This is as much Otis’ rescue story as it is the chance to honor the unnamed calf who helped him find Sanctuary.

Otis and this calf lived on the same beef farm. And if things had gone according to plan, both calves would have been killed. We don’t know if their paths ever crossed at the farm, but their lives became fundamentally linked.

Otis’ mother died giving birth, and since he needed special care, he lived apart from the herd. During bottle feedings and snuggle sessions, the farmers saw something in him that they didn’t—or wouldn’t—see in their other cows. They saw him as Otis, not a commodity. Otis made them laugh, and he blossomed with their affection just like a dog or any other companion animal. But the truth is, any other calf might do the same if only given a chance.

At the same time, the unnamed calf was born without incident and lived with the herd. One day, though, he managed to escape. He fled from the farm, but it wasn’t long before he was found and returned. His rescuers pleaded for his release, hoping the farmers would honor this calf’s will to live. The farmer said no. The herd was destined for meat production, and this calf was healthy—he could still bring in a profit. What’s more, they hadn’t connected with him as they had with Otis.

So the farmers offered them Otis instead.

Cows have the nickname “grass puppies” for a reason: they love running and playing and will give affection, just as dogs do. They form deep bonds with other cows and with people, too.

Many farmers know this, but some choose to overlook it. Or, they just don’t spend enough time with each animal to get to know them on an individual level—as a unique being, apart from the anonymity of the herd.

Then some love their animals but opt not to think about what happens after the cows go to slaughter. To admit that cows have feelings, that their lives matter to themselves and their loved ones, would interrupt their livelihoods. And as Otis’ former “owners” learned, it’s hard to kill someone that you love.

While we wish they would have spared them both, the farmers did what they felt they could: They saved a life they loved without losing more money by pardoning the other calf. And the rescuers did what they could: They took Otis.

After the unnamed calf returned to the farm, he likely didn’t have much time left. Most calves raised for beef go to slaughter when they’re just a year to 15 months old.

The rescuers reached out to Farm Sanctuary. We were able to offer Otis a short-term stay before finding him (and his new pals Freddie and Lenny) a permanent home with our rescue collaborators at Peacefield.

At Sanctuary, Otis loved to play. He leaped to our side whenever we approached, licking us with cow kisses, in exchange for pets and scratches. He was a favorite, just as he was to the farmers who spared him. We are so happy to see his life continue at Peacefield, where “he gets to live happy, loved, and free.”

While Otis is an individual, it’s easy to imagine that the unnamed calf may have behaved in the same way. We know next to nothing about his brief time on earth, except that he could feel pain and joy. He had friends and family he loved. And one day, he was exceedingly bold, and his brave actions brought freedom to Otis.

In Otis, we remember the unnamed calf and the others like him that we will never meet. And in sharing their story, we hope that more people see cows as individuals deserving of kindness and compassion.