Mosquito Fencing

Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, this tidbit wasn't from one of my clients but from another vet in the office.  She was discussing heartworm disease and how it is transferred by mosquitoes.  The owner said, "I've never had a mosquito in my house, 

from Wikipedia 

or in my yard,  It's fenced."
My question would have been, "fenced with what, mosquito netting?  How big are your mosquitoes?"
My colleague was more polite and did not ask these questions.

Goats and Snow Don't Mix

The goats were very unsettled the day it snowed.  

 They were all over the place.

 Up and down hills.

 To the horses' round bale then away again.

 Then they about attacked me when I went to the barn.

Then they attacked the salt I put out for them.
I really don't think goats like the snow.

Bad Horse For Sale Pictures #10

On the face of it, this one's not too bad.  

 But it really makes me wonder what they air brushed out on his left hand.  And then the horse's biggest selling point...

Happy Valentine's Day (4 days late).

What's Blooming

You must think I'm crazy with "What's Blooming" when it looks like this outside.  

 Yes, this is Southwest Virginia not Sochi Russia.

 But what's blooming is this!

 It's an orchid my brother got me for Christmas a couple of years ago.  After it stopped blooming, I dutifully continued to water and mist it.  Month after month, nothing until now.

Maybe spring will come early and I'll have some outdoor flowers soon.

Just Kit Sunday #38

What do you do with a cat that is staying inside and getting fat because of the cold and snow?

You take him outside and take his picture.  That way you both get exercise.  Him running away, and you chasing him to try and get a decent picture.  

 I think I got one good one.

 Mostly, Kit Kat was just looking for an escape route.

And this was the end he preferred showing me.

Jumping Otoelene or NOT

The other day when E was working with Wrangler, I decided to take the saddle off of Otoelene and try her in the round pen with a small jump.  E said no way was Otoelene jumping, she barely picks her feet up to walk or trot.  I said all horses can jump, it is just a matter of finding the proper motivation.  

 So day 1, I started with a 2x4  propped up between a panel and a bucket.
 Well, this is something new and it needs a thorough inspection.

 OK, jump!

 To be fair, I have been practicing side passing over things.  Maybe that's what she thought I wanted.

 A quick turn around and well, yes you have to inspect this side too.  It could be different you know.

 OK, jump!

That wasn't quite to spot I wanted her to stop in but that's where she did.
There were several more tries with a little more speed but the best I got was trotting over fast with her picking her feet up high.  At least she quit stepping on it or tripping over it or tangling it up between her legs.  But she never really did jump over it.  I guess I just haven't found the proper motivation yet on Day 1.  But I  am not giving up yet.

Wouldn't one of these made to look like Otoelene be great?  Entering a contest at The Red Headed Mare to see if I can win.

Bumble and Bea

For those of you new to my blog, Bumble and Bea are our two Great Pyrenees guard dogs that take care of the goats.  Because of the coyotes we probably would not have continued to keep the goats without them.  We got them as 12 week old puppies in October of 2009 and they have been a joy to have ever since.   They love staying with the goats yet are very friendly to us.  They love attention but are ready to go when the goats start moving out.   

 For their large size they are still very humble.

 They adore Emma and continue to allow her to "be in charge."

 I named Bumble after the Abominable Snowman from Rudolph.  She was just so big and bumblely.

 Bea is a bit smaller than Bumble.  My brother came up with her name for Aunt Bea on Andy Griffith who looked after Opie since Bea was to look after the goats.

 And it's fun to have 2 dogs named Bumble/Bea.

They are true gentle giants.