We visited a really cool ranch this week.
The puppies got to come too.
They had all kinds of interesting farm animals, including a camel...
...who is part of the nativity at a local church.
And apparently really likes kisses.
Elka had a great time learning an abundance from an extremely knowledgeable breeder.
And although we went there for a dairy goat, what we gained was so much more. I saw my Elka's heart shine. I saw her break promises to herself because of compassion and willingness and wisdom. I saw her spend her hard-earned money in a way she hadn't planned. She went out looking for a buckling and came home having purchased 2 milking does. With special needs. She also went there saying she wasn't going to get a black goat since she had a particular beige in mind, but then the black spotted gal was so sweet and was better off as a pairing with her old friend she had come with from the dairy years ago. I mean, how could she say no? They need each other. They need someone who will understand their story and be patient to work with them and their sensitivities. And that someone is our special Elka, with a heart of gold, who chucks her plans and follows her heart and had tears of joy in her eyes to step into the new. And so, these 2 sweet milking ladies joined the family yesterday.
They are purebred Nubians. Originally from a reputable dairy farm, they are excellent producers, giving at least a gallon of milk each per day. They thrive on routine and don't really want things changed up too much. They need compassion and a little extra TLC and I know they will find that here. It's what we do. It's who Elka is.
On their first evening with Elka, she milked them and reassured them, asked them to follow her and they did.
They seemed to understand that she would take care of them. And even though they kept checking in at the fence for their owner who had brought them over earlier, they responded to Elka's lead. I can see they will transfer their dependency to her.
And she will love them.
I'm so happy for my farm girl to have her special dairy goats and some neat opportunities to learn so much more from a new friend along the way. And, as a bonus...at the last minute before bringing the girls over, the breeder asked if we would want the little buckling we had originally contacted her for as well...all registered and strapping for just half of what he's worth. (She knew how much the kids loved him, she said. She has a big heart too!) So, Elka and Brodie pooled their money, and Brodie scored himself the buck he's always wanted with a built-in deal for Elka to breed her gals. It was a win, win kind of day all around!
This little guy is still bottle feeding, which is great bonding for him and Brodie.
They are purebred Nubians. Originally from a reputable dairy farm, they are excellent producers, giving at least a gallon of milk each per day. They thrive on routine and don't really want things changed up too much. They need compassion and a little extra TLC and I know they will find that here. It's what we do. It's who Elka is.
On their first evening with Elka, she milked them and reassured them, asked them to follow her and they did.
They seemed to understand that she would take care of them. And even though they kept checking in at the fence for their owner who had brought them over earlier, they responded to Elka's lead. I can see they will transfer their dependency to her.
And she will love them.
I'm so happy for my farm girl to have her special dairy goats and some neat opportunities to learn so much more from a new friend along the way. And, as a bonus...at the last minute before bringing the girls over, the breeder asked if we would want the little buckling we had originally contacted her for as well...all registered and strapping for just half of what he's worth. (She knew how much the kids loved him, she said. She has a big heart too!) So, Elka and Brodie pooled their money, and Brodie scored himself the buck he's always wanted with a built-in deal for Elka to breed her gals. It was a win, win kind of day all around!
This little guy is still bottle feeding, which is great bonding for him and Brodie.
He'll be a big boy! So, training starts now...the puppies too.
There's lots going on here on our little farm, and we're loving every minute!
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Colossians 3:12
