The Saga of Henry

I can't believe I have not blogged about Henry. Madison bought her own show goat this year. He's going to be a prize winner!!! She actually bought him with her own money that she made last year from all of her 4-H winnings. He was very reasonably priced for a show goat, but let's just say that he better be a prize winner! However, after a few days, Henry quit eating and his tail went down (not good). Within two days, he was a bag of bones on 4 wobbly legs. Since he didn't know us yet, he was a sad little guy. The other goats didn't seem to console him either. Our 4-H agent was out of town, so we had to rush little Henry to the vet. Can you believe that we drove him in the back-seat of NaNa's Caddy? He didn't mind, because he was so sick. Dr. Todd pumped him full of IV and told us that he was shy and stressed. Just our style - Henry needed some Prozac. After two days in the "hospital" he was still not eating very well, but Doc let him go because I think he thought we might take up residency at his clinic. Henry seemed to perk up a bit when Madison would visit. So, pumped with fluids and orders for a special diet including rabbit pellets and Prilosec, Henry made the return trip in the floor-board of my Honda Accord. Thankfully, since that time, he has eaten well - seems like he worked up a bit of an ulcer. He overcame his fears, and has gained his weight back and then some quickly. He's a bit shy when any of us go to catch him, but he's expecting a pill poked down his throat. He's not shy around the other goats now, and has taken his place in the social order of the group. He likes me, because I give him his alfalfa treats. Catherine (the trainer) is going to kick me out of the barn. I told her I was an equal opportunity spoiler as one of her goats was eating a treat from behind my back after he rubbed on my leg like a puppy dog (not a great thing for show goats). : )

Mother's Day Gift

For Mother's Day, Madison's class made a great gift. It was a recipe for sugar cookies tied to a recipe card titled Recipe for a Great Mom. The recipe card read (in Madison's handwriting). . .

Melissa
Mother of Madison
slim, loving, willing, a 4-her, says "clean up the stairs"
Likes Krissy (Madison and Robert's cat), her computer, flowers
Loves Me, Robert, Henry (Madison's goat)

Also attached was a cookie cutter in the shape of something that reminded them of "Mom". My cookie cutter was the next best thing to a goat - a sheep. Sometimes she throws something together, but this project was thoughtful. I can tell by the intention of her words. I like the word "willing", and wonder what she means. I like that she mentions the discipline that I give her - someday that may make some sense to her. I love that she included the 4-H stuff that we do together. I giggled that she threw in Her animals for good measure - she's always campaigning for them and any other breathing four-legged critter - hot or cold blooded. I hope she believes that I am loving because sometimes she reminds me that I am her worst enemy. Those times hurt, but today's note warmed my heart. It's a keeper - just like her.