Or Not. Illustrated by Dijon, the Goat.

We are constantly learning interesting lessons from the barn and its surroundings by just simply observing the 4-legged entourage that works and resides at Hunt Cap Farms. One example is illustrated in this story by a 3yo Nigerian Dwarf goat named Dijon who came to HCF as a baby (cute as could be) along with another (A-DOR-ABLE) slightly younger baby named Puzzle in 2017. Since their arrival, we have had the pleasure of watching them BE baby goats, and then grow up. They are basically free range which means they provide a constant source of entertainment, which at times can lead to spontaneous opportunities for anger management. All of the time there is something to observe in this bonded pair of goats. They are BFF’s yet very different in goatenality. This particular tale about On Learning to See… Or Not is brought to you by the slightly older, seeming bolder of the two. Let us put it this way, as an adult this goat, Dijon looks and acts like a buck but then also pretends to be a dog.

The following is just one of many stories that often can be utilized as learning fables, involving the goat Dijon. If you know anything about goats, you might agree that they are industrious. For about a week in 2018, our friend Dijon repeatedly put his own head inside of a metal can and it got stuck there, essentially blinding him. The first time that this happened we humans ran to the rescue and removed the can! The second time this happened Dijon was in the barn while we were adding bedding pellets and the can was available to him in the aisle, he proceeded to blind himself yet again. We did observe this time for a minute or so just to see what his deal was…? (no video of this so far). However, the third time that this happened (3x’s is a pattern) Dijon consiously sought out “the can” and efficiently blinded himself yet again. We observed, we laughed, we grabbed a phone to video tape it!

After that 3rd time Dijon stabbed the opportunity to get his own head stuck inside the metal can, we left him with it. He continued to be a goat, who wandered aimlessly into walls, gates, Crazylegs, brooms, and a watering can. Then his buddy Puzzle incited a head butting session, which we all thought was interesting from Puzzle’s point of view in that he would be bashing his head against a metal can, but then again, he is also a goat, so…? Dijon obliged the head sparring, clanking around and hitting the can helmet onto to Puzzle and anything else that managed to be in his path. Regrettably there is no video of this sequence with “the can”.

Witnessing this goat bashing his way around blind, yet still committed to the mission of being a goat, and fully accepting - even choosing this way of operating…makes one think about how we learn to see. Metaphorically thinking, when we cannot SEE something in order to understand it, we are exactly like Dijon bashing our way through an experience the very best we can without the vision to really know where we are going. When new circumstances are forced upon us, it may feel safer to put on armor and bash our way through it. Yet it can prove to be far more productive if we pause, wait for clarity, seek more information, sit next to uncertainty, and allow our other senses to enter the conversation. All of us, goats included, do have the deepness in knowing with certainty from within - what feels right, what is needed, when to act, and why - in order to SEE where our best response comes from in uncertain or challenging circumstances. When we choose to hide from fears and make choices impulsively or blindly, it leads to panic thinking and endless bumping into walls or other barriers. Change will still come while our head is in the metal can, the way that we can grow strong personal roots and rise above challenges is to see them. There is often discomfort in change, especially if thrust upon us however there is no way to avoid it because change is inevitable. The strongest and smartest goats of us will choose to face what is ahead with open eye and able to see, even if that creates adversity.

There is Power in PAUSE. Remove the can from your head. Breathe. Listen to the heart when thoughts are quiet. Then you can see much better. The next step will come into view. Unless, I guess, if you really are a goat!

Goat Dijon is AVAILABLE as a Virtual Hire for cameo appearances during work-from-home video calls, all kinds of online events, and other social gatherings. Dijon and the entire Goat entourage most definitely self-report (even upstage) for appearances during our offerings of online virtual Guided Tours and Educational Field-trips. ALL of these unique NJVH services are listed in detail on the website’s Virtual Services page.

If you are already down with Dijon and ready to take the goat plunge immediately you can Get Started where a date and time is offered. Dijon will be waiting at the checkout counter - assuredly looking for edibles / destructibles.

And, if you still seek more information about this dastardly character in order to decide, that is understandable. Dijon is a guarantee on the entertainment sphere, we do know that he will deliver something. It is more the enterPainment or the shock value, which sometimes can be unpredictable, and may or may not lead to some form of chaos. We have also noted that somehow Dijon has managed to get the slightly younger and more gullible goat Puzzle (black & white) to take the lead role in Goat Act LXIV thinking that he is the star of the show! Fun right? Then Puzzle gets caught in the act and is swiftly blamed for it! Until we caught on to this staged event, Dijon would receive the praise and applause for behaving so well mannered. Quite a clever, yet dastardly goat.

Not to worry on your end though because after all it is virtual and you can just hang up the video call. Those of us here cannot do that, we are stuck in practical isolation with this goat! In all honestly, IF you are lucky, the Date with Dijon will come upon a mood of sleepy goat sweetness where you start to believe he is actually a dog, not a goat. So GOat-ahead, roll the dice on Dijon!

You can learn more about Goat Dijon as well as explore the other interesting Herd member choices available) check out their bios and background at Meet the Herd.

The above photo shows the Goat-duo performing their version of Car Wash. It takes them awhile, but they have the time. Wanna take a chance and hire Dijon? Or how about Puzzle, the black and white sidekick? Go for it!

Heck, at the very least you’re up for an interesting diversion from Zoom burn-out. In the afternoon when we all begin to fade, mental focus wanders… Instead of another cup of coffee, try out this Goat!