Busy Sunday Feb 28 2010 and then came Hector

Jill, Toni and Sue came for a visit today.

Belle got her ears rubbed and Charles got his bottom scratched.

Lexi always wants to say Hi.

Nancy and Bill came by to bring more bedding and cuddle a goat or two.

This morning I sat watching Jim holding two of the baby goats who have quit eating. Since they received no colostrom at birth from their mother, they have no natural immunity for viruses, etc. They may die, even though we have done everything possible for them. We will cry for these sweet babies who were born male and are of no use to the dairy goat industry. We will cry for all the babies-goats and cattle- who are disposable. They are taken away from their mothers at birth without any food or care. They are thrown alive into trucks, trailers or dumpsters. These are living, breathing, feeling bables and they are left to die.

If they live long enough to make it to the auction yard, they may or may not be sold. Bought calves become veal calves-a horrible life of confinement before they are brutally slaughtered. Goat kids that are not bought are left in a pen to die. These babies have not been fed nor watered nor cared for at any time in their lives.

These babies are by-products. Their mother's colostrom is stripped from the females and thrown away. The dairy industry makes no excuse for this cruelty. They don't want to take the time to let the babies eat.

During the day the two sick babies stood with their backs hunched grinding their teeth in obvious pain. When Jim held them in his lap, they would snuggle down and sleep. Do they still hurt? Probably, but having someone hold and pet them seems to let them relax enough to rest. They need contact and care. They don't need to be thrown away to die cold, starving and suffering. Their pain is real. As friend Margaret says "Their life is as important to them as our life is to us."

Now that you know about the cruelty what will you do? The industries have not responded to our requests that we work together to save the calves and kids. We wanted a Happy Cows-Happy Calves (and Happy Nannies- Happy Kids) program, but the industries are too busy making themselves "look" good to "do" good. Maybe we can all help them "do the right thing." Do we need to change the laws to make them more responsible? The babies enjoyed an afternoon sun bath and naptime on the back porch.

When Beth came back from her visit she brought her mom and brother and Hector. The first thing she did was say Hi to Fiesty.

Little Dale had a great time looking for rocks. And he found rocks!!! And then came Hector the turtle. Hector will be living with us for a few months. What's one more tiny mouth to feed? Thank you Jill, Toni and Sue for your donation and the time you spent with the animals. They love it.

Thank you Nancy and Bill for your donation of bedding. We are using a lot with the goats.

As of tonight the babies are still alive. We have been giving them all the extra care we can.