Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Do you remember this song from your childhood days? "Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro - can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow?"

Well, Becky, my pet Nubian goat, could wobble her ears - and wobble she did - as she pranced all over Mother's flower gardens and rose bushes nibbling them down to stubs. She was my baby, my pet, my friend and confident. I never saw her as a menace. To me - she was just about the best pet I could ever get. True love, seen through the eyes of a child.

Sure, I had a wonderful and faithful dog, and a soft and cuddly cat. We had horses, pigs, steers, rabbits, chickens, ducks...but Becky held a huge place in my heart. She had personality. She was curious. She was playful. She was naughty. She would nibble and kiss my face and then turn and butt me in the back, tail wagging all the while.

I cannot think of spring without thinking of Becky, especially up here in our mountain home. The grass is just peeking up from the ground, sweet and perfect for nibbling. I have lots of memories of Becky, but this one is the funniest, I think.

One day the milkman came to the ranch house to deliver groceries for my mother. He came into the house and was having a chat with my mother. Then, I could hear them laughing and calling my name. They told me to look out the window. Becky was inside the milkmans truck, standing on the driver's seat with her front hooves up on the steering wheel, looking as though she were going for a drive!

Becky thought she was a dog. She liked to lay on the back porch with our family dogs. She happily ate their dog food and nosed her way in for attention whenever she could. She liked to go with us on horse rides, too - the dogs would trail along, and there would be Becky, part of the pack.

Becky was an escape artist, which I have since learned is a trait of Nubian goats. We could not keep her in her pen unless she had other animals with her. She was more content with the horses, even the pigs, than to be alone. My brother and I could never figure out how she got out. He used to say she had wings. We thought maybe she climbed the chain-link fence, but we never saw her do it.

My dad loved Becky even though she was a nuisance. My mother tolerated her. I can understand now - I would not appreciate the family goat eating my tree roses, either! 

Becky died when I was away at college. My dad buried her out in the back field, not too far from the backyard. Today there stands an enormous palm tree just over the place where he buried her. She must have had a tummy full of seeds when she died. 

I'm working on the baskets for the grands. I love helping the E. Bunny!

Comments

[leslie]

WHat a great story about Becky. She sounds like a wonderful pet! I can just imagine her pretending to drive that truck! I love all your Easter decorations. Especially the vintage cards and chicks.

[chris mckinley]

Love your story about Becky!! My cousins had a show horse that would not travel without her companion...a billy goat she had grown up with! They were best friends! I am working on my grand's Easter basket too! Have fun!

chris

[GardenOfDaisies]

All of your Easter decor is so cute! And I loved your story about your pet goat, Becky My mom had a goat when she was little and still to this day has a very special love in her heart for any goats.

[Sally]

I love this post! That's the sweetest, cutest story about your beloved Becky. Thank you for the smiles.

I adore all your Easter decorations, so charming!

Happy Easter to you!

[Laura]

That is such a sweet story about your little Becky. You did a wonderful job decorationg for the holiday! I love the little religous books especially that little Jesus book tucked in that red suitcase!
Have a wonderful Easter :)
Laura

[Kim Kenward]

Becky sounds like a faithful pet and cherished member of the family. Love all your special Easter decorations. Such a lovely display. Enjoy spoiling your grands!!

[Heather]

Becky sounds like such a sweet friend to have had! Love all your pretty spring and Easter decorations!! Have a blessed week sweet friend! xo Heather

[Erica / Golden Egg Vintage]

Thank you for telling us about your sweet Becky!
It sounds like she was a hoot, and so special to you!
Happy Easter,
Erica :)

[Tammy]

Adorable display Patti! I love all the colors and the spring story. The little ducks...did you make them with paper clay? They look so sweet together there.

[Susan]

Visiting your blog feels like a visit with a good neighbor. I always bring my second cup and settle in because I know I'm going to spend just a few more minutes 'socializing' than I should. Love the Easter décor. Thank you for sharing! I have know a few goats in my day so it easy for me to picture Becky behind the wheel! Too funny!