My Precious Pets Series: Mickey Mouse the Pygmy Goat

As you know I love my animals and they are a lot of inspiration behind my crafts. So, I am going to do a series called "My Precious Pets", each telling the story of each pet. I hope you come to love these guys as much as I do...

Mickey Mouse the Pygmy Goat

Aaron and Mickey's first show, winning Reserved Best Wether

Once upon a time, many years ago, our farm business was providing pony rides and a petting zoo for parties and festivals. We had some small goats in our petting zoo that I thought were Pygmies, but I soon discovered that they were not after visiting the Georgia State Fair in Perry, GA.  This is a huge fair with lots of livestock shows and of course, NPGA (National Pygmy Goat Association) registered goats. It was here that I fell in love with the Pygmy goat. In 2004, we purchase a couple of registered does and began our adventure in the show ring. I found a beautiful carmel buck in New Mexico that I had to have. I found fellow Pygmy lover to pick him up at a show in NM and bring him back to their home in Texas. We drove to a show in Henderson, TX (12 hours one way) to pick him up and it was here we found Mickey Mouse.

     Tisha and Mickey in Lebanon, TN

Mickey was the runt in a set of triplets. He was scrawny, but stole out hearts. We purchase him, to give our young son, Aaron, a show animal to work with. He has a friendly, curious disposition that made in super special. Aaron wasn't sure about showing (sometimes he liked it, sometimes he didn't), so I took Mickey as my personal show wether. As he matured, he began winning the big Best Wether ribbons. He always had that alert, I'm happy to be here attitude. This is what gave him his edge. Some judges thought he was over weight though. I think he is beautiful.

     Aaron and Mickey at Go Getter Goat Show

In the NPGA, wethers who win championships get ranked as bronze (3 wins), silver (6 wins), gold (9 wins), and platinum (12 wins). After they reach platinum, they retire. We attended six shows as year and Mickey was winning every one as Best Wether. I took him the 2008 NPGA convention in Perry, Ga. There were goats from all over the US. The convention has a show to place National titles on animals, Mickey didn't win but he got 3 votes. After the National show, we had two more shows, with Mickey winning Best Wether in the first show and 3rd place in the second. You never know what a judge is looking for.

     Mickey's wall of fame

In early 2009, Mickey only needed one more win to be able to retire. Unfortunately, I injured my back and have been unable to show any goats since. Now he spends his days grazing the hill behind the barn and laying under the fan on hot summer days. He still has that special personality that makes him a winner...especially to us.

     Tisha and Mickey at NPGA National Convention

Dog/Puppy Gift Basket Giveaway!

This is my first giveaway and I'm extremely excited and nervous. I hope you like it.

If you know anything about me, it's I love giving. I love finding that perfect item, wrapping it real cute, and seeing the face of person (or pet) receiving the gift. I say pet because my dogs love receiving new toys and treats (of course). So for this giveaway, since it's my first, has to be real special. Of course, I wanted to include items from my store but I also wanted to include some of my favorite things.

This gift basket will be perfect for your own precious pooch, a gift to a friends pooch, or to donate to you favorite dog charity for their use or fundraising. Whatever you choose, so think about it.

To register for the awesome basket you have to post a comment and tell me about who you are giving this gift to. If it's to a specific pet, tell me in detail about the pet and what he/she means to you. If your giving it to a charity, tell me about the charity. I will post the winner on June 1st and then contact you for shipping info. Participants must live in the United States. Please leave an email address to be contacted if you win.

This is what is included in the Dog/Puppy Gift Basket (see picture below). You will receive the items wrapped in cut cellophane with a bow:
1. BowWow Blanket - 17" x 20" quilted blanket/matt
2. Pooch Purse - for carrying your doggie stuff to the park
3. Nail Clipper- makes it easy to snip your dogs nails.
4. Combo brush- for short and long hair dogs
5. Grooming Shammies (2pk)- great for washing dogs face and ears
6. Bella Bowl - you get 2 bowls (1 pink, 1 brown); stainless steal, nonskid bottom ring
7. Squeaky dotz
8. Pooch Pretzels- 6pack 9. Fresh-n-Clean Shampoo- 18oz long lasting scent (I get more compliments about my dogs and this shampoo)

My Precious Pets Series: Dinky the Dachshund

As you know I love my animals and they are a lot of inspiration behind my crafts. So, I am going to do a series called "My Precious Pets", each telling the story of each pet. I hope you come to love these guys as much as I do...

Dinky the Dachshund

     Dinky posing with my flowers

One day on Jacksonville Beach, I seen this little girl running around the beach with this little red Dachshund. I thought it was the cutest little thing, running as fast as it could, it's ears flopping up and down. I then thought I would like to have a dog like that. That was the first seed planted that grew into this gigantic love I have for Dachshunds. The desire to own one of these fabulous dogs stayed some where deep inside because growing up, I was not allowed to have an indoor dog or cat. After marrying my husband, who works and is away a lot, I started researching small dogs. I of course, read mostly about Dachshunds, but I wanted to check out other breeds to make sure the Dachshund was the dog for me.

     "Did someone say 'CHEESE'?"

Well, as you can see, I chose a Dachshund. In my research, I discovered the dapples and they soon became my favorite. I found a breeder about 2 1/2 hours away from me, that had a dapple pup that I thought I wanted. When I arrived, I sat on the floor to observe the pups, and although the one I came to see was friendly, Dinky was the one that chose me. I fell in love instantly.

     "Bahaha! Tobe you crack me up!"

Dinky is a registered miniature Dachshund, but I call him a tweenie because he weighs 18lbs. His color pattern in called "double dapple." You can have this pattern when you breed two dapples together, the pup will have a lot of white and blue eyes (not to be confused with a piebald). The breeder I got him from had been breeding her pair of dapples for four years, and he was the first that came out looking like this. You have to be careful, because they are at high risk for being deaf or blind. Dinky is neither but he is nearsighted. I have seen only two other dogs like him, one was deaf and blind, and the other was deaf. Dink will be 10yrs old this October. He loves squeaky toys, sleeping on the couch, road trips, treats, and cheese.

     Sleeping on the couch

I love all my animals, but Dinky and I have bonded in a way that I have never experience with any other dog. He comforts me when I am lonely or sad. He seems to know when I need a laugh and has a quirky way of  making facial expression or strange bark/whine sounds that cracks me up. He is real easy going, accepting any situation that I seem to put him in. He is currently registered with TDI (Therapy Dog International) as a therapy dog. We go to the local nursing home and assisted living every other Friday to visit and entertain the residents. He went on our mission trip last year to Jordan, MT and was able to visit their nursing home. Dink knows several tricks and loves performing for a rub on the head and treats.

     Enjoying some loven' at the nursing home

I cannot thank God enough for allowing this little guy to be a part of my life. He is one of my greatest blessings.

Check back next Tuesday for the installment of "My Precious Pet"

Cast Your Vote

Cast your vote on the Etsy Handmade Top 10. One of my Cozy Saks if featured and I would appreciate some feedback.