Greener grass...

Our sweet neighbors allow us to graze our animals on their pasture land.  We fence it with a few thin strands of electric fence, and I've been a little worried about how all these kids will do, learning to stay in where they should. The thought of 11 kids loose and running amuck is a little terrifying. We have held off letting them out because the fence needed to be repaired and we were letting the grass get a good start. Today sweet Chris walked the pasture and tightened the fence up. Winter had not been kind to it.  He got it all fixed and ready for the season in about an hour.

The grass out there is ankle high and lush. Even I thought it looked tasty.  Around 4:00 PM I let Chanel, Abraham, and all the mama goats out onto the land they have not grazed since last fall. Chanel was so happy she ran a few steps, head up, mane and tail flowing. A brief glimpse of her younger self.  Abraham chased Jane Doe with glee. It was a lot of excitement. The kids all looked on, calling to their mamas.  After a while I got brave and opened the gate. Half of the kids streamed in, boldly.  The other half hung back and looked worried.  After a while Abraham came out of the big pasture. He circled around and herded the hangers on through the gate.  There was a lot of leaping and dancing about. They explored with glee. Chanel and the mama goats ate and ate and ate some more.  The happiness was palpable. Everyone stayed inside the boundaries.

Bravo and I took a little time to walk out with the herd. After the long winter, it was nice to see them being able to eat fresh, green grass with gusto.  There was a cool breeze, which kept the black flies at bay for the most part.  When I stood still I could hear wind in the trees, water rushing over the rocks of the brook tucked behind the trees, and the tearing of plants as hungry animals dined. It was lovely. Even Bravo was smiling.

It was a much better day than yesterday.  Yesterday started early, before 4:00 AM, when Bravo asked to go outside with some urgency.  A little while later he began to vomit, leaving puddles of blood all over the floors.  Bloody diarrhea followed. He had the good grace to make it outside for the latter, and directed all the vomiting onto hard floors instead of carpeting or upholstery. He's a remarkable dog. I had him at the veterinarians office by 9:00 and left him there, head and tail hanging, feeling miserable. I worried and fretted, nearly as miserable as he was. 

He had x'rays and IV fluids. He received antibiotics and stomach soothing medicine.  The doctor called me twice. They decided it was hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. He must have eaten something he shouldn't have, but I have no idea what it might have been. He is not really the sort of dog that eats indiscriminately. It remains a mystery. A $460 mystery. But he came home and ate his prescription supper with gusto. Then he slept through the night and seemed his normal, happy, self this morning.  I am relieved.  I sure do love that dog. 

Meanwhile, my friend Brenda has been working her magic around our yard. She has edged flower beds and moved rocks, hauled mulch and planted things she brought from her garden.  She has such an eye for loveliness, and can get so much done in such a short time. 

It is spring, and green, especially on my side of the fence.