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Original poster

Would anyone take an old goat?

36 replies

AhBiscuits · 22/08/2024 06:57

My dad died yesterday. He was 77 but it was sudden and unexpected. I don't know what happened and there will be a post mortem. He was healthy, enjoying his life and in great spirits when my sister visited the day before.

Amongst all the things that have been swimming around my head all night is his goat. He had a small holding. Over the years he has reduced the animals to just a pair of turkeys, the hen of which is sat on eggs atm, and a goat. I think we'll be able to find someone to take the turkey family. The goat must be at least 15 years old. My dad was very attached to it. It was my mum's pet. She died of cancer 7 years ago and he felt it was his last link to her. My siblings and I are not in a position to take the goat. I suspect my brothers will want to PTS. Is that our only option? Is it the kindest thing to do? Is there any hope of finding a home for an elderly goat? Isn't it odd the things your brain focuses on in times of crisis?

OP posts:
PetrichorSoul · 22/08/2024 06:59

Sorry for your loss OP.

Contact charities that take ex farm work animals, I’m sure someone would be glad to take her.

BaleOfHay · 22/08/2024 07:01

Where is the goat based? I'm sure if you let us know the area someone on Mumsnet will be able to recommend a local charity to help.

I'm sorry for your loss.

CrazyGoatLady · 22/08/2024 07:02

Aww I wish I could! Mine are all younguns though and might be a bit much for an older goatie, and we don't have a separate space.

You can try looking up farm animal sanctuaries and see if any will take him for a donation to live out his twilight years . There's lots of them up and down the country and if you're able to contribute to transport and expenses, they may be willing to find space for a new resident. Idk where you are, but there are farm animal rescues all over the UK in different places.

Sheknowsaboutme · 22/08/2024 07:02

So sorry for your loss.

im sure there are local small holders to you who will be happy to take on the goat. Perhaps have a word with any of his friends or put a post on Facebook?

ViciousCurrentBun · 22/08/2024 07:03

I’m so sorry about your Dad, he sounds like an interesting chap with his small holding. I had a quick look online and there are goat sanctuaries, each one will have different criteria but it may be worth contacting the closest one to you.

charlieinthehaystack · 22/08/2024 07:03

there are plenty of charities who will take retirement animals and I am quite sure someone would take him on to give him a safe place in his old age. its best to just test the water check out small ads etc but whoever answers vet carefully to put to sleep would be wrong
so sorry to hear about your dad life can be so cruel

MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy · 22/08/2024 07:05

we have a joint account for bills, mortgage etc but we pay for gifts out our own monies. Plus my DH family bigger than mine too op, I'm with you

MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy · 22/08/2024 07:06

I'm really sorry this posted on the wrong thread and I have no idea how that happened 🤔

Sorry for your loss op, hope you do find a charity to take your dads goat on. Something like this would also really play in my mind xxx

Allnewtometoo · 22/08/2024 07:09

Yes do tell us where the goat is. Male/female? In good health? Friendly? I'm sure a good home could be found.

ASongbirdAndAnOldHat · 22/08/2024 07:10

Sorry for your loss.

Charities will definitely take an old goat. Does he have a name?

I've seen a cat be rehomed via MN, and also worth putting a post on your local FB.

TurksAndCaicos · 22/08/2024 07:13

im so sorry for your loss. I definitely think the goat will go to a good home. Near us there is a sanctuary that takes on small holding animals. Good luck, I’m sure it will be rehomed easily.

Sandwichgen · 22/08/2024 07:14

Sometimes, solitary horses
like a goat or a sheep or another small animal for company ,
so the equine woels
might be another option

CrazyGoatLady · 22/08/2024 07:16

ASongbirdAndAnOldHat · 22/08/2024 07:10

Sorry for your loss.

Charities will definitely take an old goat. Does he have a name?

I've seen a cat be rehomed via MN, and also worth putting a post on your local FB.

Nooo don't put posts on FB advertising animals - there is a risk someone will take the goat who may be cruel or neglectful. Find a charity or rescue that will take it in, don't give or sell vulnerable animals to randoms.

Original poster
AhBiscuits · 22/08/2024 07:17

The goat is called Millie and she's in good health, although I think her eyesight is not great. She's reasonably friendly, although she refused to go back in the stable for us last night and legged it to the far end of the paddock. She's in north Norfolk.

Thanks, I will start looking for local charities or farms that might take her.

OP posts:
fantasmasgoria1 · 22/08/2024 07:18

If you are not too far from Leicestershire you could try gorse hill city farm .

Ineffable23 · 22/08/2024 07:20

If your dad's area has a local Facebook page, that might be worth a try? That's the sort of random thing that would appear on the rural ones round here.

NorthernChinchilla · 22/08/2024 07:21

There's (the only, I believe) goat sanctuary in the country in Kent, called Buttercups. Bit of a distance, but worth trying!

Damnloginpopup · 22/08/2024 07:21

Big goat or little goat? I'm north Suffolk and up north Norfolk a lot currently. I can't have one but my brother and father might be willing - both have land and sheep (actually my dad's got other people's sheep there now as he's getting on but there's more grazing than sheep)...there's a charity nearby in fritton too I believe.

I'd love a goat, always wanted one.

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 22/08/2024 07:22

The RSPCA rescue centre near me take horses so you could try your local rescue centres. Also try your Dad's local friends they may know someone or somewhere that could take her.

Sorry for your loss too.

ASongbirdAndAnOldHat · 22/08/2024 07:28

CrazyGoatLady · 22/08/2024 07:16

Nooo don't put posts on FB advertising animals - there is a risk someone will take the goat who may be cruel or neglectful. Find a charity or rescue that will take it in, don't give or sell vulnerable animals to randoms.

Show quote history

You don't have to give to some random! You can check them out.

FB puts you in contact with people, recently an alpaca was rehomed on our FB local FB and alpaca has gone to a little smallholding.

Clearinguptheclutter · 22/08/2024 07:30

Agree FB can be a good way to find out about where might possibly take the goat

sorry for your loss OP. Everything must seem overwhelming but there will be someone who will take the goat

LuckyOrMaybe · 22/08/2024 07:34

Hearing you're in North Norfolk, there's a kind of group-home near Walcott where the residents run a smallholding - I can imagine they could be in a position to add a goat. Not sure what they're called.

Ineffable23 · 22/08/2024 08:09

LuckyOrMaybe · 22/08/2024 07:34

Hearing you're in North Norfolk, there's a kind of group-home near Walcott where the residents run a smallholding - I can imagine they could be in a position to add a goat. Not sure what they're called.

I think Old Hall in Suffolk has a flock of sheep as well - I don't know if an old goat could live happily amongst them but might be worth asking? They are a commune.