A Tribute to Tobi

Yesterday, our beloved Grandfather goat, Tobi, passed quietly from this plane. Tobi was 15 years old.

Here's a recent photo of him "posing" for our business cards. (and yes, he REALLY did pose!) Tobi had been standing in the barn when I approached with my camera - I asked.. "would you mind going out into the light, I need a photo of your great horns." Tobi casually walked out, and turned sideways as I captured this fabulous shot!
To many people, goats are just animals that nibble at the grass, and get into all sorts of mischief... Tobi was different. He was always entertaining us with his delightful antics - like climbing into the feeder to get just "one more" nibble of hay..



Tobi and Klaus (my husband) had a special connection - in a way, you might say that Tobi was psychic. One of the many stories about Tobi is a time when Klaus went out to feed, and noticed that one of the flock was missing. Kashi, another male goat was no where to be seen. Klaus looked and looked yet could not find him. Finally, Klaus turned to Tobi and said "Where's Kashi?" Tobi walked across the field and just stood in one spot. Klaus walked over to see what Tobi was looking at , and sure enough, Kashi had somehow gotten himself stuck in a hole in a remote part of the fields. Needless to say, Tobi was the grand protector of the flock and indeed King of the Herd! Kashi was rescued without injury due to Tobi's communication.

Here's a photo of him in his 'heydey' in 2000.








My favorite shot of Tobi was taken just after shearing, when he stood and gave me his lopsided grin - almost as if he was saying "oh my gosh - this is embarassing!"















Tobi greeted Klaus everyday, ignoring the food that was just put out, wanting only to connect and get his nose rubbed.

We will remember him with great love and respect. He is now buried on top of the hill, in the pasture where the goats will graze again next year. He will remain, our friend, The King of the Mountain.