Kindred Spirits: Cows & Goats

Cows and goats are incredibly patient, loving, and nurturing mothers and both share deep emotional bonds with their young. At The Hey Friend Foundation, animals live out their full lives and are given the opportunity to grow old with their family and friends. Visitors and staff get to see them through the years and get to know each as an individual. One of the most powerful moments is when you realize how many similarities they share with each other, your companion animals and ourselves. There is no end to the profound, beautiful and inspiring moments we all share together.

Eight Similarities Goats & Cows Share…and us too!

1. They are incredibly loving and nurturing mothers.

Goats and cows both have amazing lifelong relationships with their babies. Mother goats and their kids will sleep side by side, sometimes until they are full-grown. Mother goats will often sleep next to their kids, tightly wrapping their necks around each other. Left to their own devices these moms and babies will stay together for life.

2. They produce milk to feed their babies.

Just like a cow, a goat produces milk for the consumption and health of her babies. Mother goats and mother cows will churn just enough milk to satisfy the needs of her young.

3. They have a language of their own.

All moms and their kids have a language of their own. In the goat world, if baby goes too far away and mom cannot see her she will make a guttural call and quickly search for her kid. When baby hears mom, a responding call will echo back.

4. They sense fear, and they know when they are safe.

Our little Harper was scared and alone when the Farm Sanctuary staff showed up on her farm. She couldn’t find her mom and she knew she needed help. She followed Susie Coston around and found safety in her arms.

5. They mourn their losses.

Just like cows, goats mourn their losses. Whether it be a death or a separation, goats and cows have been known to get depressed and make heart wrenching noises when they lose a friend or family member. Depressed goats and cows can fall into failing health fast without the comfort of their loved one.

6. They help friends through hard times.

Goats and cows are sensitive and emotionally aware. Those who have a special blend of compassion and steadfastness are often drawn to those who are scared or sad. When the two get together they help one another get through the grieving process and form a bond. Soon they’re running, playing and curling up together to sleep.

7. They are problem solvers and escape artists.

Cows and goats are both inquisitive and intelligent. Cows have been known to use their tongues to work leavers and push their heads against buttons to work machines or release grain. Goats use their horns to break down barriers and work their way through wire fences. A goat can remember a skill years later without prompts. If a cow or a goat is scared or simply determined, they can jump fences, walls or anything they set their mind to.

8. They take on their role as protectors.

In relationships where one goat is more timid than the other, the more assertive one of the pair will more often step up as the protective older brother. They will head butt whoever they feel is causing their pal stress and do anything to protect their friend.