WEXFORD COUNTY — Residents surrounding Wexford County can send “Goat-o-Grams” this Valentine’s Day as part of a mobile animal interaction service designed to surprise people at schools and workplaces. The program from Cornerstone Acres Farm features 15- to 30-minute visits with baby goats.
The “Goat-o-Gram” initiative began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide unique social experiences while traditional activities were restricted. The farm behind the service has been in operation for nearly 16 years, focusing on raising livestock and sharing animal interactions with the local community.
The interactions typically last 15 to 30 minutes and are available in Wexford County and surrounding counties. The program aims to provide a unique experience for people in their daily environments, including schools and workplaces, to offer a change from standard routines. Although the “Goat-o-Gram” service is a more recent addition, the farm providing the animals has operated for nearly 16 years. In addition to goats, the farm raises pigs and sheep as part of its regular operations.
The initiative first launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, traditional social activities such as going to the movies or standard dating were limited, leading the farm to introduce baby goat visits as an alternative for people looking for new ways to interact and celebrate occasions.
The goats involved in the program have different temperaments that cater to various types of interactions. One goat is known for being cuddly and frequently snuggles with children. In contrast, another goat named Eliza is described as more outgoing, curious and prone to getting into things while exploring her surroundings.
Public interest in the service often increases following social media updates. Residents have expressed excitement about the opportunity for direct interaction with the animals, particularly for those who do not typically have the chance to play with or see baby goats in person.
The “Goat-o-Gram” service is currently available and owners of the program continue to use social media to manage community interest and bookings. For more information click here.