THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 13, 1996 TAG: 9603120131
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Linda McNatt
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
He's the only legitimate old goat in Isle of Wight County who has ever threatened to sue me. So, when Skud calls, I listen.
Skud, the official county goat in a sort of unofficial way, called the other day to say that he has another companion. He wanted me to come out and meet the new kid on the block, and I was eager to comply with his wishes.
I don't know why, but I do all that I can to satisfy this goat.
I've put his picture on the front of The Citizen. I gave him the most votes when I judged the local Christmas parade two years ago. That wasn't good enough. He was mad because he didn't win, so he didn't show up last year.
He's a real prima donna. I can say that (in the feminine), you know, because Skud has had a sex change operation. It's common knowledge. No need to worry about another lawsuit threat here.
But when I divulged his plot earlier this year to go to Hollywood for a series of animal movies - well, that's when he threatened to sue. Skud said he wasn't ready for the publicity. All of the screenplays weren't quite ready, it seemed.
Now, if any of us can figure out how a screen writer is going to join a goat and a llama in high-action adventure movies. . .
That's right, the new kid is a llama. Donnie Llama. He's a white ball of fur with big brown eyes. He is star-stuff if I've ever seen it.
There's no question that Skud is still the king of the barnyard at the Poor House Farm, across the street from the courthouse, where the county's public works department has its headquarters.
Every time he turns around, said Lud Creef, director of county works, Skud is inviting in a new friend to join the menagerie. Donnie is another in a long line of ducks, roosters, goats, cats.
There's Mama, the three-legged cat rescued from the county animal shelter.
Mama had one little kitten before she was, you know, ``fixed,'' and her offspring joined the zoo. Another big, orange tomcat decided to plop himself in front of the car of one of public works department's employees one morning a couple of years ago and caught himself a free ride to a home.
There are three ducks. One is the largest mallardI've ever seen. Creef said he's thinking about trying to find a chapter of Overeaters Anonymous for that duck. He's apparently seen the bird barely able to walk after a bout of overindulging.
There are two roosters. And two other goats besides Skud.
Skud started it all. The black and white beauty was a coming-home present to Creef from his staff in 1991, after the public works director served with the Army Reserve in Desert Storm.
From there, the group of pets just started to grow. Skud chooses each of his companions. He especially likes Donnie, Creef said. The fluffy white fur and big eyes must have been appealing.
The animals feast each day on a diet of bread, corn and hay. But they will eat just about anything, according to their keeper.
``I used to feed Skud some of (former County Administrator Myles) Standish's memos when he was still here,'' Creef said. ``When he left, we bought a paper shreader.''
Skud misses those tidbits. Maybe somebody should arrange to have some imported from Suffolk.
Donnie the llama joined the crew last fall, just before the county fair. He was exhibited there and has done well at the farm over the winter. Creef is a little uncertain about what to do with his heavy coat of winter wool. Llama typically are used in South America for their wool and their milk.
If anybody has any tips on llama care, Creef would appreciate hearing about them.
Visitors are welcome at the Poor House Farm, where you can feed the animals. Remember, they like bread, corn, hay. And, if by chance you can find a Standish memo - oh, wow, what a delicacy.
Creef is used to the animal environment. He grew up on a 25-acre farm near Great Bridge in Chesapeake. His dad passed on to him a love for animals, he said, and he's never shy about passing it on to others.
``I wish more people cared about animals,'' he said. ``They are always there for you. When things get hectic around here, I just walk out to the pen and talk to them.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LINDA McNATT
Donnie Llama has joined the menagerie at the Poor House Farm.
by CNB