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Shows are for
People, Too
by Nanette Klement
The majority of NPGA
members who own a few Pygmies just for the pure fun of it
probably think shows are
for the “big breeders”. WRONG!
We live within practical
driving distance of some large shows and at first we went to
them to learn about Pygmies. Showing looked like a lot of fun
while I watched from the sidelines, and when I began to
participate I discovered that I didn’t evaporate in a puff of
smoke when the judge came to me, nor did the world end when I
didn’t place. Instead, there were helpful hints shared, deeply
treasured friendships made, and a lot of fun to be had. Did we
learn about Pygmies? Indeed. We learned not only what a winning
conformation looks like, but we learned management tips and got
ideas that have made caring for our animals far more pleasant
and considerably more efficient. “Pygmy people” are as
delightful as the animals they own.
Shows are every bit as
much for PEOPLE as they are for Pygmies – for all Pygmy lovers,
not just a few “breeders”. Go to a show and meet other people
just like you!
If there are no shows
close to you, take a look around. You may be one of a handful
of NPGA members in your area, but the odds are that there are
more people with unregistered Pygmy goats than you realized. [.
. .]
Consider starting at
“square one” by finding other Pygmy lovers. Then consider
putting on a very simple, unsanctioned “Fun Day” show. Such a
show can fit into a back yard, a park, school grounds, roping
arena, or lots of other places besides an official fairground.
[. . .] [NPGA’s booklet, Guidelines for a Pygmy Goat Show is
full of helpful information on how to organize a show.] Be sure
to have NPGA materials on hand for any people who might be
interested in joining and be ready to answer all kinds of
questions.
From such a gathering
could come the nucleus of interest to form a club or to work
toward a sanctioned show. It won’t happen overnight and will
take some real work, but it really can come together. When it
does, Pygmies everywhere and their owners – people just like
you – will benefit from it in many ways. There are friends out
there waiting to be met – some with two legs, some with four.
Excerpts from:
Kinne, Maxine, ed.
Pygmy Goats: Best of Memo
2
(1982-1987)
National Pygmy Goat Association: pp 159
This document is for
informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be a
substitute for medical consultation with a qualified veterinary
professional. The information provided through this document is
not meant to be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a health
problem or disease, nor should it be construed as such.
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