Posted on 04/30/2009 5:57:36 PM PDT by JoeProBono
BRISTOL, Va. An animal control officer went to an address on Indiana Street to see about a dog and a goat creating a nuisance. She found a plot straight out of Milo and Otis a pair of star-crossed four-leggeds on an unknown journey, whose bond transcends biological differences and police protocol.
Bristol authorities are calling the case one of an unusual relationship, and have dubbed the pair Thelma and Louise, whose journey came to a peaceful stop on the afternoon of April 19.
That day, a chocolate Lab and a white goat trotted through the rain up the road and onto Loretta Smiths expansive front porch. They moved together slowly, shoulder to shoulder, with the purposeful gait of wet, hungry animals heading for shelter. They found it at the doorstep of Smith, who fed the dog biscuits, puppy chow, cereal, crackers and a banana actually intended for the goat.
I never saw a dog eat a banana before, Smith said.
The goat, while relieving itself on the porch, devoured Smiths pansies and munched a shrub. Then the goat began to dance on top of the Toyota owned by Smiths granddaughter. Smith decided it was time to alert the authorities.
They were so inseparable, said Lisa Holly, the responding animal control officer. They were curled up together on Smiths porch when Holly arrived to pick up the Lab or Louise, as she has been nicknamed.
The office does not work with goats, Holly told Smith, so Thelma a young female would have to wait for a specialist in nuisance wildlife.
But Thelma would not wait.
As Holly led Louise away on a leash, Thelma leapt up and ran after them, rearing up, bleating and attempting to climb into Hollys truck, the officer said.
With Hollys assistance, Thelma scrambled into the truck and fussed no further.
Theyve probably been raised together at somebodys farm, and somehow got into the city, Holly said.
The pair is currently sharing a large pen at Jones Animal Hospital in Bristol, Tenn.
They absolutely love each other, said Bridget Worley, the receptionist at the hospital. When you take the Lab out for a walk, the goat goes crazy. They dont like to be without each other, she said.
I thought this was a Taliban article.
On Elephant Sanctuary, Unlikely Friends
Tarra the 8,700 pound Asian elephant. And Bella. The dog.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/02/assignment_america/main4696340.shtml
I love God’s creatures! What a story. I hope they find a wonderful home together.
I'm just a sentimental animal lover. I'm sorry.
Maybe they were running away to Iowa to be married.
I’ll help you hold that good thought, 3c&d. They will be adopted together and entertain some lucky family for a long time to come.
I thought the same thing—”please don’t separate them!”.
At least there is still honor among animals. Sweet story, thanks.
Me too!
Ping
Great story, thanks Joe.....great pictures also...
Hi Daffy, thanks for the ping.....you and JPB sure get some interesting stories...
I’m so glad they allowed the two to stay together.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.