Wednesday, August 18, 2010

They Just Know

Usually when we hear the coyotes singing they just sing to each other, each to each, and they don't bother troubling us with their conversation.

But last night I was lying in my stall and I thought I heard one of the coyotes say, "Millie, why don't you come outside? Come outside, Millie, I want to show you something."

I thought it was just me or maybe I imagined it so I didn't say anything but when I got up in the morning Betsy and all the bigs were standing in a large clump instead of sprawling every which way like they usually do. Blue Umbrella and Betty had attached themselves to the clump. And so had Eo and the rest of the minis. So there was a big crowd of everybody standing inside an invisible fence that was built for about half as many goats as were in there.

"What is going on?" I asked Eo. As usual she said, "Why?" very pointedly, and went back to plotting to overthrow the government.

So I asked Pinky Jr.

"Nothing," said Pinky Jr. "We are all just standing together."

"Oh," I said.

"Because Atticus isn't here."

"Oh," I said. I did a little doublecheck to make sure Izzy and Ringo were right by me.

Just then the coyotes started singing. And sure enough, one of them called my name. In the broad daylight. Oh dear, I thought. I scooched all three of us inside the invisible fence.

"How do they know?" I asked Pinky Jr.

"Know what?" said Pinky, Jr., because she has a short attention span.

"Know Atticus isn't here."

Pinky Jr. shrugged. "They just know."

8 comments :

Teresa Saum said...

I'm so sorry about Atticus. I read about him the other day but had to spend a few days mulling it before I could write as I was sad. You have my sympathy...he was a grand dog and a good protector of your fine goats.

Marigold said...

Oy. DON'T LISTEN!!!! Pay NO attention to the coyote behind the curtain!

Kathy in KY said...

Oh dear . . .

Millie said...

Be safe everyone. Stay together and Maaaaa really loudly if those old coyotes come near. Your people will take care of you.

Brenda said...

I sure hope you find a protector as grand as Atticus very soon! Well, maybe not as grand ... but at least one that knows how to keep the coyotes away. Be safe!

Ken and Mary of Fancy Fibers Farm, Texas said...

Oh my. I'm so sorry y'all don't have Atticus there to protect you anymore. We've cried real tears for him, although we didn't know him, but we know or have known 6 bonny Big White Dogs. If I could I would send you our Bear, he's not Atticus, but he would do his best to look out for you, I'm sure.

Conny said...

Just catching up on blog reading and am saddened of the news of Atticus' passing. It's a good thing the goats still know what to do - circling 'round - I'm sure they miss him too. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

Atticus may not physically be here yet I can feel him beside; indeed every where surrounding me, surrounding the goats and watching over them. What a fine soul.
Lori