Maddie Kiefer
In Town: Maddie Kiefer owns and operates Shear Pleasure, a full service dog and cat grooming and boarding business. Maddie’s shop is located behind her house near Yellville, Ark. She’s operated at this location for 17 years, with three years’ experience prior to her present location.
In the Country: Maddie raises and shows purebred French Alpine milk goats, presently milking six goats and selling the milk to local customers. She normally tries to maintain a herd of 10 to 12 does and four bucks. She said, “I chose Alpines because I just love them; they are beautiful, graceful looking and come in all kinds of colors. Dairy goats are companion animals – it’s just like having a bunch of dogs.” Maddie milks twice a day. She doesn’t consider it work. She said, “It’s my down time. I find it very relaxing.”
Maddie not only sells her milk, but she also sells her goats as show animals and for breeding stock. She said, “If one of my goats is not show quality, I will sell it to someone as a home milker.” Maddie has been quite successful showing her goats. This year she won grand champion and best of breed at the Arkansas State Fair.
Blending Town and Country: Maddie said that having the grooming business at her home allows her to have goats. She said, “I need to be close by to check on the goats, especially during kidding season.” Maddie adds that although she has two guard dogs, a Great Pyrenees and a Commodore, she needs to be vigilant because town dogs are a constant threat to the herd. Working from her home also allows her to be a part of 4-H, which is another of her passions. She presently works with a Marion County group called “Small Stockers and More,” and particularly enjoys working with Clover Buds, the youngest children.
Story and Photo by Jack and Pam Fortner
