Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that 2011 is about to close, opening up a whole new year of adventure. Can't wait to see what unfold in the new year! But saying good-by to this last year is going to be hard. It is a year that has been fought with struggle and compromise. A few new arrivals saddened with a major loss to our family. It has been a year of adjustment to secure our safety and satisfy our sense of serenity. Thing are good and everyone seems quite content right now. The McClouds are happy in their day time freedom and still want to come into the house at night. I have been trying to keep them out, Sometimes they just make the decisions around here and that's okay. We are all very flexible.
Margaret is insane. She attack me often with out any reason. I'm thinking of putting her to sleep. I would give her away except she has never been outside and hasn't developed a winter coat. Plus, I can not imagine too many people giving a goat a home with out having her for dinner or seeing her as a breeder. She is so mean, I bet she would eat her young!
I worry about Drucilla and Gwynne. They have taken up with each other since the loss of their own mate. It will be late at night and they stay at the pond. I always see the beast coming over the berm right to the pond. Yet every morning I find them safe. I still worry. They make an usual couple and often hang with Only and Daisey. Who actually have the good sense to get locked in the barn every night.
Winter is here and may-be it is a time of hibernation for all our predators and we will have a nice quiet winter. Let just hope.
Happy New Year!

Found MacDuck dead.

Just when things are at their worse, I find a duck dead. He wasn't there when I released the geese and fed them  breakfast. He is stiff now. It wasn't Judge, the one that was attacked by the dogs either. It was the last MacDuck. He was the last of six although a sister still remains but we just do not recognise her as one of the majestic MacDucks.
I'm so sorry to see this poor duck dead and grieve his fate. I only hope if there is a ducky heaven, he is lounging nice and warm.in a clear pond in the sky.
And then there were 40!
3 dogs, 5 cats, 6 goats, 2 pigs, 11 ducks, 12 geese, and 1 chicken
Was at Minor Bros. where I buy my feed and had to buy a huge bag of hen scratch for this one chicken, I think I have enough food to keep her til next winter, If she lives that long, At this moment, I couldn't care less. I'm so sad. Where my dat gum dog?

A hurricane has blown the whole state of Florida away!

I have hit my all time low. Call it the depths of despair. The depression, which I have never felt has exploded! I don’t recall ever feeling so lonely or forsaken. People I have trusted have betrayed me and the same people I have loved now hate me. My work and efforts have no meaning and the life I have been striving for is gone. I’m so sad. I can only put my face in my hands and cry.

At the very pit of my sorrow, I feel a wet nose softly touch me. There is my faithful companion Lex. His brown eyes are soft and pleading as if he can feel my thoughts and sympathize with my anguish.

My dear departed Grandfather once told me “If you are in trouble, it is not your friends but your family that will be there for you.” I wish I could tell my dear Grandpa, “No! It will be just the dog!” Families take advantage and your friends are only around during good times.  

Only a dog can give you the unconditional love, trust and loyalty that you will never receive from people. A dog will want to see you happy and if you are not he will be with you through the groom and doom. I’m suffering a gloom that the dog can not help but at least it feels good to know he’s there.

It's cold!

Let the geese out this morning and then made a snow man. We have a half foot of snow on the ground. Heard it was going to snow but I really didn't believe. Now I do. I believe that we are going to have a white Christmas. I think I'll go shopping. I'm feeling the Christmas spirit! Jingle bells and LALALA! Hold that thought. I have to go buy straw. I think my pig may be a little cold and I need to get him some warmth. Tried to get him to come into the house but no way. Too white out. Margaret doesn't like the snow either and even took a nose dive trying to get into the hay wagon. OMG! It's freezing out! I wish my toes weren't frozen. Wait a minute! These new boots are rated for -30 and it is barely 0. Just the way my day is going. Finally got the electrician in and he turned the breakers on. That's all. Turned on the breakers! What a clown I am. Well it was nice to know it wasn't anything serious, Now the water is plugged in and we should be set for the winter. Better get that straw before it gets too late.

Rudolph my raindeer

It's Christmas time so I sing "Rudolph the red nose reindeer" to Rudolph My $1500 goat. He is walking better since I've clean out his pen. He's doing very well and so are all the other goats. My pig is better and Serena, the only chicken has taken up a home with the pig Bubba. They seem to have formed a bond.

The dogs and I aren't wondering whats going on with us. We all have mange.
I've had hives for the last 2 months. I thought the dogs caught an allergy from me. Like when your pregnant and your husband is throwing up. I should have known better. As close as I am to my dogs I know that they feel that same kinship with a dish or a bowl full of Roast beef with gravy.
Went to the vet yesterday morning and got the dogs checked. He did a scarping but knew right away that we have mange. Especially when I told him I was itching too. He said "Humans are a dead end host and the mange mite will most likely die with-in a few weeks unless I have a alternate source of infestation. (The dogs)"  He treated Maggie and Lex and sent home medicine (Revolution) for Bernard. Our dogs have never used Revolution so it might work. though all the animals are on advantage. No fleas but a mange mite which is actually a dog scabies. YUCK!

 Paid the vet including the outstanding amount for the pig. Almost $900 Crap!

Lost a goose!

I released the geese this morning and one is missing. I guess the others ate her/him. Kidding! I leave them with so much food and water overnight that I have to power wash the garage floor every morning. What a mess! Geese sure do make the worst mess. And the most noise. I don't know what happened to the goose but I'm not worried. Because the geese aren't worried. If there was a problem, The geese would let me know. They are so incredibly family orientated. They always stay together and will worry about a lost mate.
Yesterday we had our first snow fall. It didn't stay but came down in a blanket to melt on the ground. It was nice to see and looked like the beginning of a snow storm but by late afternoon, the sun was out and the sky had cleared. Though this morning we are frozen solid. I hate winter when I have to wonder how am I going to keep the water from freezing. Oh yeah, I need an electrician, Always something isn't it!
Margaret the goat just came into the house. I always forget to close the back door and damn  if she isn't eating all my ccookies! She can just reach her head over the counter and if something grabs her interest she is up on the counter and cleaning it off. I really have to make her a pen one of these days. Electrician, pen, and I need some more hay. Hey! Something I can handle! I'll go get some hay and you have a great day!

Even a goat has feelings

I can't get over the the goats. Usually when I cut the them loose they are gone and I mean to the neighbours or further down the street to the tasty scent of the Fireside Restaurant. I can not get them to go back home unless it starts to rain or its bed time. Yesterday when the Vet was treating Bubba, I released the goats but they would not leave him. Bugsy walked out the door and came back. They all stayed right by the pig. And earlier during the fight, The goats we're all agitated, distressed by the violence. I'm always amazed to see a personality emerge from an animal that you will not expect. Curiosity or compassion whatever it was stronger then the possibility of freedom.

Hammy and Bubba got into a fight!

Poor Hammy, He is actually a very gentle pig. He loves his life on our yard and usually nobody bothers him. He stays away from any conflict and plays constantly with the goat Pepper. I have to approach him very slowly because he is so shy. Once he feels I'm not a threat, He will enjoy my attention and pats. Bubba on the other hand has been spoiled all his life. He has an attitude and is very stubborn. Why he wants to constantly bother Hammy is beyond me. We keep them separate but today Bubba wore a hole threw the board that separates them and made an opening wide enough to get his head through. That was enough. They locked onto each other and had a ferocious battle. With guys on each side of the board, we finally pried them apart but it looked like Bubba's lower lip was ripped right off. I called the vet who immediately arrived. After a few shots in the butt,

Bubba finally fell deep enough under that the Doctor could get a good idea what was going on with his injury's. A tusk was ripped off. That's all. Lots of blood from the loss of a tooth. Bubba is sound asleep and will probably have a toothache for a few days. I think I will suffer longer when I get the bill.

Skunkster & Pepper love to lock horns!

The animals are on edge and seem to know something is wrong. It has been a rough month and a discouraging start to winter. Though, I'm far from pessimistic and can only see things getting better from here. I cleaned all the webbs from the barn and unpacked the water heaters. It seems that the outlet has no power and I have to get an electrician to install a new breaker. Hope the bad weather holds off for a little longer.
My poor injured duck is healed and has returned to the pack. He now avoids confrontations and stays mainly with the ladies who stay close to the food dish. He is fine and doing well. Margaret is still in the house though we cut her loose with the geese in the morning and she is off. Unless it rains, then she will seek shelter. She hates the rain. Most goats do. I don't know why.
The date on my camera is wrong. I never set it. Years ago, When I got a new toy, I'd read the instrustion book from start to finish. I can no longer see them and even if I knew where my glasses were, By the time I found them, I've lost the book and when I finally come accross that book months into the future, I've probably lent the camera out to someone who will ultimately lose it.

Dumped on the side of a road!

I often wondered what kind of person would just dump an animal on the side of the road, left defenceless in a foreign area to wander alone. Care not if it found shelter or just became road kill. I really think you must not care about animals to just dump them and leave and not care about what happened.
But to know someone of this caliber is unbelievable! May-be I know allot of people that would do this to an animals. May-be there are many people that are hiding lives or personalities that are offensive to the norm. How many people out there are so phony? Pretending to be nice but behind the facade lurks a stranger that we all hear about yet fear. It makes me sad and SIC! I'm Sic to my stomach to think that there really are people out there that will just dump an animal because they just don't want the responsibility of caring for it anymore.

A sad fall!

I usually love fall. It's my birthday month and I'm getting ready for all the holidays. There is a crisp feel in the air that signals winter is just around the corner. I love the leaves changing colors and blanketing the ground. The crunch of them under your feet. You want to make a pile and dive inside. Comforting food and the wonderful smell of baking, the lights and song. already Christmas music is on the radio. So much joy and happiness. It is easy to forget the herd and all their trauma.
Serena died Monday morning from her bite wound from the dogs on Saturday. I didn't know she was hurt or would have taken her to the Vet as well. The Duck, Judge is okay but stays alone. He is hurt too but I think he's going to be okay.
Margaret the goat is back in the house. I got to make her another pen. She doesn't like too many people and is mean to them. She has to be watched or else. The geese are kept in the house at night so they are all safe and I'm back to locking up all the pens every night! Crap! No freedom in the evenings. But at least I sleep well knowing everyone is safe if just for tonight.

Mitzy is dead

My poor little silky chicken is dead! I killed her by lethal injection, Well not me but the vet. At 6am I woke to the sound of my husband telling me something was wrong with the animals. Sure enough, A neighbors two dog got loose and attacked. They tore a gaping wound in my poor baby. I ran her right to the vet. A duck is also hurt but strong enough to run. I couldn't catch him, The Vet advised euthanasia. I cried and paid the bill. $187.50 Crap. 11-12-11 is starting off bad.

41 degrees and dropping!

Crap! Winter is coming and I can't seem to get ready. Already the water is frozen over in the mornings and this morning at 41, it wasn't as bad as it was a few days ago. The geese are all in the house at night and everyone in the far pen is locked up. We haven't lost anyone since Hawk and Cameo but I'm not taking any chances. Mom cancelled her trip to New Orleans, My Step-father is very sick and in the hospital. Such a tragedy had he been on the road. I'm relieved that I don't have to leave my own herd to baby sit hers. Yet she really needs a vacation and I wish she would still go on her own. I have never seen New Orleans. Okay, From the air but that shouldn't count. I think I will try to go to MadiGras this year. Now that would be fun.
Lets all meet there, Better find a B&B NOW!

The geese came home!

I'm so impressed with the Maclouds! They are finally getting with the program, Last night and the night before, They were ready to come home. Up till then, Everynight we have had to fight the geese to get into the safety of the house. Now they get it! Now they are lined up and ready to come home for the night.

A Good Nite!

All the animals are safe! Had to go back to closing all the pens and shutting them up for the night! I really didn't want to stay out all night. Though Billy, Bless his heart, Positioned his truck for that possibility and broke my hose. Crap! There goes another yard. Mark and West came by and helped walk all the geese into the house. I hate the mess but a dead duck makes a worst disaster. Did an inventory:
12 ducks
3 chickens
6 goats
2 pigs
12 geese
4 dogs
5 cats
45 ~ down from 62 at last count.
did I miss anyone? Do you want all the names too? Blew! I missed him.
Blow your horn Blew. I almost forgot you!

Coyote has come back!!!!

Found Cameo half eaten this morning, Holy crap! He is Billy's pet duck. Found right inside the pen. What a tragedy for the other animals to witness. I can’t find Penny or Hawk the rooster either. I have toured the entire yard and not a feather. They must have been carried away. My Mom wants me to spend a week in Florida watching her animals but who is going to watch mine? The coyote? I’m going to stay outside tonight and see what’s coming. Of course while I’m there, nothing will. What am I going to do?

Lost another duck ~ Morticia!

OMG! I should have known! Last night I went into the yard to let the pig go home. I often set him free during the day. He likes to wander. While out I noticed that all the geese were standing at attention. On guard. I should have known that something was wrong. Penny, gwyn, and drucilla were with them in the same stance. I remember hearing the crows yesterday. Is the coyote back?
This morning I found Morticia torn apart. I immediately suspected Bernard and went to inspect him. He looks clean but you can never be sure. I'm sad over the lose of this pretty duck and she left her friend Drucilla all alone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a pic of blew. We're having him for supper and I invited Rudolph too, but the goat Rudolph decided to go back home before dinner was served. at 5pm. So it's just Blew and Billy, Norah & I. The neighbors, My good friend Bonnie and her son Sager. and all the dogs, and just Tiger the cat. The other cats aren't fond of people food. Having a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks to Norah for coming over and help cooking and Bonnie for suppling some of the food. I just put Blew's laundry in the wash and may have time to get it on the line for that sunshine fresh scent! It is an awsome day. Hot! Sunny and bright. Got to find my shades and see if blew want to go for a walk before dinner. I'll set him a little pen in the grass. He must be confined because you wouldn't believe how fast that little sucker can go.

Blow the horn! It's a baby!

I don't have any pics but had to recall, one week ago today we found Blew. So name because he/she blew her horn and we came running. Well I didn't but my friend Noel did. She found a baby duck, Probably Gywns. Looks just like her. We caught the baby, named it and set up a comfy home in the juccuzi. Padded with a heating pad and small bowls.  I still had food from the baby geese but when I looked for it, there was less then a quart. The goat Margaret ate it, Just a little in the bottom of the bag. Enough for now. Ducks grow fast so I'll be very careful to ration it. Sure glad I finally got a pen for Margaret. It is Temp. but good for now, The house hasn't been trashed, It's so nice not to have to sweep piles of shit first thing in the morning. She seems happy because her pen was built around her favorite spot, The gazebo.

Can't find my duck!

Little Bit is gone. I have looked everywhere with the help of friends and we can't even find a feather. I'm so sad. I kept this guy in the house all winter. He ate dinner last Thanksgiving at our table and begged like one of the dogs. He was inside every night while the coyote terrorised the rest of our feathered family. He was a protected pet and finally became a friend to Morticia and drucilla whom he followed around. I'm so sorry that I couldn't save him. He is truly missed. I'm certain that Bernard ate him. Every single feather.
If that ain't bad enough, One of my baby geese, now all grown up has decided to attack a duck. He got a hold on Morticia and dragged the poor thing to the pond and tried to drown it. When any event affects the herd they all make so much racket that you instinctively come running and lucky I did. Though my friend Norah was the victor as she shed her shoes and jumped into the pond. I'm still chuckling about that.

OMG! The dog ate the duck!

It's hard to believe! I think Bernard ate Lil Bit. Yesterday I was so sick to my stomach that I didn't pay attention when Bernard came in dripping blood. I had him to the vet last month over his ears bleeding and the vet said he had bad fleas though on advantage; He was under dosed and the vet gave me some pills. When I saw the blood, I gave him his next months dose. This morning, I noticed that Lil Bit is missing. I have looked all over the yard and down the ravine. My legs are scratched and I think I walked through some poison ivy but found no duck. Remembering yesterday, I just wonder..... I'll keep looking but I'm very concerned. My friend Norah said she seen Lil Bit yesterday but today I think she made a mistake. I can't expect my friends to be able to tell one duck from another.

Amazing goat

Margaret has such a personality! She loves to run about just like a dog. She's curious when someone comes to the door and will get up and check out the guest. but won't tolerate them for long. She is truly a one person goat. She doesn't like anyone but me. She attacks everyone and most people really want to love her. If you just ignore her, then she might not come over and ram you. She's not discrete either. She comes at you with the single most purpose to drive her horns into you. She doesn't like anyone. The kiji ad I got her from said "no children" but what i think it meant was nobody but you. when it is that time she will claim the couch just to keep Bernard off it. But when it is sleepy time, I don't think she cares where she hangs her hat.

She literally fell asleep in my boot! Shorty after taking this picture, it started to pour and she got up and closed the door.

Margaret is insane!!!

Was off line for a few days as my little wire eater, Margaret chewed her way through my living room. I have been trying to relocate her to the basement and into her new pen; if I can ever get it one built. For the second time, my carpenter has stood me up. I need someone to build a pen. NOW! Mean while she lives with the dogs, Runs with the dogs and is agressive with everyone! You do not need an excuse to piss her off. Just be near and watch out! She will ram you, jump up on you and raise on her hind legs and charge at you! RUN!Margaret is loose and mad as hell! I have no idea why but at least she isn't mean to me. On the other hand, I can't do a thing because she wants me to pet her all the time and if I'm eating she wants to eat it too. Last night I ate my dinner running around the dinning room table. What an insane goat! I need a pen ASAP!~Skunkster broke out of his pen and I let the pig Bubba loose. We have a zoo running around on Southworth! Please slow down but do not get out of your car.

FOR SALE! $1500.00

Habid, a Muslim friend wanted to buy a goat. To eat, I offered Rudolph for fifteen hundred dollars. The goat is not doing well. He doesn’t walk much and that’s usually on his knees. I don’t know what is wrong with him. I thought his nails were too long and had the vet trim them but still he is not better. From the beginning, he was a weak goat. Had a cough and was on antibiotic shots as a youth. We had him castrated at four months before he recognized his masculinity and still he grew into an aggressive alpha male. He has terrorised any one who has the effrontery to approach him. And has intimidated his peers as well as the geese and pigs.

I was so surprised when I entered the pen one morning and found Rudolph’s eye gashed open. It was a horrible wound! I ran him immediately to the vet and he was stitched up. The vet put some stuff on his eye and could tell if it was damaged. His sight was fine. He was all stitched up and the vet did a great job! Cost me $600.00 Lasted 3 days and the goat ripped his stitches out. Went back to the vet and stitched him again. Cost me $500.00 and again, he ripped them out. Returned to the Vet Easter Sunday and stitched him up once again. This time it was just the vet and I. charged me $400.00. I have spent $1500.00 on an eye wound. That doesn’t count getting him fixed at the vets and all those antibiotic shots, nail trimming, food, etc. So I think asking $1500.00 for a mean goat wasn’t too far out there considering what I actually have in the guy.

What I want to know is how a farmer makes any money on their animals. I really don’t see how they can when I find them so expensive just to feed. Not to mention the maintenance costs.

After the third trip to the vet, I wasn’t going to return that goat to his pen to rip out the stitches again. The goat moved into the house and followed us around like a dog. Within a few months he was returned home but separated from his brother who I believe delivered the initial wound.

Today, I will sell this goat for $1500.00. Well actually I’m thinking of getting the vet to come and see why he isn’t walking so well so I better wait and get the final price.

Penny Guin

I succeeded in removing this ducks leg bands yesterday. I don’t know why people (Farmers in particular) tag and label their animals. When an animal arrives at my house, the first thing I do is remove anything attached to them. I then set them free. They can come or go. I don’t care. They never go because they never leave the food dish which is always full. But they are free to make the choice.

When Penny & Gwynn arrived, I didn’t notice that this little duck had bands on both of her ankles. I knew I would never get near her but was surprised when she started sitting on a nest. She sat and I waited for the right opportunity. And then I waited, for the pig to get out of the way. He liked to sleep in the area where the duck was nesting and I was scared if he felt cornered he may bite. Hammy is so shy. Last night, the goat chased the pig and I chased the goat, leaving me alone with Penny. She was sleeping and never seen me coming. With the aid of my friend Norah, We removed the leg bands and set her free. The way she left us, strutting and flapping her wings, you would have thought she was the victorious battalion in an unchallenged war.  

Ireland

I’m so happy that Ireland our little 11 year old Angel Poo Bear came to spend some of her summer vacation with us. While here, she got to watch the geese grow. One, She named Happy Feet, is a lucky goose indeed. He repeatedly got stuck on his back. I don't know why but the poor little thing would fall over and get stuck. He wore wounds on the tips of his wings and neck trying to straighten out. Always, he was abandoned by the tribe and left to struggle. I kept my eye on him and often only counted 6 babies and off I went in search of the 7^th, stuck on his back somewhere. I was glad one day when I picked him up. Ireland got to pet him. We cleaned him off and held him. I loved this little fragile goose and prayed that I would always be there to protect him. He was released alone at the pond and joyfully played with us as his companion. Suddenly the other 11 geese came towards the pond and we were the interloper. Happy feet gave a chirp and they all came running and honked for us to get away. Not the least grateful, as we would expect, We were Just Happy to see them all together with Happy feet.
The Toronto Exhibition open this weekend but I like to wait and go the first weekend in September. Better deals!
We planned a camping trip for this weekend and I have no idea what I’m going to do with Margaret our new goat. She practically lives in the house and stays with Ireland all day except to hop on the couch once in awhile to watch TV; Anyway I think she’s watching TV. I’ll have to get a picture of her next time she’s up here. Right now I have no idea where the goat is. At least she isn’t near the kitchen making a mess. I think I’ll go do that all by myself. Neighbour just brought some fresh picked tomatoes, I wish I could have a garden but I tried that and the goats ate everything. Thank God for friends bearing fruit.

Margaret

I usually only like to rescue animals, which is why two friends called me and directed me to an add on KIJIJI where apparently a nanny goat needed me. I replied to the add and was surprised when the lady called me immediately and asked me if I wanted a goat. I said "NO!"  But I would take it if she couldn't find it a good home. I understand how difficult it is to find goats a home since they can be cancerous and usually have large horns to impale you.This marks our sixth goat in our evergrowing family.

Meanwhile the baby geese have grown so large that I barely can distinguish them from their parents. Last night was the first night they were not locked in and stayed lose for the evening, as well as Littlebit and her four neglected girlfriends. However, Margret slept in the house since all the billy goats are fighting to get alone time with her and regrettably her way of defending herself can lead to her own death. Wait a minute, she's just layed down on the couch so I think I should turn the TV on for her.....ha,ha,ha...

No girlfriend for little'bit! :(

Bought these 2 little girls at the farm auction with the intention of getting little’bit a girlfriend. He is always alone, Though may-be not lonely because he didn’t take any interest in the girls and after their 2 week scared period, where they run off and hide. I watched these two birds attempt sexual stuff, anyway I think they are both boys. I named the white one Penny and the Brown one Gwyn. Penguin! They are Indian runners looking like penguins.

Bought these 2 little girls from a Kijiji ad with the hope of getting little'Bit some company. Kept them in the house with him over night, He took off in the morning. I caught these girls, Cut their leg bands off (What are they for?) and let them loose at the pond. They are now hooked up with the Penguins. The boys who I thought were girls. I named the darkest Morticia and the other Drucilla. Last night I left them both out with the penguins. Even in the duck world, arranged marriages do not work.
I see all the Canadian geese are back in the park. Our coyote must have moved on as they have made a road at the rear of our lot and houses are sprouting up like weeds. Everything is good in our animal kingdom. except we still need a friend for Little 'Bit.

Hawk

I got Hawk and Casper from a barn auction and thought they were a pair. It turns out they were both roosters.  I don’t know why I bought them, I just thought they were pretty and colourful and hoped they would find a pleasant home on my junkyard. I got more then I bargained for when we were woken every morning at dawn by their alarm. Even the neighbours asked me about my new arrivals, one fellow across the creek told me he liked my new roosters. He was always late to work and now he’s up a few hours early. I think he was being sarcastic.

After about 5 years we no longer heard their call. Like living next to a railroad tracks, surprisingly, after a while you no longer hear the trains go by. May-be you still feel the house shake but the sound becomes so familiar that it isn’t annoying anymore.  

Casper developed curly toe paralysis and despite my research, he died. I think that curl toe was the beginning of a stroke.  Hawk who I thought was a lady, turned out to be an aggressive boy. Alone he took on the character of defender and is very possessive of his territory and chickens. Misty, Mary and Serena, I purchased  Mary and Serena at the same farm auction Hawk came from. That day at the auction, there were cages full of chicken and one man was buying them all, filling them into a potatoe sack after purchased. In one cage was 2 large regal black chicken that looked so proud. As the actioneer came to their cage the man followed with his bag ready to load and was surprised when he wasn't the lone bidder. I over paid for these birds but spared them from the fate in the bag. Today, they follow Hawk aound and toss me the occasional egg.

Misty, a silky. She is so precious!

Family reunion!

I have kept the five babies penned in the garage while the two younger babies of Chippy are kept in the house at night. During the day, I have been releasing them. Their mother is so glad to have babies. After hatching 9 babies, two has (so far) survived that long effort and I think she is finally done with her nest and has taken to caring for those babies. Just during the day.

I released the mother "Mama Goose" McCloud and her five babies yesterday. The pen needed cleaning and is an impossible job with an attacking goose. McCloud is Chippy's mother so her two babies are actually McClouds grandchildren.  

It is had to explain the exhilaration seeing the McCloud’s come together. Like a big family coming together at the reunion or a wedding with a fanfare of greetings and hugs. Excitement reigns. It brings tears to my eyes. The geese are showing such emotion and happiness. Once together and every body is acquainted, the five adults form a circle around their 7 babies and everyone is chased or attacked. They are so incredible in their organized protection. The babies set the course and the McClouds follow keeping an alert watch for strangers. Lola is still the odd gal out and wants to prove her worth. She loves a cat coming near so she can prove her loyalty and give the feline chase.

It takes me a long time to get to the pen as I can’t leave the babies, they are so cute! At dusk I invite my friend Mark over and when he arrives he helps me catch all the babies and lock down the pens for another quiet night…Quiet except Lola. She won’t go to bed or shut up. Some people tell me that peacocks are loud, after having 4 peacocks. I know that Lola has all four beat.

Macleod and Macleod is a name that I chose.

Describes my boys or girls I can’t tell,

Graceful and tall, though soft spoken; Not at all.

With a voice that’s a honk, can rival those honky Tonks.

Babies, Babies, Oh Baby!

We all spent the night at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls; One of our last nights because my friend has lost her room comp. Had a great evening esp. knowing the babies were safe. While out, I got a call from Mark, Chippy had more babies. Great balls of fire!

Chippy had another baby last night. I only saw one when I fed this morning. But there is still eggs around her. WOW! It has taken her over a month to hatch those eggs.

First she had three, they were killed. While i was in Florida she hatched one and it was killed. Then she hatched two and they too were killed this last Friday night Saturday morning Mama Goose finally hatched five babies, I immediately constructed a pen in the garage for these babies. No more risk in the yard. For a few days we let them loose to go to the pond but it is too much trouble to fight off the parents to capture the babies at night. On Monday Morning Chippy hatched 2 more babies and these ones were captured and have become house pets and spent the night with me at the casino.

Friday morning we had 2 babies. They were 8 days old and every night I brought them in the house until this last Friday when I went to a party with some friends. When I came home, Mark had already locked the pens with the babies inside. It was late and real quiet. I should have let them out and even went to the shed for the drill but seemed to think they would be okay for one night. I was tired and went to bed. They were gone the next morning, I called Mark. He came right over and he found a beak with not much else. This has destroyed Marks theory that is was the pig eating them. I was devastated and so guilty. Mark felt bad too. We loved those little babies and had just watched them chase away the ducks. I now wonder if it isn’t the rats killing them. I gave the rats a new diet and have been finding their dead butts, all over the place. One thing is for sure. Something out there is killing my babies. It was the coyote and I solved that problem by locking them in at night but something is still out there. Small, limber and hungry. Though I can not get near the babies, The geese are very agressive and will attack, This thing, this killer walks right by the big boys and walks off with their babies. If they are locked in the barn at night they will be gone come morning.

Daisy & Only

These best friends were part of the welcome committee to see 1 day old MacCloud & MacCloud. I'm so excited to have babies again. Born to Chippy but stolen by MacCloud & MacCloud, Who took them and guards them. They left one alone and I scooped it up. It came right to me. I couldn't resist and picked it up. It chirped and Papa MacCloud came running. I set it down near the charging goose.

Daisy duck is one of the last four females and the only duck that has attracted no attention from the other males. She hangs close to Only who is also a small mixed breed. They both fly and Daisy has flown as far as the corner store, No free food there so she always comes back.

MacDuck

Born to Woodrena on a cold day in March 2010. I found Mom and the 6 little babies looking for water but there was none these little babies could skate upon, So into the house they came and stayed the remainder of winter. The MacDucks were turned into pets and let you pet them. They were so small they didn't make much of a mess but I wonder what mom was feeding on for she frequently left huge patches of tar. I wish I could house train a duck!
Today this brave guy is all alone as his whole family was killed by the coyote. All but him.

Mother Goose

Mother Goose sitting on a nest.

McLeod & McLeod with Lola in the lead are still looking for the babies. Just saying "where's the babies!" sends them into a honking frenzy. I'm also sad but practical in the thought that some thing has got to be done. I don't know what. It is the only thing I have been thinking about. Because, Mama goose who had babies a few years ago, is sitting on 6 eggs. She has been there a little more then a week. She had 6 babies before but every morning I would come out and find one dead. That was the first time I started sleeping in my car, or rather staying up all night sitting in the car. On the one occasion I dozed I woke and found a wound on the side of the face of one the last remaining two. I brought it in the house. Cleaned the wound and kept him it there for about a week before it healed then sent him back out. As I remember, the geese were so happy to see their baby back but the fact they still had one, probably contributed to their contentment.  At that time we built a new area for the animals, making them closer to the house and easier to feed especially in the winter. I didn’t have another problem with predators until the coyote showed up this spring. Crap! The geese are honking. I gotta go.

all my babies are dead!

The first thing I saw was my baby duck dead, upon opening the pen this morning, I thought, crushed by the pig. I pushed everyone out as I searched for the other 2 babies. They were no where to be found. I started crying, or rather screaming. I do that. Especially when faced with the thought that something got my babies. Billy comes running and I explain, meanwhile Mom and Dad geese are having their own trauma while they transverse the whole yard in search of their young. I recover and realize mom and dad are pushing the ducks off their nests looking for the babies. I went back to the one baby and looked closely at the wound and discovered it wasn’t a crush but had two puncture wounds on its chest. OMG! A ferret or mink got them. Billy thinks rats but I think the wounds were too wide spaced. Possibly even a possum or skunk. What ever it is; I need to build something impenetrable to small rodents and then some how train the geese and ducks to bring their babies there to sleep. Crap and meanwhile do my housework, books and I’m low on duck food, I need to go shopping and there is so much laundry. With this nice weather it can go on the line. I wish Bernard would stay out of the bed, He is such a mess. I really need a vacation.

Little Bit

Was the baby till we had more babies. Lil bit was born late last year and unlike all the other babies we've seen, This one didn’t stay with his mother. She frequently looked for him but he was roaming from a few days old, He was an independent duck. He entertained himself and when he did seek company it was always with the big drakes that practically ignored him. When the temperatures dropped below freezing, I brought him in the house. He may have been fine, I don’t know. For my own peace of mind, he was. He became like a dog, fighting the dogs for table scraps. He was at the table Thanksgiving day! He stayed in all winter and to this day he goes out to play every morning. He comes in to sleep every night.

Faith, Hope and Charity

I had 3 babies June 8th 2011,
The new babies were born at.....Well I saw them at dawn but she stayed on the nest for 2 days hoping for more. Dad has an integral part of parenthood and stays right with the babies helping Mom. My friend Mark has been here getting pics of their progress. Their so cute.

But he has to be careful, Mom can be Nasty!

Tiger

Tiger is probably our oldest kitty. The first time I saw Tiger, he was curled up sleeping in a car that I was going to show a customer. I just about opened the door when I spotted the cat. What a nasty looking cat. A real Tom. Scratches and scars all over his face and ears and a rat tail with no hair from the middle of his back down. I was scared of it and didn’t know how I was going to get it out of my car. Needless to say, I just left it alone. I saw it more and more often and noticed it ate the cat food out of the dish with our kitties and a few Raccoons who also took up residence in the building. In time we realized it was just a homeless kitty looking for a meal. But he was a tom and started stinking up the place. Our Vet makes house calls as we have so many animals and on one visit I asked the vet if I got the cat fixed will it stop spraying. He said, “I don’t know but let’s find out.” I brought the cat upstairs into our apartment and he fixed the guy right on my dining room table. It didn’t take 10 minutes. Actually it took longer for the sedative to take effect then to remove his dipity-doos.
What a beautiful cat today. His wounds cleared up and his hair grew back, He doesn’t fight any other animals at all  And he never sprayed again.

Smoky Kitty

It was a very cold night in January when I came across this very thin frail kitty. He or she was sitting on the front porch of an apartment building where a lady friend lived. I had seen the cat on a previous visit but this time it was so cold. I carried the cat in and presented it to my friend as a gift she told me to put the cat out! I didn’t. I complained to her it was to cold for the kitty to be out. She insisted I remove the kitty so I put it in the laundry room.
My lady friend told me that it belonged to a girl who moved out in November and left the cat behind. I couldn’t figure out why no one has rescued or helped the poor thing. Left like garbage. And that is what it was the next morning. For when the Super of the building found it in the building, He bragged to my friend that he threw it in the dumpster. I didn’t know that when I returned that same evening and found it still sitting on her porch. I didn’t mess around. And I took the cat home. I don't know if its a boy or girl but I do know, There are 24 apartments in this building and not one humane caring person! I wrote a letter to my MP naming this abuser and wondered what kind of person would up and move and not care what became of the animal left like trash on the curb. I named it smoky and what a grateful little kitty. Sweet and forgiving to the same race that was so cruel.

Lex, Luk, lester- A stray that came to stay!

One day in the dead of winter we got a call from a boy that wanted to find a home for his dog. He said his landlord is making him get rid of the dog because he constantly barks. I didn't want another dog. But the kid kept calling and I finally agreed to help him find the dog a home. I tried but no one wanted a dog. I told the kid I was sorry but I couldn't help him. He then said he was going to set the dog loose. It is -18C out and I told him the poor dog would freeze. I should have told him to cut it loose!
He brought the dog over and I put him in the garage for the night. The next morning when I entered the garage, the dog growled at me. Not in my house! I growled right back and the dog ran and hid. That day I found him a home. Lex was gone may-be 3 hours and returned because he didn't get along with their other dog. Then I found him another home and was gone for almost a week. He was returned because he tore the garbage apart. Good Grief! I had him castrated and sent to school. The dog trainer said he guaranteed every dog to pass or they stayed in school. We have had the dog for about 4 years now and he would still be taking doggy classes! He is so stubborn and still does constantly bark.
I cut him loose. All my dogs run loose. People complain and they are frequently in the pound, but I get them out and set them loose again. I have learnt that they don’t go anywhere and if they do, they come back. Lex, once loose made friends all around the neighbourhood. Our neighbour Chuck owns a garage and he and lex were constantly seen together. I even have seen them drive by in a car. I asked Chuck about it and he said Luck likes car rides. He called him Luck. Everyone has a different name for the dog. One day a guy came to our house and said our dog lex jumped on his hood and scratched it, I said he’s not my dog and sent them to Chuck’s. I’m still laughing about that one.

The puppy

This is my baby Buster. No special stories about him, We traveled to Florida together and what a great dog to travel with but for some reason he peed when ever I entered our house there. I don't know why some dogs just don't learn how to climb stairs. He would be trouble if he could. But he can't and his space is limited to the apartment and the roof but at least he doesn't pee. On my next trip to Florida, He was left behind.

 I got Maggy May, when she was so small. I really didn't think she would live but what a tiger. She would jump into the big dogs dish, even though it was bigger then she and would growl if anyone came near their own dish. What a brave little girl. How many time have I dumped you, Let me count. I have several times gone somewhere and left Maggy behind. I don't know why but I once went to the car wash and forgot her. Went back and she was waiting for me. And then left her at a gas station, Drove half way to Toronto before I noticed her missing, Then she made friends at the feed store, a friends house, etc. Everyone tries to catch her but she is so shy of strangers, Yet once she is comfortable with you, Guard your ankles! She will attack! Right Maggy? She is right now sleeping at my feet. Thats what she does when she is not wondering where I went.

  Bernard or Lumberjack as I call him was a mistake! I bought him for a present for my husband but If I could change my mind! He is a huge mess! He has eaten several of my chickens and may-be a duck too. I had 2 banter chicken that were my pets and lived with me. Nancy and Frank. HE ATE THEM BOTH! I cried to lose them. I wished I had the money I paid for him back! The one conciliation is that large breed dogs don't live long. He's now 3, At least he was with me to guard against the coyote. (snoring)

Dakota - Such a nice kitty

The day Dakota came to us was probably the only time I have ever rescued an animal that made me cry. I became friends with an old man in town one day while I was digging a grave for a squirrel, killed on the road in front of my house. I have always picked up road kill and buried it. That or What? Do I drive over and by it until....How long would it take to disintegrate? Any way, Bill, The old man also shared my love for animals and frequently dumped unwanted animals on me from his neighbours. He gave me a rabbit one time that attacked my Doberman! I gave the rabbit away but had to buy its food for the rest of its life as the benefactor could supply a home but could not afford to feed him. One day Bill asked me if I would give his neighbour’s cat a home. The owner no longer wanted it as it was his daughters and she has gone off to school. He took it to the pound but they want him to pay. So he brought it back home and cocked off to the neighbour, my friend Bill that he was going to drown the cat. Bill of course offered me as a home. They brought Dakota into the house and what a friendly beautiful cat. Very thin as it was only fed dog food, but loving. You could see this was a pleasant cat and did nothing to warrant being dumped. They stayed for only a moment and left, and at that moment, Dakota ran with them to the door. He cried and pawed at it for the longest time. He could see them drive away through the window and he was so sad. It tore my heart out to watch his anguish. For a few weeks, Dakota stayed near the door waiting. One day he disappeared. I wasn’t surprised. He wasn’t happy.
My neighbour Bonnie invited me for dinner one summer afternoon and I found Dakota. Bonnie said that was her new cat Daisy. I told her Daisy was a boy named Dakota and took him home. He had been with me for five years before he developed a urinary track infection. I had to switch all the cats onto this very expensive special food from the vet for this aliment and he recovered. He is fine now, and is still the most adorably loving cat, shedding fur balls all over my house!

Teddy bear and Bugs

I once bought 3 baby goats and hand raised them. I heard they have a high mortality rate so I was expecting to lose them but they lived. I wished I remembered how much trouble they were. Constant feedings and watching them every minute or they ate everything. And yes they were raise in my house!  What a disaster!  When they were big I moved them outside into their own area and they enjoyed the freedom. A while later I encountered more baby goats. I forgot the work and brought another 2 home. They were real small, may-be days old. I didn't think they would live but thought to make their last days pleasant. One had long floppy ears, I named him Bugs and the other had no ears and I named him Teddy. Otherwise they looked identical. Like the first three, they lived and had a better go of it as the first had a cough and were on antibiotic shots. When the goats were 6 months old they were sent to the vet to be castrated. Male goats stink otherwise. I fed them milk from the bottle and our vet kept telling me to switch them to grain. Milk is so expensive, I wanted to use it all up. They were almost 7 months old and still sucking a bottle. Taking the bottle away was hard. When they cried, I indulge them.

Bugs was so cute. You just wanted to hug him. He wasn’t nice though, As soon as you came close to him BUCK! He loved to hammer you with his rapidly growing horns. Teddy on the other hand was a complete baby. As long as he was content things were quiet but if he wasn’t, He could be heard a county away screaming. You would not believe how loud this goat could cry. We kept him happy. They are about five years old today and Teddy no longer cries and Bugs no longer bucks. Actually now teddy is quite aloof and could care less about anyone. Bugs is now the big baby and wants attention or you can just stand with him and let him eat your cloths. He has eaten the shirt right off my back!

Hammy - A big black pot belly pig

Ham came to us from an animal rescue. Some people like to think that they rescue animals but a few save the animal from the imminent danger and then forget about them, as was the case with Hammy. He was saved then stuffed into a cage so small he couldn’t walk, rarely fed or watered and left like this for 2 years. A kind neighbour took pity on the pig and started to feed and water him but also looked for a better home. I don’t know how they found me but they asked me if I would give the pig a home. I didn’t want to but when faced with the poor things predicament, I felt I had no choice.

When Hammy arrived I was scared of him. He was so big for a pot belly pig and looks absolutely vicious. He was atrophic and had to be pushed off the truck. It didn’t take me long to realize that this pig was scared of everyone. It was six months before he was moving freely and another 6 months before he would trust me enough to let me pet him. Today he is still shy but he has a life where his bowl is always full, unlimited water, and a house with dry straw that he shares with 2 goats and a large yard where he has made a mud hole. He is frequently seen playing with the goat Pepper.

Stricker The duck

Stricker, The duck that thought she was goose. Killed by a coyote. It wasn't until the death of this duck that inspired my friends to join the hunt for the coyote. She was so cool. Everybody liked her. It was the only duck the geese allowed to hang with them. and she really thought she was one of them. One morning I went into the yard and Stricker was on the top of the berm quacking repeatedly. I joined her on the berm and thats when I saw the coyote. Not 30 feet away hiding behind a car. I screamed at it and it took off and Stricker stop quacking. I'm so sad to think that it was this same coyote that finally got her.

MacCloud & MacCloud

Ate by the coyote but recovered though he will never be the same. He is scared of what's out there!
Started with 8 geese and now I'm down to five. Coyote ate 3 and about 30 ducks From the middle of April till the end of May. But I have cured that problem. No I didn't shoot the coyote. I instead lock everyone up at night. Wow! Did it take me a long time to come up with that one or what? I slept in my car, in the driveway for 4 weeks trying to catch the coyote and the night I fell asleep to the steady rhythm of Bernard’s snores, I woke to find my 3 foot gander attacked. He actually cried. I saw tears roll from his eyes. At that moment I declared war on the varmint. I didn't sleep anymore. Me and several friends set up all around the yard, all night long. No matter where it came from we had it covered. We were ready but still could not catch it. We saw it every night but it seemed to see us first and flew away. It came at various hours between 12am-8am. We usually seen it around 5am Then one day my Aunt Judy wrote that her friend locks all their birds up at night and I knew that was what I should have been doing all along. Freedom! Freedom! Free them. The few left are all alive and well and secure and free all day long. And I'm back in my bed at night.

Lola our lost lady

Lola, our lost lady, came to us one cold day at the end of February. A neighbor called and said "Your goose is in my back yard!" I did not believe this because if the neighbor had one of my geese in their yard then they had them all. They stay together. I counted my geese. I told him he got himself a pet goose. He told me, he has a pet pit bull.

I got myself another goose. It took about a month before she blended with the others and is now leading the pack, Out into the road!