Dogs have a wonderful ability to befriend a variety of animals, and this can lead to some interesting outcomes in animal behavior. Often, animals raised in the company of dogs begin to adopt traits and habits similar to them, a phenomenon not difficult to understand.
Take, for instance, a Tennessee dog owner who welcomed a baby goat named Elsa into her home, unaware of the strong bond that would soon develop between her dog, Eden, and the newcomer. Initially, the owner was concerned about their compatibility, considering Eden’s robust nature, and feared for the goat’s safety.
A Beautiful Friendship
To her surprise, Eden and Elsa quickly formed a wonderful friendship. Initially, Eden was puzzled by the new addition, but soon they were inseparable companions. Taylor shared with Cuddle Buddies, “Eden never clicked with anyone. She wanted her own space, but that changed with Elsa.”
Whenever they played, Eden was exceptionally gentle, ensuring Elsa’s safety. Their days were filled with fun activities, from running around to cozy napping sessions indoors. Their companionship was so close that Elsa started to mimic Eden’s behavior, even learning to walk on a leash. Thus, Taylor took both Eden and Elsa, along with other dogs, on outdoor hikes in Tennessee, creating joyful adventures together.
A New Journey For Elsa
While Taylor cherished the bond between Elsa and Eden, she recognized the importance of Elsa interacting with other goats as well. The transition was gradual, moving Elsa from the indoors to shared spaces with other goats. Taylor explained, “We slowly took Elsa from being inside 24/7 with Eden to gradually spending more time outside.” Regardless, every outing saw Eden and Elsa together, underscoring their enduring friendship.
Just as their life together was flourishing, tragedy struck—the family received heartbreaking news: Eden had developed a tumor and soon passed away, leading the family to an emotional loss.
With Eden gone, Elsa was understandably bewildered. She struggled to understand her absence, which affected her enthusiasm for walks and playtime. To support her, Taylor ensured Elsa spent quality time with other goats, a change that proved beneficial.
Elsa emerged as a more social being among the other goats, reflecting a positive change. Her essence still held elements of Eden’s personality, endearing her further to the family. Taylor expressed, “Now with Eden being gone, she just holds a special place in our heart.”
