Stopping at Shepherd''s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue

Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program with a large network of available hosts. So far, 3368 locations have opened their hearts and their homes and/or businesses to members of the Harvest Hosts RVing community. Through this program, members receive overnight accommodations in peaceful and serene places across North America. In return, members are asked to make a purchase to patronize the small business that hosts them. Of these Hosts, Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue is particularly special. Here you can learn all about the rescue’s history, its operations today, its origins within the Harvest Hosts community, and what future visitors can expect to experience.

The History

Jennifer, Shepherd’s Rest’s founder, has been involved in dog rescue for over twenty years. After beginning to rescue goats, she soon discovered that there was nowhere safe and peaceful for goats who had lost their homes to go to. Often, they would end up at a sale barn and likely go to slaughter if their home situation suddenly changed. This discovery led Jennifer to begin the process of creating a rescue for these animals. During this time, she began taking goats to various places where she had previously used dogs for animal assisted therapy. She soon discovered that the goats are fantastic for therapy purposes. Since then, her goat therapy program has been featured on National Geographics Unlikely Animal Friends and has brought about many new and exciting opportunities.

The Business Today

Today, Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue and Sanctuary is located on thirteen acres of forest in southeastern Nebraska. In addition to the goats and sheep on the property, they have other diverse wildlife and a running stream on-site. Alongside their goat therapy program, Shepherd’s Rest also offers occasional goat yoga events at the Juniper Spa and Yoga Studio in nearby Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, goat lovers can participate in “cubicle cuddles,” another unique program where goats can be brought to an office space, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or any other business in need of some animal cheer. Throughout the year, they also offer different events and activities. Locals can volunteer to help with the goats or even sponsor an animal.

By the end of 2020, Shepherd’s Rest’s educational program will allow people to complete training and become certified as therapy teams with their eligible rescue goats to spread good into the world. Jen’s favorite part of running her business is watching people discover how intelligent, funny, and emotional goats are.

Joining Harvest Hosts

Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue joined the Harvest Hosts program just about two months ago. They were looking for other ways for people to interact with the goats for longer periods of time, while also sharing their very unique property and mission. Harvest Hosts just seemed like a perfect fit, and, so far, their experiences have been awesome. Jen enjoys listening to the stories everyone tells about their travels. With over sixty goats to care for, she reportedly doesn’t get out much and enjoys living vicariously through her guests!

The camping here is awesome and is located near the stream and the forest.Your visit will include access to goats, sheep, mini horses, and nightly tree frog visits, as well as acres of pristine forestland. Deer, barred owls, heron and red foxes are just some of the wildlife you may see during your visit. There are hiking trails running through the nearby woods, as well as a bike trail located one mile east. This trail connects to the neighboring towns of Cortland, Pickrell, or Beatrice. Speaking of which, Jen wants guests to know that they are always welcome to have supper with them if they can arrange for it. At the shop, there is goat soap and goat yoga t-shirts available, and guests can take a property tour. Members can also consider making a donation to the non-profit rescue. Any donations made go directly into supporting the care, feeding and veterinary costs of the goats and sheep.

Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue and Sanctuary is a unique Harvest Hosts location with a very special mission. Anyone visiting nearby Lincoln or even the Omaha area of Nebraska should really consider stopping by. You’ll be grateful that you did! Have you ever visited an animal rescue or sanctuary? How did you like it? Feel free to share about it in the comments below, and check out more RV camping in Nebraska!