Quote From: teri_idI just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Today is much better than the last two days.
As an update, the two baby goats were absolutely not harmed. I admire the adult goats for doing such a fine job of protecting them. They are afraid. I am sure the smell of the dogs still lingers in the pens, and that must be traumatizing to them. They also seem to not understand why the big boys can't come out to be with them...it is sad. We are trying to spend lots of time with the babies to comfort them...I have even been letting them suck my thumbs again. It seems to comfort them even though they are weaned.
The two surviving adults are in really bad shape. Salsa, the brave soul who lost his life, is very missed. Taco and Snow are struggling. Snow has only two visible injuries, yet he cannot get up...we suspect he has something internal going on that we don't understand. No vet will come out here yet and they are in too bad of shape to transport, so we are unsure of what to other than love him and make him as comfortable as possible. Taco is the worst off. There is really only one small spot on his head out of his whole body that is not bit and torn. He cries when he gets up, but he gets up to relieve himself, which is a good sign. The bad thing is on his hind leg he is mangled. There is so much bone exposed that I don't know what to do other than wash, medicine, and love. He is in a horrible amount of pain yet makes it clear he intends to live right now, which makes me admire him even more. The babies really want to see him, so I let them "talk" to him at the barn door, as we have put the injured ones inside. For the babies we have built a pen that should keep them safe in the event the dogs come back before we find them.
We have an idea of the direction the dogs live. We are going to put an ad in the paper and canvas the area to see if anyone's dogs came home bloody. We have also made it clear that any dog we see on our property will be shot at this point, as we cannot allow our goats to be hurt like this again.
The prayers and thoughts have been so appreciated and welcome. I don't think I have ever felt so powerless and angry and broken hearted like this. Today I have hope, I am not sobbing, and I know that I am doing the absolute best I can to care for my friends. I do not feel powerless.
Side note: Brenda, Erv, that is my boyfriend/mate, and I think your idea is great and would love to try to set a date. We really need lots of planning time because of school/budget/ and the clients we care for. We are willing to do this, and think it is a grand idea...so even if it takes a year, let's plan it and follow through.
Thanks again everyone! Your loving responses have helped me, lifted my spirits, and Ritehere, thank you for your supportive thoughts, we are sure now that it was dogs as someone actually saw them, and your level, thoughtfulness is so wonderful! Thank you...
Teri
I was truly saddened by your tragedy. You sensitivity and loving care for these little ones who are still struggling and can’t fend for themselves is a testament to the uniquely special human being that you are. I’m sure that those sweet little ones are finding comfort and solace with you there to tend their wounded bodies and hearts. I just love who you are!!!
That’s why I’m even MORE excited about getting together to meet see the show, have lunch and spend more time getting to know each other even better!!! I know that you have a lot on your plate right, now. When you get an opportunity to discuss with Erv what time you feel would be good for ya’ll! Then we can try for a long range target date!
Keeping You in my thoughts and prayers!
Brenda
