06/13/2023
**Shared from Katie Dean**
HOW MUCH FOR A GOAT?
Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who sends a text to just ask for the price. The person who calls and hears the price and says “I can buy a cheaper goat somewhere else”. I'll talk to you too; the person who doesn't care about papers because I want “just a pet and milk goat to raise”.
No registered goat is “just a pet and milk goat”.
Behind every purebred goat is a BREEDER. I use capital letters to distinguish a breeder from a backyard operation where no thought goes into the animals being bred except making more of them, regardless of body stature or health.
If you choose to buy a goat from a reputable and quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for every goat produced on their farm.
This breeder sometimes skips vacations and events, misses sleep, and most of their personal time is dedicated to their goats and their well being. The truly passionate breeder puts everything they can into it. Not only for goats that are sold, but also for every customer who owns a piece of their heart and is now a member of their large family!
A breeder will get his hands dirty, often covered in everything that comes with goat ownership including but not limited to birth. Because that's what life is all about... in the midst of birth and death is life. The wheel that keeps spinning. A breeder conducts ultrasounds, analytics, emergency vet calls, vaccinations, registrations, researches pedigrees, deworming, hoof trims and provides the base start for the future of the goat in handling, milking and showing.
Last but not least, the BREEDER CHOOSES the family who is lucky enough to have one of their goats. Yes, you read correctly!
* A real breeder chooses who they sell to. *
There really is no compensation that can offset the investment a breeder has made. A good breeder has other criteria for those who want to continue their bloodline, why? Because breeding isn't a responsibility to take lightly, it's a lifestyle choice reserved ONLY for the few devoted people willing to sacrifice. Our goats needs to be cared for, managed properly, and bred with the highest regard and intention.
Since a goat is never “just a pet” he/she is the legacy of the breeder - as well as little one's best friend, a caretaker of someone in need, therapy for the elderly, and/or someone's whole world!
Responsible breeding and possession of many goats is a lifestyle and commitment many can not understand or handle. 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our lives revolve around the goats! Please understand, we are putting everything we can into our prized possessions! These are not just "goats" to us
