Bundle of joy: Paula Jo Mattingly cuddles Flossy, one of two baby goats delivered at the shelter.

Caring for the 'kids'

By Scott Mims (Contact) | Clanton Advertiser

Published Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Two baby goats were the unexpected Mother’s Day “presents” for two workers at the Chilton County Humane Society, who helped deliver the animals Friday.

A pregnant goat was taken to the shelter, but the expectant mother’s stomach lining had ruptured and the babies could not be born naturally. With the help of Clanton Animal Control Officer Chris Whittle, shelter director Paula Jo Mattingly and kennel manager Jessica Perry performed a C-section.

Photo by Scott Mims

Good mothers: Paula Jo Mattingly and Jessica Perry hold Flossy and Spencer.

Unfortunately, the mother did not survive, but the babies are healthy and full of life.

“They’re sweethearts,” Perry said Monday. “We got a good Mother’s Day present, I guess.”

Perry ended up taking the black and white male, Spencer, home with her. Mattingly took Flossy, a cream-colored female. The babies must be bottled-fed every three hours, but both have gained a good sense of balance.

“Not even 30 minutes after they were born, they were trying to stand. They’re running now,” Perry said.

Mattingly, who plans to adopt Flossy, owns seven bulldogs. She said the animals are bonding just fine.

“I’ve been begging my husband for seven years for a goat,” she said. “I’ve always wanted one because I grew up on a farm. They make wonderful pets.”

Mattingly said people inquire about farm animals at the shelter on a regular basis. The shelter can contact people when such animals become available for adoption.

Perry said there is not much difference between caring for goats and caring for dogs and cats. The goats do mature faster, however.

“I love them to death,” she said. “I feel like I’m really his momma taking care of him.”

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