About the Author

Visions of the snow-capped Alps, lush green valleys, and alpine meadows dot the rugged terrain of Switzerland in central Europe. Switzerland is a land steeped in tradition, especially when herding their cows and goats to and from alpine meadows each season.

Sister Mary Elizabeth believes in unique ways of connecting with one’s animals. As she walks from the barn out to the fields, she begins to sing, calling her Cashmere goats in her crystal-clear soprano voice.

Instead of a carefree vacation visiting her son, Patricia planned and began contacting individuals in England, Sudan, and other countries. It took a bit of time and legwork, but soon Kids for Kids was established with a mission statement that continues to ring true today: “We don’t believe in charity — we believe in helping people to help themselves.”

“Get Out! Evacuate … NOW!” These are words no one wants to hear. VERT (Veterinary Emergency Response Team) is there to search and gather fleeing dogs, cats, and barnyard animals.

It doesn’t matter if one lives in the Texas Panhandle, along the coast of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada, or at the foot of the Andes in Argentina, people want the same for their goats — to be safe and healthy.

Was it fate or serendipity, on a Sunday drive, when a chance meeting presented itself to an American woman in a foreign country?

In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, there’s a popular goat-like figure made of straw and red ribbon usually found under the tree or nestled among the branches. This is the Julbock, which translates into English as “Yule buck” or “Christmas buck,” a symbol of good tidings and cheer.