All I Want For Christmas

With the holiday season upon us it is time to get moving on those hard to shop for people. In order to help I bring you the first installment of Rainy Pete's Holiday Gift Guide.

With the rising concerns about pollution and the growing drive to start converting the traffic on our roads to more fuel efficient "green" options I think that it is time to look to other areas to make our lives a little more environmentally friendly. Why not show someone how much you love them by making their warm weather chores a little easier and more environmentally sound. Instead of having them spend hours upon hours cutting their lawn you should get them a goat. It can keep the lawn neatly trimmed while burning no fuel. While emissions can get a little messy, they aren't going to contribute to global warming or acid rain and even fertilize the yard as they go. While a goat doesn't seem like much of a gift at first, keep reading. Not only will their lives be vastly improved with all the free time, but they will be amazed and entertained when they learn that the goat you got them is a fainting goat.

That's right kids! Be the first on your street to have a goat that seizes up at a moment's notice. These intriguing creatures have a unique genetic called myotonia. It results in stiffening of external muscles thanks to a combination of recessive genes. Some goats will fall to the ground with their entire bodies perfectly stiff and rigid while others stiffen only in their limbs. After ten to fifteen seconds these delightfully odd critters get up and walk it off using their stiffened back legs, for a minute and then it's back to their standard goat-like life. Whether it's dinner time or a loud noise they go rigid for a few seconds which can make for some entertaining times. You do have to wonder if this is a help or hindrance when it's mating time though. Provide hours of fund for the family with a pet that can't runaway if you yell at it. The problem you'll have is that startling them is so funny that you'll keep doing it so much they won't cut your grass fast enough. I'd get nothing done since I'd be finding new and entertaining ways to startle the poor things.

You absolutely have to see these guys in action.
click here fro videoand here for the IFGA (International Fainting Goat Association (It's worth it for the logo).