On an even brighter note, we are raising and breeding goats again, albeit on a much smaller scale. We had the distinction of being the only NPGA registered herd of pygmies in the entire State of Alaska when we first arrived in 1997. Within a year, we were joined by another enthusiastic young breeder. Over the past decade, we have been happy to welcome numerous NPGA members, breeders and pet Pygmy owners to our midst. Registered Pygmy goats are catching on in Alaska and we are proud to have provided quality foundation stock for many of these new (and some now not so new) Pygmy breeders and owners.
We are also happy to announce our new "venture". Deb took up spinning in 2007 and is totally hooked. It just seemed logical to take the next step, so we added our first Angora goat to the family in September of '08 and the arrival of our first PBA Pygora doeling (born Dec. 4, 2008) in February '09 was a milestone for us. Both of these does came to us from annually tested, disease negative herds and we look forward to moving forward towards our goal of developing a small, quality herd of fiber goats. Photos will be up soon!
We know there are other pygmy, pygora and angora goats scattered here and there across the state and we are looking forward to getting to know them and their owners through this web site. So, if you've found us and you have these great little goats (registered or not), please e-mail us and say hello!
In the meantime, Jerry and Deb finally completed the process of building a new home and barn (and are working on completion of a metal work/blacksmith shop), in the scenic community of Meadow Lakes, Alaska, just beyond the town of Wasilla and about 50 miles outside of Anchorage. Jerry retired in June 2007 after 30 years with the State of AK, DOT and is looking forward to more time in that "almost finished" shop!
Our hobby farm has a nice view of the Talkeetna Mountain Range in
the winter, but a plethora of birch trees and the occasional towering spruce frame our home the
rest of the year. If you'd like to visit our house, meet our pets and hear some of our
stories,
CLICK HERE!
Raising goats in a northern clime was nothing new to Deb, even though she has only lived in Alaska since '97. Jerry has been an Alaskan resident for over 36 years and wasn't about to leave, so when Deb and Jer married in July 1997, she sold her farm in
the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where winters are often even more harsh than
Southcentral Alaska - lots more snow, blizzards and similiar subzero
temperatures - and drove to Anchorage. The story of how Jerry (known as
"Frosty" to online friends) and Deb (also known as "snowgoose") met is quite a tale
in itself. If you're interested,
CLICK HERE!
The Saga of Snowgoose & Frosty
Jer was new to raising goats (he's an old hand now ... or should that be "an old goat"?) when we first met, but got right into the swing of things - as you can see from the following picture!
Jerry and Deb with yearling Pygmies, Alyssa and Makayla in '98 These two sweet does have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge (both after attaining their NPGA "+"; recognition for High Production, having delivered ten or more live kids), but we still love the photos. They bring back so many wonderful memories - even Jerry's long hair (also long gone).
Most goats handle extreme temperatures fine as long as they have
adequate food, housing and attention, and ours are no exception. If you have questions about the needs of Pygmy or Pygora goats in cold climates, feel free to e-mail us with questions. We're always happy to "talk goats".
The addition of a pair of LGDs; our Great Pyrenees, "Buran"(in picture) and his younger co-worker "Libby", a spayed female, add to their safety. "Buran"
is Russian for "snowstorm". He has grown up as part of the herd even though
as an adult he's now easily three times their size! "Libby" (short for Liberty Belle) was added in the Spring of 2005.
"Buran" and some of his young charges.
Our web pages will always be changing as we take new pictures, add new information or links, and continue our life here in this beautiful State. Please visit often.
Last updated 3/06/2009
Our Does
Our Bucks - Past & Present
Our Kids, New Arrivals & Fun Photos
Spring Promise Memories
Thanks for visiting us here at Spring Promise Pygmies (and Pygoras!). If you're ever in Alaska, please let us know. We'd love to meet you!
Deb Frost's Profile | Create Your Badge
Proud member of the NPGA since 1991
OTHER LINKS:
Ladybug's
Backyard
Chris's Studio
