I don’t know where I heard about him first. I do, however, remember the first time I shared him with someone. How do I remember? Because we got it all on film.

I had the video camera and I was panning the beautiful and historic mural in the main lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. I was feeling so smart, and decided to impress my sister-in-law with one of my Disney “pearls of wisdom”…so I say,

“Somewhere on here there is a 4 legged goat.”

Her response…so sweetly and non-condemning…

”Don’t ALL goats have 4 legs?”

I laugh out loud because I realize I am so smitten with this goat and how he makes me feel — that I have forgotten the very trivia I was so proud of “bestowing” upon my sister-in-law!

“YES!” I respond through my laughter, “I meant FIVE legged goat…and now we’ve got that on FILM!”

Most people really appreciate him for the history and “legend” mural surrounds him. After all, it’s a totally awesome thing. The large mosaic where he lives was created in 1971 with 1,800 one-square-foot tiles and took 18 months to construct. It was designed by Disney Imagineer Mary Blair, who is also known for her contributions to the “look” of the “It’s a Small World” attraction. The legend states that Mary believed that no piece of artwork should be perfect – because only God is perfect – so she purposely created the “mistake”. I don’t know if it’s legend or truth, but what a wonderful story! To think this “mistake” has since become one of the greatest loves of my life just cracks me up.

In the encompassment of the fabulous mural itself, it’s easy to miss the five legged goat. He stands amongst the stylized denizens of the mosaic – one of many goats and other figures – just a face in the crowd.

Still, he draws MY eyes to him like a magnet. You see, he makes me so proud that I know about him, and I love the conversation and interaction with others that he creates. I always get a rush when I tell someone who has never seen him that he is there.

The reaction is pretty similar across the board. First a raised brow and a high pitched “Really?” is voiced. Then they want me to show them where he is. Finally when he’s revealed – whether they are just humoring me or not – most people get wide-eyed and whisper,

“That is SO cool!”

I am once again (in my own mind) crowned the Queen of Disney knowledge and I beam with excitement and pride.

It just goes to show you, when looking for love, not all girls are into outward perfections.

*To read more about the 5 legged goat: Dave’s Disney World Blog