February is the month of love, and we think sibling team Twitch and Portia are emblematic of what friendship and affection looks like when you’re living the good life at Barn!
“Too Weak to Survive”
It’s been four years now since Dan first spotted baby Portia lying face down, motionless in the straw alongside her brother Twitch. He was there in response to a farmer who wanted to surrender a couple of Nigerian Dwarf goats that were presumed too weak to survive and therefore not profitable. As it turned out, all they needed was some good nutrition, warmth, and dedicated TLC. The extra attention paid off quickly with Twitch and Portia rebounding after only a few days!
Two of a Kind
While this pair is quite inseparable, the stark differences in their personalities become apparent after spending only a little time with them. Portia is well known for her Miss Congeniality personality, always ready for a social hour with her human and non-human friends and to strike a pose (or ten) for the camera. With a charming smile and a unique look with one black horn and one white, it’s fair to say the camera loves her too. Portia routinely makes us laugh with her peculiarities like always being first to sample freshly delivered water from her caregivers and dozing off in or under the hay feeders. Although shyer than Portia, her brother Twitch is a kind, sweet fellow that seeks attention from those he knows well. He’s a playful guy who marches to the beat of his own drummer and can usually be found close to his sister’s side.
Better Together
Twitch and Portia are inseparable. Yin and Yang. Twin spirits. They are both incredibly gentle, but probably equally mischievous as well. We were led on a wild ‘goat chase’ or two when they were youngsters after managing to slip under gates. This is hardly surprising as goats have been known to work together to break out of enclosures, break into food storage containers, and generally cause mischief. Along with being quite social, goats are highly intelligent. Goats tend to live up to their reputation of being troublemakers by using their uncanny intellect.
Every day and night is a nonstop party at Barn Sanctuary for Twitch and Portia. You can almost always hear the clash of their playful head butts every time you’re in the goat barn or yard. Sounds we look forward to hearing for years to come!
