I think it was last Spring that I met her.....she was living on a dairy farm and was ready to retire. My friend Vicky asked if I would like to have her retire with us....she knew we wanted to start a herd of our own, so of course I said I would love to have her.
She was a bit of a crankpot with other goats, but was friendly and happy with people. I remember standing in Vicky's pasture and Layla came up to me, rubbed against me and I knew we would be friends.
Well, it was a busy spring....Gordon and I were getting married and I wasn't working full time so it wasn't a good time to start a herd....but then Christmas came and Gordon and Vicky made a plan....and it included Layla and her 2 girls coming to live with us. I could have not asked for a better Christmas present.
Last March Layla and her girls came to live with us. Gordon and I had our first herd...a dream had come true.
From the beginning Layla showed herself to be an amazing protector of her girls....she butted both Charley and Corky as they tried to get to know these new creatures in their house. She was affectionate with us and guests, I truly believed she was the bridge for the somewhat skittish girls to welcome us into their hearts. She showed them the ropes....they followed her everywhere.
A few weeks ago Layla started having what is officially called scours, but what would affectionately be known as "splat". We used goat pepto bismol and things were up and down. I emailed Vicky and asked advice and things seemed like they were perking up.
A week ago Gordon called me while I was at work, upset. Layla was wobbly she got up but it was hard. We finally decided to call our vet.
Long story short, our beautiful mamma didn't have much fight left in her. We did what we could and on Wednesday when I came home to see her, she pulled me to her and we sat with her head in my lap and I sang and talked and prayed.
The next day friends of Layla (Tom and Vicky) came to say goodbye.....sweet Mamma maybe wasn't ready, but she was tired. Dr. Moody came, and as I said good-bye to my mamma and "skilled hands" helped her cross over....in a few minutes she was gone.
And so today I am ready to share the beautiful story of sweet Layla who came into our lives and showed us how to be farmers and make tough decisions. I have learned a lot from this beautiful girl. She made me a better steward of my creatures.....and she taught her girls how to trust us. I will forever be grateful for Layla....the Mamma of here.
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