Ellen Babinski

When Goats Smile Ellen Babinski

By profession I am a Registered Nurse. At heart I love writing stories. I live in central New Jersey on a small farm with my husband Mike. Through the years I have cared for many farm animals but never a goat. Mike brought Cloud home on cold Friday night approximately nine years ago. He was two days old and hungry. We quickly learned how to bottle feed a very active, mischievous goat. Cloud soon became my pet goat. Through the years he went from a sweet, playful goat to a possessive goat - that is of me! Visitors went into the barn eager to see Cloud "the beautiful white goat" But he wanted no part of their attention. Often he would ram the fence with his head or turn his back to them. I tried convincing them he was really a wonderful goat, however, many people were non-believers. For years my grandson, Matthew went into the barn to see Cloud. The outcome was usually the same. Matthew goes into the barn and quickly comes running out vowing never go in there again. Matthew's goat encounter was my inspiration to write "When Goats Smile" It was a surprise to me when I saw the photograph of Cloud smiling. I knew at that moment what the title of my book would be. I hope you enjoyed this sweet story about my favorite goat and my wonderful grandson, Matthew. Today Cloud is older and, Matthew is wiser. Matthew has a new understanding about Cloud's behavior and a respect for all animals. Today, Cloud happily accepts treats from Matthew.