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Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Butch and April enjoying the sunshine at Heartland!
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
These two are up for some fun!
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Michael enjoys his moment in the spotlight.
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Opal is the goat princess at Heartland. We must say, she looks happily spoiled!
Story by Laura Bauer
Photos by Sarah Konkol
Here at County, we come across a lot of animal-based organizations. One local non-profit caught our eye with their mission statement (and, of course, their cute photos): Heartland Farm Sanctuary in Madison, WI. We had the pleasure of talking to Sarah Konkol, the Shelter Manager at Heartland Farm Sanctuary. Heartland provides a home for abused, stray, and neglected farm animals. Their mission – “People helping animals, and animals helping people” – naturally make them a “hands on” organization.
Heartland works with both neighboring human societies and law enforcement to rescue and foster farm animals of all kinds, from ducks and chickens to donkeys and cows. After the animals arrive at Heartland and are trained and socialized, they become ambassadors. True to their mission statement, Heartland invites visitors to the farm and has animal outings.
On the farm, they host field trips, farm tours, and therapy sessions for special needs and at-risk children. In an effort to have a positive impact in their community, along with the lives of animals, Heartland is growing and will be offering more therapy options in the near future.
The staff, which is almost entirely volunteers, and the most outgoing animals embark on community engagements, nursing home visits and educational school demos. For some people, it is their first encounter with a farm animal. Both the animals and people enjoy the interaction.
As with all species, some individuals enjoy attention more than others. Crowd pleasers at Heartland include Lucy, the potbelly pig; Teddy, a Shetland sheep; and Zeus, a goat.
As goats are having a moment in the limelight right now (just go to Youtube for some laughs: Goat’s Proper use of Yoga Ball or the now-famous Buttermilk!) and all of us at Country find them adorable, we were excited to ask Sarah a little more about the goats at Heartland. Sarah confirmed that goats are extremely curious animals and, when properly socialized, make great companions or pets, but prefer company.
“Goats do bond to other animals, so we always recommend getting two goats,” although they will form friendships with other species. The goats and sheep live together at Heartland, and it seems like the goats stick together most of the time.
If you’ve fallen in love and have decided to get goats, Sarah had some helpful tips for goat care:
Have a good grass area (additional hay as needed, especially in winter)
Make sure your fencing is secure. These guys can jump and climb!
Some goats will need grain supplements (older, underweight).
Always have a fresh supply of water for your goats.
Provide a solid shelter to protect against extreme weather.
And again, your goat should have an animal friend to live with.
We also recommend you have a camera handy, because these guys have been known to pull off some seriously funny stunts. Goat popularity ranges from the ultimate lawn mower to internet meme star. If you’re looking for your own four-legged phenomenon, consider adopting. There are plenty of playful, well-mannered goats (and sheep, donkeys, llamas, etc.) that are looking for a “forever home.”
If you live in the Madison, WI area, consider Heartland for your next animal addition. You can find out more about Heartland or donate at: http://heartlandfarmsanctuary.org/