Learning to care for pygmy goats

Several years ago, my family was in the market for a couple of pygmy goats and I contacted Ray and Larna Hoyt, Johnson Lane residents. The Hoyts started the Silver State Pygmy Goat Association 12 years ago with only three member families. There are now 100-plus members from 17 states. Since we wanted to learn as much as possible about the care of our pygmies, we joined the association. It's open to everyone interested in all varieties of goats.

In fact, Ray is the president of the SSPGA. For $10 per year you to can become a member. Your $10 membership would include a monthly newsletter called "The Goat Gazette," meetings once every two to three months, and "how to" clinics. Did you know your goats need to have their hooves trimmed every eight weeks? Do you want to learn how to do that? The "how to" clinics cover just such topics including kidding clinics, grooming, powdering, giving your own shots, worming, and, of course, the instructor will answer all of your questions. Anyone who has ever watched pygmy goats knows they make great pets and their antics will make for lots of laughs.

The monthly newsletter is about 10 pages long. It includes a list of all members, the board of directors, and several informative articles for example: "Hantavirus Awareness On The Farm," "Snakebite," a "Dear Jocelyn" column, a "Blurb from the Pres," and a show schedule. Did you know that lots of people get a couple of goats thinking it will help with their weeding chores? Well, most of the weeds we have here in Northern Nevada the goats don't eat. Do you want weeders? Get sheep.

If you are interested in learning more about the SSPGA you can go on the Internet at www.SSPGA.org or you may call the Hoyts at 267-4355.

n I have received several phone calls asking me why the streets between Johnson Lane and Stephanie are missing so many stop signs. When we moved here nine years ago, most of those roads were dirt. I drove my daughter the scenic route to school to investigate how many intersections are not marked.

Here is what I found, on Johnson Lane: Squires, Wade, Stewart, Gordon and Kayne. On East Valley: Chiquita, Shirley and Jones. I am sure there are more. So the next time I am driving down Johnson Lane and one of you rolls through the turn in front of me and I say "What a jerk" - I am so sorry. You don't have a stop sign so I guess you aren't doing anything wrong. On the other hand, if you're pulling out onto Johnson or Stephanie, please yield to oncoming traffic that may be traveling from 25-45 mph.

Concerns about the lack of stop signs should be expressed in writing to Mitch Dion, community development director, P.O. Box 218, Minden 89423.

n Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident. She can be reached at 267-9350.