Animal sanctuaries across the U.S. are forming an alliance to advocate for farmed animals. Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary and creator of The 2021 Goat Games (happening now through August 21), has experienced firsthand the emotional intelligence of animals that she rescued and now she’s on a mission to ensure their stories are heard. She’s interacted with animals capable of experiencing a myriad of emotions including compassion, fear, rage, love, lust, care, panic and play.
As a champion for their welfare, Stevens initiated the Goat Games to raise critical funds and awareness for the animals. Goat Games participants throughout the nation are competing in challenges to support the Goat Champion of one of the 10 participating farmed animal sanctuaries. Each Goat Champion has a unique story, and we are excited to introduce to a few of them!
For a special introduction, meet Chester – the Catskill Animal Sanctuary team captain! Chester was rescued as a baby in 2020. He and his adopted siblings, Mollie, Arlo, and Levi were brought to CAS, but Chester had a hard time growing and catching up to them. With the love and attention of his caregivers —and the mentorship of a special old goat named Tigger— Chester is THRIVING! His “never say never” spirit makes him the perfect captain for Team Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
Next up we have Lola, team captain for Barn Sanctuary. Lola is friendly, playful and most of all — she doesn’t give up. Sweet Lola suffered from severe frostbite as a baby and lost the back half of her rear legs. Without Barn Sanctuary stepping in to rescue her, Lola would not have survived. Despite her rough start to life, Lola has the strongest spirit and she doesn’t let anything get in her way! After surgery, Lola used a mobility cart to help gain her strength back. Today, she is rocking her own custom prosthetics like an all-star and playing with our other differently-abled goat residents!
Team Little Bear picked the handsome Shrek as their Goat Games 2021 mascot because he is the leader of his goat family. Even though he’s the smallest of the goats (pygmy), Shrek definitely has the largest personality. He’s always the first to greet any visitors and he demands attention (attention being endless rubs and kisses!).
These are just a few of the goat champions, but each of the sanctuaries involved has their own champion that we would love for you to meet!
· Hear CAS Founder Kathy Stevens introduce the 10 participating Sanctuaries
· Meet all ten of the Goat Champions
· View pictures from the Goat Games Opening Ceremony (photo credit to Josh Sazer)
· View all the participating sanctuaries and their funds raised so far.
