Farming and MS

[Curlygoats]

I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2006. My husband told me if we wanted to farm let's do it. My goats have been my herd of therapists. I believe that having the goats has helped my disease not to progress as fast as it would have had I continued down the road I was on.

[NorasMom]

Whatever works! Congratulations! Now, where are the photos of the goats? 😉

[Curlygoats in reply to NorasMom]

. I posted a photo of one for you and here is another

A creamy colored Angora goat wearing a witches hat

[falalalala in reply to Curlygoats]

So cute!

[Curlygoats in reply to falalalala]

They make me very happy. My herd of therapists.

[Greentime in reply to Curlygoats]

That brings a huge smile to my face. Absolutely adorable!

[Curlygoats in reply to Greentime]

then I accomplished one of my daily goals, to make someone smile. Thank you

[Szs3eb in reply to Curlygoats]

You accomplish that every time I see a goaties or hear your voice. Thank you friend.

[Curlygoats in reply to Szs3eb]

Biggest hugs

[cindyrn68 in reply to NorasMom]

So cute!!!

[anaishunter]

thank you for sharing. Proof that ms should not stop us from pursuing new dreams. quite the opposite!

[Curlygoats in reply to anaishunter]

Yes, I had never done any fiber arts, and I taught myself most of what I do. Now I spin my own yarn from my animals. I weave and crochet as well as needle felt. I show my goats, do most of the health care, breed and am there for the births of my babies. If it wasn't for my diagnosis I never would have done any of this. At one point I had over 60 goats, but it was too many for me to care for. We all have limits, but MS doesn't have to determine those limits.

[Curlygoats]

Here is one of my goats. I have 27 right now.

a grayish Colored Angora Goat wearing my hat

[Curlygoats]

I sheared my goats, spun the yarn and wove this pillow from their naturally colored mohair

A mohair pillow, brown and gray, made from my goats

[falalalala in reply to Curlygoats]

Nice work!

[Curlygoats in reply to falalalala]

Thank you so much. I wove a black cat pillow for my Mom. I think creative endeavors help everyone relieve some stress. Probably why I make so much stuff, LOL

[falalalala in reply to Curlygoats]

They do! It takes your mind off everything but the task at hand.

[Humbrd in reply to Curlygoats]

Impressive! So happy for you living your happy life !

[Curlygoats in reply to Humbrd]

we should all do that

[Helpmeup]

I hear you. All our furry friends are a blessing and even the not so furry ones! I get through the tough days because of my pup. Loved the photos of your beautiful goats!

[Curlygoats in reply to Helpmeup]

Yes, our critters give us unconditional love, and they know when we don't feel well and really do give us comfort. I find my animals make me get up and do things, which is soooo important for anyone, especially us, to just keep moving.

We just had 9 puppies. We have 3 livestock guardian dogs. They keep our goats safe from predators.

What kind of dog do you have?

[Helpmeup in reply to Curlygoats]

That's her picture by my name. She is a little mix rescue pup. Part Chi, part terrier, part mystery, 100% love. 🐶🐾

[Curlygoats in reply to Helpmeup]

awww, sweet

[kdali]

Welcome! Ty for sharing pics 🥰

[Amore55]

Your talents and determination is admirable. I’m always in the middle of trying something new and different, so I admire your dedication! Keep moving forward. ☺️

[Curlygoats in reply to Amore55]

you too and thank you

[irhunter]

Awesome! Keep it up. My SPMS Dx last March, after two decades of undiagnosed MS, answered many health questions and got me on track for this years hay and dealing with the heat sensitivity during harvest. Almost sold the stock and ranch but at least for now is doable! I can’t imagine not having the animals and responsibilities to keep me active.

[Curlygoats in reply to irhunter]

I am glad you didn't sell your ranch. Stay active, stay healthy

[YAYA2three]

I totally agree. I don't have goats any more but I do rescue dogs. My dogs are why I have to get up & get around to take care of them & when I'm having a bad day they are right here to snuggle up & let me bitch to them. Some times they give the best advice 😂LOL

[Curlygoats in reply to YAYA2three]

They do give the best advice and cuddles

[Peruzzot]

Your goats are sooo cute! Remind me angora is the type of wool that is really soft and warm isn't it? Enjoy your herd of therapists. Do you also use their milk to make butter and cheese?

[Curlygoats in reply to Peruzzot]

Yes, well the kid fiber is. As they age it gets coarser but it is still useful. I make rugs and rope. from the older ones.

[mrsmike9]

Sometimes we just need something to make us keep going. I'm glad you have the goats! Do you spin the fleece?

[Curlygoats in reply to mrsmike9]

Yes, spinning is almost meditative, the sound of the wheel and your feet/foot and hands working. I like really chunky yarn because when you crochet or weave it is finished sooner. Do you spin?

[mrsmike9 in reply to Curlygoats]

My daughter does. Her husband has threatened her if she gets another wheel. I think she has three.

[Curlygoats in reply to mrsmike9]

I have 4 wheels so I guess I'm on your daughter's side, LOL What does she like to spin?

[mrsmike9 in reply to Curlygoats]

She has tried several different kinds. It's been awhile since she has been able to do anything as her daughter is now 10 months old and takes up a ton of time! 😄

[starlight5]

Glad you have found a way to deal with ms that works for you🥰 Love the pics!

[Curlygoats in reply to starlight5]

Thanks,

I think we all have to find what works best for us. Everyone's disease course is different as are everyone abilities are too. I was an ultrasound tech before I was diagnosed with MS, and it was soooo stressful, but I loved it and the patients I used to see. Sadly my cognitive is what has been affected the most.

I do believe that animals really do help us cope with life regardless of whether you have any disease or not.

[Tazmanian]

Whatever works for you keep doing it

[Curlygoats in reply to Tazmanian]

That's what my neurologist says

[Tazmanian in reply to Curlygoats]

Great minds think alike

[twooldcrows]

i agree for they needed you and so you steped up and took care of them ...we do have to have something to do to keep us busy and can do so much more....loves ...take care of your babies ..farm babies...enjoy your life...