When Animal Place Rescue Ranch in Grass Valley, California, brought in a goat named Mr. G, the little goat didn’t seem quite right. Workers had him examined to rule out any health problems and the animal was as healthy as could be. Still, he wouldn’t eat and wouldn’t come out of his shelter.

For six days, Mr. G lay on the hay and wouldn’t eat. He couldn’t even be coaxed to take a treat. He simply laid in his stall with his head drooping. Workers thought he acted like he was depressed and sad, but they couldn’t figure out why. They had rescued him from deplorable conditions and he was now being treated really well. What could possibly be the problem?

With health problems ruled out, workers knew they had to do something quickly to help the sweet little goat. They began researching and found out that Mr. G had spent the last ten years of his life cooped up in a tiny, dirty plot that had no shelter, shade from the sun, and barely any food or water. They also learned that he had a friend in that tiny lot.

Mr. G had spent the last ten years in the tiny space with a donkey named Jellybean. Because of the awful conditions they lived in, the unlikely duo had formed a very strong bond. They had leaned on each other for support during the hard time.

Workers immediately suspected the reason for Mr. G feeling down was he missed his companion Jellybean. Volunteer Jeff McCracken made a 14-hour round trip drive to go get Jellybean and reunite him with Mr. G in hopes that Mr. G would bounce back and start eating.

Within minutes of arriving back at the animal ranch, and a few sniffs, Mr. G realized that the donkey that had just come to the ranch was his beloved Jellybean. Mr. G hopped up and sniffed and snorted and ran around the pen like he’d never done before. Being separated from his friend had obviously been the problem.

When Jellybean began eating, so did Mr. G, right from Jellybeans bowl. The two dined, nuzzled, and played together. Thanks to the Animal Place Rescue Ranch, the two will be able to spend the rest of their animal days together and never have to worry about being apart again.