What began as a routine addition to a family farm turned into a dramatic overnight rescue that showcased the power of community.

On Nov. 9, a pregnant goat named Rowling escaped just moments before she could be safely secured in her new pen. Startled and unfamiliar with her surroundings, Rowling fled into a dense forest bordering busy U.S. Highway 19. As night fell, temperatures dropped into the 30s, with wind chills making conditions feel closer to the low 20s, a dangerous situation for the expectant animal.

Throughout the day, family members searched the thick woods, navigating snakes, spiders, thorny brush, and limited visibility. Though Rowling was spotted several times, fear kept her moving deeper into the forest and out of reach.

With daylight fading and conditions worsening, help was called in from the “Goat Busters,” a well-known 4-H club in Lake County made up of experienced goat owners and breeders, many of whom have earned recognition at the Lake County Fair.

At 9:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, a team of 10 adult and teen volunteers arrived equipped with headlamps, rope, and feed. Despite freezing temperatures and hazardous terrain, the group pressed into the forest in search of the frightened animal.

After nearly an hour of navigating thick underbrush, the team successfully located and rescued Rowling. She was exhausted, terrified, and skittish, but volunteers carefully guided her into what was believed to be a secure enclosure.

Moments later, the rescue took an unexpected turn.

Rowling burst through the pen and attempted to flee once again toward nearby bushes. In a split-second response, 4-H volunteer Tracy tackled the goat, preventing a second escape and allowing the team to safely restrain her.

Ethan Gruner, an adult 4-H leader who helped lead the rescue, later described the effort as his most difficult goat recovery to date.

“This was the toughest goat rescue I’ve ever done,” Ethan says. When asked what was going through his mind while searching the freezing forest late at night, his answer was, “Praying.”

Following the rescue, members of the Stevens family stepped in to foster Rowling while repairs were made to the damaged enclosure. They also assisted in constructing a new corral to ensure the goat’s safety moving forward.