Deb, I had to laugh the first time I saw your description of goats as "helpers". I remember trying to work with my real kids (human) and goats and a Great Pyrenees. Between the goats jumping in the wheel barrow to get "on top", and the dog borrowing every tool I laid down and running away with it, it was a wonder we ever set a fence!River sand can be bought at Sand and Gravel companies...... sterilized and cleaned. But I would say any river or stream bed you would consider swimming in yourself would be fine. I personally use decomposed granite scratched up from my own property. Dog poop rabbit deer poop and all. The only danger I have seen is bringing in weeds.
deb "Whos making a very hard descision today"
Your posts evidence that you are thoughtful and intelligent...make the best choice you can with the evidence in front of you. May you find peace in your decision.