Man Who Stares at Goat

Hedgebrook Farm:  Winchester, VA

Looks like we are going to get a goat! 

There are a lot of benefits to having a goat.  The foremost being he will satisfy our desire for a pet.  Last year we lost both of our dogs.  It was heartbreaking, and we're just not ready for another one, but we do want some cute smallish animal to dote on.  A cat is out; I tried enticing our neighbor's into our house, but my husband's allergic and choleric reaction put an end to that.  He wants a goat.  He's been talking about goats for two years.  It was neither George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, nor Jeff Bridges fault -- he wanted a goat before he knew men stared at them; I swear.  He's been patient; I think he deserves one.

I know a lot of bad things can happen if the goat gets loose in my garden, very bad things.  But I'm choosing cognitive dissonance. 

The goat will not destroy my gardens; in fact, he will nourish them and reduce at least one area of fossil fuel consumption -- the weed eater.  According to Nikki Phipps, author of the fabulously titled Bulb-o-liciuos Garden, goat manure because of its natural neatness and pellet size is an ideal compost additive.  It will create greater air flow and speed up the composting process.  It also can be added directly to garden beds without burning plants -- sounds great!  http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting-basics/goat-manure-fertilizer.htm

Beyond that, the goat will literally be our weed eater.  For all his gifts and talents, the hubby is not perfect.  He's allergic (highly allergic) to poison ivy.  If our goat does his job right, he will reduce the fossil fuels consumed by a weed eater and save us at least one trip to the emergency room for  prednisone. 

The Virginia Carolina Livestock Market is right down the road, and next Saturday at noon -- we'll be there staring at and possibly buying a goat.