Some of the most heartwarming stories we get to hear are the ones about rescued pets, the cats and dogs whose lives are transformed through adoption and new happy homes. One of the great benefits of sharing these stories is that more and more of us feel emboldened to step up and help when we see these furry friends in our own neighborhoods, either by alerting the local pet rescues or even adopting them ourselves. All of us would probably be a little taken aback, however, if the creature we saw on the side of the road wasn’t a dog or cat, but something else entirely— like, say, a baby goat.

That’s the story of Harley the baby goat and the Good Samaritan who found the little one wandering by herself near a busy road. Though this do-gooder originally notified the local Animal Control, when no owner was found, she reached out to Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue in Little Rock, California, who quickly took in the adorable goat and gave her a wonderful new home.

Not only does Harley have space to run and friends both caprine and canine, she probably escaped a fate far, far worse. Though Hooves & Paws owner Michelle couldn’t reach the original owner, despite numerous attempts, she believes the tag originally in Harley’s ear indicated that she was being raised for her meat. Michelle’s hypothesis is that since Harley is a bit of a runt, the owners might have decided she wasn’t worth feeding and subsequently dumped her on the road where she was found.

So Harley’s scary time on the side of the road was actually a blessing in disguise, since it ultimately led her to a home and away from a destiny on a plate. Instead of human appetites, she gets to experience human kindness.

We love a story full of heroic people, adorable babies, and happy endings! For more on this one – and more adorable footage of Harley! – watch this video from PAWsitive Stories.