Celebrity
Santa Rosa man whose goats were stolen gets help from celebrity chef Guy Fieri
2024-09-26
Stolen Goats Spark Community Outrage and Heartfelt Plea for Return
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Santa Rosa resident has been left devastated by the theft of his three beloved goats, Nacho, Atlas, and Chili. The community has rallied together to support the owner, Shawn Ganapoler, in his desperate search to bring his furry friends back home.A Plea for Compassion and Justice
The Heartbroken Owner's Plea
Shawn Ganapoler, the owner of the stolen goats, is pleading with the thief to return his beloved pets. Ganapoler has a deep, personal connection with each of his goats, considering them as part of his family. The loss of these animals has left him heartbroken, as he worries about their well-being and longs to be reunited with them. "It's really hard," he expressed, "Every morning I leave and go to work and I hope it's not the last time I get to see them."The Unique Bonds with Each Goat
Ganapoler's attachment to his goats is evident in the way he describes them. Nacho, the first goat he acquired, holds a special place in his heart. Ganapoler hand-raised and bottle-fed Nacho, who has grown into a large, vocal, and affectionate companion. "He really likes to lay down and cuddle with you. If you lay out on the field with him, he'll lay down and cuddle with you," Ganapoler fondly recounted.The disappearance of the goats has also taken a toll on the remaining animals, particularly Atlas' brother, Neptune. Ganapoler has noticed a significant change in Neptune's behavior, as the goat has become more skittish and distant, making it difficult for Ganapoler to interact with him.The Community's Outpouring of Support
Despite the heartbreak, Ganapoler has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from his community. He expressed feeling initially alone and isolated, but the community's response has reminded him that he is not alone in this ordeal. One of the most notable supporters is Ganapoler's boss, renowned chef Guy Fieri, who has used his platform to spread awareness about the missing goats on social media."The biggest thing for me really has been the outpouring of support from the community," Ganapoler said. "Immediately right off the bat, I felt really alone and really isolated and the community reminded that I'm not."A Desperate Plea for the Goats' Safe Return
Ganapoler's primary focus is on the safe return of his beloved goats. He believes the thief was able to lure the animals away due to their trusting nature, as they have been hand-raised and perceive humans as a source of good or entertainment. Ganapoler's plea to the thief is simple: "Just bring them back home. Just bring them back home safe. I got no problem, just bring them back home."As the search continues, the community remains steadfast in their support, hoping that someone will recognize the suspected thief and provide information that will lead to the goats' safe return. Ganapoler's heartache is palpable, but his determination to be reunited with his furry family members is unwavering.