When you first see Esther, you might be reminded of the phrase, “one of these things is not like the others.” Our daughter, Emily, began helping Kim Puzio—one of the country’s top Nubian breeders at My-Enchanted-Acres—during the 2019/2020 show season, including assisting with farm chores during Nationals. While working with Kim’s herd, Emily fell in love with Nubians—and though we won’t all admit it, the rest of the family may have as well.

As a token of appreciation, Kim offered Emily a 2020 Nubian doeling in exchange for her help. Emily was overjoyed, and the bond between her and Esther was instant and unbreakable. The two have been inseparable ever since.

One Saturday morning at the end of summer, Emily and I discovered Esther had torn her ear on a hay feeder. We rushed her to the vet, where she was sedated and received stitches. She returned home wearing the infamous “cone of shame,” drawing puzzled stares from the rest of the herd. Thankfully, she healed beautifully—and today, you’d never know anything had happened.

Esther has since gone on to thrive in both the show ring and the milk parlor. In 2021, she was named Best of Breed twice in 4-H competitions. She freshened with twins in 2022, earning two Reserve Champion legs as a first freshener, along with her full AR Milk Star (10*M). In 2023, she kidded a single buck and remained competitive, earning additional 4-H honors and another Reserve Champion title.

In 2024, Esther delivered twins from our first successful AI breeding. Although she again struggled to maintain weight due to her tremendous milk production, she still finished the season with an impressive 1,963 pounds—despite being milked only once daily during her final six weeks. Esther earned her first Grand Champion leg under Judge Mark Baden at the Kitsap Fuzzy Show and added another Reserve Champion leg at the Clark County Fair under Judge Dan Green.

Esther’s accomplishments, resilience, and bond with Emily make her a truly special part of our herd.