Margaret in Lancaster

Alright, people, you've worn me down.  Here she is, along with her older sister Daisy.  I have them in the same pasture I put Nikki and Lena in yesterday.  When they first arrived earlier this week, I figured Margaret and Daisy would head off into the woods at the edge of the pastures and start devouring all of the little tree shoots, berry bushes and shrubs that goats are reportedly keen on browsing.  I mean, this place is goat heaven with all the young woody plants popping up everywhere.  "No thanks," they said, "we'll just follow you around."  And they did.  So they spent most of their time up by the house and barn, lying out on the driveway, and wandering into the barn to munch on some of the Montana hay we brought with us.  Hay?  With all these fresh green goat delicacies underfoot?  

After a couple of days of that, I had them follow me into this pasture and I … well, I closed the gate on them.  Rude, but effective.  Now they'll have to eat fresh green stuff. 

In case you're wondering, we did have three goats, but we sold Margaret's sister Scarlett earlier this year to a wonderful couple from Lavinia, Montana, who were looking for a Nigerian Dwarf goat to use for dairying.  (This is a small dairy breed.)  We had realized that three goats was more than we needed.  Scarlett is now pregnant and due to deliver in the next couple of weeks.  Then it's into the milking parlor.

Margaret says, "They're going to milk my sister?  Jeez, that sounds like a lot of work.  I hope that's not in my future!"

Hmm.

Hmmmmm.

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31 responses to “Back By Popular Demand”

  1. lisa james Avatar
    lisa james

    If we have warn you down it sounds like the goats were doing the same thing. Wouldn’t it just be easier to give in every six weeks or so and do a “goat story”. hm……….

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  2. Ev Avatar
    Ev

    too cute!

    Like

  3. Arizona Fan Avatar
    Arizona Fan

    We love Margaret and Daisy…thank you so much for blogging about them. Your new home looks AWESOME! Which dogs are still with Alayne? and how much longer before they arrive? You guys are truly amazing! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading about ALL of them! I know I speak for many…we love you guys!

    Like

  4. Jessica, NL Avatar
    Jessica, NL

    Whahahahaha… See? A post with (or about, poor thing) Margaret is always too funny!!
    Just remember, with a delivery first, you’ll have MORE goats than just these two….

    Like

  5. Kathleen Rivard Avatar
    Kathleen Rivard

    It sounds like these young ladies were needing reassurance from “Dad”. They’ve been thru a lot in the past 6 months. Look at those sweet little faces looking out from behind their “prison” gate. See what YOU get for Father’s Day!!!

    Like

  6. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    Finally Welcome Margaret and Daisy..You both look great Welcome to New England.

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  7. Barb Ribinski Avatar
    Barb Ribinski

    Look at that face! As precious as ever. Margaret and Daisy are sure cuties and we’re happy to see them. As for locking them in the corral; well they were following you around to try to help you with your chores. They’re not sure why you didn’t appreciate that! And it’s funny that they came to the gate to pose for their photos. Thanks for the post. We never get tired of Margaret and her antics.

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  8. Gena Avatar
    Gena

    “Seriously, dude… JAIL?”
    “Just because we like you and wanted to hang with you, you stuck us in JAIL?”
    “Harsh, dude……..”
    ROFLOL 🙂

    Like

  9. ginger Avatar
    ginger

    What an adorable picture! You know, maybe they’ve never had lush green grass like they’re standing in right now. You may have to act like your eating it, to give them the idea that it’s for the taking. (I’ve had dogs that I’ve used that trick on, & believe it or not, it worked!)
    Big hugs all around,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  10. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    It has to be the big cream stripes down the sides of her face then the white on her nose that give Margaret that adorible face!! (oh, and her attitude and personality that Steve has been kind enough to share with us) that make Margaret such a little character. (ie: her jumping ON the lunch table to sample leftovers!!!) You Rock Margaret!

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  11. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Thank you, Steve. Margaret is lookng very pleased with herself! By the way, did she ever earn the status of “cherished livestock”?

    Like

  12. Sasha in MN Avatar
    Sasha in MN

    Every time I see Margaret, I can’t help breaking out into a big smile. Thank you for including her sister Daisy and a big congrats to her sister Scarlett (aw “auntie Margaret). I can imagine baby dwarf goats would probably be the cutest things on the planet.
    I wish you had webcams all over but then again I would get absolutely nothing done!
    Loving the updates, thank you!

    Like

  13. Dee's Mom Avatar
    Dee’s Mom

    Hip, Hip, Hooray! Thank you for the posting Steve. They are adorable beyond words.

    Like

  14. Lynn (in Louisiana) Avatar
    Lynn (in Louisiana)

    The girls looked crushed Steve. Completely, utterly crushed. How could you?? 😉

    Like

  15. Tracey Avatar
    Tracey

    I just wanted to say your blog makes my morning every day. I have been following you for awhile since we found out you were moving to our state of NH. It’s so nice to read a well written blog minus typos and misspellings peppered with humor and wonderful information on your sanctuary.
    I grew up with goats and wish we lived closer to “rent” one long term for our poison ivy problem 😉 They have such personalities too!
    Keep up the wonderful work you guys do. You are such angels.

    Like

  16. Miranda Avatar
    Miranda

    Well thank heavens, Margaret lives!! I think the Margaret Lovers were beginning to worry. They are the cutest girls; sorry to hear about Scarlet being left behind. Uhhhh, what’s wrong with Margaret and Daisy following you around? A couple bells so you know where they are and you have two dedicated minions.

    Like

  17. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    Sorry Margaret…off target questions for Steve: June 2, ’09 when beautiful Lena cut her nose…was there ever the dreaded scar? And when does the new blind Gabe the cocker join the ranch?? Poor Margaret, now she knows how Herbie felt when Steve woould lock him up to clean the litter boxes! Herbie just wanted to help too.

    Like

  18. MaryJane Cooper Avatar
    MaryJane Cooper

    You go, Girls! Sounds like they’re Daddy’s little girls 🙂 Thanks for updating us. I always look forward to hearing about Margaret and her antics! m.j.

    Like

  19. Randi Avatar
    Randi

    Margaret! Oh how I have missed you!
    Thanks for the post Steve! I have been wondering how the princess was doing.
    Now that you all are out on the east coast Mo and I are already looking forward to stoping by and bringing a whole bunch of snacks up there for the dogs, cats, goats and horses.
    Much love to you, Alayne and all the fur children.
    Randi and Mo

    Like

  20. Linda Avatar

    I heart Margaret.
    “We’re suppose to do WHAT with this green stuff?”

    Like

  21. Doe George Avatar
    Doe George

    Hooray!! Margaret & Daisy are home in New Hampshire! So happy to read each of your updates Steve. Alayne and the crew next!!
    What a wonderful reunion when EVERYONE IS HOME!

    Like

  22. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    I raised goats at an animal farm during summers from college. They are the most adorable things…closest to dogs I’ve ever met for loyalty. They just want to be with you…you’re more important that all those grassy shoots!

    Like

  23. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Oh my gosh but they are the cutest things!! Thanks for the update, hope to see more about them soon.

    Like

  24. Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin Avatar
    Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

    MARGARET, DAISY!!!!! Welcome back to the blog & welcome to your new home!!! (sorry to shout) I’m soooooo happy to see my favorite goats! (hmmm, I don’t believe I have ever said that before)
    A blog about these girls every once in a while would be very welcomed, although, I know it’s probably hard to choose sometimes.

    Like

  25. Kathy and Harley Avatar
    Kathy and Harley

    Everything looks so beautiful I’m sure the animal can be nothing but happy. They are so cute. You always have a way of making my day brighter with your RDR stories and posts. Thank you.

    Like

  26. Lynne Parker Avatar

    Rolling Dog Ranch goat cheese?
    Hmmmm.
    LOL

    Like

  27. boundforglory Avatar
    boundforglory

    What a special treat to see Margaret and Daisy! Glad to hear about Scarlett too; we wish wonderful things for her.
    Well, obviously these girls are far more enchanted with you than they are with grazing (at the moment ;))) Glad we wore you down; the wait was worth it. : )

    Like

  28. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Thanks for the update on Margaret and Daisy! The photo of them in “jail” is tooo cute! Such precious girls!
    Hope we also get to see photos of Scarlett’s babies!

    Like

  29. Marisa Avatar
    Marisa

    Will Scarlett’s babies be safe?! Or will the males be sent off for meat? Hate to ask but farming is farming and it’s always good to doublecheck what’s going to happen to the offspring of dairy animals.

    Like

  30. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I’m sorry you had to sell one of the goats.

    Like

  31. Ginmar Avatar

    Does this mean there will be pictures of the goat babies? It can’t be asked too often, maybe you’ll weaken! If the girls are that cute, I cannot imagine what the babies will be like.

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