Dylan, the Amazing Senior Steer
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

FROM Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
March 2019

While our hearts are broken over the loss of this magnificent being, we can’t help but think of the major impact Dylan has had on thousands of people.

It’s so hard to share this news.

We are heartbroken to update you all that our friend Dylan, the amazing senior steer who has changed so many lives, has passed away. He has been in critical condition for the last week and unable to stand.

After trying everything we could for him, including consulting with specialists, laser treatments, acupuncture, and having around-the-clock care from our caregiving team, we did not see improvement in his condition and made the best call for Dylan.

With an animal this big, not being able to get up is extremely dangerous. There came a point we knew that, his condition could only worsen. As a team, our caregivers constantly deal with hospice care and end-of-life decisions for our rescued residents, but just because it’s part of their work doesn’t mean it’s easy to do.

And this was not an easy decision. As with all the work we do, we put the animal’s quality of life first, and this was Dylan’s time. Dylan passed surrounded by his caregivers and our full staff stood vigil in the cow barn. We are letting the cows come to his area and say goodbye so they know that their friend, the mighty Dylan, is indeed gone.

While our hearts are broken over the loss of this magnificent being, we can’t help but think of the major impact Dylan has had on thousands of people. It’s not often that one gets to say that a 2,500-pound steer has left behind a legacy — but Dylan has and will continue to do so.

Dylan was a rescued dairy calf that got to live in sanctuary for 14 years, which is not the case for so, so many like him. It’s been said that remembering one's stories makes them immortal — we know that the silly, triumphant Big Dyl will live on through all of our stories and our memories, so please keep sharing them. [Read more at Dylan - A Dairy Calf]

There have been a lot of vet bills over the last week. If you do want to donate to help, we'd be so grateful.

We love you so much, Dylan. You are why we will continue to get up in the morning, be strong, and do the work that we do. We are so grateful to have had you in our lives. Rest in power, big friend.

For the animals, for Dylan,
The staff at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary 

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