December is upon us – this time of year is especially busy and sometimes it is easy to forget some of your commitments. Don’t worry though, I have remembered the goat of the day just in time! Remember to slow down sometimes and enjoy the festive time of year.
Not to worry, there will be plenty more goats.
Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back. Sometimes, the most limiting cages are the ones we create for ourselves. Break free of your assumptions, of your self-critique and go for it – whatever it is. Press on, even when obstacles appear in your way. You never know, what you might first perceive to be a prohibitive boundary might be an opportunity in disguise.
The most confining spaces are the ones we create ourselves.
Even goats get itchy sometimes. Itches are scientifically known as pruritus, basically a general neurological response to irritants that come in contact with the skin. Most of the time, itches are just momentary nuisances; however, sometimes an itch is the body’s response to exposure to harmful things like urushiol. Goats are lucky that they do not get the same painful, itchy rash from the urushiol found on poison ivy and other plants. However, goats may get itchy from itch mites and lice, and even excessively dry skin. Horns and hooves make good tools for satisfying the occasional itch, and most of the time an itch is just an itch.
Everyone gets itchy sometimes.
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.
I’m grateful for my goats and supporters of goat of the day. Enjoy y’all!
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.
If I had a pair of horns like that, I would show them off too.
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.
What are you thinking about, sir?
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.
A confident caprine at Buttercups Sanctuary for 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.
Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but enjoy the sunshine.
Confidence is the belief in oneself and the belief that one has the ability to succeed. It is easy to allow self doubt to creep into your mind, but don’t let it. To quote a fantastic, classic film 10 Things I Hate About You, don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want. You’ve got this, you can do this, and you’re amazing. Be fearless this week, believe in yourself and that anything is possible.
Cool, calm and confident.
Whatever your journey, I hope someday you meet a goat along the way.
Goat of the Day 