gentle giants — Puget Sound Goat Rescue

Not all of our rescues come to us from unfortunate circumstances but they all have a story. Groot

We currently have some BIG boys at PSGR waiting to find their forever homes. Upon walking into the main herd, their presence is unmistakable. They are all about 2 times the size of anyone else in the herd. One would think these boys are the leaders of the pack when in fact the opposite is true.

Romeo and Maverick came to us via a private party surrender. Each about a year and a half old, they had been left as bucks until just days before arriving at PSGR. They are two of the most handsome goats I have ever seen. Long hair, beards and the best top knot hairdos! As big and masculine as they were in appearance, it was clear from the start that these boys were the sensitive and quiet type. Still to this day, months later, I don't think I've ever heard either of them bleat. Not once.

Romeo

A few weeks after they arrived it was time to integrate them into the main herd. To our surprise when we did there was none of the usual introduction antics. No head butting, no running around, no exploring. The two simply made their way to a side pasture and there they stayed. For weeks. Only coming down to eat after the main herd had settled in for the night. And then they discovered the tree trunk. For a month, the two boys took turns with their heads in the trunk. They would stand there for hours at a time. We did everything we could to ease their stress but they apparently found solace in the tree trunk so we let them do what they needed to do. After weeks of this odd behavior their stress began to dissipate and they slowly started integrating themselves into the herd.

Romeo and the infamous tree trunk

Romeo finally came out of his shell and showed off his moves. He loves to jump and dance in the air, his long hair flowing like a super model. Maverick loves to give kisses. He has the sweetest face and loves his cheeks scratched. He is often like a little kid hiding behind me when anyone he doesn't know comes to visit but he is beginning to realize that Barbara and I aren't the only ones who will give him love. These two are true sweethearts, so gentle and kind. Despite their size, they aren't demanding, it's almost as if they come up to you and ask permission to get attention. They never assert any dominance, but they often secure their favorite spot atop the picnic table (Romeo) or on any hill (Maverick).

The recent addition of Groot makes Romeo and Maverick not seem so big. Which seems impossible but Groot is a big, big boy. He lived 3 years on a tether before being surrendered to us. When we picked him up, he ran right up to me and wanted to play. This coupled with his size, made me look at Barbara and say "well this is going to be fun" but by the time we arrived back at the rescue, he was shaking like a leaf. He, like the other big boys, is sensitive and incredibly gentle and sweet. He loves to great visitors, especially the smallest ones, he is fascinated by them.

Romeo, Maverick and Groot are respectful, loving and quiet; the definition of gentle giants in my book. Their stories have only just begun. We've loved being a part of their journey thus far. In our chapter, we're tasked with making sure these big, sensitive boys feel as loved and secure as possible until we find them their lifelong home. We can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for our gentle giants.