Spring has arrived and everything is beginning to blossom, which makes all the furry residents at JP Farm Animal Sanctuary happy!! We have been living with a lot of mud because of so much rain and I have to say the mud has been more overwhelming than I ever imagined.

We finally completed the fencing

As some of you know Brody and Grady have hip dysplasia and it is extremely hard for them to get around. With their weight they sink right into the mud and it is hard for them to move around easily in the pasture. We finally completed the fencing for the cows and yesterday as I was spreading grass seed and the sun was shining on all of us. It put a smile on my face knowing we will soon have grass for the cows to eat and roam on, a place where they feel free to be themselves. Please think about sponsoring one of our cows to help with their medical needs or buying hay to feed them, it is all beneficial help.

“As some of you know Brody and Grady have hip dysplasia and it is extremely hard for them to get around.”

This past week we were privileged to have a six year old Scottish Highland cow come to live with us. She was rescued by The Farm Sanctuary out of Watkins Glen, NY. We worked with them through their adoption program.

Tallulah was among 15-16 Scottish Highlands who were part of a cruelty case. Four of the cattle escaped onto the highway and were shot by police. Another organization, Lollypop took in the survivors and placed them in adoptive and foster homes. Tallulah had a calf with her when she was rescued, but they placed the calf and moved Tallulah and another cow to the Finger Lakes Livestock Exchanged to be fostered. There another cow died suddenly. Worried that she was not receiving proper care Joanna from Lollypop asked if The Farm Sanctuary could take her and they did.

Good Friday at 11:30 am

Tallulah arrived on a Friday. We were so excited getting her room ready with hay, water and a delicious mineral lick. It was about 11:30 am when we saw the transport truck and trailer winding up our driveway. As the driver pulled in close to our house he stopped to talk with us. We met Phil and Chris from The Farm Sanctuary, they had just driven over five hours to get her here. As I walked to the back of the truck and peeked in the trailer I saw this little cow. She has big brown eyes that are adorable. We couldn’t wait to get her out and let her move into her new home.

“As she settled into her room she was keenly alert to everything going on. Her room was next to Belle’s, who we purposely placed her next to as she is calm and sweet.”

We let each of the cows out of their rooms in the barn to “meet” her. Her interactions were good with all the cows and even a little more chummy with Grady. He really liked smelling her between the gate and maybe even got a little kiss.

Yesterday we found that she has taken to the “cookies” (horse treats) we give the cows each day and really likes her mineral lick. She actually will follow us now to see if we have more cookies in our hands. She hasn’t let us rub her yet but of course we will give her time to settle in.

When my daughter Madilyn started college I never dreamt that I would soon become the mother of Pigs.

By far, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I never knew how intelligent, affectionate and amazing pigs were. In fact I had zero knowledge of pigs at all! I now know that they are full of joy and curiosity, tenacity, love and as a bonus, they are also super cute! Taking care of them is my daily meditation. They live their best pig lives digging, napping, snacking and greeting one and all with a tail wag, snort and a smile. Pigs do smile!

Pigs do smile!!

I feel very accomplished, grounded, blessed and extremely fortunate to have raised these beings from just weeks old and now into their 2nd birth year!

I have been fortunate that many friends and family as well have pitched in and have helped support the girls with produce, treats, labor as well as encouragement and enthusiasm.

When I rescued Little Beanie Tofu and Dolphin, my main objective was to prevent them from being slaughtered and then to find them an incredible forever home.

Madilyn is giving Beanie the biggest hug

“When I rescued Little Beanie Tofu and Dolphin, my main objective was to prevent them from being slaughtered and then to find them an incredible forever home.”

—Kathleen Cole, mother of Little Beanie Tofu & Dolphin

It’s a miracle Lynn, Oscar and their family came into our lives. Beanie and Dolphin have found their forever dream home at JP Animal Farm Animal Sanctuary. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful to them and their enormous hearts! I know that Beanie and Dolphin will live their lives deeply loved, safe, happy and that we will all forever be connected through their journey.

Keep up-to-date for their arrival this summer.

I am Kathleen Cole and I AM so lucky to be the mother of pigs.