Where Do Goats Sleep on Cold Nights?

...and the answer to this question is one of the main reasons I am so happy for spring! According to our local weather station, last month made history as the coldest February ever recorded (somewhere back to the 1800s, when our obsession with tracking these statistics began). I was determined not to bring the goats inside this winter, but when sub-zero temperatures hit and Elliot started waking up covered in frost (even in their closed shed), I relented and set up this improvised pen in the garage. It's been over a month since they've been back outside, but even now on chilly nights, Elliot stands with his nose pressed against the garage door - Remember that cozy bedroom we had, brother? Please?? Not a chance, goat. You might recall warmth, but the memories of horrendous clean-up each morning still haunt me...

In general updates, our cousins' goat Leia has apparently made a full recovery from the first ever recorded case of myasthenia gravis in a goat and is nearly weaned off all her experimental drugs (from six doses a day down to one). Findings will be published in veterinary journals later this year, approximately the same time my sister makes the final payment for Leia's ICU stay, x-rays, spinal tap, etc. Leia's transition back to the barn was more challenging as she had discovered not only the garage, but also the living room and eventually the master bedroom, where she tried valiantly to pretend she was just another dog in the heap who inhabit their king size bed.

Here at home, Elliot has had two doses of our latest attempt to eradicate his parasitic infestation. The same liquid we squeeze monthly on our cats for flea and tick control, this chemical apparently also kills mites on goats. Unfortunately, goat skin is impenetrable to the cat formula so Elliot gets a weekly whole-body treatment from a spray bottle. I wear full rain gear as Elliot does not particularly enjoy this procedure - as quickly as I spray it on, he shakes it off. At least I'll be protected from fleas, ticks and mites this spring!