Our Pygmy goat, Dodge, is a family pet.
He is a wether, bought for the purpose of showing, but he quickly became a part of the family. Izzy is my animal lover and can't seem to get enough of anything that has to do with animals.
This is Dodge's third competition, resulting in eight showings. Together he and Isabela have five blue ribbons and three red.
After each show all first and second place goats gather for a champion competition. Dodge has never won a champion competition, until . . .
this past weekend. Saturday, March 27th, Cozy Cottage Dodge won Grand Champion Reserve Wether.
Wow.
Wish you could have seen my little girl's face.
Dodge, on the other hand, was not impressed. He just continued to chew his cud, clearly not understanding.
The goats are judged on muscle tone, body measurements and proportions, head and expressions, coats, markings, barrells, rumps, and a bunch of other stuff I don't understand. Remember, he's a pet, we are not goat farmers. The goats are not judged on their behavior - until this last show. The judge pointed out that the goats were all on equal standing except in behavior. To this particular judge Dodge stood out because of this.
This makes us doubly proud of Izzy, her hard work paid off. Dodge could have been judged on his merit alone, but she is what made the difference. She feeds and waters him, loves and pets him, and practices daily before competitions getting him to walk by her side, go when she goes, stop when she stops, and generally behave like a champion goat should. And, thanks to her, he did.
In the past she has left competitions slightly disappointed, jealously eyeing those fancy rossette ribbons with the custom inserts. But not this time.
Hard work and persistance pays off, huh baby girl?
Congratulations to you and sweet Dodge. He loves you for good reason and he said so Saturday, gifting you with that coveted ribbon.
Display it proudly - but remember, we are learning together, humbly.
