My name is Laini Johnson. My husband Ethan and I own Pogie’s at the Farm, an agritourism farm where we host special holiday events, the public on weekends, and a myriad of other fun activities throughout the year.

We have many special animals living on our petting farm, but none quite as special as Blizzard, a Nigerian dwarf goat who was bottle-raised on the farm. Blizzard is known on the farm as the “mascot” and “greeting committee,” as his demeanor is gentle and approachable. He is often out of the pasture, roaming around from family to family, socializing with kids on the playground, and greeting people of all ages who may be apprehensive about going in with all of the animals in the petting farm pastures. Oftentimes, people walk into the farm asking about Blizzard’s whereabouts and exclaim his name upon greeting him. Some of the public and our Pogie’s Farm Camp campers were an integral part of his bottle-raising, being one of the most popular activities at the farm this past spring.

Blizzard was found last night in crippling pain due to kidney stones, we eventually found out from the livestock vet. He needs emergency surgery to remove them at North Carolina State Veterinary School in Raleigh. We hope that it is a simple surgery with the outcome of his healing process quick and easy. Blizzard is a very special goat here at Pogie’s, and we hope we can raise enough funds to aid in his recovery. Please donate if you can. Thank you,

Ethan, Laini, and Orli Johnson