goats

The twenty third of November 2018

goats

It is getting cold out there, I strongly suggest dressing in layers. Angora goats are known for their distinctive, soft and luxurious coat that is processed to make mohair. Mohair is often a popular choice for winter clothing because it is very easy to dye as it is naturally white or silver. However, in recent years, it has come to light that Angora goats exploited for their wonderful coats are heinously and cruelly abused, leading some major clothing companies to ban mohair altogether. Although mohair knits can be snuggly and warm, there are plenty of perfectly suitable synthetic options that don’t involve cruelty towards the Angora goats.

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Fantastic and functional winter style should not use cruelly procured Angora goat wool.

The twenty second of November 2018

goats

Today, in the United States, is Thanksgiving. There is a lot of problematic mythology surrounding Thanksgiving in the United States. It did not originate as a peaceful gathering between American Indians sharing their bounty with English settlers, although that is the story most American school-children get growing up and is still purported by most sources. However, feasting in society serves an important purpose amalgamating social ties, familial ties, religious observances, and economic relationships. Sharing a large meal amongst a group of individuals can re-affirm social and familial ties as well as redistribute and share resources. Thanksgiving menus are special and many dishes are usually only served once or twice a year. Many Americans see Thanksgiving as the official start of the festive season leading up to Christmas and the New Year. Some (not all) may use the Thanksgiving feast as a means to fuel-up for another problematic American tradition – the violent Black Friday shopping spree. Whether you buy into the white-washed American mythology of Thanksgiving or not, gratitude is really important, and if you are reading this you at least have something to be grateful for. I’m grateful for my family, my warm flat, and the opportunity to share a goat with y’all everyday. Have a wonderful holiday y’all.

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I’m grateful for my goats and supporters of goat of the day. Enjoy y’all!

 

The twenty-first of November 2018

goats

Aren’t the horns on this goat beautiful? Contrary to popular belief, both male and female goats can have horns. Horns are bony protrusions stemming from the head of goats and other hoofed creatures that are covered in keratin, much like human hair and nails. Goats use their horns in a variety of creative ways, including to fend off potential predators, to communicate with one another and establish dominance in a group, to trim the bark off of trees for food, and even to attract sexual partners. There is a process called disbudding, in which the goats horns are removed shortly after birth, assumably to prevent potential problems like getting stuck in a fence or having a scuffle; however, there is a lot of debate over whether this practice is harmful or beneficial to goats. Sadly, I do not own any goats and by no means am a goat expert, so I really can’t weigh in; however, in general, I think goat horns are pretty amazing.

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 If I had a pair of horns like that, I would show them off too.

 

 

The twentieth of November 2018

goats

Many of us enjoy sharing various bits and pieces of our daily lives to the world on social media. Apps such as Instagram and Facebook make it easy to feel like you’re connected to friends a world away. However, sometimes with this amazing ability to share your life with others, there is pressure to only share the very best parts! Just remember, when you see someone living it up and feeling fantastic, those posts are carefully chosen to showcase the best. Don’t let a bit of bad lighting get you down – you do you, you share you, and let them be them.

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Perhaps one day I will take a photography course. 

The nineteenth of November 2018

goats

Miniature goat breeds include pygmy, Nigerian dwarf and pygora. These goats have been bred to be smaller than other goat breeds and as such are a popular choice for urban farms and homesteads as well as for pets. They are typically quite friendly and require less space than other goat breeds. They are social creatures, so it is recommended that you get at least two.

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Great things can come in small packages.

The eighteenth of November 2018

goats

It is easy to skim things over sometimes or try to finish tasks and obligations quickly. Take a closer look, you might have missed an important detail or realize something new about something that may seem ordinary and everyday.

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Details, details, details.

The seventeenth of November 2018

goats

One of the many reasons why I find goats to be such inspiring creatures is that they always appear to be thinking about something. What do goats think about? Do they think about the welfare of other goats? Do they think about climate change? Do they think about geopolitical mishaps and troublesome election results? Do they concern themselves with human affairs at all? Is there some kind of caprine realpolitik that they are all carrying out; or rather, a moral ethical code each goat is compelled to fulfill? Are they just contemplating which plant is would be the delicious? Are they plotting an eventual global goat liberation moment where they will collectively free themselves of their pens and fences and break free from human bondage? It is unlikely that humans will ever discover the answer to these and other questions about goat thought and goat behavior.

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What are you thinking about, sir?

The sixteenth of November 2018

goats

Most (not all) of the goats I have shared on this blog, so far, have been goats I have actually met. I met this goat about a month ago at Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats. She (I think, I did not go to great lengths to confirm, and as gender is a human social construct, I think goats are beyond that sort of thing) had the most luxurious, softest coat. Clearly, she was well aware that she was one fabulous looking goat and trotted across the grass with amazing confidence. The weekend is a great time to break out and do things that make you feel fabulous, whether it’s going out dancing, strutting across the greens or pampering yourself with the comforts of home on a staycation.

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A confident caprine at Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

The fifteenth of November 2018

goats

Sometimes, the best response to stressful uncertainty is to just let the universe take its course. It is no use worrying or being anxious about things that are outside of your control.

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Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but enjoy the sunshine.

The fourteenth of November 2018

goats

One of the loveliest things about autumn is the transformation of leaves from green to beautiful yellows, oranges and reds, eventually falling to the each dried and crunchy. Although the colder and shorter days may be less pleasant than the warm and sunny spring and summer, find some joy in the last moments before winter and have a go at crunching on some leaves. Trust me, it’s quite fun.

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No kidding, crunching on some fall leaves can be satisfying and fun.