About three years ago while browsing Facebook, minding my own business, I came across an ad for a “bottle-fed calf.” It was disturbing for me to consider the doe-eyed baby was being sold as household merchandise along with rusty golf clubs and outdated appliances, but it was more disturbing to consider his fate. The sellers were asking three hundred dollars. I offered them six hundred if they’d bring him to us.
My wife and I knew nothing about cows, but that didn’t matter. We were already home to several rescued horses, dogs and cats and would dedicate our one vacant barn stall to the little Jersey steer.
When dealing with animals, we operate under the principle that however you treat them, they will treat you in return. They will rise to your level of expectation. We had already seen this with “feral” cats that now flop on their backs for a belly rub whenever we walk past.
We’ve treated Bobo like a puppy since he arrived, much to the dismay of the veterinarian’s and “cow people” we’ve met along the way. “You’ll need a stock for him,” our vet advised. We were cautious, but unswayed. As a result, he acts like an overgrown dog, looking to play and get his hair brushed and his belly scratched. We let him wander the barn at night when we tuck everyone in and dole out nighttime treats. “Bobo, it’s bedtime” is all I need to say for him to turn around and go back to his bedroom.
We never dreamt our lives would one day be changed by a cow, but we’re thankful every day that we happened to be in the right place at the right time. Bobo McCowlister is no longer a bottle-fed calf, but is always looking to make new friends on Facebook.
More info: Facebook
Bottle Fed Calf Bobo
Bobo meets mom
… And dad
New bedroom
Bobo settling in
A year and a half old
Losing baby teeth
That Jersey attitude
I’ll drive
Almost bigger than mom
That’s the spot
Snow storming
With the gang
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Awww, why did I read this article...now I want a cow who give licks and frolics like a puppy.
It is amazing people like you that make a HUGE difference in the world... cow by cow... Thank you for continuing to believe in all the creatures, not just the chosen ones. Your horses are beautiful too.
Jerseys have the prettiest faces in the world of cows, don't they?
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My neighbor has one like that. We were staying in the RV while building our house and came home to find her standing outside. She would have been happy to come in.
I had one as a kid. We had ten acres and I'd go outside and yell for her. She'd come running at the sound of her name. I fed her cow ferns and I do believe she loved me. I sure did love her. I'm an animal person though so I'd have loved her no matter what.
Currently bottle feeding 3 calves at the moment coz their mums didn't want them and left them to die...
Ive been telling my husband for years that I want a Jersey cow, I am envious yet very happy that you do get to have one!
Remember to have room for the rest of the herd ;) Cows need cow company.
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This is normal behaviour for cows. They are such lovely creatures! They're just like dogs, they are so sweet 😊
What a great story and great pics (I think my favorite is him losing his teeth!). So glad you saved this guy. 😃
Nah Zebu are a normal Asian species, "miniature zebu" on the other hand.
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"Now He’s Acting Like A Puppy"? Uuhm - no. He acts like a young cow. That's what they do when you bother to form a bond with one of them.
Awww, why did I read this article...now I want a cow who give licks and frolics like a puppy.
It is amazing people like you that make a HUGE difference in the world... cow by cow... Thank you for continuing to believe in all the creatures, not just the chosen ones. Your horses are beautiful too.
Jerseys have the prettiest faces in the world of cows, don't they?
Load More Replies... My neighbor has one like that. We were staying in the RV while building our house and came home to find her standing outside. She would have been happy to come in.
I had one as a kid. We had ten acres and I'd go outside and yell for her. She'd come running at the sound of her name. I fed her cow ferns and I do believe she loved me. I sure did love her. I'm an animal person though so I'd have loved her no matter what.
Currently bottle feeding 3 calves at the moment coz their mums didn't want them and left them to die...
Ive been telling my husband for years that I want a Jersey cow, I am envious yet very happy that you do get to have one!
Remember to have room for the rest of the herd ;) Cows need cow company.
Load More Replies... This is normal behaviour for cows. They are such lovely creatures! They're just like dogs, they are so sweet 😊
What a great story and great pics (I think my favorite is him losing his teeth!). So glad you saved this guy. 😃
Nah Zebu are a normal Asian species, "miniature zebu" on the other hand.
Load More Replies... "Now He’s Acting Like A Puppy"? Uuhm - no. He acts like a young cow. That's what they do when you bother to form a bond with one of them.
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