04/15/2025
Esther Anne: The True G.O.A.T. April 18, 2011 – April 4, 2025
Esther Anne was the true G.O.A.T.—the Greatest of All Time. A goat with more lives than a cat, she had a fierce spirit that NEVER gave up, not even in the end.
Esther came to Purpose Farm on May 10, 2018. Born on a breeding farm, she broke her leg just days after birth. By a month old, she was walking again, but the injury made her unsuitable for breeding. She was sold for meat price to an older man looking for a companion animal. Because of her early injury, her horns could not be disbudded.
Esther went on to live with the older man on the outskirts of Syracuse. In the beginning, it seemed they shared a close bond—she lived in the house with him and his dog. But over time as she grew, we think things changed. By the time we met her, she’d spent seven years with him, she was tethered with a large red leather collar to a small doghouse in the backyard, bordering woods near a new housing development. A scar on her nose, a reminder of a dog bite, stayed with her for life.
When Esther arrived at the farm, she was terrified of everything—people, animals, even the creaking sound of the barn when the wind blew. She hadn’t seen another goat in seven years, since she was two months old. But slowly, with patience and care, Esther began to come out of her shell.
She eventually bonded with Gilbert, another goat with horns, who was missing his hind legs. Sadly, by the time they bonded, their time together was short, and Gilbert passed away soon after they grew close. Esther then formed an unlikely friendship with Piper the peahen. Both independent souls, they were often seen grazing together in Esther’s pasture.
Though we were hesitant to place her with our smaller, hornless goats, she eventually joined the two girls—Summer and Ariel. While they never fully accepted her into their tight bond, they cohabited peacefully, and progress was being made. Then, the fire happened.
Esther was the sole survivor of the devastating fire. What saved her life that day were her horns—life always comes full circle. For two weeks, she lived in a metal shed as we built a stall inside our home to keep her company and safe. She was confused and grieving, mourning the loss of her friends and perhaps not fully understanding what had happened.
Once she moved into the house, Esther began to heal and thrive. She became an integral part of the Seabrook family’s daily life. Her stall, right by the front door, made her the first to greet friends, family, and delivery drivers. She became confident, content, and happy in her new environment. Though she had only spent about three years of her life with other goats, she found peace in her human home. Still, when she stood on her favorite platform in her old goat yard overlooking the river and pastures, we could see she missed her old mates.
The last two years of her life she was able to spend some time with a new goat to the farm, Peach Anne. They never quite fully bonded but I think they both were happy to have another goat by their side. Esther still lived inside and went outside during the day where Peach stays.
Esther loved to play and run with Atlas the dog, and Peaches, often walking down to the river and around the pines with him and members of the Seabrook family. She spent time near the larger herd and freely roamed the farm—her farm.
From her arrival, Esther had recurring health issues—bouts of weakness, loss of appetite, and a drunk-like state. Vitamin B shots would usually revive her. But as time passed, these episodes worsened. Eventually, Cornell discovered she had a liver abscess. This abscess would periodically flare up, causing her illness. We were able to stabilize her with antibiotics every two weeks, along with vitamin B and pain management. Each time she bounced back—true to form.
By fall 2024, Esther began losing weight and became picky about food. In January 2025, she stopped eating hay altogether. From that point on, she was spoiled with greens, fruits, crackers—anything she would eat. Teddy grahams, Fig Newtons, peppermint candy and apples were some of her favorites. She remained under constant vet care.
Though her usual treatments initially worked, they eventually stopped helping. Her skin became fragile and tore easily, not being able to heal—clear signs of advanced liver damage.
But even in this state, Esther refused to give up. Only when she could no longer lay down for many, many days—a clear signal of intense pain and serious decline—did we know we had to make the hardest decision out of love. She was on hospice care for 2 weeks, her body failing, but her mind still strong.
Our vet said, “If it were up to Esther, her brain would live on forever.” And that summed her up perfectly. She had fought through every setback. Even that final morning, she was still trying. The vet, who had seen Esther through every near-death experience over the years, said, “This is our true Esther—never giving up.”
She often shares Esther’s story with others in her field, saying that Esther Anne is worthy of an entire book series for the many lives she lived. And we agree.
Esther Anne was a fierce, feisty goat who loved her life and was fiercely loyal to her human family. And we were loyal to her—staying by her side, looking into her eyes, making the ultimate choice to let her return home. Because in the end, Esther was only ever lent to us—for joy, for comfort, for love, and for forgiveness during some of the best and hardest years of our lives at the farm.
In anticipation of her 14th birthday, we had partnered with Van Hassler Brewing for the past year to create a custom beer in her honor: “Esther’s Brew.” Originally meant to kick off her 14th birthday celebration this Friday, April 18th and run through May 18th, it will now serve as a memorial tap—a celebration of a life so fiercely lived and so deeply loved.
Esther Anne, you truly were the G.O.A.T. Thank you for everything.
Esther’s Brew: A Memorial Tap in Honor of Esther Anne the Goat
Benefiting Purpose Farm | Hosted by Van Hassler Brewing | April 18 – May 18
Join us in raising a glass to a life well-lived and a legacy that lives on.
Purpose Farm is proud to partner with Van Hassler Brewing for a month-long memorial event honoring Esther Anne, a beloved goat whose fierce spirit and unshakable will to live left a lasting mark on everyone who met her. A true fighter, Esther overcame incredible odds, and her love for life inspired all who crossed her path at Purpose Farm.
April 18 – May 18, 2025
We'll be pouring Esther’s Brew, a special beer crafted in her honor. A portion of proceeds will go directly to Purpose Farm to support rescued animals and youth in crisis — the mission Esther helped build.
Kickoff Celebration – April 18
• Exclusive launch of Esther’s Brew
• One-day only discount on her brew
• Come learn about Esther’s story and the impact she had
• Enjoy the warm community vibes
• Raffle Baskets on Display All Month
Bid on amazing baskets donated by Van Hassler Brewing, Syracuse's Original Carmelcorn, and a beautiful quilt currently being handmade by Melonie Unger .
Winners will be drawn on May 18 — you don’t need to be present to win.
This event is a heartfelt collaboration between Purpose Farm and Van Hassler Brewing, bringing community together to honor Esther’s incredible life and support the mission she helped shape.
Let’s toast to resilience, love, and the goat who never gave up.
