A Week at Farm Sanctuary: Relaxation in the Sun, a Happy Homecoming, and More
It was a beautiful week in upstate New York, and the perfect time for our residents to relax and really enjoy these last days of summer.
Ted, Chandini, and Lawrence were among those who found a shady spot to congregate and enjoy grazing on delicious green grass.
New resident Cashew calf loves, loves time on the pasture, followed by requisite snuggles with Mom Liz.
This special mother-son pair came to Farm Sanctuary recently thanks to the compassionate decision of their previous guardian, Angela, to close down her small dairy and send the cattle to sanctuary.
Liz also had ample opportunities for “me time” and being a little nosy.
This adorable pair is really faring well, which makes us so happy their former guardian made the right choice. Learn more about that in the video below.
Cashew and Liz are settling in well, and we’re so happy to watch Cashew grow up in peace and safety, his mom by his side.
Another of our most popular cattle residents, Valentino steer, returned home following a short stay at the Nemo Farm Animal Hospital at Cornell University. There, he underwent a procedure to clip his tendon to allow his right front leg to straighten properly.
We were thrilled to welcome Valentino home and are pleased by his progress. He’s still recuperating, but as you can see, he’s not letting that hurt his appetite!
Valentino came to us as a calf last year, and since then he has charmed everyone he’s met with his loving personality and amazing attitude. He was born with a variety of health challenges, including leg deformities, but he doesn’t let them get in the way of his good time! Read his story here.
Meanwhile, one of Valentino’s good sanctuary pals enjoyed a sunny sanctuary day by taking a dip to cool off, then relaxing in the grass.
We think Adrienne has the right idea about relaxation!
…and speaking of relaxation, here’s another Farm Sanctuary resident who really knows how to live. Chuck (like all pigs, when given the opportunity) is an incredibly enthusiastic mud-bather, and he took plenty of time this week to hang out in his favorite wallow.
Since pigs can’t sweat, mud is a very important way they keep cool. And since our pink friends are prone to skin cancer, the mud also doubles as a very effective sunscreen (though many of our pig residents also get actual sunscreen to help protect their skin).
Ever seen a pig’s feet covered, and we do mean covered, in mud? If not, now you have, and Chuck is happy to have provided this service! This special boy and his siblings were born on a levee to mother Nikki, a former gestation sow, during terrible flooding in Iowa in 2008. Nikki, Chuck, sisters Ellen and Portia, and honorary second mom Honey still live in one big happy family unit together at our New York Shelter! Learn more about their rescue here.
Elsewhere at the New York Shelter, Jack lamb (above left, with his mom Daniella; friend Vera Jo and brother Bob Barker can be seen in the back) and his cohorts are growing up before our eyes!
Bob Barker, above, and the rest of this little lamb clan were born in safety at Farm Sanctuary earlier this year following their mothers’ rescue, along with more than 170 other animals, from a cruelty case at a so-called “farm-to-table” operation in Cattaraugus County, NY.
Izzy with her daughter Vera Jo, above (now 75 pounds!), and friends will know nothing but love and care for their entire lives — a far cry from the fate that would have been theirs had they been born instead at the Cattaraugus County farm.
Laura (above), her twin Cindy (below), and their buddies will instead get to stay with their mothers for good and never know fear or cruelty.
And this week we introduced (on Facebook #Live) several other members of this rescue, including Adele and her mother Odessa.
These girls have come such a long way since their rescue, and we’re so glad to see them really loving life!
Want to make a difference for farm animals rescued from cruelty? There are many ways, from sharing their stories with the people in your life to making compassionate changes in your diet.
Another important way to help, for those who have the time, space, resources, and animal-friendly zoning: farm animal adoption.
We’re always in need of adopters for animals ranging from chickens to cattle, and the sheep and lambs above are 14 of the animals we’re seeking loving homes for currently. Each was rescued from the Cattaraugus County cruelty case, and in their particular situations, we believe that an adoptive home would best suit their needs. If you’re interested in adding rescued sheep to your family, you can meet these sheep here and learn more about our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN) here.
What were we saying about baby animals growing up fast? Maggie goat — born on Christmas Eve to mom Olive, who was pregnant at the time of her rescue last fall — is a big girl now, but she clearly hasn’t lost her silly side.
And Maggie’s pal Min, one-half of the dynamic twin duo born to rescued mom Aretha earlier this year, is also a growing girl.
But don’t worry; she still delights in doing “kid things” like jumping on the backs of her humanimal pals.
The elder statesman of Maggie and Min’s little herd is Archie, sticking his tongue out just slightly in the photo above as group leader Olive looks on. Learn more about this group’s rescue from a backyard butcher here.
Mouse, another Hudson Valley backyard butcher rescue survivor, is doing great and continuing his physical therapy following months-long treatment at the Nemo Farm Animal Hospital at Cornell University. As you may recall, prior to his rescue Mouse suffered a leg injury that was left untreated, and the result was an rear leg that was withered and unusable. Our friends at Cornell did amazing work to lengthen his leg to help him move and bear weight with greater ease, and since his return to the New York Shelter, the work has continued in the form of an ongoing physical therapy regimen. As always, Mouse is a champ and such a happy boy, who loves the attention from his caregivers and relishes simple pleasures like a nice day in the pasture.
At Farm Sanctuary, we know that friends come in all shapes and sizes — and we don’t have to look any further than our own pastures to see the proof. Pasture-mates Queenie cow and Lily goat make a strong case. Read Queenie’s inspiring story of escape from slaughter here.
And speaking of inter-species friendship… wherever Chucky goat and Scott lamb go, it’s always on display, especially when their being trailed by their turkey ladies.
Meanwhile, every day is family day for our amazing friend Julia (above), and this week, we saw no exception. Our gal was spending lots of quality time with her kids. Julia is such an incredible mother, and her relationship with her now-grown-up babies is truly something to behold.
Son Linus never wants to be far from mom.
Mother (right) and son Linus, together for life. Her time at sanctuary is the first opportunity Julia, a former gestation sow, has had in her whole life to bond with and raise her babies. The bond they share is such a special one. Learn more about how this incredible family came to Farm Sanctuary here.
But it wasn’t all pasture-play. Busy humanimals like Caregiver Abbie Rogers found a few friends staying close to shelter during health checks. Or as in the case of Joel sheep, some of the animals made a point to find them.
And then Joel ran into (and pretty much knocked over) his humanimal pal Mike Cogliano.
Old man Cash approved of this week and he rest of us at Farm Sanctuary hope you have a very relaxing holiday weekend!
For more Farm Sanctuary updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and YouTube. Want to meet our incredible rescued residents in person? Learn how to visit here. Want to help? Your support makes our rescue, education, and advocacy efforts possible. You can also help by sharing our residents’ stories to spread the word that farm animals like them are each someone, not something. A compassionate world begins with you!
Wilson ensuring his people are safe at all times. And loving the slightly cooler weather of the week.
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