Goat therapy, the new way to relax in 2026

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– “I love having these little guys in here to cuddle and enjoy. They definitely help calm your senses a little bit”, said Delany Moser, taproom manager at Waterline Brewing Company after hanging out with baby goats.

On Thursday evening, Waterline Brewing Company, located on Surry Street, teamed up with Zen Hooves to help relieve stress for anybody who needed it for the new year, with adorable baby Goats.

Over a dozen participants came to the brewery to pet baby Goats, play with them, and bottle feed them with some milk.

Moser says hanging out with the Goats helps both the customers and the company.

“I think it brings something different to the brewery and brings other people together and have fun and nice conversations”, said Moser.

Dennis Shugar, owner of Zen Hooves, says they originally started out doing yoga with Goats, but later saw an opportunity to help people heal with baby goats.

He says that it’s crucial that both the people and the goats feel comfortable.

“We don’t ever rush anybody out. It’s a fun time. I enjoy seeing the goats interacting with people”

Ashton Andrews, who went with her family, says interacting with the animals is something she needs after a long year.

“It’s wonderful, it’s nice to connect, to take care of something, even for a short period of time. When I was a kid, we had goats that would come into the house, so it brings nostalgia being around Goats again”, said Andrews.

Moser says the brewing company hopes to keep doing events like these going into the new year.

“We really try to give back to the community and give a safe space to let people come and enjoy. Just be a place to hang out, and again, cuddle with Goats”, said Moser.

The baby Goats’ next destination will be at Leland Brewing Company on January 3rd at 2:30 PM.