The beloved neighborhood goats of Healing Hooves LLC, out of eastern Washington, have arrived for their 17th year in Issaquah Highlands!
Craig Madsen, owner and shepherd of Healing Hooves, arrived with the goats on Thursday, July 13. First, they will stay in the Magnolia open space. After about 10 days, the herd will move to South Pond through the end of July.
The goats will not tend to the Vista Park slope this year as it does not work with Healing Hooves’ schedule.
Each summer, this herd travels to Issaquah Highlands to assist with weed control, vegetation removal and ecosystem management. Agile goats can easily handle steep slopes and uneven terrain. They like eating plants that irritate humans like poison ivy, poison oak and English ivy. In fact, they prefer to eat brush and weeds over grass.
By utilizing goats, we reduce the use of herbicides and prevent seed production. These animals also cause less fuel use, noise and soil disturbance than mowers and other machinery.
Rules for visiting the goats:
The goats are kept in the designated area by an electrified perimeter fence and are also watched by a guard dog named Gigi. Gigi works tirelessly to keep the goats safe from both people and predators. She and the goats have grown accustomed to each other and can be in the same pen. However, please leave your own dog at home when visiting the goats as to not scare Gigi or the goats.
Do not feed the goats. They are extremely particular about what they eat, and some food/plants can be toxic for goats.
We all love these annual guests and want to keep the tradition alive for years to come, so please come pay the goats a visit and say, “Hi,” and be sure to take care of them so they can take care of us!
