Goats are far cleaner than dogs, and keep the yard mowed. They especially love noxious weeds. Here in Colorado, goats are even being used by the Forest Service to rid mountain meadows of foreign weeds that spread at the expense of native plants. And their pellets can be composted with the fall leaves, because they are herbivores, which cannot be said for "town" pets. Plus they are friendly. We kept dairy goats, but had one little cashmere goat as a pet. They are about the size of pygmys. She thought she was a member of the family, and loved playing with the kids. I miss those goats ...
"And their pellets can be composted with the fall leaves,"
When they're dry, they make excellent slingshot ammo too, as I remember.
Lovely critters, goats. Tasty, too, if you get right down to it, although you wouldn't want to eat a pet one.