Meet the Family
Teddy Bear
The Diva
Where It All Began
Teddy Bear was my very first farm animal rescue. In March of 2022, I made the life-changing decision to dedicate my life to rescuing animals in need. Knowing the road ahead would be challenging, I planned to start small.
My first rescue was a pregnant cat. The plan was simple: foster her and her kittens until they were old enough to be rehomed. But just over a week later, I learned about another animal in need—one who would change everything.
This rescue was much bigger than I ever expected.
A Calf in Need
Only two hours after joining a Facebook group for farm women, I saw a post about a newborn calf who desperately needed help. Shortly after birth, his mother had accidentally stepped on his leg, breaking it. The farmer didn’t have the means to provide medical treatment, but he was willing to give the calf to anyone who could help.
Time was running out.
At the time, I had extremely limited experience with farm animals. I had no idea how to care for a calf—let alone one with a broken leg. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I found myself driving four hours the very next morning to meet him.
Love at First Look
When I arrived at the farm, I didn’t know what to expect. The farmhand led us into the barn, where the calf was waiting. To my surprise, he was standing and even walking—despite his injury. It was heartbreaking to watch. Sometimes his leg would line up and offer support; other times, it wouldn’t.
The moment I looked into his eyes, I knew I would do everything in my power to give him a chance at life.
The calf followed us out of the barn and was gently loaded into the back of my car. His journey with me had begun.
Learning as We Went
The reality set in quickly—I still had no idea what I was going to do once we got home. I didn’t even have a pasture or proper building for a calf. As I examined his injury more closely, I realized the break was high on the upper portion of his leg. This meant treatment would be far more complicated than I originally thought. A simple cast would not be an option.
Once home, Teddy was unloaded and placed inside a chain-link enclosure. I needed to stabilize his leg immediately while figuring out next steps. After researching, I discovered that a temporary brace could be made using PVC pipes, pool noodles, and duct tape. Thankfully, I had all of those items—and some helping hands.
With his leg secured, there was one more question to answer: where would he sleep?
Less than 24 hours earlier, I had no idea I would be bringing a calf home. That night, Teddy Bear and I slept together in the dining room—blankets, pillows, and all—somewhere safe and warm.
The Road to Recovery
The following day, we headed to Cornell University Animal Hospital. Teddy was finally in the best hands possible. After radiographs were taken, the doctors were able to give me some much-needed good news.
The break was clean. The bone was not shattered or crushed. However, Teddy would need surgery to place a metal plate in his leg to properly stabilize the break. The surgeon assured me that with surgery and physical therapy, Teddy could go on to live a long, healthy, pain-free life.
Healing Takes Time
Teddy’s surgery was a success—but it was only the beginning. For the first week at home, he required three injections and three pills every single day. His bandage needed to be changed regularly, and for six full weeks, he had to remain calm and confined to a 5x5 enclosure by himself.
After six long weeks, we were finally cleared to begin physical therapy.
Learning to Be a Cow Again
Physical therapy for a cow looks a little different than you might expect. We started with short, slow walks on flat ground using a halter. As Teddy grew stronger, the walks became longer. Eventually, we added gentle inclines to help rebuild his muscles.
It took dedication, patience, and countless hours, but slowly and steadily, Teddy regained his strength. Before long, we were running together across different terrains and hills.
Teddy Bear was finally on his way to living a normal life.
Life Today at Loni Land
Today, Teddy Bear is a strong, healthy steer. You would never guess that he once suffered a broken leg or slept in a dining room during his first night of rescue.
Teddy’s story is the foundation of Loni Land. He proved that with compassion, determination, and support, even the most uncertain beginnings can lead to beautiful futures.
Why Teddy Bear’s Story Matters
Teddy Bear’s rescue marked the beginning of a lifelong mission to help animals who have nowhere else to turn. His journey represents what Loni Land stands for—stepping up when it’s hard, learning as we go, and never giving up on an animal in need.
Your support makes rescues like Teddy’s possible.
Donations help provide emergency medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary to animals who deserve a second chance.
Little Liam
The Miracle Baby
A Fragile Beginning
Liam came into this world facing overwhelming odds. He was born breech, blind, and suffering from multiple life-threatening conditions. He was so weak that he couldn’t even hold his head up. To make matters worse, he did not receive colostrum from his mother—the nutrient-rich first milk that provides essential immune support to newborns. On top of everything else, Liam was battling a severe case of pneumonia.
From his very first moments, survival was uncertain.
A Call for Help
The couple who had Liam knew immediately that he needed specialized care—and fast. They began spreading the word, hoping to find someone who could help save his life. Before long, that call reached me.
At that point, I had rescued many animals, but I had never rescued a goat—especially one with such complex medical needs. Still, I knew I had to try. I filled my gas tank and drove 3½ hours. When I finally arrived and saw Liam for the first time, it was love at first sight.
The Fight for His Life
When we arrived home, the true journey began. Liam was extremely weak and critically ill, and I was terrified. I reached out to a close friend who had years of experience raising goats, including special-needs animals, and who was also a farm animal veterinary technician. With her guidance, we created an intensive treatment plan.
Liam required bottle feedings multiple times a day, along with medications, vitamins, and supplements—some given orally and others by injection. After a few days, he began to show signs of improvement, but it was short-lived.
A Race Against Time
The next step was an urgent visit to the veterinarian. Liam received IV fluids, medications, and supportive care, and I was sent home with additional supplies and instructions. The veterinarian was honest—Liam was very sick, and even with aggressive treatment, survival was not guaranteed.
I was instructed to continue his care, add daily antibiotic injections for pneumonia, and administer IV fluids every two hours for several days. If Liam could make it through that critical window, we might have a chance.
I kept telling him, “If you keep fighting, so will I.”
Stories like Liam’s are only possible because of supporters who believe every life is worth fighting for.
Finding His Strength
No matter how difficult things became, Liam never gave up. With each passing day, he grew stronger. He went from being unable to hold his head up to lifting it high and proud. Soon, he began trying to stand.
To help him build strength, I designed a custom support stand—one that allowed him to safely use his leg muscles while staying supported. Combined with gentle physical therapy, Liam began to thrive. He loved his stand, and it was incredible to watch his confidence grow.
A Miracle in Motion
Not long after, the veterinarian returned to examine another animal and saw Liam standing in his support frame. She was stunned. She could hardly believe he was the same goat she had treated weeks earlier. While she remained cautious about whether he would ever walk independently, Liam had other plans.
Just nine days later, Liam began walking on his own.
It was nothing short of a miracle.
Searching for Answers
Although Liam’s progress was remarkable, I still had concerns. I wanted to better understand the cause of his blindness and determine whether there were any neurological issues at play. When initial treatments didn’t bring improvement, I scheduled a visit to Cornell University Animal Hospital.
Life Today at Loni Land
At Cornell, Liam received a full physical evaluation, bloodwork, and consultations with both an ophthalmologist and a neurologist. The results brought mixed emotions. There was no cure for Liam’s blindness, and the extra fluid on his brain could not be treated.
However, the most important news was this: Liam was healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Today, Liam is thriving at Loni Land—safe, loved, and living life on his own terms.
Why Liam’s Story Matters
Liam’s journey represents the heart of Loni Land: fighting for animals who have been given every reason to give up and helping them discover just how strong they truly are.
Rescuing animals like Liam requires extensive medical care, specialized supplies, travel, and round-the-clock dedication. None of this is possible without compassionate supporters who believe that every life matters.
Help Animals Like Liam Live Their Best Lives
Your donation helps provide medical care, therapy, and lifelong sanctuary to animals who need it most.
Tiana
The Little Princess
Tiana’s Story
Tiana is one of our most cherished goat rescues—and the last baby goat I took in before welcoming our newest little fellow from West Virginia. She was named after Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, a name that suits her perfectly for her quiet strength and resilience.
While I don’t know all the details of her early life, I was told that Tiana had recently been purchased at an auction before being acquired by a friend of mine. Around that time, she began struggling with serious issues affecting her back legs. Knowing my commitment to animal rescue and care, my friend reached out to ask if I would be willing to take her in. I was truly honored to say yes.
A Frightened Little Goat
From the start, it was clear that Tiana was terrified of people. Gaining her trust was not easy. She avoided contact, panicked easily, and made even the simplest handling a challenge. It took patience, time, and persistence before I was finally able to safely load her into my car and get her to the veterinarian. Once there, we finally had answers.
The Road to Healing
After a thorough examination, the veterinarian discovered that Tiana had a severe infection that was spreading up her leg and causing her pain and difficulty walking. Without treatment, her condition would have continued to worsen.
With antibiotics, regular leg soaks, and proper hoof care, Tiana began to improve quickly. Her limp resolved, the infection cleared, and before long, she was running and playing happily alongside the other goats—something that once seemed uncertain.
Watching her regain her strength was nothing short of incredible.
Healing Takes More Than Medicine
While Tiana’s physical healing came swiftly, emotional healing takes time. We continue to work gently and consistently to build her trust in humans. Each day brings small victories—a calmer reaction, a curious step forward, a moment of connection.
It’s impossible to know what this sweet girl endured earlier in her life. What I do know is this: Tiana will never have to face fear or uncertainty again.
Life Today at Loni Land
Today, Tiana is safe, healthy, and surrounded by a herd that accepts her and a home that protects her. She is loved, spoiled, and given the space to heal at her own pace. Her future is secure.
Why Tiana’s Story Matters
Goats like Tiana often come from situations where their needs are overlooked and their pain goes unnoticed. Rescue gives them what they may have never known—medical care, patience, safety, and a lifelong home.
Your support makes stories like Tiana’s possible.
Donations help provide veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, daily care, and permanent sanctuary for animals who deserve a second chance.
Because of compassion—and because of you—Tiana’s story didn’t end at another auction. It became one of healing, safety, and lifelong love.
Rocky
The "Big" Brother
A Cold Start to Life
On March 1, 2023, Rocky’s life began under the harshest conditions imaginable. Born outside in sub-zero temperatures, he was tragically overlooked during a territorial dispute between two mothers. While another kid was sought after, Rocky was left alone in the freezing cold to fend for himself. By the time he reached Loni Land, the elements had already taken their toll: he had suffered severe frostbite, losing the tips of both ears and facing a life-threatening infection in his hind leg.
The Fight for Recovery
Our priority was immediate medical intervention. Working closely with our veterinarians, we began an aggressive regimen of antibiotics and wound care to stop the spread of infection. We prepared for the worst, and four days later, the inevitable happened—Rocky lost his back hoof.
To ensure his survival during that first fragile year, Rocky became a permanent fixture in our home, receiving around-the-clock care and the warmth he was denied at birth.
Small but Mighty
Today, you would never guess Rocky had such a difficult beginning. He is the definition of "thriving." Despite his disability, Rocky runs, leaps, and asserts his dominance just like any other goat in the herd. His spirit remains unbroken by his physical limitations.
How You Can Help Rocky’s Future
As Rocky grows, his needs will evolve. To maintain his mobility and prevent strain on his joints, he may eventually require a custom prosthetic limb. By supporting Loni Land, you aren’t just providing hay and shelter—you are ensuring that special needs residents like Rocky have access to the long-term rehabilitative care they deserve.