A Very Devastating Day on RBG Ranch

So, today we had an extremely heartbreaking moment that led to much crying by every female in the house and 1 special female outside the house.

Fuzzy (5hrs old) and Mama Patty

Our sweet little Fuzzy who was born December 22, 2014 died today. No, it wasn't because of some sort of bacterial infection or viral pneumonia which takes the lives of so many goat kids. Here's the story.



We decided to let our new momma goats back in the run with the rest of the herd for some socialization and intense grazing on the big pasture. They enjoyed it. We opened up a small hole in the gate so their new kids could get to them if they wanted and then go back in the yard when told to. It has worked great the past 3 days.

This afternoon was an unusually beautiful January day. Both mommas and kids were relaxing just outside the barn next to the 3 cows. We have a perfect visual of our barn right out my back door from the kitchen. I was in my usual kitchen spot when I heard Thor barking up a storm. I look out and see Shorty (donkey) running the cows and goats out of the barn. He does that. The cows don't realize they outweigh him by mountains.

I'm so glad I took a second glance. That glance was when it began. I realized Shorty had our 2 week old baby boy goat in his mouth, and was flinging him around like a rag doll. I took off out the door completely barefoot and leaving doors and gates wide open trying to get to this sweet baby goat. What was I going to do? Tell Shorty to put him down and maybe attempt to pry his mouth open? That would've been the end of me.

Prayerfully Thor was right behind me, and went directly after Shorty. I scooped up Fuzzy, and started running back to the house going through every bit of Frankincense, Oregano, and Thieves inventory I had. That's when I realized that Fuzzy had in fact taken his last breath.

I was standing in the kitchen with this sweet baby boy goat and my 4 girls. We were all in tears. I went outside to call Mr. Smash and tell him what happened, and I still had Fuzzy in my arms. I couldn't let him go. That's when I heard his momma bleating and calling for him. My heart sank.


This was a devastating day for us. But also a great opportunity to teach my girls that animals are animals. They are unpredictable. And life here is sometimes very short lived. And when we lose someone/thing that we love, it's okay to cry.

So, what's next? All of my mommy friends who've ever nursed a baby know what it's like to be engorged. Well, I have a momma goat who will be engorged. I will milk her out tonight and most likely put some Valor and lavender behind her ears. As for tomorrow. We shall see.