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The Moment This Rescued Sheep Knew They Were Safe
The Moment This Rescued Sheep Knew They Were Safe
Sammy was born on a dairy farm and quickly labeled “aggressive,” but we think you’ll see why Sammy melted our hearts when Farm Sanctuary rescuers arrived.
Sammy is so trusting of our caregivers and endlessly affectionate, leaning in for hugs and scratches. But believe it or not, not everyone could see this lovable sheep for who they are.
Sammy was born on a sheep dairy farm, where a veterinarian performed a “euthanasia c-section” due to the mom’s health. Sadly, out of three lambs, Sammy was the lone survivor.
The farmer would soon learn that Sammy was a “freemartin,” a term used to describe a female sheep born with male hormones and unable to reproduce. Because these sheep cannot produce a profit by having offspring, they are often considered worthless and killed by animal agriculture, but someone had formed a special bond with Sammy.
A friend had stepped in to help bottle-feed and raise the young lamb, and the farmer could see that their friend would be devastated if Sammy were slaughtered. So, we were asked to offer a forever home, and jumped at the chance to welcome Sammy to Farm Sanctuary.
Sammy had been exhibiting behaviors often seen in males, leading the farmer to warn us they were an “aggressive” sheep, but when Sabrina and Jenni from our rescue team arrived, Sammy was all love for their instant new friends.
Not only did Sammy show affection and gently accept being led onto our rescue trailer, but while parked along the journey, they even wanted to hang out up front with Sabrina and Jenni.
Now, Sammy has already joined the flock and is getting to know their new sheep friends.
After just a short while here, Sammy is already known as one of the sweetest sheep we’ve ever met—and we’ve been rescuing farm animals for nearly 40 years! Did you know that Farm Sanctuary’s very first rescue was a sheep?
Sanctuary offers farm animals the chance to live, but also the chance to finally be themselves—to engage in their natural behaviors, and choose their friends. They can let their guards down, knowing they are safe.
Sammy wasn’t aggressive, just afraid. But they’ll never have to be scared again.
Help Animals Like Sammy
As a nonprofit, Farm Sanctuary depends on the support of individuals like you as we save farm animals in need, educate thousands about the harms of animal agriculture, and advocate for food system change. From “adopting” a rescued farm animal to becoming a monthly Sanctuary Sustainer, and so much more, there are many different ways to support our mission.
Plus, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest from Farm Sanctuary, including action alerts and other ways to get involved for farm animals.
