While we can’t be sure where Omi originally came from, male calves born on dairy farms are often discarded (or sold for veal or beef production) because they can’t produce milk. To the dairy industry, this makes them worthless, but thankfully, someone saw Omi for who he is.

Knowing he needed help, the officer brought Omi to Haven Pet Center, a shelter in San Jacinto, California, for companion animals. Thankfully, they had space to care for him for a while. In fact, Omi spent five years there in safety. His caregiver, Jose, lovingly described him to us as “a big baby” who loves to eat. 

While playful and social cows are a lot like big grass puppies, Omi is no dog—and now five years old, he’s grown into a large steer who needs more room and care than the companion animal shelter could safely and sustainably provide much longer. So, the Haven Pet Center staff turned to Farm Sanctuary for help in finding him a forever home very quickly.

As it turned out, the timing was perfect for Omi to come live at our Acton, California, sanctuary! And soon, our joy was doubled when the shelter reached out to ask if we would welcome Taco goat, too.

Taco arrived at the Haven Pet Center when he was six months old, just like Omi. The team had been looking for a companion for lonely Omi, and that search for friendship ultimately saved Taco’s life. 

The young goat had been bred for sale, but he was deemed worthless because he didn’t meet “breed standards.” Taco’s hair wasn’t the “right” color, and he had an underbite, and simply for being him, he was going to be sent to slaughter. We think Taco is perfect just the way he is—and luckily, Nicole, the vice president of operations at the shelter, also knew that he deserved to live. She reached out to the breeder, and Omi’s bestie-to-be was soon on his way.

Farm animals form meaningful friendships and social bonds that can last a lifetime. This is true even across species, and Omi and Taco are one heartmelting example. 

Raised together, Omi and Taco are deeply bonded. Taco also leaned on Omi for friendship and comfort because he didn’t fit in well in the goat herd, where the social dynamics sometimes left him on his own. The shelter team was concerned for Taco’s emotional well-being if he was separated from Omi.

Now, these forever friends are settling in at Farm Sanctuary, where their bond continues as they experience what too few farm animals ever get to know: freedom and family.

“Omi and Taco are doing well! They both have a great appetite and eat a lot of hay. After Taco gets anything done, like a hoof trim or bloodwork, when he’s finished, he runs over to Omi for comfort. The two are always together,” says Brooke Marshall, senior wellness manager at our Acton sanctuary.

But Taco loves spending time with his human friends, too. “Taco enjoys being groomed,” says Brooke. “He gets vocal and follows you when you try and walk away. Sometimes he gets really excited and stands on his two rear legs.”

For this lovable duo’s former caregiver, Jose, knowing they’re still among kind people has brought comfort. He shares with us:

“I truly cannot thank you enough for all your help with Omi and Taco. I am personally very fond of them, and it brings me so much happiness and peace of mind knowing that you were able to step in and help them. There were many nights when I found myself worrying about whether we would be able to find the right support for them—especially when Omi became sick. Knowing they are now in such caring and capable hands means more to me than I can express. I am sure I will be visiting you all, and I genuinely admire and appreciate the work you do. I’ll definitely continue to follow and support your page as well. Thank you again for your compassion, dedication, and for everything you do for animals like Omi and Taco.”

We are so excited that Omi will have a cow family, too. For his five years at the shelter, he lived happily with goats (including Taco, of course!) and a donkey, but now he will get to have cow companions for the first time.

Our deepest thanks go to Omi’s rescuer and the dedicated team at the shelter who gave him a fighting chance at life. Rescue gives farm animals the opportunity to heal from cruelty and find compassion in the gentle hands of humans who mean help, not harm.

As Farm Sanctuary marks our 40th anniversary this year, Omi and Taco join thousands of animals who have found hope and healing in our care—and whose stories will continue to inspire compassion for farm animals everywhere as we build a kinder world for all.