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Photo via Goats of Anarchy/Twitter Photo via Goats of Anarchy/Twitter | Remix by April Siese

This anxious rescue goat feels instantly better in her duck costume

Who knew cosplay could be so chill?

Photo of April Siese 

April Siese

Internet Culture

Posted on Nov 25, 2016   Updated on May 25, 2021, 12:34 pm CDT

The Goats of Anarchy rescue facility in New Jersey is doing fantastic things for baby goats with special needs. Its sprawling wooded lot includes a massive barn and playground for the animals. Oh, and copious costumes for one such anxious goat named Polly.

Owner Leanne Lauricella told the Dodo she first purchased the above children’s costume at Marshalls thinking it would look adorable on her newest rescue, Polly. Little did Lauricella know the anxious goat would find all the comforts of a spa, meditation, and a lazy day at the beach wrapped up in this fowl costume.

“As soon as I put [the duck costume] on her, she just instantly got calm,” Lauricella tells the Dodo. “I tried a ThunderShirt—it didn’t work. There’s something about that duck costume that calms her. She goes into a little trance. She just closes her eyes and she’s out.”

Though the duck costume is undoubtedly Polly’s favorite, she’s also taken to a pig costume and a fox costume, among many other outfits. Playing dress up is perhaps the goat’s favorite form of relaxation.

According to the Dodo, Polly has quite a few medical issues, including neurological problems outside of her anxiety issues. She’s also blind and underweight. Lauricella and Goats of Anarchy have provided Polly with a safe, comfortable space to enjoy life like she never has before.

Polly’s even got a new friend named Pocket! The two are inseparable, and Pocket’s calming presence is just as soothing as the duck costume she may outgrow.

Those interested in helping Polly, Pocket, and the many other goats at Goats of Anarchy can head to Lauricella’s GoFundMe page for the rescue center.

H/T The Dodo

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*First Published: Nov 25, 2016, 3:50 pm CST

April Siese

A former Weekend Editor at the Daily Dot, April Siese's reporting covers everything from technology and politics to web culture and humor. Her work has been published by Bustle, Uproxx, Death and Taxes, Rolling Stone, the Daily Beast, Thrillist, Atlas Obscura, and others. Siese joined Quartz in December 2016.

April Siese