Warren County High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) brought some major Christmas cheer to NHC McMinnville on Thursday. The group of friendly teenagers sang Christmas carols to the patients and residents as they cheerfully went down each hallway, room-to-, handing out homemade Christmas stockings to everyone. But the star of the show was, without a doubt, Millie the goat.
Millie charmed and nuzzled her way into the hearts of all the patients. FFA student Maddi Young, her handler, said Millie was born as one of three kids just nine months ago. Her mother rejected her. So Young raised Millie herself by bottle. According to Young, “She’s a mess, and the sweetest little goat ever. I never any problems with her.”
Many of the residents wanted to cuddle and kiss Millie. She was dressed in her Christmas finery including an adorable yet very practical baby diaper. “She’s had all her shots and I’ve taken her to several other functions around the county. She’s really good with people,” said Young. The little goat was so well behaved the worst thing she did during the long walks up and down the halls was nibble on a coat or two.
She was certainly a hit with the patients at NHC. Bobbie Ikeard and her roommate Carolyn Haynes made quite a fuss over the friendly little creature. “I grew up in the country with goats, pigs and cows,” exclaimed Ikeard when she saw Millie. “Isn’t she just adorable?” Young held Millie up so Ikeard could get a good kiss and cuddle.
Haynes was also smitten with the little goat and got plenty of Millie love before the FFA kids had to move on down the hallway. “This is just the best Christmas gift,” she said as the carolers finished their rousing version of “Deck the Halls” and went on their merry way.
Danielle Smith is the FFA educator/sponsor at the high school and this is the first time they’ve done this type of Christmas visit. “I’m really proud of these FFA kids and their dedication to their community,” said Danielle who was a little worried about how it would all turn out. “It was a great success and hopefully we can do it again next year!” she said.