My Goat Hurt My Friend's Goat

[Nanno]

I hope he comes round for you too. He was never stand-offish when he lived with us. He was a snuggly lover like the other two you describe. "Snickers" was almost exactly like his daddy, Pac-Man, who we affectionately referred to as "The Sponge" because he was so loving. I don't think it's an age thing. I kind of wonder if his previous owner didn't rough-house with him sometimes. The guy wanted to treat the goats like dogs and tussle with them, slap them on the back, shake their horns a bit, and stuff like that. I don't think he meant to be rough, but goats aren't dogs. I told him so several times but I'm not sure it really sank in. That kind of thing can certainly take its toll after a while and make a goat very mistrustful of people. I'm pretty sure changing owners and herds can also throw them for a loop. It's not so hard on them as youngsters, but as they get older I'm sure it could be pretty jarring. I'm glad he's starting to warm up to you. He used to love having his back scratched, but he didn't any more when we saw him last. I hope he can learn to enjoy it again.