Mike is a three-year old hereford dwarf cow we rescued in October 2017. His journey from birth to present is one of friendship, perseverance, humor and heart. Though Mike is one of our most beloved and unique cow residents at the sanctuary, his story began like so many others do, on a dairy farm.
Barn Sanctuary was founded to provide a forever home specifically for farmed animals because they are the most commonly exploited group of animals, with some of the worst documented cases of abuse. Because they are seen as “production” animals, there are very few safe shelters for them on this planet. Some escape the food system by breaking free, others are given second chances at life because of an injury, illness or defect.
Mike’s story began at birth, but became unique the day he was rescued. The farmer didn’t think Mike would survive. He had contracted leg tendons and — although we didn’t know it at the time — Mike was also partially blind.
The moment we took Mike into our care, we knew his life was safe. His legs healed quickly with leg splints, but the real hurdle for Mike was his eyesight. You see, rescue and safety is only one part of what we do for the animals in our care. Mike was blind in one eye and had a detaching retina and cataracts in the other. He would be blind in several months if we did nothing. Though he could go on to live a healthy, happy life, we always strive to give each animal in our care the best quality of life possible. What would we do for our dog or cat or child? We would do whatever we could to save their sight. Mike deserved the same.
Mike became quite popular when our Founder, Dan McKernan, took him on a road trip across the United States to save his eyesight in January 2018. The only veterinarian willing to try a corrective surgery on a cow (an uncommon surgery) was located in California. So, Dan and Mike took a tour of the U.S. on the way — visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Pacific coast — so he could see as much as possible before his uncertain surgery.
The surgery was unsuccessful, but it was the first of its kind, and hopefully not the last. With more farm animal sanctuaries popping up across the United States, the veterinary standards of care for farmed animals is increasing to meet the demands of sanctuaries who are hoping to expand, prolong and increase the quality of life for farmed animals.
Although Mike is currently blind, he gets around the barn and pasture well and is perfectly healthy. He has lived with the goats, calves, and even a pig (Little Dude) during his youth and we’ve had the privilege of watching him form friendships, nurture, protect and love the other animal residents as he grew up. And while Mike isn’t living in the back of the van with Dan anymore, he still remembers Dan’s voice anytime he’s called, and moseys over.
Cows form lifelong friendships. They seek out companionship. Mike may not see our faces, but we have no doubt he lives a fulfilled life here amongst friends and family at Barn Sanctuary.