By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Is that a sheep? A goat? A large dog?
I can’t be sure from this distance exactly what that guy’s carrying under his arm as he walks across the sand to Davida, the beachfront restaurant in Anguilla where I’m lunching today. But I need to find out.
Turns out that the animal in question is indeed a goat, albeit a life-sized stuffed one. And his name’s – what else? – Billy. He’s also the mascot at Tequila Sunrise Villa, a three-bedroom residence at Lover’s Cove on Dropsey Bay, where one of the current guests has decided to bring him to the beach – presumably for a water’s edge photo opp.
Such outings are par for the course for Billy, who was purchased in a yarn shop by Tequila Sunrise owner’s sister, and emigrated to the island from Miami via St. Maarten. Now guests take him with them on their island adventures, and he’s been spotted lazing in hammocks, picnicking on the beach, dining at local restaurants, and even been caught in a compromising position on a commode.
Which means that I’m not shy to ask if I too can pose with the gregarious goat. Billy’s temporary caretaker obliges, and this girl and her goat repair to Davida’s oceanfront deck for our closeup.
I straddle him, grab on to one of his horns, and whoop it up for the camera. One, two, three … Cheeeese!
It’s a photo worthy destined for my Facebook page, and a reminder that we should always find time for … ahem … kidding around.