I know some of you have waited until these final shopping days before
Christmas and you're just now realizing that you haven't gotten the goats
anything for Christmas. Here are a few last minute gift ideas that your
goats will truly appreciate -- it really is the thought that counts.
GIFT idea 1: Buy yourself a set of handwarmers or electric gloves . . . your
dairy goats will really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Price: $15 to $25
GIFT idea 2: Buy and chew alfalfa flavored chewing gum . . . no goat wants
to kiss a human with coffee breath. If you can't find this at your local
confectioner, use alfalfa rabbit food like Tic-Tacs. Price: $.50
GIFT idea 3: Give your goat a gift certificate good for personal services,
let's say, fresh bedding, a stall cleaning, or a day pass to the front yard
when tender spring grass emerges. Price: Variable
GIFT idea 4: Buy a mirror for your milking parlor so your spoiled dairy
goats can become even more vain. Price: $65
GIFT idea 5: Animal crackers are always appreciated. Your meat goats sort of
get the feeling that somehow they're settling a score by eating snacks that
resemble other animals. Price: $2.50
GIFT idea 6: For your goats that can read, put a sign on your livestock
trailer that reads, "This trailer only goes to goat shows -- never to
slaughter facilities or auctions." Price: $25
GIFT idea 7: If money is tight this year, you can always wait until you take
the Christmas tree down . . . most goats will enjoy it as an evergreen
holiday snack. Price: FREE!
GIFT idea 8: Edible Christmas cards -- decorated by your children -- are
perennial hits. Start with a flour tortilla wrapper. Price: $2.95
GIFT idea 9: For your goats that will never make it to the show ring -- go
to your local trophy shop and buy a "Reserve Champion of my Heart" trophy.
Price: $19.95
GIFT idea 10: (My Favorite) Rent a Santa Suit and allow your family to
bring the goats to you one at a time to "visit Santa." Give each one a hug
and a small peppermint candy cane. Caution, some of them will figure out
it's really you, so warn them not to tell the kids.
Merry Christmas and happy shopping!
Doc Fleming
Jackson, Mississippi
goodnewsdoc@juno.com
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