Friday, October 30th was overcast but warm. I had been invited to bring to our county’s Halloween celebration some animals for the children to enjoy and offer pony rides. I opted on bringing just a few goats and such as the weather was leaning on the rainy side.

The event was at the county courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee. I was too busy to check out everyone else but it appeared that there were many vendors (crafts, food, etc.). Rhea County Animal Shelter brought several adorable puppies for adoption. However the most pleasing was all of the costumed children (and many adults), walking and enjoying the warm weather.

We were ready for visitors by 1:30 and we pulled out around 7:00pm. I know that there were many disappointed children that showed up at sundown but by that time my little animals were ready to go home! It had been a very long day for them. I’m certain that more than 100 children were entertained by my goats Gracie, Bongo & Muffin. Not to mention Ms Piggy, Dr Seuss the Silkie rooster and my little Lionhead bunny.

I collected about $43 in donations which I handed over to Rocky Potter of the sheriffs department. Proceeds will go towards the Christmas Toy Drive for the children of our community.

I was very thankful for the help that I received setting up and tearing down. The volunteers were awesome and made my task so much easier! Thank you, everyone!

The weather forecasts 80% chances of rain tomorrow. If the sky stays clear, I’ll bring the miniature horses for pony rides. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

I was able to publish a few pictures of the hundreds that I took… It’s not easy to take pictures of animals in constant motion amongst excited children!

Someone sent me this article and I just had to share it with all my goat loving friends.  I don’t know who the owners are but since this article is being sent freely via the internet, I didn’t think it would be a problem to post it on my site.

A paternal dog has adopted an abandoned baby goat as his surrogate child.  Billy the boxer has become the constant companion of the 12-day old kid called Lilly. He sleeps with the goat, licks her clean, and protects her from any dangers at Pennywell Farm wildlife centre at Buckfastleigh, near Totnes, Devon.

The kid was abandoned by her mother when she was only a few hours old and adopted by paternal Billy when his owner Elizabeth Tozer began hand rearing the goat. The unusual bond has developed over the last month and the pair is now inseparable. Elizabeth said: ‘Lilly follows Billy around which is really quite amusing to watch and Billy sleeps with the goat and cleans her mouth after she feeds.’

Billy the boxer protects his little kid.Lilly was the smallest of a litter of three kids and her mother abandoned her because she could only care for the two stronger ones.  The pair have attracted quite a crowd at the animal centre and the staff are keen to see how their relationship will develop.

How many of you remember the Irish Rovers and the song about the Unicorn?  While doing some internet research on our camel Boris, I came across this You Tube video and all of a sudden I was a little kid again!

I hope I haven’t given you an “ear-worm”!

Written by children’s author Shel Silverstein, this song was popularized by the Irish Rovers in the 60′s.

A long time ago, when the Earth was green
There was more kinds of animals than you’ve ever seen
They’d run around free while the Earth was being born
And the loveliest of all was the unicorn

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you’re born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn

The Lord seen some sinning and it gave Him pain
And He says, “Stand back, I’m going to make it rain”
He says, “Hey Noah, I’ll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo,
and take some of those…

Green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you’re born
Don’t you forget My unicorns

Old Noah was there to answer the call
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started to fall
He marched the animals two by two
And he called out as they came through
Hey Lord,

I’ve got green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I’m so forlorn
I just can’t find no unicorns”

And Noah looked out through the driving rain
Them unicorns were hiding, playing silly games
Kicking and splashing while the rain was falling
Oh, them silly unicorns

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, “Close the door because the rain is falling
And we just can’t wait for no unicorns”

The ark started moving, it drifted with the tide
The unicorns looked up from the rocks and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
That’s why you never see unicorns to this very day

You’ll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you’re born
You’re never gonna see no unicorns

[New Lyrics]
Now you might think this is the ending to the song,
But I’ll have to tell you friends that in fact you’re wrong
You see, Unicorns are magical, so when the rain started pouring,
They grew themselves some wings and they took to soaring.

You’ll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
But if you’re looking for the unicorns, don’t be forlorn,
The second star to the right and straight on until morning.

Gonzo is one of our two registered Tennessee Fainting Goat billys. He’s available for stud service at our place, not yours. Listen when he’s on his back and you’ll hear him fart.