Cows are intelligent, social animals who form lifelong bonds with their families.
Mother cows naturally care for and protect their calves, and the connection between them begins almost immediately after birth.
In the dairy industry, calves are commonly separated from their mothers within hours of being born so the milk intended for them can instead be collected for human consumption. Many male calves are later sold for beef or veal, while females often grow up to repeat the same cycle. Most people never have the opportunity to see cows living naturally—forming friendships, raising their young, grazing peacefully, and growing old with their herd.
At C.A.R.E. Farm Sanctuary, our cows are finally free to simply be cows. They spend their days grazing in open pastures, forming lasting friendships, soaking up the sunshine, and receiving the lifelong love and care every animal deserves.
Meet our cows!
Annie Oakley came to our farm sanctuary in 2015 when she was only about 10 days old. She is a Holstein, and most likely had been separated from her mother at birth -- a common practice in the dairy industry.
She was found "mooooo"ving about the streets of Bolivar with no one claiming her. We believe she possibly jumped, or fell from a transport truck passing through town. Per county regulations, Annie became property of the City of Bolivar, and was scheduled to be auctioned to the highest bidder.
C.A.R.E. Farm Sanctuary was contacted by Dianne with Bolivar Animal Control. She wanted the best possible outcome for Annie. Working with Dianne, and a small group of caring people, we raised the funds needed to be the highest bidder at Annie's auction!
We were thrilled that Annie Oakley would come to call our Farm Sanctuary home. She was a rambunctious and loving calf! She loved people so much that she learned to jump over the door to her stall, and would run down the aisle to greet us. She learned the halter quickly, but never really needed it because she always wanted to go wherever her people go anyway. As a calf, she followed us around like a puppy and still does at over 1000 pounds!
She is a fantastic ambassador for how wonderful, smart, and loving cows can be when they are treated with kindness. She loves to soak you with big wet cow kisses or lay her head against you for hugs. She is just an amazing friend!
Annie's sponsorship will provide mineral blocks, parasite and fly prevention, hoof trims, feed/hay and carrots. Sponsorship available for Annie Oakley is $40 monthly.
Daisy is a darling senior Jersey cross cow. She was owned by a nice couple who wanted a milk cow for their small hobby farm. She was never able to produce a calf and therefore could never produce milk. Most cows that cannot produce are sent to butcher, but this family had grown to love Daisy and decided they would let her live as a pet on their farm.
As the years passed, her family's health declined and they fell on hard times. They could no longer properly care for Daisy, and were faced with very sad options.
Luckily, Daisy's family was told about C.A.R.E. and reached out for help, asking if we could make room for their beloved pet cow at our Farm Sanctuary. Daisy joined our happy herd in 2017 and is a perfect fit! She won our hearts and immediately became a beloved part of our farm family!
Daisy's sponsorship will provide mineral blocks, parasite and fly prevention, hoof trims, feed/hay and carrots. Sponsorship available for Daisy is $40 monthly.
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Sweet Kathy joined our herd in December 2016 and became a seeing-eye cow for Dreamer, a blind calf rescued a month earlier. Kathy was raised on a bottle and loves people! She is so gentle and loving, bonding with Dreamer almost immediately. She groomed, played and slept with her. Kathy was a loving calf with people too, and now that she is over 500 pounds, nothing has changed! She still comes running over to greet visitors for some loving and petting! She is a gentle spirit and has a kind heart.
Sponsorship for Kathy is $40 monthly and will provide a mineral block, hay/feed, parasite and fly prevention and carrots.