Some friendships are just too special to break — like the bond between a goat named Cinnamon and her dog best friend, Felix.
When the pair arrived at the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) in North Carolina, staff immediately noticed something unusual: this unlikely duo was inseparable. They ate together, played together, even slept curled up on the same cot. And when anyone tried to separate them — even briefly — Cinnamon made her feelings very clear.
“She would start screaming, and she’d headbutt the kennel door,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, animal services director for Wake County. “She wanted nothing to do with being apart from Felix.”
The two came to WCAC after their owner could no longer care for them. Though WCAC typically doesn’t handle farm animals like goats, the shelter didn’t hesitate to welcome Cinnamon once they heard she and Felix were bonded.
From day one, it was obvious just how deep that bond ran.
“Felix would walk on a leash, and Cinnamon would just follow,” Dr. Federico said. “We didn’t even need to leash her — she refused to be left behind.”
The duo stuck together through every moment of shelter life. They slept side by side and spent their days exploring together. They might be from two different worlds, but their friendship just made sense.
“Dogs and goats are both highly social animals,” Dr. Federico explained. “So it’s not too surprising they found comfort in one another.”
WCAC knew there was only one option for their future: they had to be adopted together. The shelter partnered with The Mr. Mo Project, a New York–based rescue, to find a home where Cinnamon could be around other goats — but still have Felix by her side.
And soon enough, the perfect family came along.
“Their new mom already has a herd of goats and plenty of land,” Dr. Federico said. “She’s even building a special pasture for Cinnamon so she can ease into her new life.”
Cinnamon might not have spent time with other goats before, but her caregivers are hopeful that she’ll eventually integrate into the herd — when she's ready. Until then, all she needs is Felix, and he’ll be right there beside her.
“We’re not sure if Cinnamon has ever had goat friends,” Dr. Federico said. “But we know her sense of safety and love is tied to Felix. They’re just so sweet together. This is exactly the ending they deserved.”
Want to help more unique animal duos like Cinnamon and Felix?
You can support their care and others like them by donating to the Wake County Animal Center here.
