Please Support us

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There are many things that go on behind the scenes to ensure our goats are happy and have all of their needs met prior to bringing them to class. When managing several animals it is important to make sure that each goat gets proper care, regular check-ups, and have good living conditions. A few things we do to keep our friends as happy as they make us include:

1. Vaccinations: Regular vaccinations are crucial for preventing common diseases in goats. 
2. Annual Vet Check-ups: Annual check-ups help identify any health issues early on.
3. Routine Health Care: In addition to vaccinations, goats may need routine care, including deworming, hoof trimming, and dental care. Regular maintenance can prevent health problems down the road.
4. Nutrition: Ensure that the goats are receiving a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Depending on their age and sex, their dietary requirements may vary.
5. Housing and Shelter: Upgrading and improving their housing is a great way to keep them comfortable and safe. Proper shelter protects them from harsh weather conditions and provides a place to rest.
6. Sanitation: Maintain a clean living environment for the goats to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites. Regular cleaning of their living quarters and feed areas is important.
7. Enrichment: Provide mental and physical stimulation for the goats. This can include providing toys or structures for them to climb on and explore.
8. Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of each goat's health, including vaccination and medication history, so you can track their well-being and make informed decisions.

Providing our goats with a high level of care and attention will contribute to their overall happiness and the success of our class. We appreciate you supporting us and hope to see you in class!

Teddy is a 13-year-old miniature horse that was recently donated to us by his previous owners who knew we would be a good fit for him. By the time Teddy came into our lives, he had seen several vets who couldn't seem to figure out why he was limping. Teddy is dealing with a painful condition called Osteoarthritis in his shoulder/elbow. We were very fortunate to get a proper diagnosis and start a treatment plan to manage his pain. Osteoarthritis is a common condition in both humans and animals, and it's characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Managing his pain and ensuring his comfort will be essential for his overall well-being.

Since Teddy is a miniature horse, it's important to work closely with the veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to his specific needs. This may include a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, such as:

1. Joint Injections: Teddy has already received his first round of joint injections. These injections typically include substances like hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected joint.
2. Pain Management: Veterinarian may prescribe pain medications or supplements to help manage discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief in horses.
3. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help improve joint mobility and strength. This can be beneficial for managing his condition over time.
4. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for minimizing the stress on his affected joint. We have to be sure Teddy's diet and exercise regimen are appropriate for his condition.
5. Joint Supplements: Some horses benefit from joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which can help support joint health.
6. Monitoring: Regular check-ups and monitoring of Teddy's condition are important. Adjustments to his treatment plan may be necessary over time as his needs change.
7. Adequate Shelter and Bedding: Ensure that Teddy has access to a comfortable and dry shelter, as well as suitable bedding to minimize the stress on his affected limb.
8. Lifestyle Adaptations: Making changes in Teddy's daily activities to reduce strain on the affected leg.

After just his first injection, Teddy seems to already be more comfortable and upbeat. 

Strawberry is a baby goat born on ..... , and was immediately rejected by her mom. Her previous owners did everything that could but ultimately concluded that she would need to be bottle fed. Knowing that wasn't something they could provide her, they reached out to us to help. We took her in within the first 24 hours of birth. Early separation from their mother can pose some challenges for young goats, as they may miss out on crucial colostrum (first milk) and the maternal care needed for a strong start in life.

When caring for a bottle-fed goat kid like Strawberry it is important to consider:

1. Colostrum: Since Strawberry was separated from her mother at such a young age, it's important to ensure she received colostrum shortly after birth. Colostrum provides essential antibodies and nutrients for a strong immune system.

2. Bottle Feeding: It's crucial to provide her with a suitable milk replacer or goat milk to meet her nutritional needs and ensure proper hygiene during bottle feeding to prevent infections.

3. Feeding Schedule: The initial frequent feedings are essential for her growth and development starting at 5 times a day. As she gets older, we gradually reduce the number of feedings to align with her age and size.

4. Weaning: At the appropriate age, we need to start the weaning process to transition Strawberry from milk to solid food gradually to avoid digestive issues.

5. Socialization: Since Strawberry missed out on the maternal bonding, providing her with social interaction and companionship with others is important for her emotional well-being.

As she continues to grow, we are happy to announce she making great progress and is growing at a healthy rate!