Every animal at The Holy Hooves Homestead has a story — a mix of laughter, lessons, and a whole lot of love. These are the hooves and hearts that started it all. We believe God handpicked each one to teach us patience, faith, and joy in the everyday. Come meet our herd (and be sure to ask us about their funny farm adventures when you visit!).

John E. Max – The Trailblazer

John E. Max was our first hoof on the homestead. A handsome Highland Dexter who turned one in July 2025. We brought him home all the way from Boone, North Carolina, and let’s just say God tested our patience that day!
His first adventure involved hopping (or maybe stomping) right over our fence and leading us on a mile-long chase through the woods. It was then we learned: electric fences are a must.
John E. Max is named after our Papa John Elmer, husband to our beloved Ruth May. He’s got the heart of a wanderer, the soul of a gentle giant, and a story that started it all.

Cookie – The Sweetheart

Meet Cookie, our Nubian goat with a heart as soft as her floppy ears. She’ll be 18 months old in December 2025, and she came home from Mathews County, VA alongside her goat-sister (but not by blood) Ruth May.
Cookie loves a good snack and is quick to remind you when it’s feeding time, with a loud “meh". She’s the playful spirit of the homestead, full of curiosity and charm.

Ruth May – The Matriarch’s Namesake

Our sweet Ruth May was named after our great-grandmother, Ruth May, the matriarch of our family and the inspiration behind our farm’s heart. When she passed in March 2025, she left behind five generations of love and faith, a true legacy.
Fun fact: a female goat is called a nanny, and our Ruth May was our family’s nannie too. That’s where the name “Nanny and the Moo” comes from, a nod to both our goats and our family’s roots.
Ruth May’s vibrant spirit reminds us daily that love and legacy live on in the simplest acts of care.

Lilly Paige – The Beauty

Lilly Paige is our shy beauty - a mini Highland heifer from Mount Vernon, VA. When she first arrived, she wanted nothing to do with us (or anyone, really). She’d only ever known other cows and wasn’t sure what to think of her new humans.
But with patience, kindness, and a lot of alfalfa hay, Lilly Paige learned that we weren’t so bad. Now she happily takes treats from our hands and even lets us give her soft brushes. She’s proof that trust is built one gentle moment at a time.

Big Daddy & Donkey – The Dynamic Duo

Every homestead needs a little comic relief - and that’s where Big Daddy and Donkey come in!
This father-and-son pair of miniature donkeys joined us from Chesterfield, VA, and we knew right away they were meant to be here.
Big Daddy (Flash) is seven years old, steady and wise with a stubborn streak that keeps us humble. His son, Donkey (formerly Tigger), is four years old and full of personality - always the first to bray when he sees us coming.
Together they’re inseparable, hilarious, and the undisputed comedians of the pasture.

The Chickens – The Feathered Faithful

Our flock started with eight tiny chicks — four Buff Orpingtons and four Easter Eggers (or so we thought). As they grew, we discovered we had four roosters and four mystery birds still keeping us guessing!
They’ve been with us since day one, bringing us endless entertainment. Every sunrise chorus reminds us that even small voices can make a joyful noise.

Our Herd, Our Heart

Each animal here has shaped The Holy Hooves Homestead in its own special way. They’ve taught us patience, laughter, humility, and hope — and they’ve shown us that God’s love is written in every hoofprint, feather, and nuzzle.

When you visit, you won’t just meet our animals — you’ll meet the stories that built our home. 🕊️