn't wearing my glasses so wasn't sure I missed the third little guy! You are too funny Anna!!! Can't wait to see what little creatures you came home with! The little goat in the picture is beautiful!!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | May 18, 2008 at 01:28 PM
How exciting for you to go and chose the baby goats. I think it would be equally hard for me to chose also. I love all animals - well not reptiles or rodants, but basically most animals. I had a hard time picking out a puppy once - it was a terrible delima and wanted to bring home several. We settled on the one and she was the dog from H--l! I got blamed for picking out the worst pup of the litter. LOL! But I did make a good choice on our current dog. He's wonderful...
I really enjoy my little visits to the farm and to your gallery of wonderful art. It's such fun...
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | May 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
the last little baby goat is just precious. He looks just like he is grinning for the camera. LOVE IT.
Posted by: Tracye | May 18, 2008 at 11:15 AM
These animals are all beautiful!! I love seeing the babies, they're all so cute:)
Posted by: Cindy H. | May 18, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Amazingly beautiful animals. Everyone of them. I would never be able to pick nand would also like one of each. Can't wait for the pictures of you new little ones.
Posted by: janetwmarks | May 18, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I love goats. We used to have a few (one or two) when I was young. That little guy in the feed dish is adorable. -Molly B
Posted by: Molly B | May 18, 2008 at 10:20 AM
These are wonderful pictures, Anna. Darling baby goat & beautiful calf.
Posted by: lacyquilter | May 18, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Oh, you are so lucky to be living on a ranch. All that wide open space. Love the animals you share so frequently, love you pictures, be they animals, flowere or just a panorama of your area. Your blog is just so much fun to visit. By the way I love your cards too. MaryAnn
Posted by: maryann | May 18, 2008 at 09:53 AM
These animals are all so cute, but the one in the feeder has coloring that looks like a huge smile on his face! I love it!!
Posted by: Carol | May 18, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Oh, how beautiful the animals are! I love how the cattle have such black, black noses. That little calf is adorable, as is the kid in the feed bucket!!! I can just see those three goats in a row being turned into a stamp image somehow ;) TFS your beautiful photos.
Posted by: Marie - mariemc | May 18, 2008 at 05:47 AM
I want them, too. Wish I had the means to have a small animal farm. That said, if I'm ever in Texas, I'll just have to visit yours. I know it's a lot of work, but I'm also sure you wouldn't trade it for anything. Please keep the photos coming.
Posted by: Diana | May 18, 2008 at 04:41 AM
You are right--they are beautiful. You know, I probably wouldn't have seen the beauty if you hadn't shown me with YOUR *eye*. That is so cool that you can do that!!
The coloring on that zebu calf looks like a renaissance painting! COOL!
Posted by: Juliana | May 18, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Oh my goodness, what beautiful animals!!! I love that Mama and calf, what a pair! Awesome...and that precious goat in the feeder, how cute! I can't wait to see who you took home...I just LOVE your animal pictures! You ARE having a great weekend! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | May 18, 2008 at 12:50 AM