I have rescued 25 baby calves to date. Not every rescue ended with a life being saved. As a Foster Carer, you can experience love, joy and happiness – you can also witness pain, suffering and unsurvivable medical conditions.

We will work around the clock to keep them alive, often with the help of other Foster Carers. Each and every calf is given a name and the love and affection they deserve. I have driven interstate to collect just one calf, then collected seven a few months later.

Two foster cows in my care created an incredible bond with me, so I adopted them. They now look over all the frightened babies that I rescue and provide them with a safe haven and protection.

They are such wonderful creatures, they are truly like dogs. When I tell people what I do, I explain that the rescue calves actually rescue me. I cannot express the happiness they bring into my home. ‘Til The Cows provides all medical, nutritional and environmental support for these fragile creatures, also providing incredible support to the Foster Carers.

I am so proud of ‘Til The Cows – we actually do make a difference.

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Becoming a Foster Carer gave me this and has been an incredible journey both in learning and personal growth. In this time, we have cared for 70 calves, 21 sheep and lambs, five goats, two pigs and two Alpacas.

We have also assisted with rescuing calves, a cockatoo and ducks for other carers; and helped re-home a few others when an animal’s family has had a change in circumstances.

Each animal has had their own challenges and shown me how deserving they are of care and compassion. Those few that could not survive, were treated with dignity and loved until the end. All of them have helped me more than I have helped them.

We have been supported by an amazing team that has allowed us to challenge the production and commercial perspective of animal care and ensure they receive the same treatment as ‘pets’.
This support has allowed us to provide holistic care using Veterinary, Allied Health Services and Alternative Therapies. This has seen some amazing recoveries even when we had nearly exhausted every viable option. One day we hope this may also extend to hospice and palliative care options for animals.

Every animal has their own personality, we just need to take the time to get to know them and build trust. This takes time but is worth every second.

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What I didn’t realise was how much I would love caring for unwanted dairy calves and other farm animals that ‘Til the Cows sent my way.

In three years I have had 62 calves, three adult ex-dairy cows, one down cow that needed hoisting daily for treatment, four sheep, an alpaca and many hens come through my farm.

With ‘Til The Cows Come Home’s support, most were nursed to full health and found forever homes to live the safe and loved lives they deserve.

Unfortunately, a small few had health issues beyond the limits of medical treatment but knew love and compassion for their short life, which is just as important.

I have come to hold a deep love of cows. They are loving, affectionate, funny, uniquely individual with their personalities, cuddly, therapeutic and make the best pets.

Their memories live with me forever, and the updates I get from the beautiful humans that give them forever homes is the greatest of gift.

Here are just a few of the reasons why being a Foster Carer is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

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