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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bad food choice fails to keep Navy mascot from Army game

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA – An Angora goat apparently sickened from eating toxic vegetation has been cleared for duty at this weekend’s Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia.

Bill 36 began Naval Academy mascot training this season. A month ago, it looked like he might not make it to the big game with his twin brother and two older goats nearing retirement.

Bill 36 was nauseated and struggling to breathe. He was rushed from Annapolis, Maryland, to the nearest large-animal hospital, the New Bolton Center outside Philadelphia.

Tests showed he might have eaten an azalea bush, which is toxic to goats. A University of Pennsylvania veterinarian put a tube down his throat and gave him medicine to absorb the toxins. He soon recovered.

Having been lucky himself, Bill 36 will head to Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday to bring the Midshipmen good luck.