LATEST UPDATES FROM THE FARM

Photo credit: Katka

A Mother’s Day Love Story

by Britt Janssen | May 11, 2025
From the moment they met, Allie and Ferdinand
formed an extraordinary bond.

You can help by sharing their story

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we want to share a heartwarming story that embodies love, resilience, and the beautiful bonds that can flourish even after the most difficult circumstances. At JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, our dear Allie, a 16-year-old rescued dairy cow, and her beloved companion Ferdinand, a sweet 10 month old steer with his own challenges, remind us of the true spirit of motherhood and the power of connection.

For 12 years, Allie was part of the dairy industry, where she gave birth to 10 calves.

Allie arrived at our sanctuary four years ago, a gentle soul who had endured unimaginable hardship throughout her life. For 12 years, she was part of the dairy industry, where she gave birth to 10 calves, only to have each one taken from her almost immediately. Denied the chance to nurture or bond with her own babies, and having all of her milk taken for the industry, Allie came to us bearing the weight of loss and heartache. Yet, despite her past, she continues to share a spirit filled with kindness and grace.
Enter Ferdinand, a sweet steer who joined us 4 months ago after being rescued from a meat farm. Born as a twin, he faced tragedy early on when his sibling didn’t survive birth. The challenges he faced didn’t stop there; Ferdinand was born with deformities that are seemingly hard to fix, causing him to struggle getting up and walking a normal gait. But rather than allowing these challenges to define him, Ferdinand embraces life with a gentle, playful, and affectionate heart.

From the moment they met, Allie and Ferdinand formed an extraordinary bond. They have become inseparable.

Allie, who never had the opportunity to nurture her own calves, embraced Ferdinand with a motherly affection that is both touching and profound. In her, he found a nurturing spirit, and in him, she discovered a second chance to be the mother she was always meant to be.

Their relationship is vivid and heartwarming. Allie can often be found lovingly grooming Ferdinand, nudging him with her big, soft nose, as they share quiet moments in the sanctuary’s pastures. In return, Ferdinand brings joy to Allie, encouraging her to take care of him and savor the feeling of family that both have longed for in their previous lives. Their interactions are a living testament to the healing power of love, showcasing how connection can help mend the past.

As we honor mothers, whether they are human or animal, we reflect on the lessons of compassion and love they impart. May all moms and children be given the chance to be together.

With moms in mind,
The JP Family
❤️❤️❤️

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.

Share the goodness, for goodness sake …. 😉

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

JP Farm Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit, tax-exempt. 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 83-1674833)

More Moo! news and other happenings

Stay up-to-date with all the happenings on the farm.

See how our furry friends spend their days and never miss a story.

we love to share the joy

follow us around

Finding Compassion

Finding Compassion

If you asked me a few years ago if I could ever see myself as a Vegan, I would laugh […]

Join our newsletter!