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Blind, Lonely And Ignored By All Other Animals, Helen, The Bison, Seemed Destined For Loneliness, But Then She Met Oliver
This is Helen, a blind bison that has spent years at Oregon’s Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary without making a single friend. She was nervous, suspicious and seemingly destined to live out the rest of her life sad and alone. But then came Oliver. The young Jersey calf was curious from birth and soon managed to break down the barriers that Helen had constructed around herself. She came to trust him, and they became firm friends.
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Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Now, the pair are inseparable. Helen seems to have ‘adopted’ Oliver, and Oliver’s fur has even changed colors as he grew older and now it matches hers.
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
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Image credits: Sammantha Fisher
“He’s actually turned into a baby buffalo,” Lighthouse Sanctuary’s Gwen Jakubisin told USA Today. “The change in her demeanor is incredible, her joy is palpable.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Jakubisin sees their relationship like that of a loving nanny who cares for a baby. “Betsy (Oliver’s mom) usually drops Oliver off at ‘daycare’ and roams around while Helen watches over him for the rest of day, and she’s cool with that,” she said.
“I catch them grooming each other which is amazing because I don’t think Helen has ever had that opportunity to express that motherly instinct before.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
The powerful friendship has brought Helen out of her shell, giving her the confidence to go and befriend other animals in the sanctuary, too.
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
The sanctuary itself is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and, when appropriate, rehoming of abused and neglected farmed animals. According to their website, over 200 animals, including pigs, cows, horses, chickens, sheep, and goats are homed there.
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Their mission is to “help shine a light on the realities of animal agriculture and lead the way to a more compassionate world.”
This is done through facilitating meaningful relationships between people and the animals that they care for.
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
“At Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary we believe that every individual has the right to freedom,” they write. “Freedom from pain, freedom from fear, and freedom from oppression. We provide those with the most heartbreaking stories hope and the promise of the freedom to be themselves. A promise of companionship, of love, and of care.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
“Our sanctuary is home to 250 non-human animals who have seen the very worst of humanity and every day they amaze us with their profound abilities to love and to be loved, even after the tragedies they have endured. Our goal is to share their stories with the community and bring about positive change in the way they are viewed by society.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
“By fostering beautiful, meaningful bonds between people and the animals they may see as “food” or as “things” we are changing the future for the individuals who mean so much to us.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
“People who visit and volunteer at the sanctuary often comment on the unique sense of peace they feel when being here. All of our residents cohabitate peacefully and have strong friendships with one another. They know they are safe and loved. We like to call it a kind of magic created by love, trust, and understanding.”
Image credits: lighthousefarmsanctuary
What do you think about the bond that Helen and Oliver were able to build? What about the kind and generous environment that Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary has built – one that enabled this unlikely friendship to flourish? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and feel free to support the sanctuary’s amazing project!
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 6 years ago
A truly beautiful and loving bond. I am always so confused when some people say that animals are incapable of expressing feelings.
Dee Hildebrand 6 years ago
It's the people that say that animals are incapable of expressing feelings that are confused hon ... not you (((hugs)))
Load More Replies...
Michelle Muirhead 6 years ago
How wonderful! Such an uplifting story, I wish humanity was as tolerant to all creatures great and small and our fellow man.
Niffler_13 6 years ago
He didn't change color because of their bond. Mammals aren't capable of doing that. As animals get older their hair color tends to darken. His coloration is normal for the Jersey Cattle breed. I have had calves that were born brown and were completely black in color by the time they reached adulthood.
Lu 6 years ago
Next you will tell me Santa Claus isn’t real, thanks a lot!!!
Load More Replies...
Donna Reynolds 6 years ago
It’s very, very good to have a best friend who gets you out of your shell.
April Simnel 6 years ago
Aw! So sweet. And now she's making more friends on the farm, which is great!
Zelda Blue 6 years ago
Animals could teach us so much if we took the time to watch and learn. Most days I would take animals over humans hands down.
Laura Catania 6 years ago
I could actually see this as a human movie. A sweet young boy befriends a crotchety blind woman who isolates herself from the world and gradually brings her out of her shell.
April Simnel 6 years ago (edited)
There's a film from 1971 that's about the reverse (and it gets a little 16+) called "Harold and Maude", where an old woman befriends a sad 20 year old guy, and it's very heartwarming. Plus it has a great soundtrack by Cat Stevens.
Load More Replies...
Kim McCormick 6 years ago
This is so Heartwarming! Thank you for providing such a wonderful sanctuary for these animals!
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Free will gives the capability for choice. I'm agnostic myself, but free will to be "saved" means the ability to do evil, sadly :(
Load More Replies...
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
A great story, with animals nothing surprises me, I do understand how deep bonds happen with unusual pals, the sanctuary is fantastic and there needs to be more, many would not have thought of farm animals, however they need companions, as we all do, Blessings to all who work and volunteer there , superb post, thanks !!!
SirPatTheCat 6 years ago
I love how her name is Helen it's such a contrast from her size -- idk but when I hear the name Helen I think of like a small animal like a bunny or a little old lady
DYspLay ARt 5 years ago
Awwww...I hope ya'll don't kill him later for meat. A true couple. Sometimes the animal kingdom is the best example.
Pamela Taylor 6 years ago
I LOVE ANIMALS AND THE DIFFERENT STORIES & PIC'S ARE AMAZING & AWESOME !!
Sachiko Hosokawa 6 years ago
How beautifully this story unfolds. This made me cry. A blind, lonely and sad bison, Helen, found joy in unlikely friendship with a Jersey calf, Oliver. Her literally dark and lonely life was wide opened by this light being called Oliver. I am so happy that Helen found her great companion! Enjoy, Helen, your life which just began.
Lara Gutbrod 6 years ago
We must all go vegan for the sake of all the Helens and Olivers of the world. Animal liberation now.
Weim Central 6 years ago
Love the confirmation that animals have relationships that are just as important as human ones. So happy there are peaceful, loving places for animals that have not been treated the way they should have been their entire lives.
Brad Williams 6 years ago
Love this story and the people who look after these animals are extraordinary. Bravo!
Allison Gerhold 6 years ago
I love your sanctuary and what you do..I pray for God to continue to Bless you and keep you in all things..God BLESS you always.Amen
Juliana Danaher 6 years ago
Beautiful story , proof how animals have & show emotion. Thank you for the brilliant work ye do for animals TLC goes a long way. 🙏🏻
Lori Ireland 6 years ago
I love knowing and seeing beautiful animal stories like this. My favorite quote is: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
Jutta König 6 years ago
I am always touched seeing animals of different races, species becoming friends and trusting one another despite of looks, size, handicaped or not. And I always wonder why people can't!!!
katboxjanitor 6 years ago
We need to take lessons from animals and observe the grace of their friendships.
Roger Bird 6 years ago
"God alone is Real and the goal of life is to be united with Him through Love." -- Meher Baba --
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 6 years ago
A truly beautiful and loving bond. I am always so confused when some people say that animals are incapable of expressing feelings.
Dee Hildebrand 6 years ago
It's the people that say that animals are incapable of expressing feelings that are confused hon ... not you (((hugs)))
Load More Replies... Michelle Muirhead 6 years ago
How wonderful! Such an uplifting story, I wish humanity was as tolerant to all creatures great and small and our fellow man.
Niffler_13 6 years ago
He didn't change color because of their bond. Mammals aren't capable of doing that. As animals get older their hair color tends to darken. His coloration is normal for the Jersey Cattle breed. I have had calves that were born brown and were completely black in color by the time they reached adulthood.
Lu 6 years ago
Next you will tell me Santa Claus isn’t real, thanks a lot!!!
Load More Replies... Donna Reynolds 6 years ago
It’s very, very good to have a best friend who gets you out of your shell.
April Simnel 6 years ago
Aw! So sweet. And now she's making more friends on the farm, which is great!
Zelda Blue 6 years ago
Animals could teach us so much if we took the time to watch and learn. Most days I would take animals over humans hands down.
Laura Catania 6 years ago
I could actually see this as a human movie. A sweet young boy befriends a crotchety blind woman who isolates herself from the world and gradually brings her out of her shell.
April Simnel 6 years ago (edited)
There's a film from 1971 that's about the reverse (and it gets a little 16+) called "Harold and Maude", where an old woman befriends a sad 20 year old guy, and it's very heartwarming. Plus it has a great soundtrack by Cat Stevens.
Load More Replies... Kim McCormick 6 years ago
This is so Heartwarming! Thank you for providing such a wonderful sanctuary for these animals!
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Free will gives the capability for choice. I'm agnostic myself, but free will to be "saved" means the ability to do evil, sadly :(
Load More Replies... sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
A great story, with animals nothing surprises me, I do understand how deep bonds happen with unusual pals, the sanctuary is fantastic and there needs to be more, many would not have thought of farm animals, however they need companions, as we all do, Blessings to all who work and volunteer there , superb post, thanks !!!
SirPatTheCat 6 years ago
I love how her name is Helen it's such a contrast from her size -- idk but when I hear the name Helen I think of like a small animal like a bunny or a little old lady
DYspLay ARt 5 years ago
Awwww...I hope ya'll don't kill him later for meat. A true couple. Sometimes the animal kingdom is the best example.
Pamela Taylor 6 years ago
I LOVE ANIMALS AND THE DIFFERENT STORIES & PIC'S ARE AMAZING & AWESOME !!
Sachiko Hosokawa 6 years ago
How beautifully this story unfolds. This made me cry. A blind, lonely and sad bison, Helen, found joy in unlikely friendship with a Jersey calf, Oliver. Her literally dark and lonely life was wide opened by this light being called Oliver. I am so happy that Helen found her great companion! Enjoy, Helen, your life which just began.
Lara Gutbrod 6 years ago
We must all go vegan for the sake of all the Helens and Olivers of the world. Animal liberation now.
Weim Central 6 years ago
Love the confirmation that animals have relationships that are just as important as human ones. So happy there are peaceful, loving places for animals that have not been treated the way they should have been their entire lives.
Brad Williams 6 years ago
Love this story and the people who look after these animals are extraordinary. Bravo!
Allison Gerhold 6 years ago
I love your sanctuary and what you do..I pray for God to continue to Bless you and keep you in all things..God BLESS you always.Amen
Juliana Danaher 6 years ago
Beautiful story , proof how animals have & show emotion. Thank you for the brilliant work ye do for animals TLC goes a long way. 🙏🏻
Lori Ireland 6 years ago
I love knowing and seeing beautiful animal stories like this. My favorite quote is: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
Jutta König 6 years ago
I am always touched seeing animals of different races, species becoming friends and trusting one another despite of looks, size, handicaped or not. And I always wonder why people can't!!!
katboxjanitor 6 years ago
We need to take lessons from animals and observe the grace of their friendships.
Roger Bird 6 years ago
"God alone is Real and the goal of life is to be united with Him through Love." -- Meher Baba --
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