Study says goats make fabulous pets — so Sun girl Antonella swaps her dog for a doe
Here's how she got on with her new furry friend
THE stubborn, dirty old goat, with a nose for stinking muck, may seem an odd choice as man’s best friend.
But they can form similar emotional bonds with humans as dogs can, a new study claims.
Researchers at Queen Mary University in London say this is because they have been domesticated for 10,000 years.
So we got Sun girl ANTONELLA LAZZERI, an avowed dog lover, to leave her Pomeranian pooch Pixie at home for the day and hang out with farm doe Catherine.
Catherine was laid on by farmer Craig Skidmore, in Hook, Hants, who joined Antonella on her day on the hoof.
Here’s how Antonella got on introducing Catherine to Pixie’s doggie treats such as walkies, catch, hugs and telly.
Having hugs
AS I leaned in for a hug, Catherine made her feelings clear.
Grabbing my dress in her teeth, she refused to let go.
Then, as I flapped, she chomped down harder and made a great big hole in it before retreating, victorious.
“Yes, I’m afraid goats really will eat anything if you let them,” grinned Craig.
And it puts a hole in the theory that goats make ideal pets.
Unless you don’t mind them shredding your best frock or trousers.
Going for a drive
WIND in her hair, sun in her eyes, my pooch Pixie loves to go for a drive with the top down in my Mini.
Heaving hefty Catherine into the back was a struggle but she seemed to enjoy the ride – taking in the view and, at one point, poking her snout around the headrest to nuzzle up.
Drinking a cuppa
PIXIE and I often enjoy a cuppa in the garden.
She sits sedately next to me as we bask in the sun.
But as soon as Catherine spied my tea, her hooves were up on the garden bench, her snout in my cup, and with a few slurps it was gone.
No airs and graces with Catherine.