Mourning goat is reunited with best friend, ends hunger strike

Earlier this year, Mr. G the goat was separated from his best friend, a burro named Jellybean, when animal welfare officials rescued them, and other animals, from poor living conditions at the home of a hoarder.

Mr. G and Jellybean were taken to separate animal sanctuaries in Northern California.

Ten-year-old Mr. G ended up at Animal Place, a "rescue ranch" in Grass Valley.

"We knew another facility could take his friend Jellybean, the burro, and as we had never rescued a burro, we thought it would be easier to place Mr. G with another rescued goat and to place them together," Animal Place staff wrote on Facebook.

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When Mr. G arrived at Animal Place without his friend, he refused to eat.

Even when staff offered Mr. G treats of molasses, sweet grain and apples, he just lay in the corner of his stall, "barely lifting his head."

"After health exams revealed nothing physically, it became evident Mr. G was in mourning, assuming his friend Jellybean had disappeared forever. He was inconsolable. After four days of starving himself, drastic actions were taken to help Mr. G," wrote Animal Place staff.

After four days, officials had only one strategy left: reunite Mr. G with Jellybean.

It worked.

It took three days to transport Jellybean to Animal Place, where he was greeted by a very enthusiastic goat.

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According to Animal Place officials, "Mr. G erupted from his prone position, snorting and inhaling Jellybean’s presence. He rushed after her into their outdoor pasture. The magical moment came when Mr. G began eating from Jellybean’s bowl!"

Animal Place shared a photo of the friends, once again inseparable, on Facebook.

"When someone tells you other animals cannot grieve, tell them of Mr. G and Jellybean. Tell them it was only after Jellybean arrived that Mr. G emerged willingly from his stall. That only after Jellybean strode into his barn did Mr. G begin to eat. When someone tells you other animals cannot form deep friendships, even with a member of another species, tell them of Jellybean and Mr. G who now rest side by side, their circle of family and friendship complete," staff wrote.

Mr. G will never have to fear separation from his best friend again. Instead of putting the animals up for adoption, Animal Place has taken in the pair as permanent residents at its 600-acre Grass Valley sanctuary, where they can live happily ever after.