8 May, 2019

Acting the goat at Takapuna Beach

Takapuna Beach is a favourite spot for two giant goats who enjoy socialising with the locals and their dogs.

Steve and Dave are Saanen goats who weigh in at over 80kg and go everywhere with their owner Grant Solley and dog Jack.

Solley loves bringing the goats to Takapuna Beach to run on the sand, socialise and exchange stories with the locals.

“I love seeing people smile and their reaction,” says Solley, who has trained the goats himself using food.

“They run down the beach with me and most dogs just give them a sniff-sniff. Some bark and others are just curious.”

The goats have visited Takapuna Beach since January this year, and he says, overall, they have had a positive reaction from locals who love to bring their children over to say “Hi”.

Solley lives in Whenuapai with Dave and Steve who he says love to be around him as much as they can, even watching TV with him.

He has owned the goats since December 2017 when he inherited them from a friend.

“I said: ‘Come on boys, in the car you hop, you’re coming home with me.’”

Since then, Solley has taken Steve and Dave all over Auckland for walks, despite some criticism and Dave suffering two dog attacks in Muriwai.

“They just want social time,” he says. “They’re great company and make excellent pets.”

Jack is extremely protective towards the pair, says Solley, despite Steve measuring in at 6’6” when standing on his hind legs and weighing 100kg at his heaviest.

Solley gives them plenty of love and affection. He says they cry out for him if he leaves their sight.

They will continue to visit Takapuna Beach whenever they can.

This article originally appeared in the May 10 edition of the Rangitoto Observer. Download PDF.