PICKRELL, Neb. - Just east of Highway 77 in Gage County sits one of just three Goat and Sheep Rescue’s in the United States of America.

Jen Schurman started Shepard’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue to give animals a better life.

“There really is no place for goats ams sheep, whose owners no longer can take care of them, to go, other than a sale barn,” Schurman said.

And for that reason, seven years ago, Schurman opened her doors near Pickrell. In 2017, Shepards Rest began with eight animals. Fast forward to 2024, they’re up to 93. Schurman says they take in goats who have been raced as pets and the goal is survival and a good life.

“You can’t take a goat that has been raced as a pet and put it in with a commercial herd, it simply won’t survive,” Schurman said. “It doesn’t have the immunity, instincts, doesn’t know how the herd operates. That’s really where we fall in.”

Shepards Rest is run by Schurman as well as about 15 volunteers. One of the biggest issues facing Shepards Rest is funding, as Schurman pays for much out of pocket.

“I am doing the primary funding with wages I earn from my full time job because we just need donations so badly,” Schurman said.

Last year, Shepards Rest was a Nebraska Passport destination and Schurman hopes to one day have a new building as they have 27 goats on a waiting list, but also one that can offer visitors more experiences.

“One way we can keep our revenue solid is to build a building where we have handicap accessibility, where we can have classes for kids teaching about animals, and where we can also have a proper adoptions center and a place to do goat yoga,” Schurman said.

Those wanting to get involved at Shepards Rest are encouraged to go visit their website or Facebook page. Shepards Rest is also looking for someone to handle social media.