I think my forum name probably gives a hint of how I feel about goats. I learned to milk a goat while staying with friends who have a small farm. When the ex and I planned on moving to Isle of Arran, we were wanting the go for the self-sufficiency lifestyle. We knew it would be limited by the size of land we could afford so decided on poultry and a goat (didn't know then that you should keep two). Having milked the friend's goat, I was determined that I needed goats. I even knitted a jumper with shorter sleeves to b e my goat milking jumper.
Unfortunately, the ex is a control freak (which is why he's the ex) and decided I wasn't having a goat after all.
A few years ago, now living in a town with my new husband, I had the opportunity to buy and share a couple of goats with a neighbour, with them living in her garden. She lost interest very quickly and I was so upset at the thought of not having goats any more that my lovely OH said I could have them in our garden.
Even when this horrible disease hit me and I could hardly move, I still hung onto my goats. My OH had to lower me onto the milking bench and haul me off again, but I managed the milking. He had to carry the buckets, etc and I still have to rely on others for mucking out, cleaning the yard and hoof trimming, which does cost me but they're worth it.
Why? All the reasons given in other posts. Plus, they are always pleased to see me and greet me with a gentle bleat whenever I appear, even if it's just at the window. They love cuddles and strokes and they don't care what I can and can't do. I had to give up a lot when I became disabled - walking, swimming and cycling being the ones that hurt the most as I loved them - but I just couldn't part with my goats.
