submitted by — Alyssia Franklin
What began as a joyful new chapter for one local family quickly turned into a tense rescue mission that drew together experienced volunteers, determined teens, and a whole lot of heart.
On November 9, shortly after arriving at her new home, a pregnant goat named Rowling escaped before she could be safely secured in her pen. Startled and frightened, she bolted into a dense forest adjacent to busy State Road 19. Alone, pregnant, and unfamiliar with her surroundings, Rowling spent the night in the woods as temperatures dropped into the 30s, with wind chills making it feel closer to the 20s.
Goats are herd animals, and being isolated significantly reduces their chances of survival. The danger was compounded by known predators in the area, including alligators, coyotes, and bobcats, all of which had been reported near the forest.
Throughout the day, the family searched tirelessly through thick underbrush, encountering snakes, spiders, and other hazards. Although Rowling was spotted several times, the terrain made it impossible to safely reach her.
As night fell and temperatures continued to drop, the situation became critical. That’s when help was called in from the “Goat Busters,” a well-known Lake County 4-H club made up of experienced goat owners and breeders, many of whom have earned honors at the Lake County Fair.
At 9:45 pm on Monday, November 10, a team of 10 adults and teens arrived, equipped with headlamps, rope, and bait. Led by 4-H adult leader Ethan Gruner and Dawn Stevens, the group ventured into the freezing, thorn-filled forest.
After nearly an hour of careful tracking and coordination, the team successfully rescued Rowling. She was exhausted, terrified, and skittish, but was finally guided into what was believed to be a secure enclosure.
However, the night wasn’t over yet.
Within minutes, Rowling burst through the damaged structure and escaped once again, sprinting toward nearby bushes. In a moment that would later be remembered with both laughter and awe, 4-H volunteer Tracy reacted instantly, tackling the goat and securing her for a second rescue.
Ethan Gruner(adult 4H leader) later described the ordeal as his most difficult goat rescue to date. When asked what was going through his mind while searching the freezing forest late at night, his answer was simple: “Praying.”
Additional support came from the Stevens family, who generously fostered Rowling while repairs were made to her enclosure. They also assisted in building a proper corral to ensure her safety moving forward.
Thanks to the quick thinking, courage, and teamwork of the Goat Busters, 4-H volunteers, and supportive community members, Rowling is now safe, sheltered, and on the path to a much calmer future.
What could have ended in tragedy instead became a powerful reminder of the strength of community—and the extraordinary lengths people will go to help an animal in need.
