Pigs Are Smart!!

Last week I watched an excellent documentary on pigs done by National Geographic. I learned so much about these animals and while I knew they are said to be very intelligent, I was surprised by the research and testing that shows just how smart they are. These animals are capable of lateral thinking (I know many teenagers who are not capable of this!), the piglets always nurse from the same teat on the mother, and the skull of the animal actually changes depending on wether living in captivity or the wild! Just to mention a few facts. Nature is truly wonderous and mysterious and never to be underestimated! These are pictures of "Socks" & "Speckle", our 2 piglets we are raising this year. This is the second time we have raised pigs, and I think of all the animals I have worked with, pigs are the most interesting, entertaining, funny creatures. Everyone always says you shouldn't name something you will eat, however, I believe they deserve a name. It is respectful of them and a reminder of respecting all life, no matter what the purpose.

Loma's Wait is Over

Well,Loma has delivered 7 girls and 2 boys (& 1 angel puppy) after a troubled labor that resulted in a c-section. Of course this always happens in the wee hours of the morning at the emergency clinic. A cheerful vet and vet tech helped make everything go well though. Thanks Dr. Epp! & assistant! All is well and Loma is sooo happy to have her own pups finally!

Waiting

While Kiss was taking abreak from her pups thiis afternoon, Loma moved in to sit by the litter. She has been hovering over the pups since they were born. She is due next week to have her own pups but can hardly wait...

St.Croix Sheep

Took a few pictures of our flock of St. Croix & St.Croix/Dorper sheep. The St. Croix are a breed of sheep that are known for multiple births, their excellent maternal abilities and the ability to lamb twice in a year. The carcass quality is very lean and the studies shown on the Katahdan sheep which is the breed derived from St. Croix, have an extremely low cholesterol rate. Well below beef, chicken etc. This flock is very quiet and very interesting to watch. The Dorper sheep genes are introduced into the mix for their body size and build. This flock is due to lamb in Aug. Sept. so we are anxious to see new lambs at an unusual time of year for us.

Nature's Wonder!

The eggs we have been incubating have finally hatched. Unfortunately only 1 Americuana (they lay the blue/green eggs) hatched and now we have 3 bantam yellow silkie chicks as well. Huge size difference, but they seem to be getting along.

Puppies Arrived

Well, a bit early, but Kiss has delivered her pups! 4 boys & 3 girls. It is always amazing to see Mother Nature at work and the natural instinct as the pups wiggle towards nourishment.Kiss is such a great attentive mother and I look forward to raising this litter. It is a repeat breeding and last year's litter of 13 was one of the easiest I ever raised because of their temperament!The development of this litter can be followed on my website at www.spiritriderfarm.com

Loss of a Friend

Grand-daughter Kiss, Teka, Great Grand Daughter Carbo


It is with a heavy heart I pass along the news that Teka has peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Teka was not just my first Golden Retriever, but so many other things as well. She was my first purebred dog. A dog that led me into showing and became my first champion! It was through her I got involved in the sport, life and passion of purebred dogs where I've met wonderful people and dogs, and learned not only what it is to be an ethical, responsible breeder, but also to pursue the preservation of a breed type. I even started my boarding kennel business because there was no where in the community where I could leave a dog comfortably. Her temperament was true Golden Retriever and the foundation for my breeding program that continues to shine in her daughters, grand-daughters and great grand daughters now.
In order to continue a breeding program reality means sometimes placing my retired girls so I can focus on the upcoming generation.I was fortunate to be able to share her with my sister's family for the past 9 years and will always be grateful for the wonderful care and love she was given. She touched so many lives and lived a wonderful 16 years and 2 months! A wonderful accomplishment and a blessing!
Run along and play now my girl! We won't forget you...