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New Moon Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of animals in need. Whether victims of financial difficulties, neglect or abuse, we are committed to taking in unwanted animals brought to us via owner surrender, as well as by animal control. In addition to caring for these animals, New Moon Farm strives to promote compassion and respect for all living creatures through a presence in the community and by offering educational opportunities.
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New Moon Farm was created in 1999, though it didn’t have a name, or a public face then. I was working at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, in the Family Farm. One of the petting zoo goats, Ziggy, developed a skin condition. His hair began to fall out, first on his face and ears, then on more of his body, and his skin was rough and scaly. No one wants to pet a bald goat, and so Ziggy had to leave the petting area. The Zoo’s plan was to euthanize him. Those of us who loved and cared for Ziggy didn’t think this was an option. When no other options were presented, I offered to take Ziggy home to live with my horse. A trip to the vet and some simple tests showed that the hair loss was due to an allergic reaction. A short course of medication was all it took for Ziggy’s hair to grow back in soft and shiny. Now, 11 years later, Ziggy is the farm’s ambassador, greeting guests and welcoming new arrivals.
Of course, it soon became clear that Ziggy needed to have another goat around. And so Nigel, a Kinder Goat, joined the family. I was active in the world of animal rescue, fostering dogs and cats for various organizations, and working closely with a local horse rescue. Often, there would be a situation where a goat needed a home. Unfortunately, there was no place to send them. Since I already had goats (and the facilities needed to keep them), they came to my place. Over time, as word got out that I was taking in goats, the calls started coming in more frequently. While there were many horse, dog and cat rescues in the region, there was no organization willing to work with goats. I decided that there needed to be a sanctuary dedicated to these intelligent, personable creatures.
I began to look for homes for some of the goats, recognizing that if I kept all of the goats and sheep that came into the rescue, I would soon have to stop taking any in. In March of 2003, I purchased a 6 acre farm in Arlington, and New Moon Farm was formally founded. In the Winter of 2009, we received federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
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New Moon Farm is located in Arlington, WA on 6 beautiful, rolling acres. The rescue facilities include 4 quarantine pens, several large pastures, a hay barn and a composting station. Each quarantine pen has an 8’ X 8’ shelter, a gravel paddock, rubber matting and climbing toys. The larger pastures have multiple shelters, gravel paddocks, rubber matting, indoor and outdoor feeding stations and lots of toys. Goats play on the teeter-totter, climb on the ramps and platforms, and rub on the giant scratching brushes.
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All new arrivals at New Moon Farm are quarantined for a minimum of 10 days. Our intake procedure includes deworming, vaccination and hoof trimming, as well as treatment for lice, mange, hoof rot or any other condition that requires attention. All male goats and sheep are neutered by a licensed veterinarian. Once a goat is clean and healthy, they move out into one of the large pastures, where they live with the herd until the right family comes along.
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Ziggy – a 14 year old Nigerian Dwarf wether. Rescued from euthanasia at a petting zoo. Likes to think of himself as the herd boss, prefers to hang with the horses, doesn’t think the rules apply to him. |
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Atlas – a 15 year old Nigerian Dwarf wether. Retired from a petting zoo. Very bonded to Ziggy, Atlas is a very vocal little guy, and will demand treats from anyone. |
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Hasty – an 8 year old, Boer-cross wether. Hasty was found standing in a pasture with a compound fracture of the femur. When asked if he knew he had an injured goat, the farmer was unconcerned. Thankfully, he was persuaded to surrender the goat to us. Hasty had surgery to repair the break, and is now the official greeter here at New Moon Farm. |
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Carl – a 10+ year old LaMancha wether. Carl was rescued from a sad life, tied to a tire in someone’s yard, by a caring friend who brought to the farm. Carl has several birth defects, including single toes on his hind feet, but don’t tell him! Carl’s best friend is Opie, the sheep. |
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Waylon – a 5 year old Nigerian Dwarf wether, Waylon came from an overcrowded, filthy farm that was allowing goats of many types to breed uncontrolled. Waylon is a shameless cookie monster.
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Stanley – a 4 year old Nigerian Dwarf /Pygmy cross wether, who came from the same farm as Waylon. When he arrived at the rescue, Stan was so small he could climb through the fence. Stanley has a slight “Napoleon” complex, and can hold his own with the big boys.
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Bubba – an 11 year old Nubian wether, Bubba was brought to the rescue when his family was forced to move off of their farm. Bubba had been attacked by dogs, and his hind legs were severely damaged. He walks with a wobble, but is one of the most loving goats around.
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Betty – an 11 year old Nubian doe, Betty came into the rescue with Bubba. She is a quiet, somewhat introverted gal, but loves her Bubba.
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Sadie – a 3 year old Nubian-cross doe, Sadie was one of 225 goats rescued from a hoarding situation. While most of those goats moved on to new homes, Sadie made it clear that she wanted to stay here at New Moon Farm.
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Emmett – a 4 year old Nubian wether, Emmett was given to me as a birthday present. He was bottle raised, and knows that he is special!
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Romeo – a 2 year old Nigerian Dwarf wether, Romeo arrived at the rescue during the time when I was injured and lost part of my index finger. His sweet smile made me laugh in the darkest moments. He had to stay.
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Opie – a 3 year old Dorper wether, Opie came to the rescue as an unmanageable ram. Once neutered, he turned into the friendliest sheep around. But don’t turn your back on him – he thinks its really funny to run up and butt people in the but.
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Molly – a 15+ year old Barbados Blackbelly ewe, Molly is one special sheep. She was the lone survivor of a herd of sheep that were being slowly picked off by coyotes. (I wish her owner had called sooner!) She will do anything for a treat, and always keeps an eye on anyone who might have a cookie in their pocket.
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Harmony – a 19 year old Paint Horse mare, adopted from a rescue in the Spokane area. Harmony is a sweet, gentle horse, who takes her role as “herd mom” very seriously. She will stand quietly with goats eating out from under her nose and running under her belly, but will quickly gather the goats and chase off any “intruder” that she thinks may be a threat.
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Eclipse – a 6 year old mixed-breed mare, rescued from the PMU (pregnant mare urine) industry. Eclipse was raised with the goats, and certainly sees them as her siblings. She can often be found climbing on toys, or playing with the goats out in the pasture.
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New Moon farm is located at 19111 Burn Rd, Arlington, WA 98223. We recommend Mapquest for directions. Most GPS units don’t have our area mapped very well.
Sanctuary hours are by appointment only. To schedule a visit, or to surrender a goat, please call or email.
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