Courtesy of Danielle Langloism, Wikipedia CCLGoats Aid Special Needs Students
HUMBLE, Texas — Goats Squawky and Butterscotch are giving two special ed students a sense of accomplishment and pride as part of the school district’s Billy the Kid Program.
Caitlyn Chamberlain, who has cerebral palsy, as first didn’t know what to make of Butterscotch.
But within days of learning to care for the goat, she “practically bolted for the barn as soon as she got out of the car, beating the other kids to the barn, even with her walker,” said Caitlyn’s mother, Ellen Shimer.
Trey Steward, who is autistic, has become close to Squawky, cleaning his stall, feeding him and training him to walk on a leash.
The program was the brainchild of Mary Sue Zoch, a special ed teacher who was looking for something students with disabilities could relate to.
“It had to be either sheep or goats,” Zoch said. “We decided raising goats would be best because they have personalities like a dog – they are inquisitive, follow you around.”
The program has proved so beneficial that Both Caitlyn and Trey’s mothers said they are considering enrolling their children in Future Farmers of America this coming year.
