KENT, Ohio — Good things really do come in small packages at Pure Passions Farm.
Tucked into the Portage County countryside, the five-acre farm is home to an assortment of miniature and micro-sized animals, including fluffy Highland cows, Nigerian dwarf goats, alpacas, babydoll sheep and miniature donkeys.
But this isn't your typical farm visit.
At Pure Passions, getting up close and personal with the animals isn't just encouraged. It's the whole idea.
"We're not a facility where you stay outside and just look from the outside. You actually go in with them," said owner Scott Westberg.
Visitors can meet, pet and interact with the farm's friendly residents, including miniature donkeys Bonnie and Clyde and a collection of Highland cows with personalities as big as their fluffy coats.
Westberg specializes in miniature and micro-sized breeds for a reason: Their smaller stature can make interacting with farm animals more comfortable for people of different ages and abilities.
"They have all the same properties and educational therapeutic ways of interacting with people, but as a mini or micro, it's a little less intimidating maybe for someone older or some younger or really anyone at all."
That philosophy is at the heart of Pure Passions Farm, where the goal is to create memorable animal encounters for everyone, from young children to senior citizens.
Goat yoga, cow cuddles and 'moo-vie' nights
There's much more to do at Pure Passions Farm than simply visit the animals.
The farm offers a variety of activities and special events, including goat yoga, Cows and Caffeine, painting events and movie nights.
During the farm's aptly named "moo-vie" nights, visitors can enjoy a film while spending time with miniature Highland cows.
"We get to watch the movie, but people come to cuddle the micro mini cows and access the whole rest of the farm as well. But it's a really fun night," Westberg said.
The farm also hosts private gatherings and offers mobile animal experiences, bringing some of its residents to off-site events. Among its more unusual offerings are specially trained "beer steers," which can serve drinks at weddings and other celebrations.
And thanks to a heated and cooled barn, the farm can host experiences throughout the year.
From the corporate world to the farm
For Westberg, running a farm represents a dramatic career change.
After spending two decades in the corporate world, he decided to pursue a lifelong love of animals.
"I've always loved animals. As a little kid, I was catching chipmunks and I wanted to be a vet and all, all those things little kids wanna do. My first job in high school was on a llama alpaca farm, and that's when I fell in love with it."
Four years ago, Westberg and his family turned that passion into Pure Passions Farm.
Today, the animals are the stars of the show. But for Westberg, the greatest reward comes from watching visitors connect with them.
"I love seeing the expression on a 99-year-old's face or a one-year-old's face when that friendly animal approaches and bumps nose or they eat out of their hand. I mean, that's what makes it all worthwhile."
It's proof that sometimes the smallest encounters create the biggest memories.
Planning a visit to Pure Passions Farm
Pure Passions Farm is located in Kent, Ohio, and offers scheduled experiences throughout the year.
Reservations are required. Unlike a traditional zoo or walk-in attraction, visitors must book their experiences in advance.
For information about upcoming activities, availability, private events and reservations, visit Pure Passions Farm's website.