Meet the Herd

The heart of The Doting Goat is the herd, and the people who care for them.

Meet the Human

Maddie Lowe Askins started The Doting Goat in 2023 with a mission to create a therapeutic atmosphere where people can just be.

She’s a licensed professional counselor, equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) clinician, and lifelong animal lover with a deep respect for the healing power of nature and connection

Through years of working in EAP, Maddie witnessed the profound emotional impact of herd animals—how their presence invites regulation, reflection, and relationship without a single word spoken. While horses carry strength and grounded wisdom, goats bring something different: playful energy, childlike affection, and a whole lot of personality.

At a young age, Maddie recognized the unique bond between humans and goats. They’re affectionate, silly, and intuitive—but also independent, stubborn, and wildly mischievous. In many ways, goats reflect the best and hardest parts of being human, wrapped in a body small enough to sit in your lap (whether you invited them or not).

Maddie first discovered her love for agriculture in high school through her involvement with FFA. That experience shaped her worldview and lit a spark that’s now grown into a full-blown herd—and a calling to share the therapeutic joy of goat connection with others.

Today, The Doting Goat blends therapeutic intention with lighthearted fun, offering visitors a space to slow down, feel, and connect with nature, with animals, and with themselves.

The Doting Goat was recently featured in Carolina Voyager, sharing the story behind the herd and how it all began.

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Meet the Goats

  • Betty

    The Mama Goat

    Betty is the goat that started it all. She is gentle, fruit-obsessed, and fiercely maternal—unless there’s an orange peel involved. Soft, wise, and just a little judgmental, she keeps the herd in check

  • Wilma

    The Dud Goat

    Quiet, quirky, and a little offbeat, Wilma lives in her own goat dimension. Nicknamed “The Dud Goat,” she comes with a story—and will quickly recruit you as her favorite scratching post.

  • Rebel

    The Crazy Uncle

    Rescued from the brink of becoming BBQ, Rebel now runs the herd with undeniable confidence. He plays it cool and independent, but the second you make eye contact, he’s waiting for attention—and making sure no one else gets it.

  • BG

    The Bad Goat

    Once the sweetest “Baby Goat,” BG chose chaos and never looked back. Now living fully as Bad Goat, she jumps fences, climbs into strangers’ cars, and demands attention—only to run away the second you give it.

  • Aurora

    The Therapy Goat

    Aurora is gentle, affectionate, and loves quiet cuddles. With a soft, calming presence, she makes everyone feel safe—unless she’s sneaking into the feed bin. Smart and clever, she’s BG’s good half… most of the time.

  • Meredith

    The Princess Goat

    Ms. Meredith was never meant to blend in. Sweet, affectionate, and always close by, she has a quiet way of becoming the center of attention. She is known for snuggles, surprise face licks, and her commitment to being a lap goat.

  • Bucky

    The Doting Goat

    Tender and gentle, Bucky is the heart of the herd. He gives real hugs and dotes on Meredith like a fluffy little bodyguard. He’s a golden retriever in a goat body, though he’s just as likely to get lost in a hay bale.

Meet the Kids

Tabitha

Tabitha is the daughter of Betty and came into the world with a story of resilience and carries it with quiet strength. Sheis so sweet and cuddly, always right under your feet.

Winston

Winston is Tabitha’s brother. He may have had a tough start, but you’d never know it now. Full of energy, personality, and just a little chaos, he makes sure he’s always part of the action.

BB

BB is BG’s son—and somehow her complete opposite. From the moment he was born, he’s been calm, easygoing, and perfectly content being carried around.

Meet the Man Behind the Scenes…

As the honorary member of the herd and steady hand behind the scenes, Billy is the patient and mostly supportive husband that keep everything running (and occasionally keeps the chaos in check). He may not have planned on a life full of goats, but he’s embraced it—and the herd wouldn’t be the same without him.

The Love of a Goat

by Delci Plouffe

Love crept up like a nibble on my hair

A twinge and a tickle, I didn't care.

It swept over me like a spilled bag of grain

I knew what to do, so much to gain.

Bring home a goat, which really means two

They need a friend to not feel blue.

And that's how the love grows so much more.

You get those goats, they're never a chore.

But oh, that spilled grain, don't forget that.

Too much of this and they'll all fall flat.