While the Hagan family–Cal, Ed, Hope, and Eve–has resided in Topsfield for the past 11 years, they truly became complete four years ago with the addition of their two Nigerian Dwarf goats, George and Franklin. Adopted from Kimstead Farm in Pepperell, Massachusetts, and having come home a day before Independence Day, it was only fitting that the pair received patriotic names: George for George Washington and Franklin for Benjamin Franklin. 

Ever since then, the two have brightened up the family with their joy, affection, and playfulness, with George being the more docile one and Franklin being known for his rambunctiousness. 

Whether it’s climbing on their play structure, impressing visitors with their jumps, or even just spinning around, there’s never a dull moment when you have goats – something the Hagans knew from the start. Hope notes that her “dad had had goats when he was growing up” and he wanted them to have the same experience since goats are “very social and curious animals that have their own unique personalities, just like any dog or cat.” This is definitely true for George and Franklin: while a tired George can probably be spotted sleeping in a bucket out in the sun, Franklin is always full of energy and ready to take on the day. 

Despite their contrasting personalities, this duo has one thing in common: their motivation is driven by food. From banana peels to watermelon rinds, the pair can be very smart in getting their rewards, but be careful! As Hope notes, their intelligence is spurred by “the need to be mischievous, as they are very good escape artists.” She recalls a time where Franklin, who was around eight months old at the time, jumped the stall door in hopes of reaching some apple-flavored treats on a shelf and ended up stuck in the shavings bin. After that incident, the Hagans handcrafted a sliding door for their stall to prevent any further trouble. 

Despite the goats’ chaotic nature and willingness to eat anything (including clothes!), George and Franklin are irreplaceable members of the family and are sure to light up the Hagans’ hearts for many years to come.