Bristol's High Hopes farm is aptly named, and Jennifer Bristol, resident farmer, keeper of vegetables, bees, and hens, has recently doubled her population of goats.

The longtime 4H volunteer has been affiliated with local farms, including Frerich's in Warren where she had recently been focusing on beekeeping with a crew of other enthusiasts — until a bad reaction to a sting caused her to hang up her hat, at least for the time being.

Prior to that, she was affiliated with Mount Hope Farm, where, among other things, she worked closely with their small herd of goats. In that capacity, she began to explore the idea of employing goats as therapy animals, bringing 4 or 5 goats to nursing homes and Autism Project camps.

Highly intelligent, when they are trained and socialized, goats, it turns out, are uniquely suited for the role. "They are mischievous, and fun, but also quiet," said Ms. Bristol. "They are also not nearly as reckless and destructive as they are reputed to be."

The breed, Nigerian Dwarf, is smaller and more manageable than larger goat breeds, making these goats well suited to interact with people of all sizes and strengths.

"They are less reactive than a lot of companion animals, and they have a natural curiosity," she said. "They get up close and personal and they are not shy in new situations."

Ms. Bristol's resident herd began when Mount Hope Farm was trying to cut down on the size of their herd, and she was offered Coco, an adult female who was among her favorite goats on the farm. She then went to a south county farm to purchase a couple more, and was ready to leave with two — "lovely sisters," according to Ms. Bristol. Then, something funny happened. The farmer selling the goats pointed out another, and sighed, "Nobody's going to want her. She's very plain."

Ms. Bristol, of course, came home with three goats that day — dubbing the "plain" one, Jane. "She's affectionate, strong, and beautiful," said Ms. Bristol.

With now four goats, and plans for her own little herd, she called on the services of a buck, imported from Rehoboth for a brief visit.
"He didn't seem too interested at first," said Ms. Bristol. She was surprised, then, when all 4 goats turned up pregnant. About 5 months later, over the last full moon, all four gave birth, to a total of 5 live kids.

Poor Jane did not have an easy time of it. She delivered 2 stillborn kids before her third was born live — but just barely. "Mouse" was less than 3 pounds, and the little goat's survival was very much uncertain. Jane was very mournful, and according to Ms. Bristol — who had to step in as Mouse's full-time caregiver — she rejected her baby and and refused to nurse.

The story has a happy ending, though, as Jane came around after a couple of days and started to show interest in her baby (now alternately named "Mighty Mouse" for his survival skills.)
With 9 goats, Ms. Bristol is close to her ideal herd size of 12, but after what Jane has been put through, she thinks she'll let the doe sit out the next round.

These days, Ms. Bristol is socializing the newest members of the herd and making plans for reestablishing opportunities to bring the herd out to the community. "I think with Covid, there is more of a need than ever to make these connections," she said. "We can create conditions where we could support activities, and bring interactions to different communities, without the risk."