I was puzzled by the little indentations in the straw underneath the goat bench. What kind of shenanigans were those goats getting up to? Were they trying to retrieve something- or maybe sleeping in some odd position with their legs thrust under there? Every time I changed out their straw, the disturbances would return.

James was the one who gave it all away. I had just stepped through their gate when his odd eyes slid from me to a spot under their bench and back again.

Ruthie peered hopefully at me as if to say, “Can we keep it?”

Our yard is not really big enough for more than two goats and I’ve always felt a bit guilty that they don’t have a whole herd of companions. It seems they are working on building their own herd by adopting a pet rabbit.

I barely managed to get a quick picture before he dashed through a hole in the lattice and under the shed. With a flash of a furry white tail, he was gone. Since that day in early August, I’ve been watching for him, hoping to get a clearer picture. I did see him out one evening but he quickly dashed for cover.

Looking back at my photos, I realized the goats have been housing their rabbit friend since at least February. I haven’t seen him since summer, but each time I replace the straw- I can tell that he’s still there. With such a warm, dry bed, he’s not going anywhere, even if he has to share with two goat roommates.