Rescue & Adoptions

In Loving Memory

Arbuckle

From the moment Arbuckle arrived at the farm we all knew how very special he was.

Despite his rough start in life, this courageous calf found a way to put his past life — living on a farm where he had no contact with other animals and spent his days mooing and circling in a dark, feces-filled stall — behind him. He arrived emaciated and suffering from horrible eye infections, which caused him to be blind in both eyes. He had a chain around his neck that had cut into his flesh as he grew. He slowly became comfortable in his new environment and enjoyed frequent visits from the healthcare staff. He would rub his head on our chests and lick our hands. When it was determined that the eye infections were no longer contagious, Arbuckle was able to be moved into an area with calves from the same rescue case and his circling stopped. With his new freedom, he became playful and confident. For the first few weeks, we led him to the pasture so he could find his way, and the instant he touched the grass he would break into a full run, joyfully kick up his heels and jump with all four feet off the ground. He would frolic in circles around us. He became instant friends with the other calves and spent hours playing and butting heads with his herd mates. He was genuinely content.

Arbuckle's blindness was only an issue when he found himself alone on the pasture, especially during heavy rainstorms. He would then revert to his circling behavior and moo loudly until someone came out and led him to the barn. The minute he heard a familiar voice he would start running towards us. As the calves grew, we knew it was time for them to become a part of the main herd. Due to his blindness, however, Arbuckle could not join the main herd. On that very sad day when the calves left his pasture, he began circling again. We were all distraught and wondering how to comfort him. As if it were fate, the day the calves moved, Dolly, our 27-year-old Jersey cow, became lame and was moved from the main herd to the special needs area with Arbuckle. The moment she arrived, it was love at first sight. The two began cleaning each other and playfully bumping heads. From that point forward, she was always by his side.

When Arbuckle first became sick, it was very apparent. He no longer frolicked, but instead spent much of his time lying down in the barn. We immediately took him to Cornell, and six weeks later, received the diagnosis of Johne's disease. We were all devastated, knowing there is no cure for this painful, immune suppressing condition. The disease is passed to young calves soon after birth by nursing udders contaminated with the feces of other infected animals, common on factory farms. Two weeks after his final diagnosis, the disease progressed rapidly. We treated his multiple secondary infections and gave him fluids, electrolytes, anti-diarrheal drugs, and pain medication. Unfortunately, his condition only worsened and the decision to humanely euthanize him was made.

Arbuckle's death was very peaceful. All his caregivers came to be with him and in his final moments he laid his head on the lap of one of his human companions. Everyone who loved him stood weeping over him and holding him. Dolly was brought out, so she could say her final goodbyes as well. She bent down to sniff him and stayed with him until we moved his body. He now peacefully rests under a tree next to Phoebe, another beloved cow who had passed away.

Arbuckle had a special energy, greeting each day with pure enthusiasm. Everyone he knew misses him deeply and his unique spirit will always be loved and remembered.