Riley became ill suddenly, and despite every effort to save her, including emergency care at Cornell University’s Hospital for Animals, her little body could not recover. An autopsy later revealed that an uncommon bacterium, while not infectious, had taken too great a toll on her system. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated team at Cornell for the compassion and excellent care they showed Riley during her time with them.

Riley’s story began here at Lollypop Farm when her mother, Joy, was surrendered to us while heavily pregnant. Soon after, Joy gave birth to triplets: Riley, Phyllis, and Bing Bong. While Phyllis and Bing Bong found a loving adoptive home, Riley and Joy showed an extraordinary bond with people. Their gentle natures and love of attention made them perfect candidates to remain at Lollypop Farm as permanent residents and ambassadors for their species.

Riley touched countless lives. She greeted children at Summer Camp, delighted school field trip groups, and brightened the days of donors and visitors alike. Beyond her sweet and playful spirit, Riley served an important role by teaching people about goats, farm animal care, and the bond between humans and animals.

Though her time with us was far too short, Riley made an unforgettable impact. She will be dearly missed by her Lollypop Farm family, along with the many visitors she met. Her mother, Joy, continues to live here on the farm with her fellow resident goats.

Riley’s legacy will live on in the lessons she taught and the joy she brought to so many.

Our staff was quick to share their memories and thoughts, further demonstrating Riley’s impact:

Mary, Farm Manager – “From the moment Riley was born, you could tell she was special. She made every child and adult smile who met her. She was a very lucky girl, because she knew nothing but love her entire life.”

Calen, Farm Caretaker – “Riley brought such a strong presence to the farm. Although she was the smallest of the goats, her personality was quite the opposite. She was smart, she made you laugh, she was sassy, and she definitely knew how adorable she was. She was captivating. Riley was loved and adored from the moment she was born to the day we had to say goodbye. She is missed every day, but with every “remember when __”, her presence still is and will always be at Lollypop Farm. Thanks for making our days brighter, Riley.”

Emily, Farm Caretaker – “The world feels different without Riley’s presence, but her memory is woven into every corner of the farm. We will miss her morning greetings when she used to tell us that we were going too slow at feeding time. Riley wasn’t just a goat, she was family—and the farm feels a little quieter without her.”

Alyssa, Humane Education Program Supervisor – “Riley made an immediate and lasting impact on everyone she met, easily bringing smiles to children and adults alike. Alongside Joy, Riley was a staple of our programs, teaching countless students, campers, and adults about the importance of animal consent and agency. Her presence ensured these essential lessons were engaging and unforgettable. She brought so much happiness to our students, shelter helpers, campers, and humane educators, and she will be profoundly missed by the entire Education Team and every child who learned from her.”

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Bernadette was just a 5-month-old piglet when she first came to Lollypop Farm from the Erie County SPCA in 2010. Our staff fell in love with her, and it was decided early on that Bernadette would become a permanent resident at Lollypop Farm. Unlike her smaller potbellied pig friends who would grow to be approximately 150 – 180 pounds when they reached maturity, Bernadette was a Hampshire farm pig, destined to tip the scales at over 500 pounds!

As a young pig on the farm, Bernadette was sweet and intelligent, and took quickly to all sorts of activities. She could go for walks on a harness and “sit” on command! In her later years, Bernadette loved chowing down on pumpkins around Halloween time and relaxing in the sunny pasture with her farmyard friends.

Bernadette was a much-loved and very recognizable feature of the farm walk for many, many years. Staff and visitors alike would say hello to Bernadette as they passed her pasture—she would sometimes even come by the fence to greet people if called by her name!

Her presence will be sorely missed on the farm, and we will certainly never forget this big beautiful pig. “You were an amazing lady Bernadette,” said Joanna Dychton, Farm and Safety Manager at Lollypop Farm. “You brought joy to everyone who ever met you. Your presence in the farm will be greatly missed… we have a 550+ pound hole in our hearts that will take some time to heal.”

Read more about Bernadette’s life at Lollypop Farm.

Make a gift in Bernadette’s memory.

Meet farmyard friends waiting for homes.

The post Goodbye Bernadette, a Lollypop Farm Legacy appeared first on Lollypop Farm.

On an unseasonably warm afternoon in late December, we welcomed the arrival of Noel and Harvey, two beautiful baby goats born at Lollypop Farm.

Rescued from deplorable conditions

The two nannies (another word for mother goats), Katrina and Darcy, originally came to us in July when the organization assisted the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in the seizure of 27 goats, three horses, and one llama. The animals were part of a case involving over 120 animals found living in deplorable conditions in Westerlo, NY. As one of the only humane societies in the region able to care for farmyard animals, Lollypop Farm is often called upon to assist in farmyard hoarding cases.

Both babies were born on the farm, and the two little families were brought into our indoor barn where they could be monitored by our farm and clinic staff. Baby Harvey had a black coat with grey and white speckled ears, and little Noel was pure white, just like her mother.

A third surprise

Little did we know, we were in for one more surprise from these 27 goats. On December 21, the very next day, Lollypop Farm welcomed yet another baby goat! Leia was also born to one of the goats rescued from the Westerlo hoarding case.

“These types of cruelty cases are difficult for everyone involved, especially when the moms had been neglected so badly,” says Farm and Safety Manager Joanna Dychton. “But because of everyone’s combined efforts, these babies will have shelter, veterinary services, and the care they need for a fresh start.”

A few weeks later

The baby goats are now a few weeks old, and already getting up to all sorts of antics – jumping up and down on stairs and obstacles provided for their entertainment, playfully head-butting each other, and even attempting to hop on top of their moms!

Of the animals transported to Lollypop Farm from this case, 13 have already found new happy homes. The nannies and kids born in December will need some more care, and will not be made available for adoption for a couple of months. If you’re interested in adopting, your property must be zoned for farm animals and we recommend that you must currently own a goat or adopt multiple goats. Being part of a group is important for their happiness and socialization. At this time, we’re asking all interested adopters to fill out an application and send it to farm@lollypop.org.

Stop by the indoor barn at Lollypop Farm to catch a glimpse at these adorable baby goats, and make sure to explore the farm yard to meet their friends!

Interested in providing care for these babies? Donate now: www.lollypop.org/babygoats

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