Calves? Steers? Pets!

From Jim: We have two "calves" at Home At Last, Banjo and Julian. They came here as day old dropped bull calves from the dairy industry. They had been taken from their mothers-no food, wet, tiny and left to die at an auction. Tawnee's friend saved them, along with their cohorts. There's about an 85% mortality rate with these babies. They don't get any colostrum and are generally suffering from exposure and stress. We took four babies-two died. Very tough to take. Well, anyway, the intent was that Donna and Beth would learn that bovines don't make good pets, are ornery, and not very bright. Boy, was I wrong on every count. Dairy cattle are genetically selected to be gentle. That makes sense. The fact is, domestic cattle are, like their wild cousins, really pretty smart and cagey. Lastly, bottle feeding them and loving on them daily results in "pettifying" them. They are now at 1000 pounds and still babies! Julian insists that he give you kisses-lots of kisses! Banjo will lay down, put his head on your foot and go to sleep. He enjoys a good back rub and likes his beautiful face petted. We've enjoyed them a lot! When we have visitors at the sanctuary, they are usually amazed at the "little boys". They're not what you expect from "big, dumb, mean cattle". They will live out their lives here. Dr. Darling says that should around 25 years or so. They're two now and will grow for another year or two. They absolutely expect to be loved and treated will gentleness and kindness. You lead them by letting them follow you. A bucket of grain can create a serious pushing and shoving situation-not really a good idea. They have eyes and eyelashes that are gorgeous. Banjo and Julian are pets. They know it and think everyone else knows it too. I can't imagine ever eating them, Ever. The horses don't give them a second look. The newer members of the herd really don't give them a thought after a day or two. The boys don't see anything impressive about "horses". It's been fun to have them here! We love them and they, as their kind understands it, love us back. If you ever visit here, they'll want a pet and Julian will have to give you a kiss or ten!