I know it has been a while since we last checked in here at Argosyodyssey.com. Our last post was to announce the arrival of a new member of our herd, this post, sadly is to announce the passing of another, our sweet Frankie Rae.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Frankie, our beloved goat, travel companion, and cherished family member of nearly 12 years.
Frankie lived a life defined by adventure. What began as small camping trips and day hikes in Western North Carolina, soon became a lifelong journey exploring the country. She hoofed it across 25 states, logging over 60,000 miles in an Airstream, turning every stop into her personal kingdom. From wide-open roads to quiet campsites, forests and deserts to beaches and wildflower trails—-as a goat, Frankie experienced more in her 11 years than most humans do in a lifetime. The world was her pasture and she ate up every second of it, leading a life as big as her personality. An Oregoatian at heart, the state held a special place in her story, as the Rogue Valley became her basecamp for regional adventures and her final home at Frankie’s Farm.
Throughout her life, she was a sister to many. Dogs, Scooby, Bug, Maggie, and Corndog, humans Mx and Kepler, and recently goats Nugget, Beans, Mac, and Roni. Known to many through our travel blog Argosy Odyssey, which featured her adventures with Maggie and later Corndog, her cross-species connections proved that animal bonds run deep and come in all shapes and sizes. This bond was documented by multiple media outlets, most notably Discovery+’s The Bond, where a film crew followed her explorations around the West. Even years after the show’s release, animal lovers from around the world continue to enjoy her cross-country escapades. During the Covid shutdown, Frankie became a beacon of light during one of modern history’s darkest times, providing a window to the outside world for those unable to leave their homes. Between her funny moments and the beautiful wildlands she explored, she spread joy to followers across all 7 continents- even Antarctica!
Most of all, she was the cherished “kid” of Cate and Chad, who feel blessed to have shared so many wonderful memories together. Our countless nights around the fire, evenings gazing at the sunset, mornings snuggled in bed, and days chasing waterfalls could never be forgotten. Frankie was never just along for the ride—she was the ride, and what a ride it was.
If Frankie taught us anything, it was to never fence ourselves in. While the world tried to hand her a pasture and a predictable ending, Frankie looked past the fence and thought, nah. Curious to her core, she defied the odds and followed the horizon-living a life of wonder (and wander). Frankie lived beyond the pasture, beyond expectations, and far beyond what anyone thought possible for a goat. And that’s exactly why she’ll always be legendary.”
– Cate Battles
– Cate Battles
Thank you so much to everyone who followed along with us for so many years, read our little blog, and watched Frankie grow up! Your encouragement and enthusiasm meant the world to us, and we all goat to see that world through her eyes. She will live in our hearts fur-ever. -Chad & Cate
We love you Baby Franks!
For those who would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider a contribution to 501(c)3 nonprofit farm rescues.
Sanctuary One in Applegate Valley: https://sanctuaryone.networkforgood.com/
or