 Butterscotch originally came
to us from Framingham, MA. He was being sold for meat but some friends of ours
stepped in and managed to talk the "owner" into giving Butterscotch up because
he was so tiny. It worked and he soon arrived but with parasites and a strange
hair coat. He was possibly a cross between a Nigerian Dwarf and an Angora...but
we just don't know. We quickly became aware that Butterscotch had not been
treated well. Every time we would attempt to touch any part of his head he would
quickly turn his head away and appear to almost hold his breath. If he had been
struck in the face by a hand this would develop this behavior. All we could do
was treat him gently and with the understanding that this fear could have been
caused by abuse.
This little goat came a long way in his journey with us. While he still had a
fear of hands near his face he allowed us to scratch his neck and back, loved to
be brushed and enjoyed treats. He also had a disease found mostly in goats called caprine
arthritis that effects different goats in different ways, most often
in the joints especially as they age. He always had a stilted gait
which made him appear to walk rather odd but he has never displayed
any symptoms of pain. Butterscotch loved to hang out with the llamas
and lay in the sun.
Our sweet little goat, Butterscotch, began slowly showing
signs of old age and ill health in November of 2009. We provided him with both
conventional and herbal medication with the hope of better
health and comfort. We had a wonderful fleece dog coat that
fit Butterscotch perfectly and he certainly appreciated the
comfort and warmth it provided. Every night he would enjoy a
treat of grapes.
The night of November 13th he looked into our eyes. A look
I'd seen before but my heart didn't want to acknowledge
what he was saying. The next morning Jim and I found
Butterscotch looking as if he was simply sleeping. That
night before he was trying to let me know it was time to
move on. So many of us will miss this gentle, little soul,
he will live on in our hearts. This little guy is yet
another precious soul we've been privileged to share time with.
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