A heartwarming story about rescue, resilience, and friendship.
Every year, over 22 million lambs are slaughtered in Australia alone. This staggering number doesn’t account for the countless lives lost before they even reach slaughter—lambs who fail to thrive after birth and are left for dead, die during birth, or are dispatched on farms being deemed “unviable”.
Lambs are primarily valued for their flesh and are slaughtered as babies at just 6 to 8 months old, never experiencing the fullness of life. When allowed to live a full life, sheep can live 10 to 12 years on average, and some can even reach 20 years.
Lambs endure immense suffering during their short time on earth. It is common for lambs to undergo painful procedures such as live lamb cutting (Muesing) and tail docking, often without any pain relief. After enduring these painful treatments, they are then loaded and transported for many hours to reach their final destination: the slaughterhouse.
While live lamb cutting has been banned in New Zealand due to its cruelty, it remains legal in Australia and many other countries.
Though some lambs are fortunate enough to be rescued or find loving homes, like Barney and Rosie, sadly these cases are the exception compared to the millions that don’t. For those who cannot be saved, they hold a place in our hearts and aren’t forgotten about.
Barney and Rosie are two incredible souls who have overcome unimaginable odds, now looking for the forever family who will love them for the companions they are, not the commodities they were once seen as. Their journey has been one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of compassion.
Keep reading to learn more about Barney and Rosie.
Barney’s journey began as a neglected little lamb left to fight a severe worm burden and barber pole disease, his tiny body dangerously underweight and on the edge of survival. For so many animals like Barney, this would have been the end—seen as a financial burden, cast aside, and forgotten. Barney’s story could have ended very differently, but a kind-hearted family saw his worth and refused to give up on him. They poured their love and care into him, tending to him day and night and slowly bringing him back to health. Once frail and forgotten, Barney has transformed into a strong, lively companion, finally experiencing a life filled with love, safety, and a chance to thrive.
Rosie’s beginnings were no less tragic. From the moment she was born, her life was defined by her perceived financial worth—destined for meat, she faced a grim and inevitable end. But when fate brought Barney into her rescuers’ care, destiny had a different plan for Rosie, too. When Barney needed a friend, this incredible family opened their hearts again. They rescued Rosie, giving her a second chance at a life she never could have dreamed of. From the moment they met, Barney and Rosie became inseparable. Together, they found comfort and strength in one another, slowly healing and discovering what it truly means to feel safe and loved.
Barney and Rosie are living, breathing proof of the transformative power of kindness. Each day, these inseparable friends radiate pure joy, trotting over eagerly for a treat, gently nibbling from your hand, and calling out excitedly at mealtime. They’ve grown up surrounded by love—a love that has shaped their gentle spirits and forged a deep, unbreakable bond with the humans who cared for them, including children who have treated them with kindness and care, ensuring they are not only safe around kids but flourish in their presence. They eagerly soak up the affection and attention, once warmed up to you, they’ll even delight in a friendly pat.
Now, Barney and Rosie need your help. Their rescuers, as much as they’ve given, don’t have the space to keep them permanently. Barney and Rosie need a forever home—a loving sanctuary where they can stay together, continue to flourish, and be cherished as the companions they are.
By welcoming Barney and Rosie into your home, you’re not just gaining delightful companions, but also offering them a future they could only dream of. Let’s give these beautiful creatures the second chance they so desperately need and deserve.
If you have a forever home filled with unconditional love and are willing to adopt both Barney and Rosie, as they are inseparable, please click the ‘Apply to adopt’ button below to begin your adoption journey today.
Start your sheep family today and consider adopting Hope who is located in SE QLD also! Click the following link to learn more about Hope. Hope – Adopt a farm animal – ‘Til The Cows Come Home
