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And animal lovers with big hearts showed up at the county's auction Monday to find a new home for an abandoned mini horse and pigmy goat. In a Cinderella story ending, the successful bidder turned over the two friendly pets to Karen Kreger of Otter Lake — a woman he'd met that day at the auction.

"I could see how much she wanted them," said Tom Fiebelkorn, of Almont. "They'll have a good home."

An unusually large group of people showed up at the auction after they read about the two in a County Press article. Their previous owners lost their home to the bank and signed the pair over to the county.

The small goat and horse were raised together, and Lapeer County Animal Control Chief Walt Rodabaugh hoped the same person would buy them both. But that decision was beyond his control.

"They were raised together, and they're buddies," Rodabaugh said previously. "They're in the same pen together, and they play. They're really friendly."

Many in the community showed up Monday to be certain they did.

"I'll make sure they go together," said Kreger who was with her brother Adam Callahan. "I don't have enough money to compete, but that's good there are so many people here."

Jane Chan, of Davison, had recently bought a goat at another animal control auction.

"They're adorable," she said. "I'm not here to bid. I just want to make sure they stay together."

Karen Ormiston, of Columbiaville, had no plans to add to her herd; she owns three mini horses.

"I'm just here to make sure they both go to the same home," she said. "My husband would kill me if I brought home another horse."

Vicky Hendly of Lapeer wanted to bring the pair home to her menagerie of goats and turkeys.

"They're so cute," said Julie King. "I'm looking at them for my granddaughter."

Dawn Marsh of Imlay City hoped to bring home an early Christmas present for her daughter.

After bidding prices escalated beyond $500, the auction turned into a friendly bidding war between Carol Porretta, of Metamora and Fiebelkorn. The two were neck and neck.

"We could have joint custody," said Porretta in jest when the prices reached $700. When the bidding price soared to $810, she conceded to Fiebelkorn.

Without a word, Fiebelkorn handed a check to Lapeer County Animal Control and turned the animals over to Kreger.

"I'm speechless," Kreger said. "That's just about the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com