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Lost a good animal friend today

ladypanther

By ladypanther,
in Huddle Lounge

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ladypanther Grand Master

ladypanther

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Not the usual here. This one is a goat.

About 15 years ago I decided I needed goats. (That was a new revalation...never had prior experience.) My property includes some rugged little mountain terrain, some previously cleared which had turned into 8 foot weeds, bushes, shrubs...and perfect snake land. Too steep to get someone to clear.

So.....got my goats. Named them after friends. Debigoat was my first purchase. She...a full French Alpine. Also got her friend Al (a steer). Got a couple of others... little mixes.

Got them for a purpose...then soon fell in love. Goats are so much fun...they have great personalities. I call them a cross between a deer and a cat. There are very curious and affectionate animals.

So, recently thought Al and Debbie looked a bit off...that has always meant parasites. Wormed them ( means an injection) about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Was watching them closely, as I always do. Looked like they were eating well. Good sign. Yesterday evening..all looked ok.

This morning...did not see Debigoat...she did not come when a called. Searched... finally found her. She was dead. ( a few hours late Al was sick.... he displayed more specific symptoms, ..think it must have been bloat...hopefully getting him through it. I wish I could have known it earlier.)

Debigoat was a beautiful and sweet girl. I will miss her. I have been trying to comfort myself...she did exceed her life expectancy...and not all goats get to be pets. I think I gave her a good life. As many of you here understand...it is still tough..pets are family.

The pic of her was taken last winter. Isn't she a beauty? (Click on the pic)

[ATTACH]34982[/ATTACH]

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ladypanther Grand Master

ladypanther

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If both got sick they must have eaten something that hadn't been around before.

Same area they have been in for years. Nothing different. I have 2 other goats ( not more than 1-2 yrs younger) and 2 sheep who are fine. No signs of problems.

Wonder if age just made them more vulnerable?....But to what? Al definitely had symptoms of bloat (wet) and treatment for that was successful..at least through this evening.

Am open to all suggestions.

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5158Poundin Newbie

5158Poundin

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I am sorry for your loss lp. She was gorgeous (never saw a goat with her coloring). I have a friend who once owned a goat named Harvey and he was very friendly and sweet. He only annoyed me cause he was like a dog and liked to put his nose in places it didn't belong. I think he died of similar circumstances and he was quite old. I believe the vet indicated it was common for old goats. I hope your other goat gets better!

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ladypanther Grand Master

ladypanther

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How long do goats typically live?

They generally say 15yrs is the life expectancy.

Other goat Al, was fine first thing this morning. Down a couple of hours later. Got him up finally and started treatment. Have emailed the goat911 web group for more help. They helped me save a goat a few years ago that had a serious problem. There is not a large animal vet in this county.

And thanks everyone for the kind words.

Al's pic...also last winter.

[ATTACH]34983[/ATTACH]

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