I decided after working on fencing in 100 degree heat today to keep Little Moose out of my fledgling sunflowers that it was worth resharing something I wrote year ago. It still makes me laugh. Enjoy.
"Living with Goats 101"
Buy a whole bunch of pasture fence. Make sure it's 5' tall or higher. Spend your whole weekend getting it up. Run electric wire on the top of the fence and the bottom of the fence.
Put goat in the fenced pasture. Explain to her that this is her side, and over there, that is your side. Explain to her that her side has electrical currents.
You are now tired. Get a lawn chair. Make a good sandwich, preferably with home grown tomatoes and good bread.
Refrain from alcohol at this stage. Sit in your lawn chair and enjoy your sandwich.
As you chew, notice the goat roaming in the nicely fenced pasture you made just for her. Call out to her,
"Hello Stella! I see you!"
Enjoy the sweet sounds of the goat calling back to you in goat bleeps. I will translate:
"Hello!" says the goat. " I see you too! What are you eating? You are so close, I can smell the bread! I love bread. Must have bread. I'll be right there! OH! Ouch! electric current, no problem, it's over now. There, here I am, I will join you and your sandwich."
Say nice things to the goat, then lead her back to the pasture with a bit of the bread. Ask her if she learned that touching the electric fence has consequences.
Return to your lawn chair. Notice now there are foot steps behind you. "Hello! I'm right here with you again!"
Try to refrain from yelling. Take your half eaten sandwich, forget about the lawn chair, and walk back to the goat pasture with your goat. Find a good rock to sit on. Sit and share the rest of your sandwich with your goat.
