Goat Watches Over Tired Livestock Dog Who Was Up All Night Protecting Him
A video of a goat watching his canine companion sleep has melted hearts on TikTok.
The scene, shared to @raventreeranch, has 182,000 views; it shows the moment a guard dog takes a well-deserved nap while his farm friend keeps a lookout. The text layered over the touching video reads: "Bucky watching over his buddy after Judge worked all night to protect him."
Judge, an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, and Bucky, both live on Raventree Ranch in Elverta, California. The breed is best known for being protective and territorial, but these dogs are also intelligent, patient and deeply loyal, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
They are highly valued as guard dogs, standing at 27 to 29 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds. Despite their strong, muscular build, Anatolians are agile, making them well-suited for defending against predators. They are described as smart, adaptable and fiercely devoted, protecting their flock—whether livestock, children, smaller pets, or even the family cat.
In this case, it seems Judge's dedication has paid off and he has earned himself a loyal friend, who has got his back. Contrary to this, Puget Sound Goat Rescue, in Enumclaw, Washington, states that dogs should never be considered suitable companions for goats. Instead, they should have another goat as a friend as they thrive when in the company of their species – otherwise they can become lonely and appear depressed.
The charity website also states that certain goats can be great companions for a lonely horse, but not all are suited for this role. But some viewers may say that Judge, the 175-pound dog is an exception as he appears to be friendly with all of the animals on the ranch - including cats.
The internet seem to be in awe with the unlikely duo and many users have commented on their bond.
One user said: "Bucky.. the guardian's guardian. Good job Bucky!" and another wrote: "He's Judge's emotional support goat."
A third commenter wrote what they believe the goat is thinking: "I've got the day shift, buddy."
Another user shared their experience: "My goats watch over my livestock guardian dog during the day while he sleeps. It's like they understand that he puts his life on the line for them every single night. They have so much love!!
Indeed, dogs are cherished companions, loved by both animals and humans, so it's no surprise they often go viral on social media.
Newsweek reached out to @raventreeranch for comment via TikTok. We couldn't verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.