Yes, I thought I'd sneak a photo of Margaret in yesterday's blog post and see if anyone noticed. Many did. So apparently I've got some explaining to do.
First, I will confess: I'm smitten. With a goat. She's the cutest thing on four hooves I've ever seen, and she's got a personality to match. More to the point: She loves me. I'm not sure why, but she does.
A few months ago, we got Margaret, her twin sister Scarlet, and their half-sister Daisy to help us with weed control around the ranch. Margaret and Scarlet are four months old, and Daisy is a yearling. They are Nigerian Dwarfs, a miniature dairy goat breed. (Pygmy goats are a different, distinct breed.)
Somewhere along the way the three goats -- Alayne prefers to call them "go-ats," using two syllables to say it -- became pets, not just weed control specialists. I'm not sure how this happened, but it had something to do with Margaret deciding to adore me, and I couldn't resist her charms. She bleats whenever she hears my voice, then comes running over to say hello. She follows me everywhere ... down the drive, into the barns, and occasionally, into the house.
Yesterday, while our vet Dr. Brenda Culver was here, Margaret tried to climb into the tractor with me as I set off on a chore. I had to take her back and leave her in the welcome center with Brenda until I got out of sight with the tractor.
This morning, as I was getting in the truck to head into Missoula, Margaret tried to climb into the front seat. I had to hand her to Alayne to hold until I was well down the drive.
Here she is greeting me when I returned this evening:
By the way, Margaret won't let Alayne catch her. She always stays one step ahead, just out of reach.
That's because Miss Marker has spent the last several weeks chasing the go-at sisters away from our young aspens and cottonwoods in the yard around the house. Goats are browsers (no, not Web browsers but the kind that will eat just about any tree, shrub or plant), and one thing they love are aspen and cottonwood leaves. They'll trim the limbs to the height of about three feet, which is about as high as they can reach standing on their hind legs.
After many episodes of Miss Marker running out and chasing them away from the trees, she no longer lets the go-at sisters have the run of the yard. She has revoked their privileges and denied them all rights, leaving one observer (no, not me) to describe this place as Goatanamo Bay. So now the girls have a fenced yard to themselves, but often during the day I will tie Daisy up on a harness and long lead outside our welcome center or by the corrals, and the three of them graze and hang out there. Having their big sister tied up will keep all three in the general area. At night they sleep in a barn stall. When we put them out on pasture on weed duty, we use electric fence netting to keep them confined and to keep them safe.
Now, you're probably wondering, "But what about the dogs?" The dogs were at first fascinated when the go-at girls arrived, and yes, a few of them wanted to chase the sisters, but we handled it like any other introduction and taught the dogs not to bother them. Soon the goats realized that the dogs were either all blind, or wobbly, or so small, that they need not worry in any case. And now if a dog gets too close, the girls will simply head-butt them ... gently but firmly, and sometimes rearing up on their little hind legs before they drop down to thrust their heads at the dog. When I say it's gentle, it really is ... they actually are only pressing their heads against the dog's head. But the dog gets the message and backs off.
How confident is Margaret? Yesterday afternoon we went back to Widget's House so Brenda could load blind Patti in her car to take back to the clinic for a follow-up procedure. Margaret walked down the drive with me, stayed at my side while I opened the gate to the dog yard so Brenda could drive through, and then walked along as we threaded our way through all the dogs. Travis, Trooper, Penny, the whole crew ... they ignored her. "Oh, it's that goat again." I often take the goat girls with me when I close up Widget's House for the night, and they'll stand in the middle of the floor, watching as I let dogs in and out of the building.
Margaret's two sisters are sweet little things, too, don't get me wrong, but they see me mostly as a provider of food, security, and a back scratch. For Margaret, I am all those and more. She will run over and look up at me like this:
I mean, how can you resist that?
Here's Daisy, wanting to sample my hat this evening:
And here is a shot Alayne took earlier today, of Margaret and Scarlet being goats-on-a-rock:
These two are so cute together, and they go hopping and skipping and leaping through the air when they get excited and happy about something. It's a routine I have to get on video one of these days!
So that's the whole story. I heart Margaret.
Margaret is adorable. You can tell by the pics that she truly does adore you!!
Posted by: Danielle | October 02, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Watch out Ellie May! Here comes Margaret to take your spot at the feet of Steve! I love this post as it shows that goats can tell a kind heart just as successfully as other animals. What a sweet girl!
Posted by: Shelli Smith | September 26, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I heart Margeret too! what a cutie !
Posted by: Sarah NZ | September 25, 2008 at 11:04 PM
What a wonderful, lovely post! Steve, you are so very lucky! I heart Margaret too!!! :)
Posted by: Kristen D. | September 25, 2008 at 09:16 PM
What an amazing story!!! Love the cute additions that live on the ranch!
Posted by: Nina | September 25, 2008 at 08:22 PM
So cute! I don't blame you for falling for her - it doesn't sound like she gave you much of a choice. :)
Posted by: Rebecca M. | September 25, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Now that is really cute. Who could resist that look.
Posted by: Bruce Small | September 25, 2008 at 04:40 PM
WIth faces like Margaret and her sisters and all of the other amazing personalities on the ranch and all of your blogs ... I think it is time for your own series on Discovery channel!
Posted by: jydavis | September 25, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Shame on you for holding out on us!! I have always wanted a little goat!Margaret and the others are adorable.
Posted by: Kristi Gross | September 25, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Steve, you must be one of the luckiest people on the planet. I've always loved "go-ats" and to have a minion who is a goat is like winning the lottery. I heart Margaret as well! You can't sneak anything by us! So thank you for the quick response to all of our probing about Margaret.
Posted by: Jen | September 25, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Omigosh!! What a sweetheart!! Welcome to RDR you lucky girl!!
I wanted to pass along a contest that is going on at www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest to vote for the best animal shelter in America. Well, we all know what shelter that is :-)))! The winning shelter will receive 10,000 dollars! Please, if you have a moment cast your vote for RDR so they can continue to help the animals that so desperately need help. God bless you and thanks!!
Posted by: Beverly | September 25, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I know that sharing the same name is total coincidence, but I'm proud nevertheless, :) We just went to the Puyallup (Western Washington) State Fair, and besides "the 4H dog barn", the goats are "folks" I truly enjoy seeing.
Congratulations! Let's all be shining stars like Margaret!
Posted by: Margaret | September 25, 2008 at 01:27 PM
This is the sweetest blog ever! I heart Margaret, too. Look at those markings. Thanks for all the pictures, they are wonderful.
I can't wait to meet you, Alayne and all of the animals at the ranch one day.
Posted by: Carisa J | September 25, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I love what you guys have going on...
I am adding your widget to my site!!
Posted by: Michele Lee | September 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM
What a charming goat story/love story/go't love it story!! I heart this blog and these darlin' animals and their love interests. :<)
Posted by: Angela | September 25, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Sounds like Margaret is very smart and adores you. With those two positives going for you, I'll bet you could teach her some doggy skills like heel, come, stay, or even down. If you can housebreak her, you'll have two minions at your feet this winter! We heart Margaret too!
Posted by: Miranda | September 25, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Oh, I see why you heart Margaret! She is soooo cute & those eyes are enough to get lost in! Thanks for sharing your story about them. They are all precious! You & Alayne are such fortunate people to be able to share so many wonderful experiences with all your wonderful furry friends!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | September 25, 2008 at 10:54 AM
This is one of my favorite posts!
Margaret is a shining star!
I have a true heart spot for goats too. They're brilliant and very loyal, as the one I had was.
I'm so glad Margaret and her sisters are part of the RDR team of hard workers and even more glad that you, Steve, have a devoted friend who would love to be by your side day and night.
This post was a real treat...hope to see a go-at video sometime!
Posted by: Boundforglory | September 25, 2008 at 09:29 AM
What a sweet addition. What a cutie Maraget is.
Posted by: gayle | September 25, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I loooooove goats. They are such an "in your face" creature with tons of personality. Kisses and hugs to all of them. An animal minion in any form is a treasure.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | September 25, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Steve has a serious girlfriend! (Sorry Alayne!) - Cutie-Patootie Margaret is seriously smitten with you Dude - oh well - gals always go for the gentle, supportative, humourous kind anyway - bet it's that Beard - she probably likes the "tickle".
Posted by: Tracye J. | September 25, 2008 at 08:29 AM
The goats are so pretty! Margaret is in heart with you too Steve! What a great addition to RDR. Keep us posted on the go-ats!
Posted by: Debbie B. | September 25, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Oh goodness....I am in love!!! Always wanted my own little goats...guess I get to live vicariously through you now!!!
Posted by: Debbie | September 25, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I love goats. We had one that ran into the house and hopped up on the couch. Another kept following my mother's car down the lane from my house so she had to stay until we got home from work.
And we raised angora's. I don't know if mulitflora rose is problem for you like it is here in Ohio, but they are the perfect animal to get rid of it. They eat it right down into the ground plus their hair can be sold to spinners and knitters and crafters!!! They do earn their keep.
Posted by: Jennie | September 25, 2008 at 07:24 AM
What a delightful post! I savored every word and photo, as it is truly a love story. If only everyone could have a pal like Margaret. We should all be so lucky! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to post, Steve. It is something I look forward to every day. Today's post made me smile a little bit more than usual. I heart Margaret too!!!
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | September 25, 2008 at 03:56 AM
OMG! Can anyone get any cuter than this?!?
I'm not surprised you've fallen head over heels in love with Margaret: she's too precious!:-)
I'm not surprised, either, that she fell in love with such a swell guy like you, Steve.:-) Hope Alayne is not too jealous...;-D
Please give the three go-ats a big hug for me, will you?
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | September 25, 2008 at 03:29 AM
When the heart is full of something, the pen won't stop writing about it...what a lovely story today! And the pictures are awesome, especially the one where she is greeting you. Couldn't you make something on the back of the tractor, a "Margaret-seat-box-thing" so she can come with you to help with the chores? I remember the blog about Noodles NOT being a working dog, miss M. could be a working go-at, going for rides with you :-)).
Posted by: Jessica, NL | September 25, 2008 at 02:56 AM
Nigerian Dwarfs!! Go, Africa!! Those eyes looking up at the camera - very cute indeed. Looks to me like Miss Ellie May has competition. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: bregda (South Africa) | September 25, 2008 at 02:45 AM
p.s.
Steve,
Your blogs put such a bright spot in the day--you are such a wonderful storyteller!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | September 25, 2008 at 12:01 AM
This is amazing! I love this blog story. I remember these goats from the first of June and boy they have come a very long way! They are truly a part of the pack! AMAZING!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | September 24, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I want goats!! I dream of having my own acres of land where I can have my own goats. And dogs. And cats.
Margaret is an adorable little goat! So cute. Thank you for sharing her story.
Posted by: Lita | September 24, 2008 at 10:39 PM
awww, Steve, I heart Margaret too! How can you resist that face......
Posted by: Kelsie | September 24, 2008 at 10:08 PM
...as well you should.
Who wouldn't heart Margaret? What will the goats do all winter? Hang out in the barn...or figure out ways to make mischief?
Posted by: Jamie | September 24, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Aw, Margaret seems very sweet I could see why you'd be smitten! :)
Posted by: Stacy | September 24, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Well, do what you have to do,Steve, but personally, I think Alayne is a cut above :0 :) :) :0
Seriously, though, those little goats have added a whole new and delightful demension to RDR !!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Bibi | September 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM