I interrupt the daily zoo to bring you Madelyn Dawn, my most incredible 22 month old grandniece and the Goat. Children and animals have this unspoken way of understanding each other. I find it really interesting how animals know that young humans are different than older humans. Do they smell of innocence? Wonder? Newness? I love how this goat has focused in on her and it is as if they are having a secret moment. I observed once as Squash played with a little toddler who was positioned behind him and kept wanting to play with his tail (and what a beautiful furry tail it was). We were at a birthday party of a 5 year old, outside in a park and Squash did not know anyone. He laid in a down position, as he tended to do, and swished his tail one way, and the baby would reach, and then the other way, just as the child would grab for it. This went on for a really long time. The child was laughing and laughing. Coincidence, or thoughtful play, who knows? I believe that animals know that children are for playing. Hope you had fun feeding the goats, Maddy girl, sure looks like Nanny enjoyed meeting you.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
jmgoyder
August 5, 2012 at 00:59
Adorable!
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Jessica
August 5, 2012 at 02:08
How sweet! I have noticed the same thing with Taylor: whenever she sees a little one, she stops whatever she is doing and stares at the child while playfully swishing her tail! I love how you articulated this wonderful animal/child relationship!
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dogdaz
August 5, 2012 at 07:47
Thanks Jessica. Taylor senses something that we can’t put into words.
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Doggy's Style
August 5, 2012 at 05:05
I would say that animals know that kids somehow are harmless, I take it from Doggy, he’s wary of strangers, but he gets along with kids, he let them pet him but he doesn’t allow grownups to do it. It has always puzzled me.
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dogdaz
August 5, 2012 at 07:48
I wonder if the adults got down more to his level, like the size of children, if he would be less afraid?
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David Kanigan
August 5, 2012 at 05:46
Yes, I wonder the same thing (how animals treat children with gentleness and compassion). Love your post.
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dogdaz
August 5, 2012 at 07:48
Thanks David.
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Bassas Blog
August 5, 2012 at 06:00
Very lovely photo.
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dogdaz
August 5, 2012 at 07:56
Thank you Bassa. She is a sweetie!
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Genevieve Petrillo
August 5, 2012 at 06:15
Yes! I love those tiny people. They taste delicious. Sticky fingers, food on the face, and when I’m naughty, they think it’s funny and cute and they giggle.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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dogdaz
August 5, 2012 at 07:49
You are so right Cupcake. Children are delicious.
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Long Life Cats and Dogs
August 6, 2012 at 10:26
Too precious. I think animals definitely see children differently. They certainly move and sound different to adults.
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dogdaz
August 6, 2012 at 11:59
For sure. I am thinking size has a little to do with it too.
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Misty Shores Chesapeakes
August 6, 2012 at 14:53
So sweet!!
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dogdaz
August 9, 2012 at 00:02
Thanks – Maddy is delicious…. oh you meant the piece. LOL
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