Tater arrived at Lollypop in late summer 2024 alongside 26 other goats as part of a cruelty case, to support a partner organization in need. It was immediately clear that Tater would require extra care.
When he stepped off the trailer, Tater struggled to walk due to severe hoof rot and was extremely skinny and pale. With dedicated care from our farm staff and our veterinarian, Dr. Dylan from Perry Vet, Tater gradually regained his health. He gained weight and his coat looked noticeably healthier. Once his hoof rot was treated, we discovered that Tater also suffered from arthritis. With ongoing treatment, Tater transformed into a lively and energetic goat, with a renewed spark for life!
Despite all the care and affection he received, Tater remained very shy around people. At feeding time, staff had to approach quietly, placing his food nearby without making eye contact, otherwise, he wouldn’t eat. Over time, he built trust in small but meaningful ways, eventually accepting treats from his caretaker’s hand. Still, his comfort with people only extended so far.
The farm staff believed Tater would spend the rest of his life at the shelter because of his shy nature, advanced age, and ongoing need for medication. To our surprise, however, we found the perfect place for him, lovingly called the “Rootirement Home!”
The Rootirement Home is a nearby nonprofit rooster rescue and sanctuary that has long supported Lollypop Farm. They’ve welcomed long-stay roosters from our shelter and stepped in to help when we’ve reached capacity. In addition to their many roosters, the Rootirement Home is also home to a small herd of goats, sheep, and pigs. This was the perfect place for Tater.
Since arriving, Tater has been settling in nicely with his new herd. While Tater still wanders independently, he now comes up to eat and spend time with the others. He doesn’t mind sharing his space with the resident roosters, either.
Here is what The Rootirement Home had to say about Tater:
“We welcomed Tater to our farm on Valentine’s Day, which feels oh so appropriate because we just love him! He took a little while to warm up to us but is now taking treats from our hands and allowing nose scratches! After being at Lollypop for so long- the change must’ve been hard for him. He shares his barn with 5 female goats- (2 Nigerian Dwarfs, 2 Angoras, and 1 Boer/Nubian cross), 3 young pigs, and my rooster rescue! Tater quickly nominated himself as the herd leader. He is often seen bowing his head toward the ladies, just to remind them whose horns are biggest! He knows this will ensure he gets the first choice of hay piles, and pellet feeders. He’s goofy and skittish, and a bit of a bully- but we are truly grateful he now shares the farm with us!”
Tater’s journey is a testament to the power of compassionate care, the partnerships that make happy endings possible, and donors like you.
