People across the country have a variety of pets and companion animals.
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But, in addition to her four dogs, Forster resident, Caroline, has something different, a friend named Bonnie, a white and tan three-year-old goat.
"She is a very intelligent little girl," Caroline proudly observed.
"Bonnie and I have some very meaningful chats," she said.
"I talk to her about the important matters in life - money and politics and religion, those sort of things - even about her having a partner.
"She listens to me, and never answers back, even giving a response to some of my questions with a nicker or maybe a stamp of her hoof, probably when she is hungry and wants something eat."
But politics? Oh, yes, we discussed the recent council elections and whether I should vote for Alan Tickle or another candidate.
I talk to her about the important matters in life - money and politics and religion, those sort of things - even about her having a partner.
- Forster pet goat owner, Caroline
"I find her most intelligent.
"She seems to understand most things I say."
"Good lord, next thing you'll be asking Bonnie for advice on what party you should vote for in the Federal election," this Great Lakes Advocate correspondent exclaimed.
"Oh, definitely, we'll discuss that for sure and certain," Caroline replied.
"In truth, I probably didn't think the decision through very well to have a goat as a pet.
"She is a bit dangerous in the house, very athletic, wanting to jump up on the china cabinet and walking across the dinner table with food on the table, those sort of goings-on.
"She's a bit of a worry, but I love her. She's good company and I think nobody would touch me without her coming to my rescue and offering protection.
"I found Bonnie on (the free online marketplace) Gumtree. I was going to get another dog, my fifth, and then Bonnie came along."
We had evidence of Bonnie's instinctive protective habits near Caroline when my border collie-kelpie cross, Penny, became curious and began sniffing about and, for her pains, received a pointed jab in the ribs from Bonnie's pair of horns.
"As for Bonnie having kids, that's a difficult subject, something for more heart-to-heart discussions with Caroline - "we'll have to consider that and talk it through with our veterinary surgeon," she said.
"I don't know what the neighbours would think, having a herd of goats bleating from the backyard."
Owning goats is a big commitment and can be very time-consuming and expensive. Before getting a goats it's important you consider if you have the time, resources, commitment, knowledge and facilities to care for them.
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