RALEIGH, North Carolina — There's an unlikely duo living right now in North Carolina. A goat and dog, who are on a leash, share a kennel and have even been snapped by staff cuddling in their kennel.
Director Dr. Jennifer Federico says you don't usually mix species, but the two animals at the Wake County Animal Center share a special bond, unlike anything the staff has ever seen.
It shows things are possible and they don't see the difference, said Federico.
In the playpen area, the odd pair will run around and chase each other.
The goat was named Cinnamon and the dog was named Felix.
Cinnamon, in particular, was very attached to Felix. Goats will whine and cry every time the dog is taken away.
“That's not a normal combination,” said Federico. “Normally, we have dogs attacking goats, so this is a very unusual group.”
The duo originally came to the shelter in protective custody. The owner was hospitalized and eventually, both of them gave up.
Staff weren't sure how old one of them was, but had learned oddly enough that the goat was actually house trained.
“These guys obviously grew up together and spent a lot of time together,” says Federico.
The shelter hopes to put them on the path to their forever home and is asking rescue organizations for help.
“It's not an ideal environment for a goat to live in long term,” said Federico. “Cinnamon was so attached to Felix, to just tear them apart would not be humane.”
There is interest, but mostly just in Cinnamon.
The staff is worried about what will happen if they separate the two, and try to make them into one package.
“They get along great. They hang out in their cage. Even with the stress of the shelter, they are doing well, so they are a cute couple,” said Federico.
There are some solid leads, but no commitment. Staff are hoping to find the unlikely pair a new home on Friday.