More Reasons to Take Heart

by Susie

 

Working with farm animals who have been lifted out of cruel situations, and receiving calls and e-mails about many others in distress, we at Farm Sanctuary encounter some of the worst abuses imaginable on a daily basis. Then, there are stories like this one that make the news every day, revealing just how little value agribusiness places on the lives of the animals we’re trying to protect. Dealing with the sadness that often comes along with advocating for these exploited animals, compassionate people can become overwhelmed. Because it so important that we not lose heart, however, we must also remember in times of despair that we are making a difference and there are farm animals in this nation (more than 700 outside my window right now) who are safe, happy and loved. I thought that sharing a story of hope with you today would give you comfort and keep you fighting the good fight, as farm animals will always need us in their corner.

Found living in feces piled up to their knees at a dairy farm in Schaghticoke, New York, 22 severely-emaciated and dehydrated cows (and one tiny calf) were seized just in time by humane officers and sent to live at our New York Shelter in 1997. Since then, four of the cows have passed away (some due to injuries they sustained prior to their rescue) and others have been adopted out into loving homes through our Farm Animal Adoption Network. But the remaining survivors are still here with us almost 12 years later, loving life and enjoying every moment of their golden years. Seeing how far these precious animals have come, and knowing how much each individual values her life and loved ones, never fails to inspire me. I’d like to introduce you to five more reasons to take heart below:

What you can’t tell from looking at the picture of Iris at the top of this blog post is that she is one of many dairy cows who have had their tails callously cut off (docked) by industry workers. This procedure is not only extremely painful at the time the mutilation occurs, but is also often life threatening, as the open wound from the cut allows bacteria to enter the body through the spinal cord, especially in the filthy conditions dairy cows are usually forced to live in. Later, the loss of their tails prevents cows from swatting flies away from their faces, which can be very miserable. In spite of all the abuse Iris has suffered, she stands tall and is the current leader of all the females in our cattle herd. At more than 15 years old, she is a fiery gal with a lot of heart and is an inspiration to everyone who meets her.

 

Gretta is a beautiful Guernsey cow who had obviously been in production for quite some time before she was rescued. She was the thinnest and weakest of the Schaghticoke girls and also struggled with horrible eye infections. Gretta receives the best care possible here at our New York Shelter and, although she has never allowed unfamiliar humans to get close to her, she trusts her caregivers and loves her herd mates – especially the cows with whom she was rescued. She is now between 16-18 years old.

 
Mrs. Foreman (front) and Opie (back).

Mrs. Foreman was also extremely thin at the time of her rescue and has continued to have leg issues due to her rough start. Since dairy cattle are often forced to lay down inside cold, damp barns with hard concrete floors, they can get open sores on their hocks and, eventually, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). This condition can be fatal, and even when it is surgically treated, cows who once suffered from it are often more prone to arthritis as they age. Though Mrs. Foreman now has arthritis, she is treated daily and enjoys the snacks that come along with her pain medication. At more than 15 years old, she loves people and is known for being an avid and affectionate "hand licker."

Molly was one of the youngest girls we rescued from this cruelty case in 1997 and was likely only in production for a few years prior to her rescue. She is one of the healthiest of the girls and still behaves like a young calf, especially in the spring. Now around 15 years old, she is still known for her carefree attitude and great skill in kicking up her heels as she runs through her pastures.

 
Theresa leads the herd. 

Theresa arrived at Farm Sanctuary with cancer in her left eye. Because the cancer had been left untreated prior to her rescue, her eye was severely-damaged. In order to keep the cancer from spreading further, we had to make the difficult decision to have her eye surgically removed. However, she has never let the loss get her down, and even with all the hardships she has faced, she is one of the kindest and loving ladies from this rescue. Like the other girls, Theresa is in her middle to late teens.

These ladies are just a few of the incredible animals at both our California and New York Shelters who inspire our work every day. On behalf of them, I thank you for all you do for farm animals across the nation, and hope you can visit and meet those your efforts are saving soon!

Comments

[Terhi]

I just wanted to say "thank you so much" for all you at the Farm Sanctuary do for farm animals. The world is a better place because of people like you. Keep up the good work! You have my full support.
PS. I enjoy reading your blog!