photos by: KELSEY WORTHINGTON
Nestled in the heart of Maiden, NC, Goatchella is more than just a clever name – it is a heartfelt mission in action. This nonprofit animal rescue, specializing in goats and a mini horse, is a haven for animals in need and a lifeline for other rescues and sanctuaries across the community and country. Goatchella had a rather simple beginning but has grown since the two original rescue goats took up residence.
From Two Baby Goats to An Animal Rescue
Goatchella was founded by Laurie Laine, a spirited hair stylist originally from Boca Raton, Florida. Though her career path may be rooted in beauty, Laurie’s passion for animals has been lifelong. “As a child, I loved animals, but I can’t say that I ever saw myself in overalls and rescuing goats, but this has been quite the undertaking. I learned early on that, with my husband, Mike, it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission, and that was put to the test, when one day I walked in with two baby goats. Mike had warned me that if I kept going to a farm and visiting with the animals, one day I’d bring home one, but instead, I brought home two!” said Laurie.
What began as a spontaneous decision to give two baby goats a new home, from a local farm, quickly spiraled into something much greater. With no prior experience and no supplies on hand, Laurie welcomed the goats into her life, reading Goats for Dummies, to learn just how much she didn’t know and unknowingly began a journey that would blossom into a full-fledged rescue organization.
Finding Out Just How Much You Don’t Know
The early days at Goatchella were filled with steep learning curves, long nights doing research on the care of goats and a daily crash course in animal care. Shelter for the goats was built with a few pallets and then fencing was needed. It all came together with each day. But, Laurie’s determination, combined with her innate compassion, laid the foundation of what Goatchella would become – a sanctuary not only for its own rescued residents, but a resource and ally for other animal welfare groups in the region and across the country, as well.
Today, Goatchella is home to mostly goats, with a mini horse, whom have been saved from rough situations. “Each goat and the horse have stories that would break your heart; much like the commercials we all see with the dogs in terrible situations with the Sarah McLachlan song in the background that rip your heart out. But, instead of focusing on what the animals at Goatchella went through before arriving here, I want to bring attention to what can be done through rescue and the life the goats and mini horse have now at Goatchella. Part of my mission is to keep “families” together. I have a mom, dad and their offspring in residence. When a baby goat is born, on farms, for the most part, the baby is eventually separated from the momma goat, but I want to keep those family units together. We have several of those here and our most recent additions are from Roxy, and they will grow up together, too. The care that the animals get here isn’t cheap and as a 501 (c)(3), I want to give people the opportunity to support what we are doing at Goatchella. We are always in need of feed, buckets, mulch, all the supplies and expert care that the animals require. As our “family” has grown, we’ve had to add on to the housing for the animals and that takes money, too. I hope that, as people become aware of Goatchella, they will support us and our work. Whatever funds exceed what we need to maintain our rescue will be given to help other rescues. I’m part of a rescue where I sponsor a goat in another rescue and that might be something we do. But, for now, we have merchandise, shirts and hats that can be purchased with the proceeds going toward our cause and, of course, we take donations. This undertaking that began with two little goats has taken on a life of its own, but I can’t imagine not doing what I am doing with Goatchella. My days begin early with taking care of my animals and then going to work, with evening chores when I get home; but, this is so rewarding and I am so happy to have made a difference in the lives of these animals and to be part of a network saving animals across the country,” commented Laurie.
For more information on Goatchella or to purchase merchandise, visit welcometogoatchella.com. Follow Laurie and her “family” on Instagram, Welcometogoatchella, Facebook and TikTok. Big things are ahead for Goatchella.
