Blog written by Sarah Klapstein
2019 felt like the rescued baby season that just wouldn't end. I'll blame my very late posting of our annual yearbook on that fact. They started arriving mid February and at the end of July, we finally welcomed the last rescued baby of the season. In between, we saved 105 innocent newborn babies. We went through hundreds of gallons of goat's milk, prepped, fed and washed thousands of bottles, laughed, worried, snuggled, stressed and everything in between while raising so many sweet, entertaining and individual personality filled little ones. They all own their own titles, their own special places in our hearts but each year we choose a few to highlight in the annual PSGR Rescued Kids Yearbook....so here it is, some highlights of 2019, better late than never.
Queen: Biscotti
From the moment she was born, she was tagged as a beauty queen. She's not just a pretty face, yes, she's a head turner but she's also polite, kind and appreciates all the love and attention she gets to soak up, the perfect little Queen.
Queen Biscotti
King: Larkin
Handsome, confident, athletic, smart and sweet, what more could you ask for in a King? He had this title locked in the minute he arrived.
King Larkin
Cutest Couple: Tulip & Digby
2019 was full of so many cute twin duos! This adorable duo is one of the most unique, they came in solid white in color with just a little black eyeliner and little by little, they started to change color and just look at this gorgeous duo now! And those faces.....the definition of cute!
Tulip & Digby
Most likely to be the next big thing: Isla
Her beauty is striking but that isn't the only thing that makes this girl so special, she is sweet, kind and calm but a little sass and girl power when she needs it. She doesn't like to be the center of attention, she doesn't demand to be in the spotlight which makes her all the more endearing. She has yet to be discovered by anyone outside of her inner circle but as soon as she is, she's bound to be a star and will make her forever family one very lucky family!
Isla
Most likely to steal your heart: Everly
One of the most memorable kids of the season, Everyly came to us from one of the dairies we work with as she was born with some eye issues, it was clear she had vision issues but they weren't exactly sure what the extent was. A few minor eye surgeries by our beloved Dr. P later, she still has extremely limited vision but that doesn't slow this girl down, not one bit. She is playful, snuggly, charismatic and doesn't know that she is any different than any of the other goats. She is a daily reminder that often what makes you different is what makes you beautiful.
Sweet little Everly
The Best Comeback of 2019: Team Ober!
2019 saw the return of Team Ober! Oberhasli goats are one of our favorite breeds, not only are they gorgeous with the sweetest little baby faces but they are playful, athletic, curious and some of the best lap babies! 2019's Team Ober included two stunningly gorgeous black Oberhasli boys and it also included some sassy little ladies. It also had 2 of our comeback kids of the year, Boo, who had to learn to drink milk from a bowl as he had some severe issues with bottle feeding and Titus, who was orphaned after a difficult birth and sustained a fractured leg during such a traumatic birth. Both boys are now healthy and thriving!
Most Likely to be voted President in 2020: Noah
Sweet, smart, understated, level headed and loved by all, Noah would be a shoe in for President. He was a volunteer favorite, all the goats wanted to be his best friend and he was an amazing ambassador at community events. Noah has our vote today and every day!
Most Likely to be carded until he's 50: Mingo
The definition of a "baby face" with those big innocent eyes and little voice to match his little body, this kid was definitely the "baby" of the season. He finally started growing up but still had that sweet little baby face that can charm anyone into doing anything.
Mingo
Best bed making skills: Augie
Lamancha see, Lamancha do. It's a motto that rings true around here each and every day. Last year's "Most Likely to be an Interior Designer" title holder, Tatonka, has created quite an apprentice in Augie. I have often said I need to start a Bingo card of where the bed in Augie's stall will be each morning. Upside down, as a slide, in a pool, in a water bucket, up against the wall, just when I think we've seen it all, he has a new design to show off.
Augie and some of his bed designs and snuggling with his sister & BFF Ava
Most likely to sleep in class: Lockett
Tiny little Lockett could always and I mean, always be found napping somewhere. "Where's Lockett"?.....all the kids were out grazing....where was Lockett? Lounging in a hay tub while eating, sun bathing on a bed, lounging in a pool, chilling on the barn ramp....the kid could and did sleep anywhere. When he played, he played fast and hard and went right back to napping. These days he's a ribbon winning pack goat alongside his BFF Kody and 2 leg BFF Kendrick.
Little lounging Lockett
Class Clown: Avery
The one who can always, always make you laugh. Curious, into everything, playful and goofy with those bright eyes and adorable head tilt. It takes a big personality to top Lamancha antics but Avery had it all and easily took the title of Class Clown.
Biggest Flirt: Beatrice
All it took was the batting of those long, soft eyelashes to make hearts melt. Beatrice, one a few girls we had the privilege of saving alongside so many boys this year, was such a girly girl and used her charm on everyone she met. She is still waiting to meet that perfect forever family, no doubt she will charm her way into their hearts the moment they meet her.
We couldn't finish out this year's class without a special mention to our end of season "transfer students" the 9 young Lamancha & Mini-Lamancha boys who came to us after they were saved from a scam artist who got them from a dairy under false pretenses and planned to sell them at a livestock auction. These adorable, hilarious, sweet and full of personality boys were the most wonderful, unexpected addition to a very full rescued baby season. Although they came months after we wrapped up baby season, they fit in with our baby season kids seamlessly and have stolen the hearts of everyone.
An honorable mention must be given to the best "baby goat sitter," farm dog Addie. For 5 rescued baby seasons since we adopted her from a rescue in Texas, Addie has taken on this role with such pride and such love. Her relationship with the babies is truly heartwarming. She is their pillow, climbing structure, friend, sense of comfort and their guardian. Addie in turn adores "her babies" and the relationship she develops with them provides us with so many sweet captured moments.
105 babies....it really is an amazing number when we stop to think about it. It takes a village to raise so many babies and as always, ours is the best! From our transporters, to our rock star vet Dr. P, to our intern, to our dedicated volunteers, to our fosters, to those of you who donate towards their supplies and care, we simply could not do it without each and every one of you that makes rescued baby season as successful as it is each and every year.
The bottles were all packed away only 2 short months ago but they'll be coming back out in just a few short weeks. Although mentally we are never quite ready for rescued baby season to start each year, our hearts are always ready to welcome those who need us most. 2019 kids, you were a unforgettable, rockstar class! Now, a new year is upon us, a new decade and a new group of amazing kids are on their way...we'll see you soon little ones!