Sure, we know what you're thinking: Another story about a goat and a trampoline. But this one is different — the goats (two, actually) are pets of a 12-year-old boy in Miami Township, Ohio, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The county is trying to evict the animals due to a zoning ordinance, but the parents say the goats are the only things that can help their 12-year-old son manage his ADHD. Controversy, of course, ensues.
We're not taking sides on this thorny issue and won't comment except to say that Andy Reid should have tried this with Terrell Owens months ago. No, the great thing about the item, to us, involves the reaction. The story hit the Cincinnati Enquirer Web site Saturday morning, when they put up a Goat Poll. By Monday night they had 3,545 votes — including more than 500 comments. As always, the comments are the best part. A few samples:
there are helper dogs and helper monkeys, why not helper goats? seems to me the only question should be: do they help?
11/5/2005 4:03:21 PM
I have ADHD. I know what it''s like. Every single day is a fight. Let him use ... (message not completed).
11/5/2005 7:30:37 PM
There is NO SUCH THING as ADHD, his mother needs to stop putting extra sugar on his Frosted flakes....THAT will cure his "affliction"
11/5/2005 7:41:36 PM
(We knew Tom Cruise would chime in eventually)
get rid of the boy and keep the goat.
11/5/2005 7:42:36 PM
Goats rule, and goats that can bounce on a trampoline rule hard.
11/6/2005 2:52:42 AM
Goats Help Boy Cope With ADHD [Cincinnati Enquirer]