A goat farmer from Vermont has decided to turn her goat milk farm into a therapeutic sanctuary. The owner of Villa Villekulla Farm, Lauren Gitlin wants to move away from commercial milk production and turn her 53-goat herd into therapy animals. A nonprofit sanctuary that offers animal-assisted therapy will replace the farm. Gitlin plans to partner with a licensed mental health provider to help direct the animal-assisted therapy program. A possible collaborator and model for her program is Moonrise Therapeutics -a nearby nonprofit that uses horses in their treatment. Although the sanctuary has not yet opened to the public, the goats have already had a positive impact on the farm’s volunteers. Volunteer Bruce McClellan attributes being more relaxed and happier after being around the goats. Valentina Jaramillo, a former intern, says that the goats’ personalities can improve mental health. To read more about the development, click here https://www.wcax.com/2026/08/07/herd-mentality-retired-goats-find-new-employment-therapy-animals/. To visit the farm’s website or contact the farm directly, click here https://www.villavillekullafarm.com/.