The Nanny

There is something about living on a farm that makes you always able to welcome another animal or two.  My son-in-law has also discovered that there is also something about my daughter that tends attract animals.  His barn full of cats attest to some of her collections.  Lately they have been talking about getting the girls more involved in showing cattle by starting them with the miniature Herefords.  So with this conversation in mind it really didn't come as any surprise when she announced in a recent phone call that they had found a goat.  I just assumed they were looking for something for the girls to show.

Actually, they had "found" a goat--literally.  While feeding the cattle the other day, her husband caught sight of something white moving out of the corner of his eye.  When he turned to look there was nothing there.  He continued on and soon saw another movement.  This time he moved over to a pile of brush to see if he could spot anything.  After a careful approach, he eased up to the pile and began to peer into the brush.  After several minutes he spotted a white patch, which upon closer inspection it proved to be a small, white goat!  Since the goat didn't seem inclined to leave her protective bower he moved off to continue his chores.

It was some time later that he noticed that the goat had come out of her hiding place and was moving across the field.  The cows noticed too, and immediately began to chase the little goat.  With a leap the goat removed herself to the brush pile again.  It was obvious that the cows did not approve of sharing their feed or field with the goat.  Shaking his head, my son-in-law decided that the goat would have to solve this for herself. 

The next morning he arrived to discover the goat had, indeed,  solved her problem.  She had removed herself from the field and was now residing in the "catch-all" shed.  He peeked into the depths of the shed, past the lawn mower, old garden tiller and assorted machinery parts to see two steady brown eyes staring back at him.  A scoop of feed aroused interest in his guest, but movement toward her caused a cautious retreat deeper into the shed.  He left the feed with a grin...he knew in time my daughter and granddaughters would have her eating out of their hands.

The granddaughters, delighted with the new pet, immediately named her Lily.  I wonder how long it will be before Lily arrives at the house.  I also wonder how long it will be before it is Lily and company
---she looks very "plump" to me!