“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”― Eckhart Tolle

Friday, January 4, 2008

The DHS

Those of you who are dedicated readers may remember that, upon arrival here at the farm, the Mighty Quinn was destined to become a goat herder. Can't say as I have been all that excited about it from the beginning. Still, I suppose there are worse things. Imagine, for one, running completely out of Peanuts. Oy.

You might also recall some of the Mighty Quinn's early training which can be viewed here. I am proud to say that he has progressed. Yes, my friends, despite a few unfortunate setbacks involving the electric fence, the Mighty Quinn has graduated beyond the simple Earwig or Carpenter Ant. Of late he has become a student of the DHS. No, this is most assuredly not The Department of Human Services. Although, come to think of it, it could possibly be viewed as a service, of sorts, to humans. No, the Mighty Quinn has become a student of the Dervish School of Herding. For Peanut's Sake, what is the Dervish School of Herding?

You may recall that the whirling dance associated with the dervish is one of the physical methods used to try to reach religious ecstasy. So it is with the Dervish School of Herding. One tries to reach a state of euphoria connected to the physical task at hand (in this case herding). Mind you the Mighty Quinn has not graduated, but he has succeeded in mastering the euphoria part. He hasn't quite made it, either, to herding goats as yet. Instead, he has gained mastery in the location and subsequent herding of a less mobile target. Don't get me wrong. He has acquired quite a useful skill. Still, perhaps a little more work is in order before he attempts to take on a more intelligent quarry. Look below and see what you think. Now, just what do you suppose the goatmother is carrying on that scoop anyway??? (big goat grin)

10 comments:

goatgirl said...

All I can say is "Oh my goodness Marigold" You goats must get a good laugh out of that.

Yang said...

What he lacks in skill he more than makes up for in enthusiasm, from the looks of it. Although I must say I would get dizzy and nauseous watching him for too long. Do you girls every get dizzy from the lack of oxygen from laughing at him?

deconstructingVenus said...

Wow. That is one seriously hyper dog. What do you guys think of him? I don't think my goats care for dogs much. Our aunt and uncle brought their dog to the farm for our Christmas party and Tierra got one look at her and I swear I saw murder in her eye!

Marigold said...

Dear DCV,
No goat likes dogs. I can say this with all sincerity. To be fair, he is only this hyper when 'poop scooping' is involved, for some unknown reason. Other than that, the goatmother and the goatfather think he is an awesome dog - smart, funny, does tricks, and catches frisbees like a maniac. In my goatly opinion, a dog needs to be raised around the farm to be a good farm dog. But what do I know? :)

Yang said...

Marigold,
Since you state that no goat likes dogs, do you recommend a pig for this job instead? Or are sheep less discriminating than goats and pigs would also be frowned upon? Or was that just Hollywood hype?

Marigold said...

Dear Yang,
Pigs would be good. Pigs would be less interested in herding and more interested in food. Since goats are more interested in food too, this would probably be a match made in heaven. 'Herding' would not be necessary as both parties would be in agreement as to where anyone needed to go. I actually like this idea - that is as long as pigs don't like Peanuts.

Marigold said...

...Oh, I just remembered...that is as long as the pig is not 'Babe'. He was far too eager to please the farmer.

goatgirl said...

Speaking from experience......everywhere the pig goes the goat is sure NOT to go.

The Sweet Pea said...

Well good buddy,
I don't usually dig canines but I
kinda like that Quinn!! I too, spin round and round when my quarters are being all cleaned out and new fresh straw is broadcast along my bed!!
If only I could keep the Dirty Sisters from messing things up!!

Anonymous said...

Hahahaha Love It! The Mighty Quinn looks a little like me when I am trying to catch up on chores around the farm LOL - He's adorable!

Maria aka THE Tassie Devil from Tasmania AU LOL