Happy New Year 2020!!

January 31, 2020

Good Evening, 

The animals enjoyed their Christmas day with a fresh watermelon treat and extra cuddles! They devoured the watermelon and Tulip’s beard was pink for the whole day!

Eric and I were rotating being sick through the holidays. A huge thank you to him and my mom who took good care of the animals when I had to be in bed. We had a bit of a late start to Winter, but the snow really starting falling in the new year, which we love! The goats seemed a bit uncertain at first but quickly got used to walking through the deep snow. Squid almost refuses to come outside, but will if there are treats or the sun is shining. He loves eating snow and ice, but will quickly bring it back in to his hay pile and finish it off there. Primo on the other hand doesn’t seem to mind the snow at all and trots out every morning, doing his daily duties no matter the weather conditions. What a good boy! Morgan and Elen are not huge fans, they mostly stick to their roosts, stay inside their house, or at least stay under their covered areas when it is precipitating out. The ducks tend to like the rain and snow as long as it isn’t too cold. They love swimming around in their pond and will even lay in the snow as long as it is above freezing. 

We had quite the cold streak here for about a week. The nights were down to single digits or low teens and highs during the day were in the mid teens. I know folks say that goats don’t need heat, but I must say… they sure seem to appreciate it! Chino was ill during this cold streak so we were extra worried about him. Eric got a generator, and set-up two heat panels in their barn so they could have some extra warmth during this extra cold time. Even though they both have goat coats, yes, coats to wear besides their natural coat, they would stay in the barn and just stand by the heat panels during the day. I slept well with the peace of mind that they were warm and cozy during that time. As for the birds and pigs who always have heat….they didn’t even come outside. I’d let the ducks out in the morning for a few minutes to run to the pond for their morning swim, which they still wanted to do, but then straight back to their house they went and I would shut them all in so they could stay cozy and warm too. 

Chino being ill during this time was an extra concern. We are still not completely certain the cause or reasoning of his sickness, even after bloodwork, a fecal, and exam from his vet. (potentially goat Polio, but we aren’t certain) But, due his vet’s caution, care and expertise, he improved quickly and within a week was back to himself. One of the most comforting things is to have a vet we trust, who knows so much, and is there for us when we need her. She is so wonderful with the animals. It is something we truly value. Thank you, Dr. Hardy. 

I would like to make a tribute to my Grandma Maria. She was 97 years old and passed on Jan. 9th, quickly in her home in Sydney B.C. She lived a nice long life and was able to go quickly in her own room (which are things to be thankful for) though it is still difficult to lose family. She supported me with my passions and supported Ridge 2 River. Along with many of you, I would like to thank her for helping make Chino’s home possible. I will always remember the good times I had with her. I know that she will continue to be with us in spirt, looking down on the Sanctuary in peace and harmony. 

~ Namaste