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Farewell to Jerry
Posted by Michelle Sherrow at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Jerry wasn't the outgoing, center-of-attention type. Even as a young calf, he seemed to possess the peaceful, quiet air of a wise old man, content to spend warm afternoons gazing out across the landscape with his best friend by his side.
But Jerry's early life was anything but serene. Rescued during a PETA investigation of a filthy dairy factory farm that supplied Land O'Lakes, Jerry was crippled, infested with lice and ringworms, and nearly blind from pink eye. He and another calf were taken in by the Cow Sanctuary, and with considerable love and medical care, they healed.
Instead of being killed for veal, as is the fate of most male calves in the dairy industry, Jerry spent his life as every animal should—exploring his surroundings, enjoying the company of friends (especially his pig friend, Patrick), and reveling in treats and love from his guardians.
Jerry enjoys a quiet afternoon with his friend Patrick.
Last week, with his health declining, Jerry was euthanized. He left this world as quietly as he lived in it, but the steer with the gentle spirit left a permanent mark on the hearts of those who loved him.
Farewell, sweet Jerry.
Jerry and Patrick photo courtesy of the Cow Sanctuary. This post originally appeared on PETA.org.
Posted to Family & Friends | Posted to Tags: Factory Farming, Jerry, Land O'Lakes, Michelle Sherrow, The Cow Sanctuary
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Tucker says...
February 3rd, 2012, 6:39 pm
OHHHH! TEARS IN MY EYES!!
REST IN PEACE SWEEET COW NAMED JERRY, REST IN PEACE!!
YOU HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE WITH WONDERFUL,CARING PEOPLE AND YOUR BEST BUDDY PATRICK THE PIG!
HOW IS PATRICK THE PIG DOING? I HOPE HE IS DOING WELL WITH OUT HIS BUDDY!! PRAYERS,LOOOVE,KISSES AND HUGS SENT TO PATRICK THE PIG!!
Michael says...
February 3rd, 2012, 8:10 pm
What a beautiful gift from heaven precious Jerry was to those who were so fortunate to know him. I wish I was one of those lucky ones. My condolences to Patrick and the others who will miss him dearly.
Kathleen Kennedy says...
February 3rd, 2012, 8:50 pm
Who was it that decided what animals we should eat…and which ones we shouldn't??? Cows and pigs are so docile and beautiful…I just don't understand how the horrors of slaughter houses are still operating. Is 90% of the population still not evolved???? How can people raise these animals and NOT get attached to them??? Everytime I see a cow with tags on it's ears I get sick inside…I HATE what we do to animals!
Marilyn Juli says...
February 4th, 2012, 1:30 pm
Wow, what a beautiful story! Where is the Cow Sanctuary? I would love to visit ..: hope there are many more beautiful rescues there, living their lives the way Nature intended {;o)
Merilyn Phillips says...
February 4th, 2012, 3:23 pm
Tears…. God Bless humans who care for animals and don't eat them
Samantha Pulsford says...
February 5th, 2012, 10:38 am
RIP Sweet Jerry. xoxo
Kay says...
February 6th, 2012, 9:08 pm
Rest in Peace, Jerry!! I hope that his pal, Patrick is doing ok. Will there be a new friend for him at the sanctuary? It's difficult to lose a best frieind! xoxo