ENID, Okla. — In a remarkable twist of fate, two pet goats helped rescuers locate the Sloat family, who were trapped beneath the rubble of their home after an EF4 tornado tore through Enid, Oklahoma. The family had taken cover in their cellar, only to have debris collapse over the door, sealing them inside.
Above ground, both the family’s house and the small structure housing their goats, Percy and Penny, were destroyed. Despite the devastation, the goats survived and played an unexpected role in the family’s rescue.
How the Goats Led Rescuers to Safety
Mary Sloat described the harrowing scene:
“There was glass shattering, we could hear bricks falling, and our cellar door dented in.”
As she and her daughter waited in the dark, they thought they heard goat noises from above. The sounds were coming from Percy and Penny, who had somehow returned to the site of the trapped family. When rescuers arrived, the goats were standing atop a pile of bricks directly above the cellar door, signaling the location of the family (KFOR News 4, 2026).
| Rescue Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Sloat family cellar |
| Tornado Intensity | EF4 |
| Animals Involved | Percy and Penny, family pet goats |
| Role | Alerted rescuers to the family’s location |
| Outcome | Family rescued safely |
Rescuers began digging at the spot indicated by the goats, ultimately pulling the family to safety.
Family Bond and Heroic Goats
The Sloats had raised Percy and Penny as a family, and Mary shared that her daughter had even shown one of the goats in competitions.
“These are goats that our whole family raised, and my daughter showed one of them,” Sloat said.
Their actions during the disaster have given the goats a special place in the family’s hearts. Mary added humorously that she would remember their heroics on days when the goats are ornery.
“On days whenever they’re being ornery and they headbutt me, or they nip at my fingers, I’m going to have to remember this. I don’t know of anybody else who has a goat story like this.”
Tornado Recovery in Enid
The EF4 tornado caused widespread destruction in Enid, leaving many families displaced and homes severely damaged. Stories like the Sloats’ highlight the unexpected ways animals can contribute to human safety, while the community begins rebuilding efforts.
Rescue workers and neighbors have emphasized the importance of preparedness, quick response, and staying calm during severe storms, which helped minimize casualties in this devastating event.
The story of Percy and Penny illustrates the unique bond between humans and animals and how pets can sometimes play critical roles during emergencies.
The Sloat family’s survival, aided by two loyal goats, serves as both an inspiring human-interest story and a reminder of resilience in the face of natural disasters.
As the community of Enid rebuilds, the heroic goats will undoubtedly remain a symbol of hope, loyalty, and unexpected heroism.
