For the Love of Goats

Author: Deborah Niemann

We are talking about everything goats! Whether you're an owner, a breeder, or just a fan of these wonderful creatures, we've got you covered. Join host and author Deborah Niemann as she interviews experts and goat lovers so we can all learn more about how to improve the health and production of our goats, improve our relationships, and possibly even start a goat business.Happy anniversary to us! FTLOG is five years old! As we enter our sixth year, you can continue to expect to hear from more goat experts like vet professors and researchers who are on the leading edge of goat research. Youll also hear from goat owners who have turned their love of goats into a successful business. And this year, youll hear more stories about goats and the people who love them. Learn more on our website, fortheloveofgoats.com 
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Language: en-us

Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals

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Running a Goat Rescue: What It Really Takes
Episode 170
Wednesday, 7 January, 2026

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-rescue/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionWhen people think about animal rescue, they often picture a few animals and a lot of good intentions. In this episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol, California, about what it really takes to run a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary with dozens of goats and more than 150 animals total.Deborah Blum shares how a simple love of goats turned into Goatlandia, a sanctuary that provides lifelong care for abused, neglected, stray, and surrendered farm animals. What began with just a few goats has grown into a complex operation involving quarantine protocols, disease management, veterinary partnerships, volunteers, fundraising, and constant decision-making about when to say yes—and when to say no.In their conversation, Blum opens up about the realities of rescue work, including caring for goats with chronic diseases like CL, managing biosecurity, and helping animals recover not just physically, but emotionally. She also shares unforgettable rescue stories, from feral goats found wandering the woods to animals that survived severe injuries and neglect and went on to thrive at the sanctuary.This episode also explores the behind-the-scenes work that many people never consider, such as building a reliable veterinary team, supporting staff and volunteers, educating the community, and creating sustainable revenue streams to keep a sanctuary running long-term.Whether you’ve ever dreamed of starting a farm animal sanctuary, are involved in rescue work, or simply want a deeper understanding of what compassionate goat care looks like on a large scale, this episode offers an honest, thoughtful look at the challenges and rewards of running a goat rescue.Goat Health & Disease ResourcesTesting Goats for CAE, CL, and Johne’s (podcast)Abscesses and CL in Goats (article)Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in Goats (article)Johne’s Disease in Goats (podcast)Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐