Dear Lucy,
You were our granny goat, our founding member, our classmate, our teacher, our consoler, our leader. You provided milk for thousands of taste tests, milking opportunity for thousands.
Andre was milking you one night, sobbing because we had sold Chispita to another farmer. Upon releasing you from the stanchion, you stopped and laid your head on his shoulder. I looked on, in the darkness, as you comforted his young, aching heart before jumping off the milking stand.
You were the herd’s fierce leader, head butting any other goat who thought they might deserve the food you wanted.
You stood between the fleeing herd and danger.
You birthed babies despite long and difficult labor.
You pulled through illnesses.
You were a gentle teacher, allowing thousands of students to milk you.
You worked your way into my heart the day we bought you and you never left it.
I will miss you and I thank you for the joy you brought to our family and to our students.
Who ever thought a goat would embed herself so deeply into my being.
Love,
Me
Herbert and Diego attempting to get Lucy to her feet. She had become unable to stand earlier in the day.
Herbert moving Lucy onto a board so he and Diego could move her into cover for the night. She could no longer stand.
Andre saying goodbye. Chocolate, our only other goat, knew something was wrong. She never left Lucy’s side.
This is the next day. She made it through the night when Herbert and Diego moved her into cover, Andre put hay around her and on her so she’d stay warmer. Herbert and I fed her sliced apples and molasses water. Later that night, she laid her head in my lap. I told her goodbye. She did not make it through the second night.
- Lucy, our black goat, moved to our farm in 2010. She was 4 years old at the time. She passed away October 5, 2019, she was 13.
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About The Goat Cheese Lady
I am Lindsey. At first I was a city girl. Growing up, the closest thing I had to farm animals were a cat and a cockatiel.
In 2009, Herbert (my husband) and I bought our first milk goat and I instantly became an urban farmgirl, attempting to balance city and farm life..before I knew “urban homesteading” was a thing. That’s when we began The Goat Cheese Lady Farm, hence The Goat Cheese Lady blog you’re visiting now.
After moving to the country in 2014, I embarked on life as a rural farmgirl. We continued teaching farm and cheesemaking classes, raising more goats and began construction on our cheese creamery.
But life had other plans and in 2017, we decided that, due to financial and health issues, we had to close the farm for business. No more classes, no more creamery, a lot less milking. We went back to off farm jobs, I as an Occupational Therapist, Herbert in construction with his business, D&A Home Remodeling.
At that point, I made a silent promise to myself that I would corral my entrepreneurial mind and focus on a job for a year.
Well, it has been a year and I am back. Not to classes, cheese, soap or lotion, but back to writing. I love it. I’m not sure where it will lead me, but that’s where I’m starting. I’ll continue to write as The Goat Cheese Lady for now, and whatever the future holds, I’ll let you know.
Our two boys are 14 and 11 and continue to be louder than my sister and I ever were. We have two dogs, Montaña and Flash, a cat, Jumpy, a flock of chickens and three goats.
Yes, we still have Lucy, the goat who helped us start it all and was milked by over 1,000 people. She’s retired but still the boss. Chocolate provides enough milk for our family with some to spare for the dogs. Soccer friends, school friends, coyotes and mice are frequent visitors. There are way too many flies and every so often we see an owl.
I’m glad you’re here. Sometimes you’ll laugh out loud, other times you’ll be inspired to appreciate the small things. My hope is that, over your morning cup of coffee or your afternoon work break, you’ll enjoy the antics and inspiration that are my daily life.
Lindsey
The Goat Cheese Lady 
Sorry to read of your loss – losing an animal friend is never easy. I’m thinking of you. . . . . Ann
Thanks Ann. I appreciate it. Lindsey
I’m so sorry about your loss of a beloved family member. You have written a beautiful tribute, Lindsey. ❤
Thank you so much. Lindsey
I’m sorry for your loss, our animals are precious to us. She will be missed by all. Barbara Simpson
Thanks Barbara. I appreciate it. Lindsey
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Thank you for sharing your letter. So sorry for your loss.
I have three grown sons that all live away from home. Last spring I lost my very favorite goat, Happy (that sounded a lot like the one you describe). She was old with only 3 teeth left. My husband came home from work to be with me when the vet came. While he and the vet were with Happy at the end, I tearfully went out to the pasture and wrapped my arms around my huge llama, Whisky. Llamas don’t enjoy a hug, but he stood there for several minutes knowing that I needed him. When I texted my sons that Happy was gone, the older sons texted back nice notes. Later in the evening I heard from my youngest…he texted “ah, she was such a good friend”. I’m so blessed to have raised a son that knows a goat could be a best friend. >
Thanks Krista. I’m sorry you lost Happy.
I noticed how special it was for me to see how the boys reacted to the loss.
My older son, Diego, had just lost a big soccer game, was exhausted and pretty grouchy. The night was cold and it was late. But when I called from the goat pen and told my husband Lucy needed help, Diego and my younger son, Andre, both came immediately with my husband to help.
Sounds like you and I both have raised and are raising good boys.
Good Job Mom! ❤️
So sorry about Lucy. She gave lots to many. Lovely testament to her, Lindsey.
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Thanks Susie.
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