Sammy the Goat It was a beautiful Sunday morning yesterday. I went to church and celebrated the first Sunday of Advent, taught my weekly lesson to our adult Sunday school class, came home to a "yummy" leftover turkey sandwich and took a short nap before starting out on my afternoon chores. But there is one thing for certain about rural life with animals, something always happens to change your routine and liven the day.
Awakened suddenly by the barking of dogs, I at first just shrugged it off since it is hunting season and my dogs, both the outdoor Great Pyrenees and the indoor variety always bark when they hear the hunting dogs. But there was something different about those barks, an expression of urgency which made me get up and check things out in person. Both the indoor jack rat terrier, Molly, and her big companion, Kaz the Great Dane, were "chomping at the bit" at the kitchen door and I let them out. They immediately ran across the deck and down the steps, then just as abruptly turned back.
Following them, I headed their way until I realized they were all looking behind me. As I turned around, Sammy the goat was beginning to lift his body for a head butt. Oh, it wasn't anything to really worry about since he is just playing and doesn't hit hard, but I have to admit I was surprised to see him there. How in the world did he get out of the paddock that he shares with our Shetland pony, Angus?
Quickly I grabbed his head and wrestled him toward the paddock. He fought vigorously so once on the ground from the deck I released him, letting him free to roam for a few moments. I went to the paddock, found the locking clasp which was on the ground and walked inside, leaving the gate open. I was really concerned that Angus might have also escaped as he can be "the dickens" to get back in. Luckily, he was munching grass by the far fence, watching the mares on the other side.
I ignored Sammy, for I knew the only way to get him back in easily was to make him think it was his idea. I walked over to Angus and rubbed him on the neck and, sure enough, here came Sammy. Quickly I circled back and out the gate, locking it securely on the way out. Apparently the clasp had not been fully closed previously, allowing Sammy's escape.
So what damage could he have done. Well, I checked the barn but he had not touched the feed bin or the baled hay, all tools and equipment were in place and nothing seemed out of order. Amazing. But then as I walked out I saw it. Two beautiful rose bushes had been pruned or should I say chopped. All of the beautiful roses which were out due to the unusually warm weather were gone and the symmetry of the bushes was way out of balance. But other than that we were fortunate, it could have been so much worse and the plants will grow back just fine.
As I awoke this morning I laughed to myself remembering yesterday and my wife is still telling me that I failed to latch the clasp. I didn't remind her that she is the one who fed the pair yesterday; it's best just to leave that alone. And as I walked outside in the beautiful morning sun I thought, what is in store for me today? One thing is for sure. When you live in a rural locale with many animals, every day is an adventure of its own.
Have a great day, everybody 'cause every day we wake up is a special one. God bless you all.
Awakened suddenly by the barking of dogs, I at first just shrugged it off since it is hunting season and my dogs, both the outdoor Great Pyrenees and the indoor variety always bark when they hear the hunting dogs. But there was something different about those barks, an expression of urgency which made me get up and check things out in person. Both the indoor jack rat terrier, Molly, and her big companion, Kaz the Great Dane, were "chomping at the bit" at the kitchen door and I let them out. They immediately ran across the deck and down the steps, then just as abruptly turned back.
Following them, I headed their way until I realized they were all looking behind me. As I turned around, Sammy the goat was beginning to lift his body for a head butt. Oh, it wasn't anything to really worry about since he is just playing and doesn't hit hard, but I have to admit I was surprised to see him there. How in the world did he get out of the paddock that he shares with our Shetland pony, Angus?
Quickly I grabbed his head and wrestled him toward the paddock. He fought vigorously so once on the ground from the deck I released him, letting him free to roam for a few moments. I went to the paddock, found the locking clasp which was on the ground and walked inside, leaving the gate open. I was really concerned that Angus might have also escaped as he can be "the dickens" to get back in. Luckily, he was munching grass by the far fence, watching the mares on the other side.
I ignored Sammy, for I knew the only way to get him back in easily was to make him think it was his idea. I walked over to Angus and rubbed him on the neck and, sure enough, here came Sammy. Quickly I circled back and out the gate, locking it securely on the way out. Apparently the clasp had not been fully closed previously, allowing Sammy's escape.
So what damage could he have done. Well, I checked the barn but he had not touched the feed bin or the baled hay, all tools and equipment were in place and nothing seemed out of order. Amazing. But then as I walked out I saw it. Two beautiful rose bushes had been pruned or should I say chopped. All of the beautiful roses which were out due to the unusually warm weather were gone and the symmetry of the bushes was way out of balance. But other than that we were fortunate, it could have been so much worse and the plants will grow back just fine.
As I awoke this morning I laughed to myself remembering yesterday and my wife is still telling me that I failed to latch the clasp. I didn't remind her that she is the one who fed the pair yesterday; it's best just to leave that alone. And as I walked outside in the beautiful morning sun I thought, what is in store for me today? One thing is for sure. When you live in a rural locale with many animals, every day is an adventure of its own.
Have a great day, everybody 'cause every day we wake up is a special one. God bless you all.
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