Blog written by Sarah Klapstein
It's the end of an era at Baby Goat Central but the beginning of forever for 3 of the most beloved goats, the Bug family. I knew this day would come and I also knew that no matter when it happened, I would never be emotionally prepared for it. This family’s ties to this farm and my heart run deep. If you've followed us for awhile, you know their story. For those who haven't heard their story, here's the “as short as I can make it” version....
3 years ago in the spring we took in 2 darling baby boys from one of the dairies we get babies from every year. Our transport volunteer showed me a video of their tiny little baby sister left behind at the dairy, since she was female they planned to keep her or sell her for breeding as they do with most of the baby girls. I immediately had this gut feeling that we needed to get her too. I couldn't stop thinking about her. So we made a plea to get her and a few days later, she was here. The triplets were reunited. Not long after, the boys got sick from something they were exposed to before they came to the rescue. Then their sister, little miss Jitterbug, got sick as well. In the agonizing days that followed, the boys, Griffey & Gideon, passed away but Jitterbug made a full recovery. Fast forward to that winter when the same dairy asked if we could take 10 young does they were taking out of their breeding program, some were possibly pregnant. As soon as I saw a photo of Ladybug, I thought she just might be the triplet's mom. A few questions later and yes, it was her! It turned out 9 of the 10 girls in the group were pregnant including Ladybug. I knew long before her babies were born that if Ladybug had a girl she would be named GiGi in honor of Griffey and Gideon. Two years ago in April, the twins, GiGi & Tatonka were born and life at BGC hasn't been the same since.
Busy, entertaining, mischievous, bossy, the list goes on and on of words you could use to describe this family. Endearing is the one I will always come back to. Their trust and affection has to be earned but when you earn it, the reward is great. Just ask the volunteers who have known them since they were born who just recently have been able to pet and get affection from GiGi. However, if you have a banana they will be your best friend and will forever remember you and stalk you for their favorite secret snack there after. We absolutely love and adore them but their forever home hasn't been the easiest to come by.
They are an incredibly bonded family that plays off the energy and antics of each other. They need a perfect set up that will both keep them safe and give them enough room with things to do to keep them busy. That combined with their finicky nature about warming up to strangers when people come to meet adoptable goats and we knew that perfect home was going to be hard to find. It was out there but where? In the back of my mind I always knew the amazing family in Bend, OR that has adopted a number of our rescues including Renata & her boys as well as lamb Poppy, among many others, would be that perfect fit. A huge, beautiful farm, a goat savvy family, lots of other goats and acres and acres with things to do... but the timing just wasn't right. Until now. The time felt right to reach out to see if they would be willing to offer the Bug family a forever home since after 2.5 years, we still hadn't found it.
They said yes. I almost cried with happiness and relief. A weight was lifted as I knew I wouldn't have to worry about them finding that perfect home anymore.
This may just be the hardest goodbye for me yet but I know, without any doubt, that this is their forever home and family. It won't be the same here, the void they leave will surely be felt and I know that Nicky & Nitro will miss them too. It will certainly be easier around here though, there will be more room in the main herd at BGC and I know for certain, that the almost 30 kids here right now will not miss them. Not at all. The Bug family is notorious for being hard on the littles and it will be a much more peaceful dynamic for the kids to grow up in.
This is the definition of those bittersweet adoption days. But this is what we do, we find forever homes for our rescues so we can keep on saving more. There are more goats to save and more that will capture my heart and more that will carve out a piece of history here just like the Bugs have.
Words can’t express just how grateful we are to this wonderful family for opening their farm and hearts to 3 more of our rescues. They are a truly amazing family and we are so lucky to have them in our circle.
I have been constantly reminding myself of one of my favorite quotes as we prepare to see the Bugs off to their new adventure this weekend “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” -Dr. Seuss