We're off to see the... What? Who?

Morning routine with mama is done and we've joined Rachel on her way to the goat pen. She's not only going out to see the goats but we're tagging along because she's going to check on yesterday's unexpected arrival of a new Lazy Dog Ranch resident, 

Badger!

(Actually, he arrived last Tuesday but mama is just now getting around to posting.)

Badger (formerly known as Bandit) is a 4 year old gelded

mini Shetland pony.

He really rocks that mane!

Oliver and Badger greeting each other at the gate.

Hazel pretended to bathe herself rather than show interest.

Seems like Badger had a good first night in his new home.

Badger used to give rides at kid's parties. Now our young visitors that aren't quite ready for one of the big boys yet can ride Badger instead!

Rachel has been working with him and is very happy that he has quickly become comfortable with us and won't run off just because somebody has a halter and lead rope. He also quickly learned not to expect treats in a hand. They say he's very sweet and personable.

  Earlier this week all the horses got pedicures by the farrier. I wasn't invited to go along like usual because it was done at the barn and this was going to be Badger's first time to meet the rest of the herd. Apparently they were all good boys and nickered greetings to him. Above is Badger and Happy Jack after everybody was done and before they walked back to the house.

Kai was apparently worn out and uninterested in the pile of hoof trimmings mama saved for us. One of our favorite treats!

The boys grazing afterward...

Badger back with the goat herd.

I personally think it's nice having a horse more my size around. Until next time...

~Tucker

Livestock Guard Dog

Hi! I'm Kai, and I'm the future LGD at Lazy Dog Ranch!

Part of the flock that I'll be in charge of protecting:

Oliver and I'll are close in size, at least for a few more weeks!

Tucker is this huge black bear! Wonder if I'll ever be as big as him?

Then there's Sierra. I was pretty bummed when I discovered she didn't have milk. She tolerates me more than the boys but we've got a connection ~ we're both white!

If I can get a good running start maybe I can FLY!

I'm showing how I can stand watch too!

Then again, I may just decide that staying inside isn't so bad after all....

I like kisses...

My new family!

 I think I'm gonna be happy here!

Squishy face with my new mama!

(Wonder how long it'll be before she can't hold me and do this anymore. It's so embarrassing...)

More

Our chicks will be in next month! I can't wait!!

Um, well, I kind of... didn't.

This is what happened:

We go into the feed store to pick up a couple of items. Immediately we hear the sweet little peeps of none other than chicks! I couldn't wait. Especially since I discovered they were Bantams (the little "mini" chickens) and one of the batches were Cochins with potential of being frizzles. I love my Cochins and we love our two little roos sooo....

We now have 8 more little itty bittys!

And, yes, I will still get my chicks next month because I want regular sized eggs not just itsy bitsy teeny tiny ones.

Meet the crew ~

In the brooder

Penny all snuggled in

Penny showing off her new wing feathers

Cat being cute

Cat lookin' at 'cha!

Robyn wondering what's up

Robyn showing off her pretty markings

Penelope is all attitude...

Can't you tell?!

Danika posing

Danika standing tall!

Danika's backside

Daisy being her sweet self 

Daisy keeping an eye on everything

Mouse is getting lighter every day

Mouse's white wing tips

Pip's always looking up because she's the tiniest

Pip's white markings coming in

Tucker absolutely loves everything small!

Penny, Cat, and Robyn are the Cochins. Penny is by far the largest and Pip is so tiny compared to the others. I believe Pip is going to be barred, which is one of my favorite markings. I have guesses but absolutely no idea as to what they will look like when grown. You know I'll post more photos as they grow. It'll be fun to compare in a few months, even weeks. Oh, and, of course, there's always the possibility of a rooster but we're hoping they're only girls!

Once you've had one...

... then you have to have one wherever you live. 

First came the rock... LOTS of rock...

Excavation.

Tucker's up close and personal inspection!

Further examination by Hazel once the pond was lined and the rock placement had begun.

I kind of slacked off on the photos as the rock was being laid, sorry... This is after the pond is finished. Waterfalls are still to be designed.

And the first night. So peaceful and nice to have a pond again. 

A koi pond.... Close to the house.... With waterfalls.... Not to be fished in :)

West fall rushes down a rough rock, splits and finishes off by flowing over two logs.

Eastern fall serenely meanders over some large flat rocks. So peaceful! 

The logs and one root came from the property.

Michael transferred the koi to their new home earlier this week. He also brought a couple more roots and a few plants from Keller. The swing is my Christmas gift he hung so we can enjoy the pond and have a great view of everything out back too!

Christmas day photo. Nobody but Tucker looks happy to pose...

It survived it's first flood! We didn't put an overflow in because the water runs off and soaks into this sand quickly enough. The water was clear for a few days anyway... 

Fantastic work by the crew at Backyard Concepts in Aubry, TX!

Thanks for another beautiful water feature!!

Can't wait to add landscaping!