It's been a BUSY Spring and Summer at PSGR! So many wonderful lives saved, so many memorable moments. Take a look.... PSGR Spring & Summer '14.
Oh the places you'll go
"Today is your day, you're off to great places, you're off and away"-Dr. Seuss
They come and they go, some stay longer than others, not one leaves here without leaving footprints on a place in my heart. After they go we love hearing from their new family about how well they are doing.
From plans to get a dairy cow, to plans to get pedigreed Nigerian dwarf does, to adopting 3 bottle raised wethers from the rescue. How did this happen for Isaac and Amber? Rocky.
Isaac and Amber attended an open house we had this past Spring with some friends who had adopted goats from us in the past. Rocky was a standout in our group of bottle raised kids this past year. Such a love. A total lap goat. And as you can see, it was love at first meeting for these two. Even though Isaac was formerly not convinced goats should ever be a part of his life.
"When we got home, I emailed Barbara and told her we'd like to adopt Rocky and another goat that my wife liked. Somehow in one day we had gone from getting pedigreed dairy goats in another year to getting a couple rescued wethers in another month" -Issac
Two goats, Rocky and Spyder, turned into three when they couldn't resist the charm of Bode, the last Nubian kid on the farm. The three boys left us for their new home a few months ago and couldn't be doing better.
"They were so excited when they saw the pasture because it hadn't seen any goats for a few years and was four feet tall in blackberries! They went to work right away turning leaves into poop and haven't stopped since" -Isaac
My favorite part of this story is the lounge chair in the pasture big enough for all the goats to be lap goats. Every night they snuggle and get brushed before bed. Pretty sure a dairy cow wouldn't be quite the same snuggler. And as you can clearly see, any doubts Isaac had about goats are long gone.
Seeing all of our rescues adopted is rewarding but there is something special about seeing slaughterhouse rescues getting a second chance at life.
Mickey was discovered at a local slaughterhouse during a rescue. A few days old, workers were (unsuccessfully) trying to bottle raise him, he was rescued and raised at a foster home. A yearling now, this summer we paired him with Mack a gigantic 6 year old Nubian. Mack was recently returned to the rescue and lost his companion unexpectedly. The two became fast friends. When a wonderful family called looking for companions for the goat they had adopted from us 9 years ago, we thought Mickey and Mack would be a good fit. And just like our previous story, two turned into three and Kit (a Nigerian dwarf, former breeder show goat who was rescued from the slaughterhouse back in July) found her forever home too.
Dixie, Mack, Mickey and Kit
A few days after they arrived home they got to hang out with their new family at their annual Labor Day BBQ. They are settling in well with their new friend Dixie. When Dixie wanted to let her place be known to Mack, pushing him around, Mickey came to his defense, pushing Dixie around. I smiled at the thought of one year old Mickey coming to the defense of Mack, one of the biggest goats I've ever met.
Behind every rescue there are compassionate people dedicated to the rescue and healing of these animals. But it doesn't end with us. The circle would not be complete without the families that seek out rescues, that give these animals a second chance at the life they deserve. For that, we are so very grateful.
"You're off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting so get on your way" -Dr. Seuss
The victory walk for Roman the llama....from the slaughterhouse, to the rescue to a new lifelong home
Little Reminders
Inspiration, motivation, a reminder...sometimes I don't know what I need but I need something. Something to reroute me back to the simple, basic, most important things in life. More and more these days it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of the world. The rat race pace, the pressure, the instant gratification of things. To loose sight of what really matters. I sometimes feel a longing for an escape from reality. The 4 legged friends I spend a lot of time with these days know nothing of the pressures and stresses of our world. Their world is the few acres on which they graze. Those of us who bring them food, scratch their cheeks and fill their water buckets. The sun that shines to take a nap in. The big tree that sprinkles leaves to eat when a breeze blows. Their basic needs are met. They don't want or need for anything more than what they have.
Observing this, it brings me clarity.
Yes, I'd love to loose 10 pounds. Make 10k more. To not feel so much pressure to be at a place in my life that I'm not. To live in a world where terrorism didn't exist. Where everyone felt safe walking in their neighborhoods. But these wonderful creatures I get to share my life with remind me that despite the reality of the world spinning around me, I have everything in my life that I need. That what is really, truly important is right in front of me every single day. Their world is an escape from the reality of mine. They are little reminders of the most important things in life.
Just Peachy
What a difference a month makes! Last month a slaughterhouse rescue of 17 goats included little Peach. A young Lamancha doe who was skin and bones when we pulled her out of a packed kill pen. She was so stressed and in shock when she arrived. It took about a week before she truly started to settle in at the rescue. To realize she was safe. To take comfort in knowing that no harm would come to her now.
Hours after being rescued
When I first met Peach it was clear she had been traumatized over what she had been through at the slaughterhouse. Not only emotionally but physically. She was so thin and lifeless. The first few weeks she was at the rescue she had run of the farm and we let her into the hay room to feast. Once she regained her energy she loved climbing the haystack, searching for the best hay she could find. She was so thin that one day she slipped between a stack bales and got wedged underneath. She was so frail that she could barely even call for help.
So thin and fragile her first few days
Now, a few weeks later, she probably wouldn't even fit between the bales. She has a hay belly! She's steadily gaining weight and obviously feeling better as she's embracing her Lamancha doe personality and pushing the young new arrivals around trying to establish herself as the Queen of her group. She is still thin, she still receives supplemental feeding but she has come so far since her rescue.
To think that this little one who takes such pleasure in the simplest of things in her new life; an abundance of food, space to browse, love and affection, almost didn't get a chance at a life filled with such things, is heartbreaking. But seeing her thrive, seeing the progress that she has made, for me, this is what our work is all about.
Looking so much better these days!
Photo bomb (far left) courtesy of Dori, resident rescue dog
Perfect Imperfection
"I cling to my imperfection, as the very essence of my being" ~Anatole France Last weekend I arrived at the rescue, sat down to put on my boots and within minutes Rocket was in my lap. He immediately started chewing his cud and enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. The funny part about this is that Rocket, long ago, passed lap goat size. But he doesn't know that. Nor does he care, I don't mind either. There is nothing quite like the unconditional love this guy exudes.
Rocket arrived as a breeder cull earlier this year. He is strikingly gorgeous. He was culled because of a imperfect teat. The farm Rocket was born on breeds for show and any imperfection is removed from the reproductive herd.
When he arrived at 6 weeks old he was quite a bit bigger than the other kids at the rescue so he went to a foster home where they had some kids his size to play with. He came back a few months later and the more time I spent with him the more fond of him I became.
He has a quiet, respectful presence but he is always near by. When all the kids descend on a pile of fresh cut browse, he doesn't go in with the crowd. He'd rather hang out with his people and nibble on what is left over later. He adores people and loves soaking up every bit of attention he can get. Every time I leave, he walks me to the gate. I like to think it's his way of thanking me for our time together that day.
His story is not one of being saved from death row at the slaughterhouse or being rescued from heartbreaking neglect. He has known nothing but compassion and comfort since he was born. PSGR provided him a place to call home so he wasn't sent to auction. So he wasn't purchased for slaughter for a small imperfection of his anatomy. We provide a safe, loving place for these breeder culls to go, we find them their lifelong homes. By doing so, one by one, little by little, we show the world, there is another way.
I often refer to Rocket as our "ambassador" goat. He lives up to this every single day. His carefree, tender spirit enriches the lives of all of us who get to share his life with him. To us, he is perfect.
Talia - A Rescue Fairytale
Cinderella...Snow White...we all know fairytales end with happily ever after. Despite the mean step mom, despite the poison apple, we rest assured that there's a happy ending ahead. When Talia was rescued from a local slaughterhouse, she was one of the thinnest goats Barbara said she has ever seen alive. The mere sight of her broke our hearts. We had hoped that with an endless amount of good food, Talia had a happily ever after waiting for her. However, her road had a few more twists and turns than we expected.
Upon rescue from the slaughterhouse she was extremely emaciated
Temporary blindness, due to a form of pink eye goats are exposed to at the slaughterhouse, was her first hurdle. She had suffered through the stress of an auction and a slaughterhouse and this only added to her stress. She would barely eat unless someone was standing there with her. The minute we walked away she would stop eating. Barbara spent countless hours cutting and holding blackberries for her. Volunteer Shawna spent evenings guiding her around to fresh grass and browse. A lot of hours were spent just standing with Talia while she ate. But temporary loss of sight became the least of her problems.
Her digestive system wasn't working the way it should. Despite trying everything we could think of, we could not get her on track for any length of time. No matter what she ate or how much, she couldn't keep the weight she desperately needed on. Vets ran a variety of tests checking for a number of different diseases, parasites, etc. Looking for any answers that would explain what was going on. All the tests came back inconclusive. We were frustrated and disappointed that we couldn't find the answers to help her. But in rescue work you don't give up. No matter how discouraged we become, we keep trying. It's just what we do.
She developed a love of canned pumpkin sandwiches. We continued with various supplements and hay and fresh browse. She stayed in her familiar quarantine area while she slowly regained her sight. Callie, a little Nigerian Dwarf who had been rescued around the same time, would make her way down to the barn where Talia was every night to be let in to spend the night with her friend.
Talia finally regained her sight and started to eat, unaccompanied. She seemed to be headed in the right direction. We let her join the main herd, she thrived being with them only to relapse again a few weeks later. In that moment, as in so many the weeks before, we were unsure of what her future held.
But as I've learned from many before her, Talia reminded me that these animals that have endured so much, can be amazingly resilient. She bounced right back from that relapse and has been improving ever since. She's always at the gate watching people move about the farm, waiting for someone to slip her a treat. She's never more than a few feet away from me when I'm out with the main herd. More often she's standing directly on the pile that I've just swept up. The best thing is, she is gaining weight and keeping it on. She's ready to find her forever home.
Talia has the brightest spirit. It is like there is a little innocent kid always smiling at you from behind her big bright eyes. She hasn't always known kindness from people, however, she put her trust in us from the minute she arrived. Now she will have a life she gets to enjoy instead of endure. A happily ever after....
Looking good!
In Memory of Mia
Tonight our sweet little Mia crossed the rainbow bridge. She had a wonderful life in the short time she was with us. The farm will not be the same without her presence.
My sweet, sweet girl, you will forever be in my heart and memories. I'm thankful I was there to spend your last day with you. You will be missed....always
Behind the barn doors
The minute we posted a video and pictures of lambs Bongo and Halle, our newest arrivals, we knew people would be fawning over them. They're simply adorable.
They had been with us almost 2 weeks before we unleashed their cuteness on the world. They had a tough go....and we're still a little cautiously optimistic with their health but their story gives you a look behind the barn doors of what often goes into saving the youngest rescues.
Bongo and Halle didn't arrive as the happy, energetic lambs they are now. They were found by workers at a local slaughterhouse in a trailer that had been unloaded of sheep for slaughter the day before. The odds were stacked against them from the get go. Less than 24 hours old, born in a dirty trailer packed with sheep, it was unlikely they got to nurse off their mom so chances are they didn't receive any colostrum. Colostrum is essential for newborns in their first few hours, without it, they lack needed antibodies. The survival rate of lambs and goat kids is slim without colostrum and we missed the window to give them any sort of supplement. This is often the case for little ones born at the slaughterhouse.
Over the next week it was touch and go treating a variety of ailments. Tube feeding fluids, bottles off and on depending on what their systems could handle and when they would take them. Medications to help their immune systems fight against anything they were exposed to in that trailer. A lot of sleepless nights for Barbara. Barbara has a full time corporate job and has just a handful of regular volunteers, there is no staff. So when these sick lambs and kids come into the rescue, it is Barbara who creates an ICU for them in her home. It involves a lot of work, a lot of worry and waiting. Waiting to see if all of these efforts will be successful and they'll turn the corner.
Turn the corner they did.
Now, they're starting to play, starting to nibble on grass and are the best tail wagers you've ever seen. Unlike goats who often park their kids to go off and graze, lambs are always with their moms. These little lambs follow 2 legs instead of 4. You can't go anywhere on the farm without them being under your feet and just try going through a gate and leaving them on the other side. It's near impossible.
Halle meets Piper. Piper is ready to play, as always
It's all about "where's the milk?"
Saving the littlest slaughterhouse rescues is not easy, the conditions are often more than they can overcome. Every once in awhile though our efforts triumph and we get to experience the joy that these babies bring....welcome to the rescue Bongo and Halle. You already have a fan club!
Life Lessons
10 Life Lessons from the PSGR herd: 1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps
1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps
2: Be the Black Sheep
3: Embrace your uniqueness Even if you're pocket sized
4: Do your homework
5: Add variety to your diet
6: Be brave, conquer new things
7: Friends are the family you choose for yourself
8: Rest is essential, no matter where you choose to do so
9: Stand your ground
10: Enjoy the simple things in life.....like sun on your face and friends by your side
Olivia - the BIG sheep
There is a constant influx of animals at the rescue. In the midst of all the coming and going there are a few permanent residents and one who always makes herself known, Olivia.
Olivia was hand raised and when her owner needed money, she was sold to a local slaughterhouse. Spotted by Barbara during a rescue (it would be impossible to miss a sheep of her size) she was rescued and joined the herd at PSGR.
Olivia in desperate need of a haircut when she arrived
A Suffolk sheep, she is the largest sheep I have ever seen. She recently let her two favorite little girls have a tea party on her back. They needed step stools she is so tall. She has a commanding presence. Despite her "could be intimidating" size, she is the most gentle soul. She greets every visitor by simply standing beside them expecting to have her head scratched. If you stop you will often receive a gentle nudge letting you know she hasn't had enough. She always wants to be in the know of whatever is happening around the farm but nothing gets her too excited. Except treats, it's the only time she talks and it's almost startling it's so loud and it's the only time she runs, now that is a sight to see!
She was clearly raised with a gentle and loving hand as we have never met a sheep with such a tender personality. She was then sold to slaughter. But because of Barbara and PSGR she was saved. The rescue has provided her a safe home to live out her life where she is simply adored.
Olivia now enjoys a yearly haircut
Feeding the Soul
Esme and Little Dove, 2 does from Friday's rescue
Rescue work isn't for the faint of heart. The conditions we rescue these animals from at the slaughterhouse are hard to think about and the condition some are in upon arrival can be shocking. I try not to think about the neglect and fear they have experienced and try and focus on the easier, happier road they now have ahead.
Friday we rescued 16 goats from a local slaughterhouse. Countless times we ask why these sweet, beautiful animals end up where they do. A number of beautiful does, a few with udders full of milk, a couple of cute young does and a darling young Nubian buck (who won't be a buck much longer!) Most were overall healthy, having been seemingly well cared for at one time. And the most beautiful fawn colored young little Lamancha. For me, it was love at first sight. But she is skin and bones, she was packed in to a kill pen at the slaughterhouse. She was terrified and stressed. She cried throughout the first night. The next day she cried anytime we left her. Today she's settling in, she's rooming with Faye, eating and enjoyed a little sun bathing.
We are these animals only hope for survival. It all takes a lot of work. Work that can be long, expensive and exhausting. At the end of a long day at the rescue I'm dirty, I'm exhausted and usually have bruises and scratches that I have no idea how I've gotten. So why do I do it?
The Animals: Goats are joyous, funny and intelligent creatures. One of the most enjoyable parts of my time at the rescue is just sitting amongst them and getting to know their unique personalities. To watch them relax and become comfortable in their surroundings and realize that after whatever ordeal they have been through, they are now safe.
The Little Ones: Every year in addition to rescuing kids and lambs born at the slaughterhouse, we take in and bottle raise a number of breeder cull kids. (Typically wether quality boys) Who by coming to us have been spared knowing what life at an auction or slaughterhouse is like. One of my very favorite things is watching their bouncy excitement when they graduate from the "nursery" in the barn and get to experience pasture (and bigger play structures) for the first time.
By providing the animals the care & love they desperately need and crave, we are rewarded with their friendship.
The people: I've met some really wonderful people by volunteering at the rescue. People who I would never have met if it wasn't for the connection of goats. Social circles that never would have crossed. From Barbara and the other volunteers that work with the rescue to the countless people who have come to adopt goats or visit the farm. We all have a connection to the goats and have therefore been opened up to a connection with each other.
I may not have thousands of dollars to help fund the rescue, I wish I did. But I have time and a lot of love to give. I choose to spend my time and open my heart to these animals, to Barbara, to the rescue. It's my happy place. My therapy. It keeps me grounded. I'm helping animals with my own hands, it's a good feeling.
Today I walked out to the field where the main herd was grazing, among them most of our new arrivals from this weekends rescue. I just stood there and watched them. They were relaxed, grazing, enjoying the sun, coming by for a scratch on the cheek. It was the most relaxed and peaceful I have felt in weeks. I imagine the same was true for them. Without us, most probably wouldn't be alive today.
So the simple answer to why I do it? Because it is the absolute best feeling. The animals, the work we do, the fresh air, the dirt. Farm life is simply - a soul feeding life. Rescue work isn't for everyone. But for those of us it is for, we're a very lucky group of people.
New friends. Lola (rescued June 2014) and Mona (rescued this past Friday)
Faye
If there was ever a goat that could be the "poster child" of what our rescue work entails, Faye would be it.
The day after Christmas last year we received a call from a local slaughterhouse that a baby goat had just been born, so volunteers rushed over and picked up mom and baby. They were a mess, caked in mud. Faye was thin, loosing her hair and in overall neglected shape. The baby on the other hand, luckily, was in perfect health aside from being covered in mud. And quite a baby he turned out to be but we'll get to that later.
Upon arrival at the rescue
Over the next few weeks we pampered Faye, giving her white shaving bedding and all the food she could possibly eat. Every time I went out to the rescue I would clean out my fridge of anything I thought Faye would eat and stopped at the store for more. She pretty much ate anything and everything those first few weeks.
She received vaccinations and treatments, everything to get her on the right track. Not long after arrival she had a thick green discharge coming from her nose. A vet visit determined she had likely had an abscessed tooth that fell out leaving an open cavity to her sinuses. Luckily, the issue cleared up on its own and didn't seem to be slowing her down. What did slow her down was she often favored one of her feet, reluctant to put weight on it. Another vet visit confirmed a bone infection in her back foot from standing in the thick, deep mud of the slaughterhouse pens. Not only did it make walking painful but the infection likely contributed to her difficulty gaining weight. The infected part of her foot was amputated. It was/is a recovery in progress.
She's getting around better these days and is getting used to putting weight on a foot that is now half gone. She's finally starting to shed the mangy coat she had when she arrived. Being brushed is her new favorite indulgence. The effort to get more weight on her continues and she still gets the contents of my fridge each week. However she's become more picky, in other words, spoiled. She likes making beds out of her hay, it's luxury bedding apparently. We tried giving her straw, she wasn't impressed.
Faye is one of the most laid back goats I've ever met. She's sweet and docile, even after all she's been through. I can't begin to imagine what she's seen in her lifetime and what she has experienced. We like to think she's living the good life now. We hope to continue her recovery and to see her adopted.
No story about Faye would be complete without mention of her baby, Finn. It's hard to describe what a character that little guy turned out to be. Full of personality and spunk and an absolutely gorgeous golden color with blue eyes. He provided us so much entertainment and love and continues to do so at his new home with the volunteers who rescued him that day and their herd of goats.
The rescue and recovery of Faye and knowing Finn was saved as well..... it's rescues like these that strengthen our resolve for the work we do.
PSGR Kids, Class of 2014
Summer is upon us, the days are long and warm (more like hot lately) and most of the kids that came through the rescue this kidding season have left us for their forever homes. I'm thrilled that such great homes have been found for them all but I'm always sad to see them go. It'simpossible not to bond with these little ones that arrive only a few weeks, if not just days old and helping to bottle raise them. There was Oliver, my first "lap baby" of the season, always wanting to just curl up in my lap and snuggle. Winnie, who always insisted on being on me in some capacity, often standing on my shoulders or head when my lap was full. She still tried that maneuver long after being a size that made it easy to do. Rocky, who would literally launch himself at me, jumping off a table onto my back when I got a few feet away. Rocket, who loves just to be close to his people, always following someone around looking for a leg to lean on. He often walks me to the gate when I leave for the day. Loki, my most recent "lap baby" who is content to just sit with me for as long as I will hold him. He loves bananas, I always bring him some, he hears my voice and comes running, searching me for bananas.
I could go on endlessly about what a fabulous group of kids came through the rescue this year, each unique and special in their own way. But there's a few who make the yearbook highlights:
Most Athletic: Bode He arrived during the Winter Olympics and quickly lived up to his athletically inspired name. First to figure out all the climbing structures he would jump off flying and twisting through the air. He then went on to master balancing on his back legs to pull down tree branches for him and his buddies.
Bode
Mr. Congeniality: Rocky and Rocket Two of the sweetest boys. Mellow, affectionate and always by your side. 4th of July they were perfectly content wearing their festive attire
Rocky and Rocket
Cutest Couple: Jet and Loki No pictures can do their cuteness justice. The last of the bottle babies to arrive, they are absolutely darling. Every time I see them I can't help but get the biggest smile on my face. They are just too cute, it's as simple as that.
Jet and Loki
Most Likely to win an Oscar: Wiley Goat folks know that Nubian kids are often the noisiest. This little Saanen kid gave them a run for their money. He talked, all the time. And loudly, he could be heard anywhere on the farm. 2 minutes after his bottle he would start again, trying to convince you he was starving. Dramatic little guy.
Wiley
Class Clown: Finn Ahh, Finn. He wasn't a bottle baby (you'll learn more about him in my next post) but he is one of a kind. So full of personality and spunk. Always up to something, stirring up trouble and putting on a show. He provided us so much entertainment. We could have had a reality show featuring Finn and his antics.
Finn
This amazing group of kids aren't the last the rescue will see this year but there is just something special about the bottle babies. A bond formed that is indescribable. This was my first full kid season volunteering at the rescue and I feel lucky to have been a part of the lives of so many. I can't wait to see what next year brings us. They have some big shoes to fill.
And not to be forgotten.....there were a few we lost along the way, most being babies born at a local slaughterhouse. Despite doing everything possible to save them, it just wasn't meant to be. It's heartbreaking but I take solace knowing that they didn't die there. They had tummies full of milk, they were warm and they had a life, albeit short, full of love.
Mia
Little Mia arrived at the rescue, just a few weeks old, in late February. Due to her very small size it was clear she wasn't destined to be an active part in any dairy herd. We knew she was a little "off" from the start. She didn't move around or play like the other kids and was slow to figure out the bottle feeding process. It was clear she wasn't a "normal" kid. A short time later we learned she had a heart murmur, one that she is highly unlikely to outgrow. It was pretty much determined then that she was likely to become a permanent rescue resident.
Now 5 months old she still moves slower than the other kids, her back legs are a bit stiff and she has remained the smallest kid on the farm. The newborn kids usually surpass her in size in just a few weeks. But she's a happy little goat. She grazes more than any goat on the farm, she's recently discovered a love for the leaves she finds along the road outside the farm gate. We've walked that road for countless hours ever since. And you will often find her standing at your feet staring at you, waiting for you to pick her up. Mia loves to be held. So much so that I mentioned I needed a sling to carry her around in as I was far less productive with a goat in my arms and could never resist her pleas to be scooped up. Volunteer Jerrinne just happened to have a "ring sling" she no longer used and donated for Mia. It instantly became Mia's favorite place.
Jerrinne and Mia in the "ring sling"
It is impossible to say how long she is for this world but we see every day that she's with us as a gift. She has a special place in the heart of everyone at the rescue and is a farm favorite of visitors. The rescue has made her life, however long, a good one. A life she may not have had if she hadn't ended up with us. Despite everything she has stacked against her, that little girl gets out and makes the most of every day. A lesson for us all....