PYGMY GOATS: Rebecca & Kids
original oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
~ measures 50 x 40 cm
“Please don’t take my babies” she pleads with her eyes.
Rebecca may have had crooked teeth and oddly flaring horns but she was one of the sweetest souls at the Kid’s Farm. And she was such a very good mother – even when her body was weary from being bred several times – she was always patient, tender and caring with her high energy, needy kids. Despite some of her physical imperfections, her babies were all very beautiful, often with very unique markings and coloration. This made them popular for adoptions and probably saved the lives of her boys (males in particular are typically considered surplus and inconvenient – and get sold to butchers). But like any mother, she loved her children dearly and wanted to enjoy their special relationships for many years to come. For nanny goats the pain of separation from their babies – at any age – is very real. I observed so many mothers mourn the removal of their kids. For months they would search around calling for them and would sink into an undeniable depression. Those of us who cared felt so helpless and sad about their sorrow. The fate of those children was seldom truly known – we hoped they went to genuinely good homes (and not to persons looking to exploit them for entertainment, dairy or meat). Each of the sweet souls exploited at Kid’s Farms have stories that most people never ask about or consider. Yet in personally knowing them, we can discover what truly special individuals they each of them are. The typically transitory rotation of caretakers seldom knows their age, background or much about animal care – the animals are just numbers that make work for them.
After having at least three families, poor Rebecca’s body was much depleted. Over time she suffered nutritional issues, great weight loss, poor appetite and foul diarrhea and was not responding to treatment. The last day I saw her she looked so miserable and weak – yet pulled herself up to come over to me in her stall and look me in the eyes and lick my hands. I knew the love we shared was very real and tearfully said my good-byes. The vet, unable to heal her gently relieved her from her suffering.
I will miss dear Rebecca – she was such a kind, gentle soul who very much enjoyed connecting with those who were respectful and loving. I have witnessed the hardships, neglect and many betrayals of farm animals at many “petting” venues and continue to advocate for changes in policies and laws. Sadly, progress is slow. It is up to each of us to be educators, advocates and protectors – and to speak up whenever and where ever we can. Please be an ambassador of love and peace for all your Earth Family.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC
ART website: https://karrelchristopher.com/
For the Love of Goats: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827374347274003
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/
The Dark Side of Kid’s Farms: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202312870059118&set=a.1111860012690.12857.1712581587&type=3&theater
From Farm to Fable: https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Fable-Fictions-Ani…/…/1940184347
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