The Van Zante Family: Farewell

Saturday, April 11.

The day had come.

The day none of us were looking forward to. But it was inevitable.

The day we had to say goodbye to our goats.

We let the kids come to their own decision that it was time. We talked to them about it, reminding them that a new fair year was beginning and new babies were going to be gotten. We didn't push them into selling their critters, but waited until they were at peace with doing it. And sure enough, as farm kids somehow instinctively know how to do, they mutually agreed, on their own terms, that it was time to say goodbye.

It was a sad day with a few tears. But seasons come and seasons go. And it was time.

Unloading at the salebarn.

Saying a last goodbye.

Taking them to their pen to wait until their turn in the ring.

We waited and waited, and finally Godwin made his debut. Sarah watched intently, with a mixed emotions of excitement and sadness. She was pretty quite after Godwin left the ring.

Caleb waiting and waiting for his goat, Oliver, to come in. Poor guy.... the sale started much later than anticipated (the pig sale before the goat/sheep sale went later than they thought it would) and his goat was next to last one in the ring. We were there for a long time.

But finally, Oliver came in. Caleb watching Oliver. He, too, was emotional with excitement and sadness.

And I'll admit.... I was kinda teary after Oliver left the ring.

Geesh.... I've never gotten attached to an animal. Somehow these goats got to me.

And now for a little walk down memory lane...

One happy little boy bringing home his little baby for the fair!

And one happy little girl, too!

Our cats were bigger than the baby goats were! (In case you can't tell, the goat is on the right and the cat is on the left.)

The kids put a lot of work into their goats. They bottled them several times a day, broke them to lead on the leash, fed them and watered them... even participated in their veterinarian upkeep.