animals

The thirtieth of March 2020

pigs

Pigs have feelings too! Perhaps after a few weeks of March of Pigs you may have noticed that pigs are actually quite expressive. That’s because they feel a wide range of emotions, just like humans. Pigs can feel joy and happiness as well as suffer from negative emotions like sadness and grief. Pigs are not only emotional creatures, but have been observed to show compassion for others, and feel distress at seeing their animal and human friends suffering. They have distinctive personalities, some are shy and some are gregarious just like us. In addition to having excellent memories, it is very likely that pigs have complex feelings and thoughts, and are even able to understand symbolic languages similar to higher primates and dolphins. Amazing!

The nineteenth of March 2020

goats, pigs

We are going to pause our March of Pigs for an opportunity for some quarantine fun and fundraising.

Cooped up inside, being socially distant, canceling plans, routines and holidays can be a huge bummer. Take a break from the chaos and enjoy a virtual tour of The Haven Zoo!

Just like everyone, the Haven is doing its part to support social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus, and have closed their gates to in-person visitors. However, the Haven relies on donations to keep the animals healthy and fed. So you can support the Haven AND continue to practice good social distancing by booking a virtual tour of the zoo plus a special viewing of feeding time! Book your virtual tour here.

Scientists and public health experts have asked that we all keep at least six feet or two meters apart from one another. That can be a bit difficult to visualize. Perhaps some of our camelid pals from the Haven can help us out – a llama is about six feet long, so maintain a llama distance apart to stay safe and stop the spread! And of course, keep washing your hands.

The second of March 2020

goats, pigs

So, much like caprices, pigs are fascinating creatures. They often get a bad reputation for being dirty and gluttonous. On the contrary, pigs actually don’t wallow and eat their own filth, when given an opportunity to live freely as their wild boar cousins do, scientists have noted they practice food hygiene and clean things before they consume them. It is only when pigs are kept in small enclosures without much space to do their thing that pigs get mistaken for being willing to eat anything. In that way, pigs are just like any other creature, just trying to make the best with what they have.

The twentieth of December 2019

goats

There are only TEN DAYS left in the entire decade? Can you believe that? Where did the time go? Think about where you were ten years ago and take in all your accomplishments and leave the rest – enjoy the last ten days of the last ten years!

In ten days, 1980 will be forty years ago.

The twenty fifth of November 2019

goats

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed just give yourself a gentle reminder that you are enough just as you are.

You’ve got everything you need already

The tenth of November 2019

goats

Just so you know going forward this week that you are worthy and deserving of happiness and joy. I hope you have an amazing week ahead.

You yes you deserve what makes you heart sing

The twenty second of October 2019

goats

There is a definite chill in the air as the world slips deeper into autumn. The days are growing shorter and shorter and the winds have a bit of a bite. Make sure to wear lots of cozy layers! Just make sure those jumpers and cardigans aren’t made of mohair – remember our friends the Angola goats. Be kind to our curly caprine friends and choose plant-based fabrics instead.

Trust me, the mohair looks better on her than it would you.

The thirteenth of October 2019

goats

I completely forgot to celebrate Goat of the Day’s first birthday, which occurred on October 1st. I am a bit stunned that I have managed to carry on posting my goat photographs everyday for now over a year! The majority of these goats I have had the pleasure of meeting and photographing in person, with a few exceptions of when friends have met and photographed goats and sent them along, and a few famous goat portraits that float around the internet.

This feat would not have been possible without my friends who think of me when they see goats, nor would it have been possible without my partner who has patiently driven me to places where goats reside, or accompanied me to events where we will happen upon goats and who supports my daily habit. Also, this blog would not be possible without my mother who generously gave me my camera that has been hard at work photographing goats since the summer of 2019. I am also grateful to all of those people who read this blog, for whatever reason, who like the posts and give me a follow. I hope to continue to provide pictures of goats with good vibes for at least a while longer. To that end, I revisited one of my most favourite places in all of the England, Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats. I urge you if you ever find yourself in southern England to spend an afternoon among the friendly goats in their caprine utopia.

Many, many thanks to Buttercups for keeping these amazing creatures and allowing the public to enjoy

The ninth of October 2019

goats

All of your struggles are simply growing pains, shaping you and making you stronger and better equipped for what lies ahead.

Keep pressing on, without struggle there is no victory.

The sixth of October 2019

goats

The harder your work for something, the more you need rest. In our physical bodies, the time we spend resting after a difficult task allow our body to heal and our muscles to become stronger. So rest up – you’ll be stronger for the week ahead!

In order to be your best, strongest self, you have to take time to rest.