Frustratedearthmother's Journaling Journey

[frustratedearthmother]

I think part of the issue with Dallas is that she's just not... um... "normal." She doesn't react to anything they way another baby would. Picking her up and setting her down would wake up any other baby - but she reacted slowly and just slumped down. When she decided to get up on her own and move - she was fine. She definitely has a respiratory issue. It's obvious now when I hold Noir for her to nurse... she can barely suckle and breathe at the same time so I hear her efforts and the gurgling. I've gotta say that she is a tough little thing. She just keeps on keeping on. I'll call the vet in the morning and see if he suggests something stronger for her.

 

[baymule]

That's too bad about Dallas. That's what I'd call "just not right". Sometimes you just can't put a finger on it, but something is just not right. I hope she improves, if it is possible.

It was gorgeous here today. Watching the news of 2 tornadoes that cut a 30 mile path yesterday. Mostly in forest land, but homes just scattered to bits. Two little boys killed, why does it have to be the children?

 

[Lazy Gardener]

My question re: Dallas... Why are you putting so much effort into saving her? She's a weak link in your flock. At this point, it's questionable if she would even be an appropriate doeling to pass on as a "pet quality". She's likely to be a liability in terms of needing "vetting" all of what ever life she has.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Because it's her decision as the farmer that is responsible for bringing her into this world, and if she wants to try to save her so she can happily live in a pasture munching grass somewhere that's her choice. And animals can make just as miraculous recoveries as humans. She could be fine (although maybe not very smart, lol) when she grows up. FEM would never keep an animal alive that's suffering.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

My question re: Dallas... Why are you putting so much effort into saving her? She's a weak link in your flock. At this point, it's questionable if she would even be an appropriate doeling to pass on as a "pet quality". She's likely to be a liability in terms of needing "vetting" all of what ever life she has.

First and foremost - It's MY decision how much effort I will put into saving her. Do you have nearly 30 years of experience raising goats? I do. I've seen a lot of issues that resolve themselves even if someone like you doesn't think they can.

I don't raise animals strictly to "get rid of" one that has an issue. Dallas has attributes that I WANT in my herd. If she has an issue - it's NOT GENETIC. There are tons of babies that come down with respiratory issues after birth. Her birth was difficult so I'm not surprised that she has a respiratory issue. I don't kill babies for having snotty noses and raspy breathing. As far as being "slow" it's only a concern for me in that I need to learn to interpret her responses. Her instincts are fine - she nurses, she eliminates, and she's passing all the milestones of development on schedule.

I have responsibilities to any animal that resides on my farm. I don't consider any animal disposable. And quite frankly I'm not sure you have the expertise to decide what is a liability to me.

Oh - and to those of you who are concerned about her health - not about her being a liability: As of this morning her temp is normal and there is no snotty nose or raspy breathing.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Good girl Dallas! She's a fighter!

 

[sumi]

Glad to hear she's better! She's a pretty little thing

 

[frustratedearthmother]

She's a pretty little thing

She IS - isn't she? I'm smitten!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Talked with the vet today:

He said check her temp and if it's high give her antibiotics.
Already doing that and will continue.

He said if she has a temp give also give her some Banamine.
Already did that on Saturday/Sunday when her temp was elevated.

He said give her some Thiamine in case the tremor isn't related to her disbudding. Already giving her B-complex with Thiamine.

He said maybe some Dex for inflammation if it IS related to the disbudding. Already doing that.

He said "Why'd you call me?" LOL

I am going to stop by the clinic on the way home and pick up some straight thiamine. I don't have any of that - just B-complex w/thiamine.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

At this point, it's questionable if she would even be an appropriate doeling to pass on as a "pet quality".

Not to beat a dead horse - but I have one more thing to say here. This is the last I will say on this topic. It's not worth my time. It will also be my last public post about Dallas.

​

I bred, raised and showed registered Pygmy goats for roughly 10 years. I bred raised and showed Champion pygmy goats - even showed to Permanent Grand Champion status. That's a very elite accomplishment in the show goat world.

I no longer raise exclusively registered animals. I no longer show. At this point all of my goats could be considered "pet quality."

There is not a goat on this place that gets raised, medicated, treated, or loved any differently - be they a Permanent Grand Champion show goat, a milk goat, a meat goat - or a pet. Not one goat deserves more of my care and devotion than another. I will give no less to the animals entrusted to my care.

I am a farmer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most of the time I'm a good farmer. Is it an EFFORT? Yes! Is it worth it - yes!

There is a speech by Paul Harvey and used by Ram trucks in a SuperBowl commercial that I try to emulate in my life as a farmer. "So God Made a Farmer" It's worth the read.