Rescue & Adoptions

In Loving Memory

Billy Martin

Billy Martin arrived at Farm Sanctuary in 1990 at the age of three or four after escaping from a stockyard in Lancaster, PA. He was a fiesty fellow in his younger days — and lived with the cattle herd for many years; thankfully, his cow friends were not intimidated by his “tough guy” front. At heart, Billy was a softy. He warmed up to his animal and people friends more and more as time went on. He made a special connection with many of our visitors, staff and interns. One special friend, Sarah White, even made a sweater to keep old Billy warm over the winter on the farm.

As he aged, Billy showed symptoms of arthritis, swollen joints and thyroid problems, and was sent to Cornell University Veterinary Hospital for testing, but the results were inconclusive. We knew his health was really going down hill when he lost his appetite and his arthritis began to bother him more. When our vet made a "house call" to see Billy Martin, she explained that he was just getting old, and there was nothing more she could do. On his last day here, he stopped eating. He started to show signs of pain when he walked. At that time, we made the decision that euthanasia was the most humane option. He died peacefully, surrounded by his caregivers, and was buried with his favorite sweater. Billy Martin will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing that he enjoyed a long, happy life.

Billy was with us for twelve years - one of our oldest rescues. His fighting spirit is an inspiration to us and to farm animals at stockyards, slaughterhouses and factory farms everywhere. His escape paves the way for many more to come. You will always be with us, Billy.