MuttShack Washington

Courageous Rescuers Rush to Save Goats  

Rescue arrived in time for some, but too late for others

Seattle, WA

David Friedman of MuttShack Washington’ immediately responded when the call came from Skagit County Animal Control to help rescue,  shelter and care for up to 155 goats, almost thirty cats, and assortment of other farm animals including one llama.

The farm near Lake Cavanaough in Skagit County became a rescue site when the owner died who lived alone.  The county’s sole animal control officer Emily Diaz sent out a call for help and volunteers responded from all over.

The owner was a rescuer who had taken on many animals and had collected a large number of unwanted goats, geese, ducks chickens and one Llama but it appears it all got out of hand when she herself became ill.

"She must have been unable to care for them all and so the challenge of their health, care and shelter took its toll on these poor babies. Most had hoof rot, and arthritis." said David.  Some goats were so sick they couldn’t stand.

Rescuers rounded up the animals and also built containment fences to control them. Catching the goats became the main challenge for the volunteers.  They became goat wranglers, working in teams to catch the animals and help load them into trailers for transport.  The rounded up goats and animals were then taken to New Moon Farm, where Ellen Felsenthal a “goat foster parent” opened her heart and her home for those animals that survived. 

Ellen Felsenthal and Bill Daugaard wrangling a muddy footed goat.

But for far too many it was too late.  The hardest part of the rescue effort was letting go. A local veterinarian euthanized forty goats who were beyond help.  It was very difficult for everyone involved. MuttShack WA arranged for a track hoe to dig pits to bury the dead animals.  "It was mind numbing, heart hurting and bad dream making." said Friedman who was reminded by the sights he saw in New Orleans.  "But its all part of the role we chose - to do everything we could to help. Someone has to be there for those who can't speak for themselves, someone into whose arms their care is placed." 

Those that survived are now happy and safe in their new home where Ellen Felsenthal spends three hours a day feeding them, cleaning them and nurturing them back to health.

On the weekend goat lovers and volunteer veterinarians from Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish came to work with the goats and work on their hooves.  Volunteers donate their time, their love and care, often reaching into their own pockets to pay for disaster supplies, equipment and emergency animal care.  Volunteers will continue to help out at the rescue farm. 

Ellen is looking to find adoption homes with people who will keep the goats as pets. Ellen has already placed fifty four of the goats.  She prefers to adopt them to people who already have goats, or to adopt them out in pairs because they are very social.

About the rescue, David, who owns goats himself adds:   "We do the good, the bad and the really difficult things.” but he says it is all worth it. 

“We get a satisfaction without end, from the warm fuzzy and cold nose to the tail that clears the end table and the hello's as four legs brings a sweet friend up to the pasture fence."   Clearly rescuing and owning a goat has rewards beyond measure. 

The goat shelter needs donations to help with the hay. The goats need both good grass and supplements. Thankfully vet care is donated, but medications have to be paid for. You can donate via PayPal to newmoonfarmrescue@hotmail.com.

About MuttShack Washington

MuttShack Washington responds to disasters in Washington State and provides specialty response teams throughout the country.  The MuttShack Disaster response teams are on constant alert for natural and man-made disasters – as they were for the recent rains, wind and flooding in western WA.  During the flood warnings they were activated to be on call by Pierce and Snohomish County to expect wide spread flooding and power outages. 

MuttShack Volunteers are highly trained and experienced first responders.  They are trained in FEMA Disaster Response, Emergency Animal Sheltering Training, Search and Rescue and Large Animal Rescue as well as Technical Animal Rescue.  They are also skilled in First Aid/CPR and are Ham Radio Communications Certified.

Thanks to Martha Norwalk’s Animal World at KKNW 1150 for following this story.  You can hear her on Sundays 9am to Noon. 

WATCH VIDEO: Arlington woman takes in huge herd of goats