The people of Austin need to beware. On the drive home, they should be mindful that there might be something lurking in their yards. Something waiting for them. Something 2 feet tall with an fluffy tail and an easy-going disposition — goats.

Although they are not the most intimidating animal, area residents should be on the lookout for a pair of wandering goats and their mischevious handlers.

To fundraise for the finishing touches on their expansion project, Hormel Historic Home volunteers have been “goating” people since Saturday and have plans to go through Sept. 8.

Goating is a simple process: For a $40 donation you can request a location for these wayward goats to appear, gifting the unsuspecting target with a pair of living lawn ornaments until such time as they donate $50 for goat removal. Once removed, that individual can donate $40 and select a different target, and the goating begins anew.

Among the seven two-volunteer teams of “goat herders” there is a little friendly competition to see who can goat the most people. The team of Jeff Baldus and Randy Kramer is pulling out all the stops. They’ve printed cards, fliers and Jeff even dons a goat T-shirt to get into the spirit.

“We are going all out,” Baldus said. “It’s just goaty.”

The traveling goats are George and Lillian. The 3-year-old pygmies are on loan from Stephanie Stark, a volunteer at the Hormel Home. The pair are well-behaved, but not quite house-trained, in case you had any ideas of inviting them in.

If the thought of meeting George and Lillian on your lawn is too much, goat insurance is still available for a $40 donation.

“A lot of houses don’t need to see them,” said Laura Helle, Hormel Home director. “ The threat of goats is enough.”

It has been a busy week for the goats and their volunteer goat herders. They have made around 25 stops already, and expect to keep on moving.

“We have the most well traveled goats in Mower County,” boasted Helle.

If you are in the market for a way to get your friend’s goat, just remember their motto: “Have goats, will travel.” Contact the Hormel Historic Home office at 433-4243 or send an e-mail to hormelhh@smig.net to set up your goating.