Animals Currently at Chester's Barn
GORDY
Gordy is our biggest boy weighing in around 1800 pounds. He was at risk of euthanasia after his previous owner had life changing circumstances, and finding a place to take in such a big boy was challenging. When Chester’s Barn was contacted around spring of 2024, we were happy to meet his needs. We learned quickly this boy needs to be fed first or else the barn walls will come down, quite literally. This handsome handful will live out the rest of his days here at his forever home. You’ll find him grazing in the pasture with his best buddy Steppin.
STILES
Stiles is a 3 year old Jersey bull. He was a show projects for two youths in CNY. Chester’s Barn was able to find a home for this sweetie where he will be spending summer nights on the pasture with fire flies and peepers.
BROWNIE
Brownie landed at the sanctuary in October 2025, a quiet little wanderer with a history heavier than his paws let on. His owner had lost his home and with a heavy heart needed to find Brownie a safe place fast. At eight years old, Brownie is a seasoned expert in the art of relaxation. When winter rolls in, he practically becomes a professional hibernator, disappearing into blankets like a furry friend who emerges only for snacks and scratches. Daytime is for sleeping, nighttime is for more sleeping but with occasional patrols to make sure the world is still turning. He’s not big on being held. An interesting critter indeed, one who is waiting for the right human to appreciate his peculiar charm.
HOUSTEN
Housten was found living in an abandoned truck. She was dumped off along with some liter mates. Left to fend for herself at only a few weeks old. Her liter mates found forever homes. Housten took a liking to being at the barn. She is seems to like being the only resident cat at Chester’s barn.
GRIT
Grit is a retired Alabama ranch horse. He was no longer fit for the ranch. Another loving soul bought him at auction but found out that he was not sound. He suffers from navicular. Grit arrived at Chester’s Barn in July of 2023. His navicular is under close watch. Grit will spend his retirement years at Chester’s Barn. He has buddied up with Steppin and the King of all the other horses, except Barney.
KONA
Kona: Aka Crazy Kona! She is a therapy fail because she loves humans way too much. Her favorite hobby is going to colleges and Tractor Supply for events. She has a mission to lick every face and lean on bodies. Her face is priceless. Kona’s favorite treat is cheese!
SAMMY
Sammy came from the wild west but don’t let that fool you this giant has a gentle side. He is a puppy dog. First one to greet you in the pasture and barn, perhaps he just wants food but maybe he really likes attention. He is a yes man, always shaking his head for more treats. Sammy was doomed for slaughter at an auction. He was 700 pounds under weight, when Chester’s Barn got him you count his ribs and see his hip bones. His weight gradually came on and now he is the king of the barn. He loves kids and giving kisses.
SPARKLES
Was a cart pony that suffered suspensory injuries. She was no longer useful to her owner with the injuries. She came to Chester’s Barn to recover and is doing great. She loves attention and treats. Her recovery has gone well and is now being used for some light riding. She’s obsessed with Sammy but must fight the other mares for his attention. When children visit the barn Sparkles is first to the door to greet them.
STEPPIN
Steppin is Chester’s Barn most recent rescue. Her owner became severely ill and could no longer provide the care she needed. Her owner reached out to Chester’s Barn and transferred ownership to us. Steppin was rescued from slaughter by her previous ower and is part of the Forever Morgan rescue group. Steppin adjusted quickly to her new pasture mates. She loves to race Sparkles back to the barn for dinner.
GRACIE
MOBEY
Meet Micro Mini Mobey—proof that the tiniest bodies can hold the biggest personalities. He arrived small, yet somehow managed to take up an enormous amount of space in everyone’s heart. From day one, he was a pintsized comedian with a spirit far larger than his lungs, which gave him a rough start. But with dedicated vet care, hospital stays, and a whole lot of cheering from his fan club, he’s growing into a sturdy little lad with a spark that refuses to dim. Mobey lives for treats and thrives on competition. Turn him loose in the pasture and he’ll challenge the horses and cows to a race—then zoom past them with the confidence of someone who always wins. He may be tiny, but he carries himself like a champion. Despite his mighty streak, he’s gentle to the core. Sweet, soft, and endlessly polite, he’s the kind of soul who makes you feel special just by choosing to sit near you. And when he visits nursing homes, he becomes a fullblown celebrity. He struts in wearing his indoor shoes like a miniature superstar on a red carpet, charming every person he meets with that irresistible Mobey magic. Little but mighty. Little but kind. Little but unforgettable. Micro Mini Mobey is living proof that joy sometimes comes in very, very small packages.
Sugar
Meet Sugar—formally known as Teaspoon of Sugar, though around here she proudly answers to Sugar and Spice. And honestly, the name fits like a glove. She’s equal parts sweetness and sass, a tiny powerhouse wrapped in fluff and personality. She came to us from Pennsylvania after her owner’s health declined, and although they could no longer give her the care she needed, the love they poured into her is unmistakable. Sugar carries it with her like a warm glow. She settled into sanctuary life with grace, quickly discovering that indoor time, TV marathons, and lounging with the dogs are absolutely her vibe. But don’t let her couchpotato moments fool you—Sugar has a whole barnyard social circle too. Sammy is her goto buddy, her rideordie… except on the days she decides to trade him in for Gordy. What can we say? She likes the big guys. She’s got taste. Where Sugar truly shines, though, is out in the community. She visits nursing homes with the confidence of a seasoned celebrity, charming residents with her gentle presence and sparkly spirit. And as the ambassador for our Whoa to Bullying program, she proves that size has nothing to do with impact. Her little frame carries a message bigger than most hearts can hold.
MAGGIE MAE
Meet Maggie Mae—our little mystery wrapped in fluff and potential. She arrived at just 13 weeks old, a tiny shadow of a pup who wasn’t quite sure how to exist in a world that suddenly felt too big, too loud, too everything. Shy, sheltered, and unsure of her own paws, she would sit and watch life from the sidelines, trying to figure out where she fit. So we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Every day became a gentle adventure: new sounds to puzzle over, new friends to sniff, new objects to investigate with that cautious little nose. And slowly—beautifully—Maggie Mae began to bloom. Her confidence grows in small but mighty steps, and each one feels like a celebration. Underneath that timid exterior lives a fullblown clown. Once she realized the world wasn’t out to get her, she decided it was her playground. She proudly hauls every toy she owns outside like a tiny comedian preparing props for her next act. And yes… she occasionally “borrows” items that aren’t hers, just to add them to her outdoor collection. A bag, a slipper, a sock—if it’s portable, Maggie Mae considers it fair game.
GRACIE
PEPPER
Meet Pepper and Kramer—the inseparable twins with a talent for turning ordinary days into delightful chaos. If you spot one, don’t bother looking far for the other. They move through life like a twopiece puzzle that refuses to be separated, always orbiting each other with the kind of loyalty that makes you wonder if they share a single mischievous brain cell. Pepper is the sweetheart of the duo. He melts into your arms the moment you pick him up, wrapping you in those legendary Pepper Hugs—soft, warm, and guaranteed to brighten even the grumpiest morning. He’s the emotional support half of the team. Kramer, on the other hand, is the rascal half. He believes every snack is a community snack and every unattended treat is clearly meant for him. He’s a professional food thief with a face too cute to stay mad at, no matter how many crackers mysteriously vanish. Together, they’re a traveling comedy act. They visit nursing homes and schools, charming everyone they meet with their twin antics—Pepper offering cuddles while Kramer “accidentally” pockets a biscuit or two. Their bond is unbreakable, their personalities perfectly mismatched, and their ability to spread joy is downright magical.
KRAMER
Meet Pepper and Kramer—the inseparable twins with a talent for turning ordinary days into delightful chaos. If you spot one, don’t bother looking far for the other. They move through life like a twopiece puzzle that refuses to be separated, always orbiting each other with the kind of loyalty that makes you wonder if they share a single mischievous brain cell. Pepper is the sweetheart of the duo. He melts into your arms the moment you pick him up, wrapping you in those legendary Pepper Hugs—soft, warm, and guaranteed to brighten even the grumpiest morning. He’s the emotional support half of the team. Kramer, on the other hand, is the rascal half. He believes every snack is a community snack and every unattended treat is clearly meant for him. He’s a professional food thief with a face too cute to stay mad at, no matter how many crackers mysteriously vanish. Together, they’re a traveling comedy act. They visit nursing homes and schools, charming everyone they meet with their twin antics—Pepper offering cuddles while Kramer “accidentally” pockets a biscuit or two. Their bond is unbreakable, their personalities perfectly mismatched, and their ability to spread joy is downright magical.
Adoptable Rescues
Maverick
Mischievous Maverick! Maverick suffered from a dog attack at 4 months of age. Chester’s Barn administered pain meds daily and IV antibiotics. The future looked grim for Maverick but within a week he started to show signs of improvement. Now Maverick is a boisterous nuisance but very entertaining. He has gone out on therapeutic visits but prefers to stay at the barn.
TBD
TBD
Rescues That Have Found New Loving Forever Homes
OREO
Oreo is a 4 year old Angus cross cow. She was a show projects for two youths in CNY. Chester’s Barn was able to find a home for this sweetie where she will be spending summer nights on the pasture with fire flies and peepers.
NILA
Nila is an 8 month old Holstein heifer. She was a show projects for two youths in CNY. Chester’s Barn was able to find a home for this sweetie where she will be spending summer nights on the pasture with fire flies and peepers.
Sally and Tonie
Sally and Tonie found their new forever home in Vermont. These two minis are inseparable. They are now spending timing learning tricks and eating lots of treats. Tonie and Sally were the first equine rescues to come to Chester’s Barn.
THUNDER
HENNESEY
HUNTER
Hunter spent summer camp at Chester’s Barn. His owner was incarcerated and that left Hunter homeless until his extended family could come back for him. Hunter spent three months slumbering around the house and enjoying walks through the woods with the goats. He was such a sweetheart with all the animals and absolutely loved visiting the barn. He had a favorite rug in the house that we would call his “magic carpet”. He would drag it out each night to get ready for bed.
MR. CHICKEN
Mr. Chicken was dropped off in a box at Kendra’s work desk at Cornell University. It was literally “here he’s a runt take care of him.” Mr. Chicken got his name because the first night in the barn he ate all the chicken eggs and was found sleeping under the hay with chickens pecking him gently. After several months Mr. Chicken grew to be big and strong and found his forever home where he roamed freely with horses and cows.
GRETLE
Gretle was a twin and had a rough start to life. You wouldn’t have guessed seeing what a vibrant ewe she became. She is now a mama to many. Living on hundreds of acres of rolling grass hills in the Southern tier. She loved grain and eating with the horses. She could be found playing with Lily’s tail during the day.
RANGO
Rango Tango arrived at Chester’s Barn in the middle of winter 2024. Emaciated, weak, not trusting humans, she quickly gained weight and learned to be loved and give love again. She is now in her forever home. Living the best cow retirement life possible.
GOOSE AND GOMER
These two goats were so entertaining. They loved people and loved going on walks. A goat loving family adopted these two sweeties in September. Goose and Gomer are living the best goat life ever. Chester’s Barn routinely gets updates from their new family.
CASPER
Casper the turkey and his 12 chicken friends were living in a dwelling not zoned for them. Chester’s Barn took them in and found them forever homes. Casper loves human interaction. Anytime he hears a voice he comes searching with a gobble. His favorite hobby is supervising anything and everything especially pressure washing tractor trailers with human friends.
TULIP
Tulip was born in the spring of 2023 right around tulip season. She is the daughter to Dayze. Dayze delivered this baby in the early hours of the morning. There was a commotion in the barnyard that morning as Tulip took off through the fence and disappeared into the gully. Dayze was so upset not being able to see her baby but Lily the horse didn’t take her eyes off Tulip. Lily stood at the fence line exactly at the spot that Tulip was curled up laying. We brought Tulip back to the barn and reunited her with Dayze. Tulip is now living in her forever home several miles down the road.
RUE
RUE
Rue the rooster was a hoot! Rue came to Chester’s Barn in the fall of 2023. He was being abused by some not so friendly hens. He didn’t stand a chance against them gals! Rue quickly gained strength and found a new home with some friendly hens.
KOKO
This heifer is full of energy and loves running around, which could be a reflection of her lively personality. She’s more like her dad than her mom. Koko has been adopted but is staying at the barn until she is weaned. She’s getting all the care and attention she needs until she’s ready for the next phase of her life. Her favorite treat are apples…Cortland apples.
BARNEY
BARNEY
Barney the little stallion with a lot of gusto. Barney’s owners lost their home in a devastating fire. This little guy spent the winter of 2024 at Chester’s Barn until his family could care for him again. Though he be small in stature he is the King of the horses. No one escapes his attention. Barney is now out of respite care and back with his family.
RUE
AIDEN
Aiden arrived with buddy Ian in February 2024. Wherever you see Ian, Aiden won’t be too far behind. Aiden is a Shetland Pony trained to make therapy visits at nursing homes, schools and businesses. His favorite events to attend are the ones held outdoors so he can see all the sights and sneak some munches of grass. Aiden also loves showing off his blonde highlights in his mane. He may be shyer than Ian but he still never passes up the chance to be pet or fed an apple treat.
BARNEY
IAN
Ian arrived with buddy Aiden in February 2024. He is also a Shetland pony trained to make therapy visits at nursing homes, schools and businesses. Ian and Aiden work as a team and can usually be seen at outdoor events together. Even though these boys look like brothers, they are actually 2 years apart. Ian seems to think he is the leader of the two and likes to boss Aiden around as well as whoever is handling him. Ian loves showing off his various hairstyles at different events and getting his picture taken with the people he meets.
DAYZE
Is Patches daughter. She is a Waygu Beef cow that is very affectionate. Born in 2020 and sponsored by Country View Excavating and Landscaping. She loves hanging out in the field with mom and grandma. Dayze was a fast runner as a young heifer. She would run back and forth in the pasture as if she was practicing for the Olympics.
Aiden arrived with buddy Ian in February 2024. Wherever you see Ian, Aiden won’t be too far behind. Aiden is a Shetland Pony trained to make therapy visits at nursing homes, schools and businesses. His favorite events to attend are the ones held outdoors so he can see all the sights and sneak some munches of grass. Aiden also loves showing off his blonde highlights in his mane. He may be shyer than Ian but he still never passes up the chance to be pet or fed an apple treat.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
PATCHES
Patches was born on May 27, 2016. She was a miracle calf as her mom Hershey was slated for slaughter while pregnant with Patches. Patches had three calves in her lifetime. She was known to be the dinner bell. Everyone knew when Patches was hungry. The mooing would bellow through the walls. Whenever she saw people at the barn she would coming running like a puppy dog, except she was 1500 pounds. She loved watching over the farm and keeping track of company visiting the barn. Her favorite event was trash pick up day. She would run along the side of the fence line chasing the garbage truck as it left. She was the clown of the barn that loved to give kisses and eat anything that was in your hand. November 24, 2023 was a devastating day for Chester’s Barn, Patches had a large tumor in her stomach that eventually made her extremely weak and unable to get up, despite best efforts of veterinarian interventions. Patches died at home peacefully alongside her favorite humans and bovine family. Good night my Patchey!
LIZZIE
Lizzie and Steppin were best friends. Lizzie’s owner came down with a severe debilitating illness and could no longer care for her. Lizzie loved her treats and nights outside under the stars. The night before she died she was found outside in the pasture with her best friend Steppin. It was a warm night and the fire flies were magical that night. It was like a scene from a book. Lizzie passed away at the age of 35, surrounded by love from Chester’s Barn. Lizzie will be missed forever by all that new that sweet angel.
LILY
Lily spent her retirement years at Chesters’s Barn. She was a show pony for youth but when jumping and showing wasn’t fun anymore for Lily she came to Chester’s Barn where she spent her time freely to enjoy large pastures and company of other horses. Sammy and Lily became bonded. When Lily passed on November 20, 2023 at the age of 30, Sammy became depressed. He would spend hours each day staring at the woods hoping that Lily would return. Yes, animals mourn too. Lily was surrounded with love during her last moments. Good night sweet Lily!
HERSHEY
Miss Hershey loved to give out kisses. She was as sweet as can be. She was our oldest bovine resident. Estimating to be in her 20s. Hershey was in a dairy milking herd most of her life where she had 9 calves. She was rescued from slaughter when she was pregnant with her daughter Patches. The farmer bought her off the slaughter truck and asked if I could give her a forever home. Hershey was a resident at Chester’s Barn since 2015. She enjoyed laying in the pasture, watching kids play, and eating apples! Lots of apples! Good night Miss Hershey!
CHESSIE
Sweet girl Chessie was born in February 2023, doomed for euthanasia because she was a preemie. Thanks to a good Samaritan, who brought her circumstances to our attention, she lived out her days at Chester’s Barn. Upon her arrival she immediately bonded with senior cow Hershey. That bond further confirmed our knowledge that this little goat was something special. Being a preemie brought on many health challenges for Chessie but she didn’t let that confine her. Although her time here was short, her impact was mighty. Chessie brought smiles, love and laughter to the children she visited at schools, the residents she snuggled at nursing homes, and the community members she met at events. Sadly, Chessie succumbed to her health issues the end of December 2024. She wrote a beautiful story of resilience, love and joy, transcending any physical challenges. May Chessie’s legacy inspire us all to spread more light and create more happiness within ourselves and to those all around us. Goodnight sweet sweet Chessie.
