The King’s goat needs a babysitter for a few months

By Megan Abraham, Community Press - Tweed
Published: June 16, 2010 in The Community Press Online Edition
http://www.communitypress-online.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2623801

ONTARIO, CANADA - An elusive white limo can sometimes be spotted cruising through the streets of Tweed.

Ask anyone who is inside and they'll tell you: 'It's the King himself.'

It's no secret around Tweed that, many years ago, Elvis retired in the quaint village to get away from the bright lights of the city.

But, shortly after his arrival, Elvis began feeling a bit lonesome, so he decided to get a pet.

Outside council chambers, June 8, Tweed Arts Council member Wayne Kay introduced that pet: a goat named Elvis.

Elvis the goat, who, true to her name, wears a rather fashionable silver-sequined jacket, is in need of a goat-sitter for the next few months, Kay said.

"Elvis is going to do a tour in Vegas - the Vegas revival - but there's just one hang up in this," Kay said. "It's encumbant on the good people of Tweed to find a home for Elvis' goat, Elvis."

The Elvis tale has been dreamed up by the Tweed Arts Council in conjunction with Kiwanis, to raise funds for community events.

As past of the fundraiser, the arts council is looking for residents to nominate three of their friends, or enemies, Kay said, to babysit Elvis the goat while her owner is touring in Vegas.

"For five dollars you can nominate someone to take care of Elvis," he said.

"For those of you who aren't interested in having Elvis share your bed, you can buy goat insurance for $10. If you're nominated again, you can buy blanket goat insurance for $20."

Names can be submitted to either the arts council or Kiwanis, who will contact the nominees and explain that Elvis needs her own food, water and bedroom, but will provide lawncare services in exchange.

Proceeds from the event, Kay said, will go back into the Kiwanis and Tweed art council and, in turn, back into the community through various events.

Anyone, even people from other municipalities, are welcome to participate in the fundraiser, which will continue throughout the next four weeks until Elvis is finished his tour on July 6.

For more information on the event, contact Kay at 613-478-3753.