Skip to main content
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Meal Planner
Barn Sanctuary
  • About Us
  • Meet the Animals
  • Visit Barn
  • Shop
Get Involved Donate
  • About Us
  • Meet the Animals
  • Visit Barn
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Meal Planner

Hi, I’m Mabel

Sponsor Me

Likes

  • Fresh alfalfa
  • Meeting other calves and people
  • Chin scratches

Photos of Mabel

See All

In Summer 2020, Barn Sanctuary was contacted about a female calf on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. Mabel was born with leg contractions so she had trouble standing and walking. She is also a freemartin, a term used to describe a sterile female cow. Freemartins are unlikely to give birth and therefore cannot produce milk. As a young freemartin calf with mobility challenges, Mabel needed a home. She was surrendered to Barn Sanctuary and has been making gains and stealing hearts since.

On Mabel’s first visit to the veterinary hospital we learned that she also has a heart murmur that may stunt her growth. We are optimistic, though, that it won’t be life threatening! Many animals live full and happy lives with heart murmurs. Her contracted legs, one with a deep wound, were the most pressing concerns.

At the hospital Mabel was fitted for prosthetics and had a daily regimen on multimodality physical therapies. Her legs are already straightening and healing.

Mabel is a curious, loving, sweet and playful young gal. She loves her fresh alfalfa and meeting other calves.

Your sponsorship will provide physical therapy, daily care, regular medical checkups, and any unexpected emergency care. Please sponsor Mabel to provide the care she deserves!

Introduce me to your friends!

Mabel's Story

November 2022

2.5 years after being rescued, Mabel spends her days grazing on grass, lounging in the sun, and getting constant love and affection from staff and visitors.

September 2020

Taking turns getting physical therapy at MSU.

Companionship makes a huge difference during physical therapy. Mabel was rescued with Cora Jr. and the two shared a stall at MSU.

August 2020

Mabel Comes Home to Barn Sanctuary!

Her first week at home, meeting new friends and the animal care staff.

July 2020

Mabel trying out her first set of leg braces at Ohio State University.

baby cow in leg braces

mabel trying on leg braces

June 2020

Rescued by Barn Sanctuary

2020

Mabel is born.

Sponsor Mabel

Your donation will go towards Mabel 's medical expenses, including food, heat and shelter, and more. Donations are tax-deductible.

If you’d prefer to pay by check, please pay the year in advance (12 times the designated monthly amount) and specify which animal you are sponsoring. Also include instructions on how you would like the sponsor certificate and photo sent to you, via email (please include your email address) or via mail (we will use the address on your check). Please send checks to:

Barn Sanctuary
c/o Animal Sponsorships
20179 McKernan Rd.
Chelsea, MI 48118

Fun Facts About Cows

Cow picnics are real!

Cows are social animals and naturally form large herds. Like people, they make friends and bond to some, while avoiding others.

Super-hearing!

Cattle are able to hear a much wider range of sound frequencies than humans. The environment is full of sounds inaudible to humans but clearly audible to cattle.

Don’t bite, curl!

Cows don’t actually bite grass; they curl their tongue around it. Cows like to graze on rolling land, although they are able to graze anywhere!

Learn more about Cows
Barn Sanctuary

About Us

We rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected farmed animals by creating a safe haven where these individuals can recover and thrive.

We envision a world in which farmed animals are seen as individuals and treated with empathy and compassion.

Contact Us

Barn Sanctuary
20179 McKernan Dr.
Chelsea, MI 48118

734-270-6845

© 2023 Barn Sanctuary is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation (tax ID number 81-2637884). Barn Sanctuary and its logo are trademarks pending federal registration. All rights reserved.

  • Privacy Policy