Farm Spotlight: Meet Emmylou, Loretta & Willie!
This August, we welcomed three new residents to our farm facility: Willie the donkey, Loretta the mini horse, and Emmylou the goat. WHS found this bonded trio living on a rural property without access to proper food, shelter, or veterinary care. While a little shy during their first few days on the farm, all three animals have now settled into their new home, Farm Caretaker Kami Steinbach shared.
“They quickly warmed up to the new area and all the doting volunteers,” she said. “They are very bonded and protective of each other, and there is so much personality between them.”
Willie is a sweet, shy boy who loves to receive hugs once he gets to know you. He has a droopy bottom lip that makes it look like he is always pouting, and he acts like his feelings are hurt if he is ignored for too long.
Loretta is a very sweet girl but more independent than Willie. She likes having her butt scratched, and she lets her new friend, fellow farm resident Pete the horse, know when she would like him to come to the fence to visit with her.
“Loretta really loves to interact with the horses,” Kami said. “She has a particular crush on our most senior horse, Pete. They have been known to whinny to each other in the evening, and Pete has been caught love-nibbling on her neck from over the fence.”
Emmylou is the leader of the trio. Small but mighty, she doesn’t allow her limp—the result of a past broken leg that was not fixed—slow her down: She will push her way through the others and jump on their feeding table to get the best treats, and she has claimed one of the hay troughs as her bed.
“She will trot right up to greet you, and she will definitely let you know when she is hungry and ready for more treats,” Kami said. “She started off as the most timid, so it’s been really fun to see her open up and to watch her sassy personality emerge.”
Since arriving at the farm, Emmylou, Loretta, and Willie have had wellness visits from both the veterinarian and the farrier. Once they are placed up for adoption, they will be looking for a home together where they can enjoy a field big enough for them to all stretch their legs and a warm, dry shelter to protect them from the elements.
“They need a place they can feel safe and loved, good quality hay, clean water, and the occasional treat. It’s clear that they have been well-loved in the past, and they like to interact with people, so daily attention is a must,” Kami said. “And what better trio could there be for a small hobby farm?”
Interested in opening your heart and home to this terrific trio? Email farm@whatcomhumane.org to start the conversation!
