It's the little things ..

For work reasons I can't disclose yet, but that I shall share with you in the coming months, I visited a pygmy goat farm. They are the miniature goats we see at county and state fairs every year. They originated in Africa, but are now seen throughout the world as show animals and pets. European pygmy goats tend to have broad midriffs, American pygmy goats have a more slender midriff.

Oh, it wasn't just any pygmy goat farm I dropped by, it's the pygmy goat farm run by Dori Lowell, president of the





National Pygmy Goat Association, which just happens to be located in Washington State.

Who knew?

Pygmy goat milk is so extra rich in nutrients - more than regular-sized goats' milk, which is said to be healthier for us than cow's milk - that it can actually be used to heal certain medical conditions. Getting that milk can be tricky, however, because these characters are small, feisty and wiggly.

Babies are near tiny; their fur is very soft and before they've established their individual personalities - which runs from affectionate to impish to obstinate - they can be quite cuddly. The babies love to be held and hugged and petted and fussed over as any kid would. ;-)


Some pygmy goats have even been trained by cat siblings living with them to use kitty litter boxes when they are kept inside as pets. As cute as that sounds, goats are outdoor animals and need plenty of fresh air, frolicking and running space! And of course they find lots of furniture yummy...

These little guys play on kiddie playground equipment: they actually walk up the stairs and take a ride down the slide! Here's as much of a slide sequence as I could catch with my simple digital camera:





















"Cah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahn I go again, please?"


This little girl adopted me.

After carrying her around, nuzzling and snuggling her for a long time, she showed how much she loves me by ... chewing my clothes. Isn't that swee-

Huh?

No-

Wait! ;-)



Yep, it's a tough job, mine. But someone has to do it ..