Feeling Sad

I heard through the grapevine that a doe I sold last December died yesterday. Her owner has been in touch a few times over the months and I truly believe had the best intentions for her or I would not have sold her to him. However, I don't think he fully understood the danger of a heavy parasite load. The recent heat wave and wet weather has been really hard on the animals.

The thing is, these animals require some work. They are not throw-out-back-and forget-about goats. They have been bred for production and they are going to produce even at the expense of their own health. They need the calories and care to support that production.

I've heard people call sheep "Four Hooves Looking for a Place to Die". That is not how these goats are at all. Some (even most) of my girls only get wormed once or twice a year and require nothing besides food, basic grooming, and daily milking.

Sometimes things pop up. This year, I had some of my adult does come down with coccidiosis. I've had to deal with pregnancy toxemia, heavy worm loads, broken leg, scours, and several other problems in the past. Problems are not the norm, but you have to be attentive, watch for, and treat things as they come up because they will come up.

I have decided that I will not sell a bred doe again without very good reason. Dagny's kids were not disbudded and now there is an issue with their new owner about getting them registered since Dagny was never transferred out of my name. It's just not worth the headache.

I'm sorry things went this way for you, Dagny. You were a sweet girl.