This much-loved tale from America is a heart-warming treat. Eunice 'Pixie' Day was a goat herdswoman who lived on her own homestead farm in Maine, breeding and looking after her champion Saanen goats. Her story of an elderly couple and their cherished herd is told in language of spare and simple beauty that will delight old and young alike. "...they sold a little milk, and a few kids each year, and the goats were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end." This briefest of tales encompasses enduring themes of youth and age, constancy and love, as well as the many rewards of devoting one's life to the care of animals and the land. Eunice Day's plain-spoken narrative has established a remarkable legacy, even after her death. No surprise, then, that it has become traditional to share Gift of the Old One with a fellow animal-lover as a very special Christmas greeting. Also includes poems by James Stephens and RS Thomas. Illustrations by Kathy Morgan.