Rescue & Adoptions

Adoption Stories

Rescued Rooster Now King of the Coop at His New Adoptive Home

In what has been hailed as one of the largest animal rescue efforts in the history of Steuben County, New York, Johnny Damon and 56 other neglected animals were seized from the property of a Prattsburgh man, who had kept his animals outdoors without shelter in the dead of winter. Malnourished and suffering from exposure to freezing temperatures, Johnny and his friends were taken to the SPCA shelter in Bath, New York, where they were held until homes could be found for them. When the SPCA staff called Farm Sanctuary, we happily agreed to take in all of the chickens and a duck found on the Prattsburgh property.

When Johnny arrived at our New York Shelter, he was very ill. Caregivers discovered that he was suffering from a severe respiratory infection and had a serious case of frostbite in both of his feet. At first, Johnny's prognosis was grim. But, after receiving intensive veterinary care, eating lots of nourishing food and benefiting from the warm affection of his caregivers for several weeks, he made a full recovery. Johnny did end up losing portions of several of his toes to frostbite, but in spite of this, he remained active and in good spirits. Finally, once Johnny was fully healthy again, caregivers moved him out to his own comfortable barn and pasture, where he lived happily with a small group of hens for many months.

Then, late in 2005, we found a loving adoptive home for Johnny in Marietta, New York. Although saying goodbye to Johnny was difficult, we couldn't help but be happy for him. Also, his adoption provided us with more room for other needy birds. By all accounts, Johnny is very happy in his new home. He lives with four beautiful hens and never seems to tire of flaunting his gorgeous feathers and flirting with them. Sweet and patient as always, Johnny has become good friends with his new adopted mom as well. She says he loves his life and his new family, and always seems to be smiling. Who can blame him? After all the suffering and neglect he has experienced in his young life, his new circumstances must seem like a dream come true.