For over a week, I've noticed new pellets and grazed patches *outside* the boy's pasture right by the gate and along that corner near the driveway. Yes, the girl goats have gone on walkabout, but not that often and not that far. So was one of the boys sneaking out? No, not at all. This morning, I looked out the window to see Ari grazing side-by-fence-by-side of a young-looking doe. She is tall enough to be considered a full grown deer, but not heavily set enough to be mature just yet. Even so, if she decides that Ari is the man for her, he's going to need a stepladder.
I'm going to have to keep an eye out for a photo opportunity of the two of them grazing together.
Also, I'm going to have to increase my vigilance against meningeal worms.
Regardless, I'd rather see deer enjoying Ari's company than the fox that showed up for breakfast in the boys' yard yesterday. I had gotten up before daylight, and the fox was apparently doing its morning rounds at the same time. It went trotting downslope while I was filling the boys' water, gave me a "hunh! You're not supposed to be here yet!" look, and kept trotting to slip under the gate and head towards the house. I don't mind having foxes *around* but I mind them getting cozy with the goats. Kidding season might get extra nervous for that.
