GOA’s Angels.
Every animal who has ever called GOA “home” has touched our hearts in immeasurable ways. We love and cherish the memory of each and every one.
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.”
- Helen Lowrie Marshall
Forever in our hearts.
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Miles
One of our first goats ever to use a prosthetic device, Miles set an example in so many ways. Despite living with a mobility impairment throughout his life, Miles was unfailingly patient, uncommonly sweet, and infectiously playful. He never let his disability hold him back, and even when health complications arose later in life, Miles never let go of his optimistic spirit. His memory reminds us to hold on to hope and happiness, no matter what comes our way.
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Sunshine
Sunshine came to us after being attacked by an animal. Though she suffered a broken jaw and could no longer chew hay, she loved to try—and always had a signature mouthful on display! Sunny was a true “people goat,” always wanting to be where her caregivers were. Whether peering over the laundry room door or perched atop her favorite throne (the toilet!), she loved to keep us company and we’ll always treasure her steadfast friendship.
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Bo
No one expected Bo to survive long when he was born with an opening in his skull that exposed his brain tissue. But Bo not only survived—he thrived. For the year that Bo spent on earth, he lived life on full throttle, charging full steam ahead into every new adventure. With a special helmet to keep him safe, Bo zoomed around the property with his best friend Amelia. He loved every second of his short life, and challenges us to “Live like Bo” in his memory.
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Vivi
From the moment Vivi was born, the odds were stacked against her. Not only was she born with a rare digestive deformity, but all four of her legs were severely contracted. We didn’t know if she would make it at first, but she worked extremely hard and pushed herself everyday—and went on to become our only goat to ever learn to walk with four prostheses! Vivi showed us that no matter how impossible the task, hard work is always rewarded.
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Norman
After losing his entire herd, Norman was rescued by a “sanctuary,” but it wasn’t the happy ending he thought it would be. He found himself locked in a stall for years until the extreme neglect at the “sanctuary” was discovered, and the animals were rescued—again. Finally safe at GOA, Norman found true peace in quiet moments by the pond before letting go and passing with dignity. We remember Norman’s gentle presence each time we look out over the pond he loved.
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Lawson
When we rescued Lawson, who was born with leg deformities, we were excited to help him walk again. But when we met him, our vet discovered something we weren’t expecting: Lawson had a hole in his heart. Despite a successful and innovative open-heart surgery, Lawson’s time with us was cut short by his condition. His passing nearly meant the end of GOA—but instead, we created “Lawson’s Barn” in his honor: a dedicated space tailored to caring for animals just like him.
Honor their memory with a gift.
A donation in memory of those we’ve lost enables us to open our doors and our hearts to animals in search of their happily ever after.