Farm Union

Here are Esther and Petunia, the two friendliest goats we have ever met. We've walked them on leashes along the road to Nancy's house, much to the amusement of all passers by, we've taken them to visit the neighbors and raced them home, we wake up every morning to their eager greetings then spend all day with them either following us around the yard or waiting and watching through the glass doors. 

Meanwhile, Oliver, the friendliest and happiest and smallest pig we have ever seen follows us about if anything interesting is happening, or finds a nice spot right on the edge of sun and shade to sunbathe. When we call his name, he jumps up and races across the yard for a treat (always assuming of course that "Oliver" means "food over here" which is generally the case). 

Tilly is enthusiastic about the goats, but has been working on being calm with them. We leave the sliding door open just wide enough for them to stick their heads through; biting, butting, baaing, and barking. Tilly wishes they were more like her and would play ball and race about.

For reference, this is what life now looks like. As I am blogging or working on my computer, or cooking or eating, I am surrounded by these friendly faces. Personal space and privacy are things of the past.

Earlier today, I opened the sliding glass door a little too wide as I went to go out. After a week of 'recovering from surgery' and having nearly no stimulation or exercise, Tilly seized the opportunity and bolted out! With all 14 chickens in the yard, a tiny pig, and two new goats, Tilly raced at full speed around the circumference of the yard. Trying to remain calm and trying not to imagine disaster on this first off-leash meeting, I stood by the goats and pig and called slightly desperately and panicked for Tim. As Tilly ran wildly feet away, Tim shuttled the chickens to safety then joined me by the goats and pig as she mouthed at them on her passes. "She doesn't want to hurt them, she just wants your attention. She just wants to play with YOU." Tim calmly pointed out. "Oh." I switched from defense to offence. I forgot about the other critters and gave my desperate deprived pup my undivided attention. We raced for the ball, chased each other about in the yard, played fetch and rolled in the grass. She had no interest in the other animals calmly cuddling Tim and they seemed to have enough trust in us to ignore her antics. It had to happen eventually.

Of course, the animals I was relieved by seeing calm around crazy Tilly were the goats. Oliver the Pig never minds anything unless it has something to do with the chances of him getting food. He's a great ambassador in that way, never acting like pray or a toy, never becoming flustered and never making those squeaky toy noises or fast movements. He also treats everyone with equality and indifference. Living up to the reputation of "pig", his self-interest keeps him getting along with all the other critters. Tonight we upgraded his status from 'honorary chicken' to 'honorary goat', moving his entire mini-barn back into the goat barn. It's a little warmer in there during the night and cooler during the day, and there is a great enough size discrepancy that neither species can invade the others food or bed too much. Hopefully they are having a good night together and will keep each other company and comfortable throughout the year.

In human news, Aunt Noree and Bill came by today to drop off a telescope for Grandpa after spending the day at the Oak Harbor car show and Coopville crafts fair. Greenbank was also having 'Highland Games' today and tomorrow is 'Pig Fest' in Oak Harbor - I don't think they mean Oliver. It's a busy weekend on the island!