Today’s Adopt-A-Pet, presented by Boro Realty, is Jann from the Goathouse Refuge!


As winter begins to settle over Carolina Triangle, the last two weekends at the Goathouse found us happily busy with Pussmas — our solstice festival and four-day winterpalooza at the Refuge and Gallery. A shadowy violet patina settled over the sunny afternoon and the goats blended their alto, tenor and bass chorus as visitors ambled down the path from the gate. The rich aroma of stone-baked apples in oranges and cinnamon vied with the warmth of fresh rustic torta to whet everyone’s appetites. Yuletide tunes filled the Gallery as we greeted patrons with “Happy Pussmas!” — because what else would one say? Besides, it made everyone smile and opened the inner doors to happy conversations. Folks shared how far they’d come to see us, and what they did for work and play when they’re at home.

Many of Siglinda’s hand-crafted ceramic pieces found their new homes during the past two weekends. You can experience their unique beauty for yourself in these photos. And although Pussmas 2019 is officially behind us, Siglinda would like you to know that a special price of 50% off is still available to you through December 31. Call (919) 542-6815 to inquire. Plus, anytime that you visit Friday, Saturday or Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we’ll make a match between you and your favorite teapot or cookware. You can even take a little bit of Siglinda home with you if you purchase one of our featured cookbooks, which bears three of her recipes that you can prepare and cook right in your brand-new ceramic cookware!

The winner of the cedar bench raffle was Chad Brinley of Raleigh. The cedar bench, as well as the Christmas lights display in the photos, were hand-crafted by Frank Hiltz. Frank is such a good friend to the Goathouse, he purrs!

And then there are the kitties. You ain’t been truly flirted with until you’ve been engaged by a Goathouse cat! One visit to the Refuge will guarantee that you’re looking for love in all the right places. Cop a sit on a step or a stoop or a comfortable futon, and watch the love flow over to you (Have you ever seen a cat draw a bead on you from across a room, then make its way purposefully to you and greet you with a head-butt or jaw-fuzz? Oh my Lord!). You won’t want to leave. But when you do, as you must — so you can come back — consider doing a couple of things on your way out:

Apply to adopt. Arrange to become a monthly sponsor. Sign up to be a volunteer. Regardless, plan your return visit soonest: For every pat you pet, for every nose you boop, for every chin you chuck… you are building a bridge to socialization that will help our kitties find their furr-ever homes.

As the Voice of the Goathouse winds down her first missive, Jann the Cat prepares to go on the radio Tuesday morning with our friends Randy and Ron. Jann was named after the lovely woman who helped transport her from Gaston County. In March Jann bore half a dozen babies. All six have names starting with the letter J. – Jaydin, Jasper, Jared, Jarvis, Jango, and Jess born 3/24/19. Jann herself has an orange kiss spot on her head, and has a chirpy purr.

In January I’ll be back to tell you about my own Goathouse cats who have brightened my home for the past four years. Till then, this is the Voice of the Goathouse saying BAAAAAAAAA for now!

Contribution via Goathouse Refuge


Listen to this week’s Adopt-A-Pet segment: