Gentle Giant known as Brutus
A Sentience Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM VINE Sanctuary
Facebook posting, September 22, 2021

Brutus was always a member of the welcoming committee for new arrivals and had a knack for making friends with those who were otherwise loners.

rescued Cow Brutus
Brutus at his most typical, sharing breakfast with birds

Today we said a sad farewell to the gentle giant known as Brutus, whose heart was even bigger than his enormous frame. He was 16 years old, and had spent 11 of those years as a vital member of our community.

A discard of the dairy industry, Brutus originally lived with his friend Napoleon at the home of his rescuer. When she could no longer care for them, they came here. As one of the first few cows to arrive after we expanded from a chicken sanctuary, Brutus helped to create the culture of care that permeates our multispecies community. Known for allowing chickens to ride and rest on him, Brutus also helped out with the care and instruction of younger cows.

In recent years, as a herd elder, Brutus served as a surrogate uncle to numerous calves while also helping steers to make the tricky transition from adolescence to adulthood. He was always a member of the welcoming committee for new arrivals and had a knack for making friends with those who were otherwise loners.

In recent months, Brutus was living his best life in the wooded side pasture, hanging out with friends and mentoring youngsters. His death was sudden, due to heart failure. All of the cows were very upset, mooing mournfully as we conveyed him to his burial.

Brutus was predeceased by his best friend Napoleon, his boon companion Vito, and the first two calves he nurtured: Poncho and Jasper. Brutus will be mourned by his close friends Princess and Mona, his surrogate nephew Ivory, and herds of other cows and humans.

This photo shows Brutus at his most typical, sharing breakfast with birds. We think that he would want you to remember him by going out of your way to take care with those who are more vulnerable than yourself. And by being generous with your love.


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