goat cookies

In which I somehow find myself with Hank in Niles, Michigan, caring for Louie the dog, Ted the cat, and Silver Bullet, Corky, and Buster Brown the goats. Hank does a lot of pet-sitting for friends and family, particularly his sister's dog Latka, who is maybe the best dog ever. Since we both live in rather crummy and small places, our visits have taken place in various spots like his sister's in Delmar (California). It was actually my idea to get a pet-sit in some nice Michigan spot, so here we are, for two and a half weeks. The house is huge and beautifully appointed, unlike Hank's cruddy little Santa Monica apartment or my perch at Vern's run-down casita. This is simply room after room, airy and nicely decorated. The kitchen is a dream, since I live without a stove and generally cook on various small appliances. There is an espresso maker. There is a dishwasher. Tho I wont be baking, there's a Kitchenaid mixer. Three big TVs in cozy spots. A hot tub. (Three of the places that Hank and I have stayed together have had hot tubs, and I'm hooked.)

Louie the dog is a 105 pound Black Lab, full of doggie love. I cannot stress enough what a dog guy Hank is, tho he hasn't had one of his own for a while. He came in this morning with his back covered in leaves and grass, because he had been rolling on the ground with Louie. This is a very serious love affair. Ted the cat is a bit more aloof than I'd like, but when he wants a scratch or a meal, he comes to me. 

I have taken on the care of Corky, Silver Bullet, and Buster Brown. Corky is a Nigerian Dwarf, calico-colored with a beard. Silver Bullet is black with a little grey, Buster Brown is (duh) brown, and they are pygmy goats, They are fairly adorable, even with those spooky slit-pupilled eyes. They are mostly shy, tho Buster Brown likes his sides scratched. They are neutered, which Kimetha says makes them less smelly and more docile. For farm animals, they are quite easy and non-stinky; they even poop in little pellets, like rabbits. 

First they get a scoop of goat chow (pellets again), divided among three dishes, one of which is divided in two, that's four compartments of food for three goat mouths. But they just push and shove. Then I put a "flake" of hay (a 2 ft square slice) into the hay hopper, and then it's time for treats. Goat treats are actually plain old animal cookies. They push and shove, then each gently nibbles a cookie from my fingers. They are lovely little beasts. They have a big, sunny enclosure with grass, sticks (they like to nibble the bark), something to climb on, a salt/mineral lick. They've got it pretty good.