In the fall of 2015, multiple sanctuaries rescued over 120 animals from a backyard butcher in Montgomery, NY. These poor animals were kept in horrendous conditions — crammed in barns with little food and living space. Woodstock Sanctuary took in five sheep, six pigs and nine goats, who were by far the sickest of all those we rescued. Most of the goats had pneumonia, lice, and worms and little did we know, a few were also pregnant.

Ruby the goat came to us from this rescue and initially tested positive for pregnancy, but later tested negative. False pregnancies are very common among goats so when her second test came up negative, we thought that she had a false pregnancy. After another goat, Tova, gave birth unexpectedly (to two healthy babies, Hallie and Raymond!), we took Ruby into our medical barn to get her reevaluated. On January 26th, Ruby gave birth to Moby (named after the music artist and animal rights activist) and Jackie (named after our beloved goat Jack who was put down on this day). Moby came out first and was almost eight pounds, so when Jackie came and was only about half of his weight we were a bit worried, but she began breathing and turned out healthy!

Today, Moby and Jackie are inseparable. Whenever you see Moby, Jackie is just a few steps behind. Jackie is finally catching up in size to Moby and they are usually off on their own finding new patches of grass or cuddling with each other. Ruby is a loving and sometimes cautious mother and can now live her days in peace knowing that her babies are safe. Jackie’s sweet smile is guaranteed to melt your heart.