i kissed a goat, and i liked it

So, yeah.

Yesterday I was driving through a part of town that is suburban on one side of the road (destination: friend's house) and farms on the other side. I've travelled down this road many times, but this time it was a different experience. I was chatting on the phone to my friend, Kelly, and I realized that I wasn't listening. I had to ask her to stop talking. 

"Hold on...hold on...hold on. Sorry, but can I call you back? There are a couple of goats in the road."

"Um, did you just say goats?" she asked with a chuckle.

"Yes...so sorry...I have to make sure they're okay. I'll call you back."

"I feel like I'm in the twilight zone," she said.

We hung up, and I pulled to the side of the road. The two baby goats were munching on fallen leaves, weeds, and bushes. I got out of the car and slowly headed toward them, not wanting to scare them off. I was pretty sure they belonged to a nearby farm, so I wanted to get them safely home. I thought for sure they would be startled by me and run off, but just the opposite was true. They ran toward me! They didn't charge or head-but me, but just looked up as if to say "hello."

I bent down to meet them, and they both nuzzled and cuddled me and loved to be pet. It was fantastic! They wound under and around my legs and seemed to just enjoy the attention. Then the little black and white one started sniffing my face and my mouth. It was absolutely adorable. When he reached my mouth, I gave him a little peck on the lips. My first goat kiss!

I've pet sat for several goats in the past, and they are always a hoot, but I've never met any so over-the-top friendly and loving. What a fun experience!

I called my friend whose house was nearby to see if she knew where they belonged, and as she described their house to me, a couple of cars drove by, both telling me that those baby goats are "always out" and not to worry. But, still, I did worry. The little guys had no qualms about crossing back and forth across the road to find the best weed patch for munching. I couldn't just leave them. Especially not after all we'd shared together.

Then behind me, I heard. "Hey there! Sorry about that. Those little guys are nothing but trouble. They get out all the time."

"Are you the owner?" I asked.

"That's me."

"Oh, good! They are awesome. I loved spending time with them."

"Thanks for keeping them company," he said, "feel free to hang out."

So I did. I hung out with them for a little while until their owner decided to go inside the house, and they followed. They were so cute...their little goat bottoms running toward their home. Hopefully I played a small part in getting them home safely, but, best of all, I kissed a goat. And I liked it!

chipotle is out of carnitas for good reason: blog the change for animals #foodwithintegrity

I must preface this article with full disclosure: I'm a bit biased as far as Chipotle goes. My husband works for the company, and I am a huge supporter of theirs for that and many other reasons. So my husband let me know that some Chipotle stores would soon run out of carnitas, and we had a conversation about it at home. 

"Well, some of us are going to run out of carnitas this week," he announced. "It's a big deal." 

"Really?" I asked. "Can't you just order more?"

"Nope."

Big went on to explain that they had to suspend one of their pork suppliers because they were no longer treating their pigs humanely. Chipotle's tag line is "Food With Integrity," and they mean it. The supplier in question was violating Chipotle's standards, something they learned this past Friday. About one third of Chipotle's stores are affected, and they aren't sure how long they'll be without. Most of the violations of Chipotle's standards are related to the housing of the pigs. Chipotle requires its suppliers to raise the animals they use humanely, and, in particular, the pigs must be raised outside of cramped pens with access to the outdoors. Most of the pork used for food in this country is not raised this way, but instead of lowering their standards, Chipotle made the bold and brave decision to act with integrity as they advertise. 

In the past, Chipotle has occasionally notified their customers through signage that they may be serving beef that does not meet their "responsibly raised" standards. The company periodically has a difficult time obtaining large supplies of beef that are raised free of artificial hormones or antibiotics. The great thing is that they let their customers know when they have to substitute "conventionally raised" beef. Pretty amazing when you think about how often we dine in restaurants and have no idea where our meat or other food is coming from. 

Image source: chipotle.com

In the case of carnitas, Chipotle has refused to make a substitution. Candice Choi of the Associated press relayed that "Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection for The Humane Society of the United States, said that most breeding pigs in the country are kept in gestation crates with concrete floors. Pigs that are raised with access to the outdoors or bedding represent a 'very small portion of the pork industry.'"

So what's behind Chipotle's philosophy of providing "Food With Integrity?" It's something our family is very proud to be a part of. Their web site states that "Food With Integrity is our commitment to finding the very best ingredients raised with respect for the animals, the environment and the farmers." And if you want the inside uncensored scoop? It's TRUE. 100%. I have the privilege of knowing through my husband and his colleagues just how high Chipotle's standards are. Chipotle elaborates:

It means serving the very best sustainable raised food possible with an eye to great nutrition and great value.

It means that we support and sustain family farmers who respect the land and the animals in their care.

It means that whenever possible we use meat from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. 

And it means that we source organic and local produce when practical. And that we use dairy from cows raised without the use of synthetic hormones. 

Food With Integrity is a journey that started more than a decade ago and one that will never end.

So what does "naturally raised" mean, when it comes to pigs and other animals? Chipotle provides a clear definition: "naturally raised animals are raised in a humane way, fed a vegetarian diet, never given hormones, and are allowed to display their natural tendencies." Since 2001, Chipotle has sourced all of their pork from producers who follow these guidelines.

And the "conventionally raised" pork that is the standard of the food industry? What's that all about? Chipotle explains:

Many pigs are raised on factory farms and kept in small pens that do not allow for freedom of movement, limiting their ability to express natural behaviors. These pigs are given large amounts of sub therapeutic antibiotics to keep them from getting sick and enhance growth. According the the Union of Concerned Scientists, American pork producers use over 10 million pounds of antibiotics per year to keep their confinement-raised pigs from getting sick. That's more than three times the estimated amount used to treat all human illness.

WHAT?!?

Yes, you heard that correctly. 

In summary, know where your food comes from. If you eat meat, know how the animals you are consuming have lived. And aspire to have the kind of integrity in your choices that Chipotle does.

To learn why naturally raised pork is so important to Chipotle and why I have a crush on founder, Steve Ells (my husband is okay with it), please click here and check out "STEVE SHARES." 

And please watch this video. I've seen it more times than I know, and it still makes me cry every time.

Related:

the lesson in chipotle's "the scarecrow"

natural living with backyard chickens

Chickens aren't just for farmers any more. As pet chickens increase in popularity, especially for people interested in living naturally, they are now commonly living in suburban and urban areas. Is this migration okay for chickens? Must they live in the country, or is this urban sprawl a good thing?

Modern chickens would ideally live in a forest clearing, if in the wild. They are woodland birds that originated in Southeast Asia. That being said, they can live almost anywhere in most climates. As long as you can provide a few basic needs, these hardy birds can live on a farm or on a fifth-floor balcony. What do chickens need?

• Shade from the sun. Though chickens have a high body temperature, they still need shade to keep cool when it's hot. A poultry house that provides a sheltered area underneath is a great way to achieve this.

• Shelter from the rain. The phrase "madder than a wet hen" didn't come about for no reason. Chickens hate to be wet, so they need shelter from the rain. The raised poultry house can provide for this, as well.

• Shelter from the wind. Chickens don't tolerate wind very well, but a chicken run or area with a wind break will solve this problem.

• Plenty of fresh feed and water. Chickens like to peck and forage–if you will–for food, so providing a feeder and also scattering feed will keep your chickens fed and stimulated. Chickens are notorious for spilling or contaminating their own water, so providing various means by which they can drink is essential. You can use "on-demand" systems, bowls, troughs, or self-waterers. Water should be checked at least a couple of times a day for supply and contamination. 

• A dust bath. Chickens rid themselves of parasites naturally by taking a dust bath, and they also seem to take great pleasure in it. This dust bath might be a dry piece of earth or it might be contained in a box.

• A "pecking order" referee. Chickens typically have delightful personalities and get along well with humans and other animals, but occasionally they will pick on–literally, peck–one of their own that they feel is weaker. The larger your group of chickens, the more likely this is to happen. It's important to keep a close eye out for these behaviors, especially when introducing new chickens to a flock. If the problem is ongoing, you may need a "penalty box" for either the offender or the victim. Time-outs sometimes work.

My junior pet sitters love to help me care for chickens.

If you can provide these basic requirements, you can keep chickens as pets. And they make excellent pets, especially for individuals and families moving toward a more natural lifestyle.

Unless you live in a deep state of denial, you know there is something wrong with the way commercial egg-laying chickens are kept. "Free-range" isn't as glamorous as it sounds. I'll spare you the gory details, but if you'd like to be better informed, you can read about the atrocities done to egg-laying hens in Bruce Friedrich's article, The Crulest of all Factory Farm Products: Eggs From Caged Hens. Yet, still, we like our eggs. There is no better, fresher, more natural way to enjoy your eggs than from your own chickens.  By keeping egg-laying chickens as pets, you no longer support factory farm eggs, and you're also ensuring that you and your family are eating antibiotic and hormone-free eggs. Win-win. 

Dusty, one of my clients, is not camera shy. In fact, she was pecking my phone as I attempted to photograph her. Silly!

Aside from the eggs, what good are chickens to have around? Every chicken has it's own personality, but most are sweet and friendly. Once they get to know you, you can easily pet them and pick them up. They might even hop into your lap. They follow you around and genuinely seem to feel some sort of affection for their care givers. They get excited to start their day each morning. They may not greet you with a wagging tail or purr-filled nudge, but their coos and antics will keep you coming back for more. Children love them and can easily help care for them. Plus, they're a hoot. They always seem to be doing something funny, whether it be knocking something over or playing "tag," all feathers flying. You'll be entertained.

Chickens can be messy, but there's an upside. Their droppings make some of the best garden fertilizer. When fresh and in large quantities, chicken droppings can be too strong for immature plants, so it's a good idea to mix it with straw or sawdust and allow it to age for a bit. 

So, what concerns might you have about keeping chickens?

• Predators. Chickens don't prey on much but their feed. They are prey for most other animals. Typically the family pets will get to know chickens and love them like you do, but neighborhood dogs and cats that are roaming free are a threat. Danger can also come from coyotes and hawks. This danger increases at night, so it is important to follow the natural clock of the chickens, guiding them into their roost at sunset and letting them out to roam at sunrise.

• Health. Chickens can carry disease, though, typically, if properly cared-for, they will be disease-free. It is good to take precautions, however. Shoes designated for wearing during chicken care that don't come into the house are a good idea, and frequent cleaning of the poultry house and areas your chickens frequent helps considerably. 

Before diving in, it's best to check your local regulations, because they vary widely. Some areas allow any and all chickens, while some prohibit them altogether. Some areas allow hens but not roosters (the crowing is the problem), and some will allow hens only, except for "conjugal visits" from roosters for those who wish to raise a brood of chicks (chicks require special care).

If you're looking for a unique, fun pet that will help you on the path to a more natural lifestyle, chickens are definitely worth a consideration. 

This article, written by me, originally appeared on Hybrid Rasta Mama, for whom I write original content. It has been reposted here with permission.

my kids think they're lucky to be working all summer

Don't get me wrong. We play in the pool quite a bit in our "off hours," but my kids don't have the typical summer vacation. They go to work with me each and every day, and they help. Like truly help. We don't travel to far-off lands or exotic places, and though I don't think they'd turn down the opportunity to do so, my kids actually think they're lucky to be working all summer. 

We don't travel during the summer because our clients do. As a professional pet sitter and work-from-home-mom, when the kids are out of school, they accompany me–aka free child labor–on my visits. They generally know my schedule, and they know all of the creatures in the lineup, so if we're seeing some of their favorites, they'll often be dressed before 5 a.m., ready to make the rounds. 

This week is particularly fun because we're looking after one of our favorite animal families. They have a dog, a cat, two horses, and three chickens, and my kids wouldn't let me leave them behind for anything.

Admiring the horses, chatting with the chickens and giving the cat some love.

Sometimes I feel like my kids are deprived because they don't get to do much of what their friends are doing over the summer, but then I review the pictures and see their enthusiasm and realize that putting them to work for the summer doing something they love while spending time together is just as valuable.

It's like our own private petting zoo, all summer long. 

treating my animal allergies through exposure

I have a confession to make.

It's not something I advertise or want my clients to know. In fact, I go to great length to hide this fact from new clients, especially:

I am a professional pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to animals.

Huh?

Yes, you heard me correctly. 

This fact that I have not revealed publicly came to mind recently because I had a consult with a lovely, yet exuberant, English Bulldog who I was pretty darn allergic to. She basically wanted to make out, and, of course, I wanted to, too! I did pet her lots, which I intend to do during each and every visit, but I had to do my best to hide my "disease" to her human parents. During our discussion of the ins-and-outs of this pooch's routine, I fought back the sneezes. As soon as I sneeze once, it's all over. Best to keep it under wraps, if possible. I let my eyes water a bit, instead. I feel like if my allergy is apparent during a consult (when it is likely at its worst), my new clients might feel I'm less than capable or feel insulted that I think their animal is "dirty," neither of which is the case. 

When I left the consult, the insides of my arms were welted up from the cuddles and my cheek was red from kisses. Sigh.

Does this stop me? No way! I am madly in love with this dog already. She'll get kisses and pets from me no matter what. It's part of the job. And, besides, I love it.

The good news? The more I pet and kiss her, the better things will be. My method of treating this allergy is to build up a natural tolerance. I do not take medication. I am lucky because my allergy to animals does not affect my breathing. Those who have trouble breathing around animals should not use this method. 

treating my animal allergies through exposure

This is my inside forearm a couple of hours after my consult.

My allergy is primarily a contact allergy, accompanied by sneezing. That means that my skin welts up and itches in areas where I've had contact with the animal's fur or saliva. You can tell when I've been "making out" with an animal because I come home with a fat lip and itchy arms. The worst is when I accidentally rub my eyes after petting an animal. Itchy, puffy eyes result, and the symptoms take hours to subside.

Instead of popping pills or taking injections, I treat my allergy by increasing my contact with these animals and building up a tolerance. I know...sounds crazy. It's a bit uncomfortable at first, but, in the long run, it's effective! I am not at all allergic to my own pets or those I see on a regular basis. I have lots of contact with them, and my immune system has built up a tolerance.

I am most allergic to dogs, cats, small caged animals, horses, and goats. I am also highly allergic to hay, so any animal who eats hay is a double-whammy (horses, guinea pigs, etc.). Brand-new clients definitely have a break-in period for me. I just love on them as much as possible, and after a few visits, things get better. My body fights off the allergen. I also notice that certain dog breeds cause a more severe allergic reaction in me than others. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about fur length. It's about dander and saliva. Frequent grooming helps, but only a little.

The toughest breeds for me are labs and retrievers because their skin typically carries a lot of dander, even when groomed well. Bulldogs and pugs, and other flat-faced breeds are also tough because they typically rub and project saliva on to those around them. Do I love these breeds any less? ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, they are some of my favorites!

Thankfully, I am not allergic to fish, reptiles, or birds. 

So, yes, I'm a pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to pets, and I treat my symptoms naturally, if unconventionally. Please don't hold it against me.