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.
Meet the Goats
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![A close-up view of a goat grazing in a grassy field with a background of trees and blue sky.]()
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 -
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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. -
![A white goat standing in a field of green plants, with trees and farm structures in the background, chewing on some greenery.]()
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. -
![Close-up of a black goat with yellow eyes, pink nose, and large ears, standing outdoors with blurred green trees in background.]()
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. -
![A black and white goat grazing on green grass in a field with a wooden fence and trees in the background.]()
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.
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![Close-up of a young white goat with pink nose and colorful bandana around neck, looking at camera outdoors.]()
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.
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![A black and white goat grazing in a green field with trees in the background and a blue sky overhead.]()
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.
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![A black and brown goat with white markings on its face grazing in a field of green grass and yellow flowers, with a blurred background of trees and blue sky.]()
Winston
The Baby Goat
Born to Betty, Winston overcame a difficult start and has grown into a resilient, people-loving goat who chose his humans from the very beginning. He's never far behind his favorite people—and if he is, you'll probably hear him before you see him.
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