Two Happy Trails Rescued Cows
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On Friday, May 14th, transport person Rob Willard and myself loaded up two absolutely adorable calves and headed off to Virginia — both youngsters were being adopted by two different homes.

Thelma, an incredibly beautiful black and white Holstein heifer, won her freedom in court during an animal abuse trial, and was signed over to Happy Trails. While in foster care, this lovable baby learned to walk politely on a lead rope and went for daily walks with her foster mom on trails through the woods. She was extremely friendly and personable.

Gallagher, a quite-handsome young Jersey steer, also recently won his abuse case in court, and became available for adoption. He was a little shy, but was learning to trust people.Veterinarian Dr. Michael Gast of Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates in Purcellville, Virginia, had already adopted several cows as pets from Happy Trails in the past. The last time we talked to him, his enormous pasture was filled with pet cows and he had no more room. Should we call him or shouldn’t we? We decided to give it a shot again — about a year had passed since we talked to him last him. We held our breath and dialed his number. When we finally got to talk to him and asked if he would like to add Thelma and Gallagher to his herd, he was enthusiastic! He now had a new place that he could house additional farm pets, and he was sure we would approve! However, he acknowledged that one of his clients had two pet Jersey steers, and one of their steers recently died. They needed a friend for lonely Ernie who was in need of a new companion. Well, Gallagher just happened to be the same age, the same breed, and the same size as Ernie, so the two young boys could play together!

The day that we left, it looked like it was ready to storm at any second. It was horribly early in the morning when Rob and I met up at the horse barn. To stay on schedule, we’d have to feed the other animals at the sanctuary much earlier than usual. "Let’s get the cows loaded up before we get a downpour," I suggested.

After we explained to the cows that they got to go on a road trip with us to some really wonderful and permanent homes, they jumped happily into their chariot (‘chariot’ translates to ‘Rob’s stock trailer’). "I don’t think it’s going to rain," Rob announced as he slammed the metal panel door shut. He went off to feed the horses, and I headed back up front to finish packing things for the trip. I almost made it to the front gate and the first drops of rain came down. In seconds, the thunderstorm hit and the rain came down in buckets. What a way to start off the day! But the cows were already loaded safely, and they were happily munching on their hay.

As always, we had to stop several times along the way for gas. At each stop, the cows would reach their wet noses up to the open slats of the stock trailer and bellow to all who would listen. "We’re going to a new home!" they seemed to announce. People would get out of their vehicles to come see the cows. Folks pulled out their phones and cameras and took pictures. We told everyone about the cow’s rescue and their good fortune at finding great homes. The cows’ visitors were thrilled for them, and everyone was happy that the youngsters would be safe!

Five and a half hours after we left the sanctuary, we arrived at the beautiful home of John and Mary Burger. They had beautiful horses and burrows and a gorgeous homestead for all their creatures! We found out later that the homestead was originally owned by a family with the last name of...you geussed it...Gallagher!

Mary greeted us in the driveway and instructed us to pull through the two gates and into the cow’s field. We looked at a gorgeous green field with perfect wooden fencing and a spacious run-in, but we saw no cow. Where on earth was Ernie?

We parked our rig in the middle of the field and hopped out. Curious as to what all the commotion was about, Ernie finally appeared as he wondered cautiously out of his barn. He was curious but by no means in any hurry.

Rob helped Gallagher jump off the trailer, and unhooked his lead. Gallagher looked around for just a moment, and then the two steers caught sight of each other. We couldn’t believe our eyes, and apparently, neither could they!

At first sight, Gallagher and Ernie ran up to each other, and touched noses. It was as though they were both looking in a mirror! Ernie and Gallagher were nearly his identical twins! The two boys became instant friends and were thrilled with their new friendship! (Luckily we caught some of their antics and their first moments together on video - be sure to check it out!)

Soon we got to meet John, who took time from his busy work schedule just to come home and meet his new family member. He was happy that he did!

We all watched while Gallagher explored his new world, and Ernie supervised. It was a really great experience for everyone; for the cows who found a new friendship and had the safety of a beautiful home; for us as rescuers, who every once in a while get to witness a very happy ending that completes a rescued animal’s story with "and they lived happily ever after"; and for John and Mary Burger, who were relieved that the meeting of the cows went so perfectly and who were happy to provide them both with a wonderful home. The Burger’s are incredible people, and I am happy to say that, as often happens, I believe we found lasting friendships with our new adoptive family!

Thelma was being quite patient while this homecoming took place, knowing that she would be next to experience the joy of finding her very own home! Good-byes and thank-yous were exchanged. Soon enough we were on our way out the driveway and on to Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates in Purcellville, where we met up with Dr. Gast to follow him to

Thelma’s new resort. It was only a short distance away, and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Dr. Gast showed us around his friend’s spacious estate. Thelma had just hit pay dirt! To add icing to the cake of her winning her abuse case in court, she just arrived at a top-notch, most awesome, incredibly gorgeous facility that would make any other cow envious. She politely followed Rob into her new pasture, and it was time for a quick lesson. Dr. Gast patiently explained to Thelma how to use the automatic waters (she had never seen such luxury before in her life!). Just how do you make that giant ball in the center go down with your nose? She was a quick learner, and in no time at all, she could make the strange contraption offer her water at her will. She was it’s master! Life was good! She looked around at her long-horned neighbors, completely inspected her new luscious field and shelter, and gave us her moo of approval. She was safe, had food, and would begin to make friends with her much bigger cows in the next field on a gradual schedule.

This was probably one of the most feel-good trips I’ve ever taken, knowing that there are kind and compassionate folks out there who are willing to adopt the gentle and curious creatures we know as cows.

Many thanks to Dr. Michael Gast and John and Mary Burger for helping us write such a happy ending to this story!