Chasing Brisket: An Unexpected Evening Adventure

The Escape

It all started innocently enough. I had returned home with the new goats and the girls wanted to help get them to their pen. Three of four goats were escorted to the pen without incident. Then it was time for the last goat. The moment my daughter grabbed ahold of the leash, the goat bolted and the leash went with her. Before I could react, she took off like a rocket.

The Chase Begins

The clock read 9:10 PM as I bolted out of our yard after her. Sandal-footed and unprepared for an adventure, I sprinted across the yard. Brisket led me on a wild goose chase, zigzagging through neighbors' yards. Each time I thought I was getting close, she'd dart in another direction, her tiny hooves barely touching the ground.

Neighborly Concerns

Chasing a goat through your neighborhood at night is not for the faint of heart. Every time we cut through a yard, I couldn't shake the worry that an annoyed neighbor might come out, shotgun in hand, ready to defend their property from the mysterious intruder. With each yard we traversed, my anxiety grew. I could almost hear the news headlines: "Local Man Shot Chasing Goat."

Fields and Fences

Brisket showed no signs of slowing down as we moved from manicured lawns to open fields. My bare feet pounded the rough ground, and I felt every rock and stick. We reached a fence, and without hesitation, Brisket squeezed through a gap in the barbed wire. I, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. As I scrambled over the fence, the barbed wire snagged my shirt and scratched my arms. But there was no time to dwell on the pain: I had a goat to catch.

The Physical Toll

By now, it was nearing 10 PM, and my body was protesting. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears. My throat burned with every breath, and my muscles trembled with exhaustion. But I couldn't stop. Brisket seemed tireless, and the thought of her being out all night was unbearable.

The Final Sprint

In a desperate bid to corner her, I herded Brisket toward a neighbor's house. She dashed onto their porch, perhaps thinking she could find refuge there. This was my chance. Summoning every ounce of energy, I lunged forward and finally managed to grab her. She bleated in surprise and struggled with immense force as I lifted her over my shoulder.

The Walk Home

The walk home was a blur of exhaustion and relief. Brisket, screaming at the top of her lungs, hung over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes. My muscles screamed with every step, and my throat felt as dry as a desert. When I reached the house, I set Brisket down inside and collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air. It felt like I hadn't had a drink in weeks.

Naming Brisket

As I lay there, catching my breath and reflecting on the evening's events, I decided our little escape artist needed a new name. Brisket seemed fitting: she was fast, and after that chase, I bet she'd taste good slow-smoked. It is a name that captured both her speed and my exasperation.

The Aftermath

In the light of the next morning, the whole adventure felt surreal. My body was sore, my arms bore scratches from the barbed wire, and my feet were tender from the chase. But there she was in her pen, Brisket, looking as innocent as ever. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Reflections on an Unlikely Adventure

Chasing Brisket was an ordeal I wouldn't wish on anyone, but it also brought a strange sense of accomplishment and a unique bond with our new herd member. It's not every day you test your endurance against a pygmy goat. The experience reminded me of the unpredictability of life and the importance of humor in dealing with unexpected challenges.

Lessons Learned

• Always Be Prepared: Whether it's ensuring gates are securely latched or wearing proper footwear, being prepared can save you a lot of trouble.
• Stay Calm: Panicking only makes the situation worse. Keeping a level head helped me strategize and eventually catch Brisket.
• Find Humor: In the midst of chaos, finding something to laugh about can make the experience more bearable.

Conclusion

So, that's the story of how I spent an hour chasing a pygmy goat all over God's creation. It was exhausting, nerve-wracking, and a bit ridiculous, but it's a memory I'll cherish. And now, every time I see Brisket, I'm reminded of that wild chase and the unexpected adventures life can throw our way.

If you've ever had to chase a runaway animal, you know the mix of frustration and determination that comes with it. And if you haven't, I hope my story gives you a glimpse into the chaos, and a good laugh.