It never ceases to amaze me at how much a five-year-old can do! Today, we took 2 of our goats and one of the dogs to the vet. The goats need to be dehorned --again. The dog (Cinderella) needs to be spayed. When Cinderella recovers, we'll take Snow White (other dog) to be spayed so that at least one will be on duty at all times.
Anyhow, we get to the vet, open the door, and Cinderella runs! We couldn't catch her. I drove down the road toward home, while Gail, who works at the vet's office, walked down the road in the same direction. We saw her and I pulled into a driveway and we both started walking toward her. Gail almost had her and then she took off up the hill into a man's farm. I drove everywhere around this farm trying to find her and couldn't. It was a huge farm that touched 3 roads, so I had plenty of driving and searching to do.
With no results, I went back to the vet's office and called David. He advised me to take care of the goats and stick around the area as long as I needed to to try and find Cinderella. He came home to meet the piano tuner so I would be free for the day if necessary.
So, we got the goats settled into temporary stalls. They were to receive an exam prior to dehorning, and following their procedure would be placed in the barn for the evening, with all their food and directions in the hands of the vet. Julie and Tripoli (goats) weren't too happy with me, but I knew they were in good hands, so the kids and I set off to search for Cinderella again.
We headed down the road and saw her right were she had run up the hill into the farm. She was sitting on the side of the hill just watching cars. I rolled down the window and called to her. Funny how a sad, scared dog can get happy at the thought of a chase with her owner! I pulled back into the same driveway and went up to the farmhouse again. I called and called for Cinderella, and finally she came in view. She wouldn't get close to me, though. I sat down and held out a treat. She got closer, but still wouldn't come any nearer than 30 feet away. So, I sat and talked to her, trying to coax her to come get a treat, but she wouldn't have any of it.
While sitting there, I had a few things to figure out. First, is this electric fence hot? I braced myself and then reached out to touch it. Whew. No shock. A cold fence in this situation is a very huge blessing. Next, are those large bovines headed my way cows? Or is that big one a bull? Whew. Flat bellies mean I'm safe in that regard, too. Still, Cinderella wouldn't come.
Samuel called through the van window to see if he could help. As much as Cinderella loves the kids, that may just work. I told Samuel to come to me. He did, and I asked him if he was brave enough to go inside the fence. Uneasy at first, Samuel and I discussed our plan of action. He was to roll under the fence and go toward Cinderella with a dog treat in hand. If Cinderella turned to run, he was to sit. As long as she stayed put, he was to keep moving forward.
Cinderella, as always, was a jewel for Samuel. As he got closer, she rolled onto her back, bearing her belly for him. I told Samuel to grab her collar, and lay on top of her if need be to keep her there and I was coming! I rolled under the fence and ran to them. I tried to get Cinderella to come with me by holding her collar, but she wouldn't have any of it!
So, I picked up this 70+ pound dog (which normally wouldn't be that big of a deal for me, but I don't like to carry things this heavy while pregnant) and headed back to the fence. Samuel rolled under first. I set Cinderella down and shoved her under the fence. Samuel grabbed her collar and held tight while I rolled under the fence. Then as I picked her up, Samuel ran back to the van and opened the door for me. I shoved Cinderella in and we all climbed in and shut the door. Now that she's safe and contained, we pushed her out of the way enough to get into our seats and buckled! The entire time I carried Cinderella, she was wagging her tail so much that it slapped me in the face each time! Funny how she can be so happy yet so non-compliant!
So, we got back to the vet's office and Samuel ran in to tell them I had her and hold the door for us. I got out of the van and carried Cinderella into the office, exhausted but very happy. Never again will I take the advise I was given to NOT leash train livestock guardian dogs! Leash training is very important! So, this afternoon I will hear from them as to how everyone is doing, and will pick up my little darlings in the morning.
Always an adventure!
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