Puget Sound Goat Rescue

Blog written by Sarah Klapstein

It's been a record breaking rescued baby season. 116 babies saved this year. 116! So many babies! Believe me, we feel it. It's been a very long and sometimes very challenging rescued baby season but it has been a truly remarkable one. It all started 8 months ago with little man Charlie Brown and it's been going strong ever since. Our youngest kids are only a few weeks old so even though there is light at the end of the tunnel, we're still not there yet. It has been 8 months filled with countless baby goat rescue road trips, hundreds of gallons of milk, bottle prepping, bottle heating, bottle feeding, bottle washing. Baby goats everywhere, running, jumping, playing and snuggling. And now over 1/2 of those kids are in wonderful forever homes with incredibly loving new families. It's why we do what we do. These faces, these lives. Each with their very own distinct personalities from the moment they arrive. They all make a lasting impression on us and our farms. It's hard to narrow it down to just a small group for each year's yearbook. It was tough with so many stand out kids this year!

Homecoming Queen: Jitterbug

"And though she be but little, she is fierce” -Shakespeare

Sassy, sweet and everything in between. Jitterbug has adoring fans all over the world and of course she does, how could you not love this little girl. Her story is one of the wins of this season coming back from illness and beating the odds. She has been the heart of BGC this season, forever our little Queen B.

Homecoming King: Valentino

Valentino, the head turner. Not only is this boy handsome and charming, he is incredibly sweet and was one of the biggest loves of the season. He is now holding court in an amazing forever home with a number of his buddies

Most likely to fall asleep in class: Finn

When Finn arrived at the rescue at just 12 hours old, it was dark and below freezing overnight so he got a night of house baby status. He immediately fell asleep on my chest and slept soundly the entire night. We quickly learned this kid can sleep anywhere and everywhere. Finn has been known for falling asleep standing up, literally. If you can’t find Finn, just check a swimming pool or a corner of the barn, he’s likely sound asleep completely oblivious to the world around him.

The comeback kids: Moxie & Matteo

There were a number of comeback kids this season but none more dramatic than Moxie & Matteo. Moxie & her brother Chance were born at a local slaughterhouse. Although we were able to rescue them hours after birth and rescue their mother as well, their mother was in such poor condition that she rejected them. After a roller coaster of health issues the first few weeks, Chance passed away. But Moxie, she lived up to her name. This girl is tough and a true survivor.

Matteo arrived as a breeder cull baby and started having health issues not long after he arrived. Name an issue, he had it. He was such a trooper as we treated each ailment as we wondered how much more his little body could take. Well, he proved to be one of the miracles of the season and this kid is now going strong

Valedictorian: Lance

Lance, the smarty pants and one of the most personable goats you will ever meet. He has the brains and the looks and is sure to make his mark on this world

Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket: Spike

Oh, Spike. He would be lost in this world without his girl Jitterbug. Even then, you’ll often find Bug off doing goat things and Spike still a bit confused by the world but we love this little guy and all his “Nubian-ness” Better give those lottery tickets to Bug!

Teachers Pet: Max

Max. Those eyes, that head tilt, Max can get away with just about anything and trust me, he does. He may be a bit spoiled but how can you resist? Little Max knows just how to work his charm to get what he wants most in the world, snuggly lap time.

Most likely to be famous: Juliette

Juliette, the star. We knew she was something special the moment we rescued her from a slaughterhouse just hours after she was born there. She had the face and personality of a star. She is now in the bright lights as a spokesgoat for Seattle Goat Yoga and has even made her first TV appearance

Most likely to win an Olympic medal: Team Ober

Team Ober, the “ober-achievers” Ahead of the game in athletics and just about everything else, these kids work together as a team unlike any other group of kids. There is no play structure they can’t conquer in record time not to mention their lightening fast speed and gymnastic ability on the BGC playground. This crew is gold medal worthy each and every day

Most likely to still live in their parents basement after graduation: Charlie

My little man Charlie Brown. He would have lived in my house forever if he could. He arrived shortly before Christmas after being rejected by his mom. A single baby in freezing temperatures meant one thing, full time house baby. When Charlie finally got a buddy, he was so reluctant to move outside. So much so that 4 baby goats were living in the house until it warmed up and Charlie started to embrace life in the barn and outdoors. He eventually did but I’m pretty sure he’d go right back to his lap goat on the couch status if he could.

Cutest Couple: Henry & Haven

Brother & sister, twins and the best of friends! These two could always be found together, Haven leading the way. They were adopted together and will always know the love and comfort of one another.

The black sheep: Jackson

He fits the description, quite literally. We rescued Jackson from a slaughterhouse as a newborn and he has fit right in with all the goat kids.

Most likely to win a Nobel Peace prize: Joshua

They just don’t come much sweeter than Joshua. He was born with underdeveloped eyes but that didn’t slow him down one bit. They say eyes are the windows to the soul. Joshua’s was certainly gentle, genuine and caring.

In Memory:

Some years are more challenging than others. 2017 was one of those years. To the little ones whose time with us was far too short, you were loved, your lives mattered and you will always be in our hearts and memories. Their time with us, no matter how short, helps shape our farms, our rescue, our mission. They left this world knowing so much love and the very best care. They live on in all the little ones who did beat the odds and are thriving today.

A special thank you must be said to our go-to guy, our vet, Dr. P. He has gone above and beyond for us countless times this baby season. Answering calls at all hours, fitting us in when honestly it was near impossible and even taking home a sick baby and getting up with him every 2 hours. He has saved us, and these little ones so many times this season.

And to our amazing volunteers who step up in big ways to help us during this crazy season every year with transport, feeding, chores, etc. It takes a village to do what we do.

By the time the youngest kids are weaned this year, the 2018 rescued baby season will be just around the corner. Hard to believe! Rescued baby season is crazy but it sure is worth it!