... was the inspiration for the goat in the Wilderley logo and the subject of many visitor's selfie pictures over the years. He was the most beautiful, wise, handsome and intelligent fellow and the leader of our free-range pack of pygmy goats. Goose loved nothing more than clip clopping into the house and claiming our attention - as well as a piece of toast. Always first to greet a guest with his beautiful amber eyes and so gentle with our visiting children and those new to the 'way of goat'. Thank you, dear Goosey for being the best host goat anyone could possibly wish for and for your wonderful Wilderley service. Never forgotten.

Albert had originally lived in France and was quite the old gentleman when he was given to us. Having decided early on that he didn't want to walk with alpacas, he spent his last two years with us looking noble and thoroughly beautiful. Some animals don't have to 'do' anything, they can just 'be'. Albert was definitely a 'be-ing' rather than a 'do-ing' animal and we are so happy we had the honour of offering a home for his final days before wishing us adieu.

Keesa was a cat in a million! She appeared out of a hedge, whilst on a local drive, and said she'd like to come and live at Wilderley. She'd heard good things, apparently, and she was getting pretty fed-up with hedge life. In return, she caught rats and was the finest of hosts; meeting and greeting guests and entertaining young and old with her loud purr. Keesa also entertained the vets by not revealing her sex. She was neither boy nor girl, just wonderful Keesa. Brave, loving, bold and beautiful, we will always love and hold her in our hearts.

Louis was given to us by our neighbour who'd done a beautiful job of raising him from a fallen fledgling. We began a process of 'soft release' which enabled him to have the freedom of flight and the safety of a bed at night. It was a magical experience to see a 'wild' bird begin to unfold his wings into the world and process how it worked - very soon we felt part of that discovery. Louis will always be remembered for his immense intelligence, sense of fun, and the kindness he showed a group of children, on a charity day, playing tag with them and making them laugh. It was an extraordinary privilege to have shared a little of Louis's life and a heart-breaking day when he flew away to heaven. He is buried near Celeste's writing hut where cornflowers (the colour of his eyes) grow every year.

John Travolta (vocals), Big Bird (on drums) and Duster (on bass) along with our beautiful and very much still alive, cockerel, Tchaikovsky, were one of the first chickens we ever had. They paraded around the garden as a gang, getting into all sorts of trouble - somewhat like a rather disheveled and rather tatty rock group - their personalities were wild and wonderful. These beautiful bantams will be forever with us in our memory - giving us so many laughs and lessons in life.