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Meet the Farmed Animals Rescued by Jameson Humane Who Are Available for Adoption or Foster Care

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

Jameson Humane rescues and nurtures farmed animals who might otherwise end up as fodder for butchers, clothing manufacturers, and leather furniture upholsterers.  A number of those animals are great candidates for adoption or fostering by a lucky person with the space to accommodate one (or a few!) of them. By adopting such an animal or fostering on a temporary or foster-to-adopt basis, the adoptive or foster guardian would help Jameson Humane continue its great work by making more room and care capacity for future rescues at Jameson’s facility.  And as we previously discussed in connection with the rewards of fostering and adopting cats (March 2024 Blog), the adoptive parent or foster guardian can look forward to many intangible, but very real, benefits to their frame of mind and emotional health to be derived from caring for an animal such as a pig or a cow!

How to Adopt or Foster One of Jameson’s Farmed Animals 

Jared Krimsky is Jameson’s Manager of Animal Healing and Development.  Jared reviews adoption and foster care applications for Jameson’s farmed animals, conducts a site visit to assess the suitability of an applicant’s space for the animal in question, and conducts bi-monthly progress checks after adoption or fostering to ensure that everything goes smoothly with the placement and care of the animal. 

Jameson provides ample support to foster guardians.  Jameson pays for all food and medical costs incurred by foster guardians.  And depending on the circumstances, Jameson may continue to help with medical costs after adoption.

Jameson’s online description of the adoption process can be found here:  https://www.jamesonhuymane.org/adoption-process  The key steps in adopting a farmed animal are described as follows:

1. Contact Jared Krimsky to let us know which farmed animal(s) you are interested in. 
2. Complete an adoption application and return to Jared.
3. Upon approval of an application, we will arrange for your entire family to meet the farmed animal(s).
4. A home check is scheduled and then the adoption contract is completed and an adoption fee is paid (Blogger’s note: this may vary or be waived depending on the circumstances).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jared Krimsky at:

Jared@JamesonHumane.org

The Animal Foster Application can be found here.

Which Farmed Animals Are Available for Adoption or Foster Care?

Presently, there are five pigs and four cows who would be perfectly suited to adoption or foster care, according to Jared Krimsky. These top candidates for adoption are described below.  But please note that Jameson has other animals that are eligible for adoption or foster care that require a bit more experience, on the part of potential guardians, in handling such animals.

          Pigs

A total of five pigs at Jameson are best-suited to adoption.  Four of the five comprise two sets of bonded pairs who would have to be adopted or fostered together.

Poppy and Tulip

Jared Krimsky describes the first bonded pair of Poppy and Tulip as follows:  "These two wonderful ladies are six-year-old sisters who are full of personality! They love both people and animals, and are very gentle with all. They do enjoy being with you and are not shy about coming into your personal space. As a result, and since they are full-sized pigs, they are best suited for adoption or fostering by someone with plenty of outdoor space and the ability to provide ample attention.”

Petunia and Cowlick

Petunia and her son Cowlick are the second bonded pair of pigs available for adoption. Petunia is a sister of Poppy and Tulip. Jared Krimsky describes Petunia and Cowlick as follows: “Petunia arrived at Jameson pregnant and later gave birth to four piglets, including Cowlick.  Cowlick’s three siblings live together and are less mild-mannered than he and his mom are.

“Petunia likes to decorate with sticks and will create a beautiful display for you and the whole block to enjoy. She also has the most beautiful blue eyes you'll ever see!   

“Any potential foster guardian or adoptive parent should be aware that Cowlick is upwards of 600 pounds and thinks he’s a lapdog; he has flopped for a belly rub directly onto my legs more than once. Cowlick means well!  He is only four years old and his mom Petunia is around six.

“Petunia and Cowlick are among the sweetest and gentlest big pigs I’ve ever met. They love human companionship. I am currently having some pig-loving volunteers spend time with them, including lying down with them to bolster their socialization. These two pigs just love human interaction! They would be low-maintenance pigs to a foster home or adoptive family but need plenty of outdoor space. They would not be suitable for the indoors.”   

Oscar

Jared Krimsky: “Oscar is around four years-old.  He is a Vietnamese/Kune mix and is known around Jameson for being a very good boy. He is trained to sit like a dog, and knows other commands such as “Go Home!” which will send him running excitedly towards his yard. He’s also known for being what we call ‘soft mouthed,’ which means you can hand feed him and he’ll never accidentally nip your fingers. I’ve found that you can even put your finger in his mouth without fear of being bitten.  Oscar is a bit shy, and it takes him a while to warm up to new people.  But he’s the cutest and smallest pig on Jameson’s property. We’ve been doing halter training, which will make him an even better companion.”

          Cows

Two bonded pairs of cows are available for fostering or adoption:

Black Beauty and Willy

Black Beauty and Willy are particularly good candidates for adoption because they are young, friendly and adorable.  Black Beauty, a dwarf Black Angus, and Willy, a miniature Hereford, were rescued by Jameson’s Volunteer Manager, Jennifer Romanek.  Once they arrived at Jameson, it didn’t take long for them to become favorites for their big eyes and easy-going nature. One of their biggest sources of enjoyment is to eat sweet grain from a “bump” feeder. The cows bump the container, which then rains grain down – sometimes onto Willy’s head! Black Beauty supplements her share by licking the stray grain from Willy’s head. This doesn’t seem to bother Willy, but his forehead looks very funny afterward (as you can see in the photo below).”

Duke and Delilah

Mother and son Angus/Wagyu cross cows, Delilah and Duke, are available for adoption as a bonded pair. Duke is 10-years-old and was raised as a bottle baby by his previous family’s children. Delilah, now a 12-year-old, initially rejected Duke when he was a newborn calf. But once they were reintroduced, they became inseparable! Any prospective adoptive guardian should understand that, given the somewhat advanced ages of these cows, although they are both healthy, they may have remaining life expectances that will range anywhere from one to perhaps ten years. 

Help Jameson Humane by Serving as a Temporary Foster Guardian for an Adult Cat or Kitten

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

Jameson Humane rescues and cares for many cats and kittens and always needs foster homes to support Jameson’s adoption program.  Please consider fostering a cat for either a brief window of time, or longer, to help Jameson, particularly for those cats who need a soft place to land and transition while in their senior years.

There are many benefits to fostering, both for the cats and to their foster guardians.  Perhaps you have been thinking about becoming a short-term foster guardian for a cat already? If you work from home or have the space to take care of a cat, and if you think you would enjoy having a cat companion (and receive the emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits discussed below), then you may be interested in finding out more about Jameson’s foster program and the support that Jameson provides to foster guardians. For more information, please contact Jameson’s Companion Animal Program Manager, Jaime Vega, by email at jaime@jamesonhumane.org

Fostering cats is a wonderful and fulfilling act of generosity, which yields a Win-Win-Win – for the cat, for the foster guardian, and for the rescue organization that has sheltered and cared for the cat.  When someone brings a foster cat into their home, they help socialize the cat and prepare it for adoption. At the same time, the act of fostering a cat brings many emotional and psychological benefits to the foster caregiver, while allowing them to help out without making the sort of commitment for the life of the cat that adoption entails. Finally, every time a cat goes into a foster home, this not only furthers the rescue organization’s mission of improving the quality of life of the animals in its care, but also helps the rescue by making room for other cats who may have a critical need for their care and attention.

Jameson Humane’s Foster Program

Information about Jameson’s foster program can be found here. There are two easy steps to becoming a foster guardian for cats rescued or cared for by Jameson Humane. The first step is to fill out Jameson’s animal foster application. The application is linked on the Jameson Humane webpage noted above, and can also be found here.

The second step to foster a cat currently in Jameson’s care is to allow a home visit. Jaime Vega (Companion Animal Program manager) explains, “A home visit is a great opportunity for us to get to meet the foster guardian, ensure the home is safe and secure for any future foster animal. It is also extremely helpful in getting to know the home layout as well as any resident animals to further pair any needs in the future.”

According to Mr. Vega, fostering timelines vary, based both on Jameson’s needs at the time, the individual cat’s specific situation and temperament, and the foster guardian’s schedule and availability. Fostering timelines can range from emergency placements of 24 hours, to fostering for a specific period of weeks or months, to a more open-ended period of fostering up until the animal is adopted. Jameson’s fostering opportunities are very flexible and dependent upon the foster guardian’s availability.

Foster guardians receive financial support from Jameson. For all foster animals, Jameson provides all the essential food, supplies, medical care, and any other necessities. (Foster guardians are always welcome to supplement as they wish.) Foster caregivers are also given priority when it comes to adopting their foster animal. And adoption fees are waived for current fosters.

 If changes occur and the foster guardian is no longer able to continue with the cat in their home, Jameson readily cooperates with the transition and either places the cat in another foster home or accepts the cat back into Jameson’s facility and care. Jameson recognizes that circumstances can arise which call for a change, but is most appreciative if notice of one week or more is given.

Jameson enjoys working with its foster guardians and values their ability to help facilitate permanent placements for foster cats. For a prospective adopter wishing to meet a foster animal, “meet and greets” are held at the foster caregiver’s home – with their approval and coordination of course. Foster guardians are great adoption ambassadors as they know their foster animal best and can help make adoption candidates feel comfortable with their choice of their new family member!

How Do Cats Benefit From Foster Care?

FelineFoster.org describes why foster care is so beneficial to cats who are currently in the care of a rescue or shelter:

A foster home is a bridge from a cat’s former life to their new life with a forever family. . . . An environment that feels like home instead of a shelter, is usually best for cats. Cats, like people, need a place to feel safe; a place where they can let their guard down and relax, where they don’t have to worry about where the next meal will come from, what other animal might challenge them in the night, or if they will be warm and dry.  Many cats have been neglected or abused and don’t know what a loving home feels like.  Foster families help them learn what it’s like to eat, sleep and play in a safe space. Foster homes play an important role in caring for cats in an often-overburdened system.

The FelineFoster article goes on to describe the cats and kittens that are most benefitted from finding a temporary foster home:

Neonates: These fragile lives need round the clock care that many organizations are unable to offer. There may be special training needed in order to provide special care.

Young Kittens: Helping these toddlers learn to walk and play can be a nonstop source of laughter!  As these fur kids develop, they need a safe place to learn manners and grow up healthy in order to become the best family members they can be.

Cats in Need of Medical Recovery:  Every day shelters are inundated with cats that are sick and injured. Foster care often speeds up the process by providing a quiet, restful place to heal.  You can use this time to get to know your foster cat, help find them a forever home, and raise awareness about your shelter’s medical program.

Over-Stressed Cats: Imagine that you lost your family and home and found yourself sitting in a kennel.  You used to have a whole home, people that gave you treats and toys, and now you have a small, rectangular cage where you spend 20 or more hours a day surrounded by barks and meows and a parade of people passing by.  Some cats just cannot adapt and begin to emotionally break down.  Short-term foster care is like a vacation when you are stressed, and long-term foster care is a more humane way for cats to spend this transitional period from former home to new, forever family.

Emergency: During times of crisis, shelters may be overwhelmed with cats in need.  Emergency fosters pledge to step up and provide a temporary safe space to alleviate the need for shelters to create space through euthanasia.  This may be during an extreme weather event like a hurricane, a sudden expansive wildfire, or even, a pandemic.

Cats Shelters Need to Learn More About: There are some things that organizations just can’t learn about a pet in the shelter. The role of the foster caregiver is to learn as much as possible about the cat in their care, and share that information with the shelter/rescue group, and all the friends and family you know, in order to make a great match with their new forever home.

Hospice Cats: No pet should spend the end of their life in an impersonal shelter environment. As great as your local shelter may be, a home is typically better.  A fospice (foster/hospice) home keeps a kitty comfortable, for as long as they can, until they can’t. Many times, a cat who was predicted to have weeks left, ends up sticking around longer due to the love and care they receive in a foster home.

FelineFoster.org

How Do Foster Guardians Benefit From Providing Cats a Temporary Home?

Foster guardians for cats derive well-recognized psychological, emotional and physical benefits from having them in their home. Even when cats are fostered for only a short period of time, they can fulfill a foster guardian’s need for companionship, serve to ease loneliness, reduce anxiety, and trigger relaxation.  And, depending on the personality of the foster cat, the caregiver may derive joy and feelings of lightness from interacting with playful and affectionate animals.

Furthermore, providing a home and companionship for animals may provide caregivers with a renewed sense of purpose and personal satisfaction in knowing they are improving the quality of life of another sentient being. In fact, caring for cats and other animals in need may bolster self-esteem and bestow a sense of accomplishment. Fostering a cat will provide the caregiver with an opportunity to feel and demonstrate empathy. And, in turn, experiencing that emotion will often boost the caregiver’s feelings of self-worth and result in recognition of the intrinsic value of compassion.

According to a 2020 article about the health benefits of animal companionship on the website of the senior-support organization, Barclay Friends, having animal companions at home:

• Lowered cortisol, a stress hormone, and increased serotonin and dopamine, hormones associated with happiness and well-being
• Lowered blood pressure, heart rate and serum triglycerides
• Increased daily exercise in petting, lifting, grooming . . .
• Lowered risk of depression and stress-induced disease.

“Seniors and Pets, A Pawsome Combination,” 

In an article written for the Preventive Vet website entitled “Foster Cats 101: Why You Should Consider Fostering a Cat,” LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP, describes the emotional and physical benefits she derives from fostering cats in ways that echo the discussion above.  Ms. Buis explains why she is a foster guardian:

I grew up in a household where any animal in need of care was welcome. It was a revolving door of stray cats, dogs whose owners couldn’t keep them, injured, wild this and that, and once, a pregnant spaniel found wandering the desert, who soon gave birth to 14 puppies! It certainly wasn’t easy for my mother to manage and care for all these critters. But she never said no. Well, occasionally, she said no, but never really meant it.

When I moved out on my own, I knew I wanted to continue supporting animals in need, the way my family had. My plan was to buy a house and dedicate a spare room solely to fostering cats. It took a while, but I finally did it. I lovingly call it the Foster Suite. And it has been my absolute joy.

PreventiveVet.com

People often choose to foster a cat before making a decision to adopt.  By fostering a cat, they can experience the upside benefits (which as discussed above, are substantial) as well as any downside such as the time commitment to properly care for the cat and any lifestyle changes or restrictions that may result from having a cat at home. Fostering allows the guardian to weigh these pros and cons without making the long-term commitment that comes with adoption.

Meet the Farmed Animals Rescued by Jameson Humane Who Benefit From The Principles of Veganism and Veganuary

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

Veganuary is an annual global campaign that celebrates the equal dignity and value of all living creatures. Veganuary’s goal is to create a kinder, more compassionate world where animals are not bred for slaughter or for products that damage our environment and our health.  As we said in our blog article last January,[1] Veganuary is a great chance to explore an alternative way of eating, and to experience first-hand how each of us can have a positive impact on the world around us simply by making small changes to how we eat and what we wear, and by fully appreciating and respecting animals as sentient beings. 

Among its many good works, Jameson Humane rescues and nurtures farmed animals who might otherwise end up as fodder for butchers, clothing manufacturers, and leather furniture upholsterers. Presented below are the stories of just a few of those horses, pigs, cows, sheep and chickens saved from cruel-hearted exploitation by those seeking commercial gain.  Veganuary is a good time to get to know them and to appreciate their rightful place in the world as breathing, thinking, and feeling individuals. Through efforts like the Veganuary campaign, we can give these wonderful creatures a chance to live long, peaceful lives in a compassionate world.  

Izzy

Izzy is a 20-year-old Quarterhorse/Paint mix mare.  She and her pal Melly found a home at Jameson Humane after being rescued from a Texas horse auction about 14 months ago.  According to the Humane Society of the United States:

“Hundreds of horse auctions are held each year, in virtually every state. Thousands of horses are auctioned each year, including healthy pleasure horses and ponies, former race horses, draft horses, donkeys, mules, and even wild horses. . . .

While some people looking for inexpensive riding horses and ponies purchase them at auction, the majority of horses sold at auctions attended by HSUS staff were purchased by ‘killer buyers’ who represent or sell to horse slaughterhouses.”

At the time she was rescued, Izzy had been sadly neglected and was in very poor condition – on the brink of death, severely underweight, nervous, and unable to see out of one eye. Although still shy (and blind in one eye), Izzy has been restored to health through the loving efforts of Jameson staff and veterinary care.  She is a sweet, gentle soul who has been saved by the compassion of those who rescued her and by the care of Jameson staff and volunteers.

By the way, horses adapt well to the loss of sight in one eye. In an article for the United States Equestrian Federation, Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh notes that “There are a lot of horses out there living happy lives with only one eye, and they can still do a lot.” https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/your-horse-has-uveitis-heres-what-you-need-to#

Melly

Izzy’s friend Melly is a 19-year old Tennessee Walker mare who was rescued from the same Texas horse auction in November, 2022.

As with Izzy, Melly arrived at Jameson in very fragile shape, weak and barely strong enough to stand up.  Melly loves to talk and enjoys snacking. She and Izzy continue to enjoy each other’s company.

Molly

Molly is a 20-year-old Paint mare who was also rescued from a Texas horse auction a little over a year ago. Jameson staff found that Molly had never been trained to be handled by people or haltered at all. So, she was extremely nervous and frightened by contact with people when she first arrived.  But she has made great progress and has responded well to the loving care of Jameson. She feels confident enough around people she knows to approach them at the gate and welcomes their attention, petting, and (of course) treats! 

One fun fact about horses: anyone who’s had much experience with horses knows that they are able to use their mouths for many purposes, including opening latches and other gate enclosures, making them “flight risks!” The prehensile lips of horses allow them “to pick up very small or fine items with great precision and dexterity and move the items into the oral cavity for processing. The lips are incredibly sensitive and can discriminate with mind-boggling accuracy. Any owner who has tried to medicate their horse through feed knows this. How does that animal manage to sift through the medication and take only the feed?! Blame the prehensile lips.” (From the article by Mary DeLorey, DVM, “Why Dental Care,” https://www.healthymouth.com/Articles.asp?ID=271#:~:text )

Tulip, Poppy, & Petunia

Tulip, Poppy and Petunia, triplets named after beautiful flowers, are lovely inside and out! These three were saved along with their three brothers by an amazing kid in Sonoma. He convinced the rancher to surrender their pregnant mother to a rescue so that the babies would have a fighting chance. The three boys went to Charlie's Acres farm sanctuary in Sonoma and the three girls to Jameson. "Two-Tone" Tulip is sneaky and likes to fit as many apple chunks as possible in her mouth and hide them from her sisters for later. Poppy is sweet and loves to be in the company of humans. Have you ever heard of a lap pig? Well Poppy is your girl! Petunia likes to decorate with sticks and will create a beautiful display for you and the whole block to enjoy. She also has the most beautiful blue eyes you'll ever see! In the heat of summer, they enjoy cooling off in a bit of mud. In the cold of winter, they prefer their matching jackets to stay warm.

Ziggy

Ziggy is a gentle, 7-year-old porcine with a sweet temperament, good heart and huge ears! He’s a nice guy who loves bobbing for apples in his water trough.  Pigs like Ziggy show their affectionate side, according to PigBox.com, in a number of ways: 

“1. Kissing

When a pig presses its snout against you or another pig, it’s a sign of endearment! . . .

“2. Cuddling

Pigs can be HUGE cuddle bugs, especially when they want to show some love. If you keep your pig purely as a house pet, your pig may even begin cuddling with your other pets! . . .

“3. Smiling

It’s true, pigs smile too! They are actually very expressive animals, and their smiles are sure to turn any frown upside down. You’ll typically see a smile when your pig is feeling content or happy. If your pig shares a smile when seeing you, your company is wanted and you are very loved!

“4. Grunting

Though your pig may let out a variety of grunts, the soft ones are what we’re talking about for now. When your pig seems content and lets out calm, soft grunts, know they appreciate you! . . .

“5. Tailing

When you just can’t seem to get some space from your pig, there’s probably a lot of love present. Pigs tend to follow people who they admire the attention of and want to be around. . . .”

(https://www.pigbox.com/5-ways-your-pigs-say-i-love-you/ )

Benny

Five-year old Benny fits right into wine country. He loves, loves, loves grapes! In fact, he greatly prefers any type of fruit over vegetables (he usually leaves his greens behind uneaten). Benny is a well-mannered pig who won't eat his food off the floor.  Instead, he uses a higher level of dining etiquette, preferring to eat his food from the top of a tub or, better yet, a plate. Benny is a shy guy around humans he doesn't know, and is inclined to hide in a nest of his own construction when someone new comes around. But if you bring him some grapes or another favorite treat, he will be eating out of your palm in no time!

Black Beauty and Willy

Inseparable friends, Black Beauty and Willy (both about 6-years old) have indeed found their way into our hearts. Beauty, a dwarf Black Angus, and Willy, a miniature Hereford, were rescued by a kind-hearted woman, Jennifer Romanek – who is now on staff at Jameson as its Volunteer Manager – who saw they were not getting the care they needed.  Once they arrived at Jameson, it didn’t take long for them to become favorites for their big eyes and easy-going nature. They love being at Jameson.  One of their biggest sources of enjoyment is to eat sweet grain from a “bump” feeder. The cows bump the container, which then rains grain down – sometimes onto Willy’s head! Black Beauty supplements her share by licking the stray grain from Willy’s head. This doesn’t seem to bother Willie, but his forehead looks very funny afterward (as you can see in the photo above).

Duke and Delilah

Mother and son Angus/Wagyu cross cows, Delilah and Duke are living their best lives together at Jameson. Duke is 10-years-old and was raised as a bottle baby by his previous family’s children. Delilah, now a 12-year-old, initially rejected Duke when he was a newborn calf. But once they were reintroduced, they became inseparable! The pair were raised on a beef farm and were intended for the slaughterhouse. But the family that owned the farm became enamored of Duke and Delilah. And the family’s love for the pair led them to give up beef farming. In fact, their daughter gave up eating meat entirely! The family gave up the pair to Jameson Humane, because they felt it was in Duke and Delilah’s best interests to seek Jameson’s help in giving the cows a forever home and pasture in which to graze and roam.

Naomi

Naomi is a 2-year-old babydoll sheep who was injured when she was just a few months old and was unable to stand up or walk on her own. After having been rescued by Jameson, Naomi has received the best care possible, including regular physical therapy and acupuncture. Naomi will likely never be able to stand or walk fully on her own, but with regular physical therapy, healing, and muscle strengthening, she has been able to stand and walk with the help of her little cart with wheels. The team at Jameson is dedicated to giving her the best quality of life possible. She loves her adopted flock members, Lizzie, Norman, and Bucky.

Norman

Norman is a 5-year-old sheep who is a favorite of everyone he meets.  He has a big sweet and loving personality.  He craves human interaction, attention, scratching and brushing.  No one loves apples and carrots more than Norman does. As with little Naomi, Norman has bonded with his flock at Jameson (Naomi, Lizzie, Bucky and Norman). 

The Golden Girls Chicken Flock and Rico

 Jameson cares for three senior chickens and a rooster - meet the Golden Girls and Rico! Jameson’s care has benefitted these birds as shown by the fact that they are enjoying longevity far surpassing their breed’s average life expectancy. Chickens are more intelligent than many people think.  They are keenly aware of their surroundings and will eagerly investigate and interact with people. They especially like to listen to sounds and they will answer with their repertoire of chirps and clucks. Chickens can even purr! If you spend some time with them, they’ll tell you their life’s story, or maybe just the latest chicken gossip. They also love all kinds of scents and tastes!

[1] Our January 2023 blog provided information about the global benefits of veganism, as well as resources for enjoyment of vegan cooking.  See, “Join Jameson Humane in Celebrating and Experiencing ‘Veganuary,’ January 17, 2023, https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/news-events/blog/23

Shiver Me Timbers! How Do Farmed Animals Fare in the Winter?

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

Jameson Humane is known for its rescue and care of a wide range of animals that might otherwise face neglect or even premature euthanasia. (See, reviews posted https://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/jameson-humane/role:4.) Among many other species and breeds, Jameson’s dedicated staff and volunteers care for or have cared for numerous farmed animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.

In the upcoming colder months, we hope that everyone will be on the lookout for any animals (whether they be big or small) that might be in distress from the elements. Members of the public are always Jameson’s best connections and sources of information regarding animal welfare issues. The cold/rainy season brings with it potential hazards to animals that can be every bit as serious as those that arise during the hot/fire season.  Jameson needs you to be its eyes and ears and if you see something, say something!

Jameson is well-acquainted with ways in which animals naturally protect themselves to some degree from the cold.  It is important to take all appropriate precautions to assure the health and comfort of the animals during the colder months. 

Horses

          Dawn English, Equine Care Manager at Jameson, has observed the way in which horses have evolved to develop certain natural protections against the cold:

“For horses preparing for winter/colder weather, they grow their winter coat to help keep them warm. Their hair becomes thicker and fuzzier, which not only helps them stay warm but also repels moisture. Some of our horses also like to roll and coat themselves in mud to help stay warm. The coating of dried mud is another layer on their coat to help maintain their body heat.  A lot of times if you brush them clean, they immediately go roll in the mud again.”

English describes how Jameson provides additional protections for its horses during the cold weather:

“To keep our horses warm during the cold winter months, we make sure they are getting plenty of quality hay/feed to maintain their weight. It helps horses retain body fat to feed them a little extra during the colder months. They tend to lose weight burning calories trying to stay warm. For horses that are underweight or might not have a thick enough winter coat due to health or age, we will put a warm comfy horse blanket on them to stay warm and dry. We also provide shelters with bedding for the horses to get out of the wind and rain.”

Cows (and Other Ruminants)

Jared Henry is Jameson’s manager of Animal Healing and Development, Farmed Animal and Equine Specialty.  He’s a key player in Jameson’s care for farmed animals, including cows, sheep and goats that are known as ruminants (aka, “cud-chewers”) – those animals that regurgitate feed previously ingested and then chew and digest it further. Henry describes how ruminants cope with cold weather:

“Ruminants are incredibly cold hardy animals, with the exception of some breeds of goats. Cows and sheep, however, can be quite happy covered in snow in freezing temperatures. Cows, sheep and certain kinds of goats grow in a very thick insulating layer of fur/wool during the winter.  A cow can be perfectly comfortable literally covered in snow. In fact, when temperatures drop below freezing, cows are often better off when covered in snow than they are when directly exposed to the cold temperatures. Snow actually provides an insulating layer as it remains at around 32 degrees (F.) in most conditions. 

A trick of the trade I’ve learned with cows and less wooly sheep is to feel through their winter coats to their skin. Is the animal’s skin dry? Then they’re feeling fine. If they are wet, then we may have a problem.

Another cool thing about ruminants is that their digestion actually creates notable body heat. And their continuous eating, digestion, and re-digestion helps to generate heat that combats the cold.

However, young ruminants are more vulnerable to cold weather. The second most common cause of death in lambs is freezing to death. While blankets on adult ruminants can do more harm than good in the coldest of temperatures (because a blanket tends to flatten their coat and reduce its insulating effect), baby sheep, goats, and cows should be covered with jackets or blankets during even moderately cold weather. (By the way, such apparel makes for some darn cute photo ops!)"

It should be noted that cows need dry areas in which to lie down to assure proper digestion through rumination. Availability of comfortable stalls is critical to optimize the rumination process. But cold, wet weather can often make it difficult for cows to find dry places suitable to lie down. Care should be taken to provide dry, comfortable areas for cows. Bedding materials should be used to provide a barrier between the animal and muddy or frozen earth. https://extension.psu.edu

Pigs

Jameson’s Jared Henry observes how pigs adjust to colder temperatures:

“Pigs’ winter coats are different from those grown by horses or cows. In the hot weather, most domestic pig breeds lose almost all of their hair. But when the cold weather comes, they are totally covered in coarse hair. While the hair does help them some, pigs are not as cold hardy as ruminants. And in areas that receive snow, some pigs will even refuse to step outside their shelter or barn into the snow. 

Pigs seek the comfort and body heat of other pigs in cold weather. They prefer to cuddle with other pigs to fend off the cold rather than putting on a jacket or blanket.  It is virtually impossible to get a jacket on an uncooperative pig!”

Chickens

          Henry describes how chickens fare in cold weather:

“Chickens are very good at regulating their own temperature. When it’s cold out, chickens can be seen huddling like a football team during a timeout. Although they probably don’t know why they are doing it, huddling with other members of the clutch preserves their body heat.

Chickens also fend off the cold by altering their posture. In warm weather, they stand tall with their neck stretched. In the winter, they keep their head very close to their body, which keeps their feathers more tightly compacted and traps body heat. To help chickens fend off cold weather, we typically give them a secure shelter with four walls to protect them not only from predators but from the chill of winter weather too.”

All of Jameson's animals are preparing for the cold and rainy weather! Whether it is eating some extra calories to pack on a few more pounds, wearing a blanket for some of the senior horses who might need more warmth, or getting some added bedding to snuggle into overnight, they're all receiving the special care and attention needed during these cold and rainy days and nights. Be vigilant during the cold and rainy weather for your furry friends and please contact Jameson with any animal welfare concerns.

Grieving an Animal Companion

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

In last month’s blog entry, we explored the question of whether animals experience grief and go through a mourning process when a companion – whether animal or human – passes away. The clear conclusion was that animals certainly do feel grief and mourn the passing of their loved ones; and people need to provide understanding and assistance to our animal companions in finding closure through a grieving process. 

This month, we look at the other side of the coin and discuss how we humans should help each other when we mourn the death of our animal companions and other animals under our care.

The Depth of Our Grief for the Loss of a Beloved Animal Should Be Recognized as Natural, Legitimate, and Deserving of Society’s Support  

            Jameson Humane’s core mission – to promote a world view in which animals are respected and protected from exploitation, consumption, neglect, and mistreatment – recognizes the critical importance of animals to the lives of humans and to the world as a whole. This is demonstrated by looking at the number of animal companions in the United States alone. As of 2018, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

• More than 48 million households in the U.S. had a total of nearly 77 million dogs
• Nearly 32 million households had a total of more than 58 million cats
• More than 1.5 million households had more than 2.2 million rabbits
• Nearly 900,000 households cared for more than 1.9 million horses as companions
• More than 3.5 million households had around 7.5 million birds.

And the COVID-19 pandemic substantially increased those numbers; by the end of 2020, more than 70 percent of all U.S. households included animal companions.

These statistics, no doubt, reflect the fact that we humans derive great emotional and psychological benefits from the love, comfort and companionship of animals. People enjoy a heightened sense of self-worth in caring for their animals and in turn are comforted when animals reciprocate with affection and support. Those of us who have developed bonds with animals know this to be true. Caring for animals fulfills our need to be needed. 

In fact, the bond between animals and their people can sometimes be stronger and certainly less complicated than the relationship with human family members and friends. In a study published in the scientific journal, Evolution and Human Behavior (“Why Do People Love Their Animals?” J. Archer, Dept. of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK), John Archer explains:

“The precise mechanisms that enable animals to elicit caregiving from humans . . . can, in some circumstances, cause pet owners to derive more satisfaction from their pet relationship than those with humans, because they supply a type of unconditional relationship that is usually absent from those with other human beings.” 

But there are, of course, trade-offs. Our companion animals are a huge responsibility, requiring us to provide constant attention and care for their emotional, nutritional, and physical needs. And we must take our animals into consideration whenever we make plans – whether such plans entail a few hours away to see a movie or a few weeks to visit far-off lands. Animals can restrict our independence and flexibility in the way we live our lives. But we gladly accept such responsibility and inconvenience in exchange for the love and comfort that they provide. Nothing beats the joy we feel when our animal buddies rush to greet us when we come home to them. And we are immensely satisfied by fulfilling our responsibility to love and nurture our hairy or feathery friends.

However, because of the depth of our bond with our animals, we pay a huge emotional price when the time comes to cope with their deaths. The sad fact is that our animals pass away all too quickly – often only a few short years after they become part of our families. And for many, losing an animal companion is like losing a family member or close friend. See, “What You Can Do to Feel Better After Pet Loss,” PsychCentral.com.

It is often said, and justifiably so, that nothing in life is harder than losing a child. For many people, animals occupy a place in their lives that is the emotional and psychological equivalent to that occupied by children. Thus, the grief they experience in losing an animal that fills that spot in their heart is often beyond measure.

Furthermore, the grief experienced by the animal’s guardian is often accompanied and intensified by feelings of guilt and regret when the guardian was the one who had to make the decision to euthanize their animal companion.  Even when euthanasia is the right thing to do in order to put an end to pain and suffering, it is natural for the guardian to question the decision and to be haunted by pangs of guilt.

Unfortunately, society (and individual animal guardians) tend to downplay the seriousness or legitimacy of feelings of grief that arise when an animal dies. And this can make it hard for people to feel free to express their grief and many prolong their mourning.  In an article in Psychology Today by Adam Clark, LCSW, “The Cultural Stigma of Pet Loss and Grieving Their Death” (subtitled, “An overview as to why grieving the death of our animals can bring societal judgment), Mr. Clark observes:

“. . . [M]odern-day American culture just isn’t comfortable with the concept of death and dying, especially when it comes to the death of our animals, although that may be slowly changing.

“. . . If a culture naturally avoids the conversation and topic of death, experiencing the grief from someone who has lost a pet can be extra uncomfortable. . . .

“Pet owners who love their animals and consider them members of the family still express ‘I must be crazy for grieving so much’ or question their level of grief, wondering if it is normal to feel the way that they do. In fact, many people experience the death of their pet as more painful than an immediate family member in levels of intensity and duration.”

Where Can People Turn for Support in Mourning the Loss of Animals?

            When someone we know loses a family member or close friend, we do what we can to give them emotional support and comfort, and practical support such as food and assistance with arrangements and communications for funeral services and memorials. Hospice services and other health care and civic organizations offer grievance counseling and support groups. But most people don’t know where to turn for similar help with their grief over the death of a companion animal.

“Research has confirmed that for most people, the loss of a dog is, in almost every way, comparable to the loss of a human loved one. Unfortunately, there’s little in our cultural playbook – no grief rituals, no obituary in the local newspaper, no religious service – to help us get through the loss of a pet, which can make us feel more than a bit embarrassed to show too much public grief over our dead dogs.”

(“Why Losing a Dog Can be Harder than Losing a Relative or Friend,”)

The good news is that there seems to be growing recognition that people who lose animals need (and deserve) the same degree of societal support, understanding, and sympathy provided to those who mourn the loss of human loved ones.  And there are now more places for us to turn to explore the grieving process, to express our own grief, to be comforted and to comfort others in mourning, and to seek a cathartic outlet. Here are just a few good examples:

Bubbling Well Pet Memorial Park in Napa Valley, California.  

In addition to providing a beautiful, serene place for animal burials and memorial ceremonies, Bubbling Well offers online materials and other services to help those who grieve the loss of an animal companion, including aftercare services and a pet compassion careline. Bubbling Well’s online support guide, “Coping with the Loss of a Companion Animal,” is a good source of information and suggestions for dealing with the grief that accompanies loss of companion animals.

• The Pet Memorial Project of the Harmony Fund

The Harmony Fund is an international animal rescue charity. Their Pet Memorial Project maintains an online “Pet Loss Support Center”.  Those materials include numerous videos and articles that provide excellent guidance. The videos include “Coping with Pet Grief and Loss,” “I Miss You,” “You Are Forgiven,” and “It’s Okay to be Sad,” among others.  The written articles include “How to Deal With the Loss of a Pet,” “How to Bury a Pet,” and “6 Ways to Help a Friend Whose Pet Died.”

• The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

The CVMA has published on its website a lengthy list of support groups for pet-mourners throughout California. The site also includes the following referrals to additional resources, among others:

• An individual grief counselor, Lois Mark, LCSW, loismark.com
• Moderated chat rooms for pet loss and anticipatory grief, aplb.org
• Virtual candle lighting ceremonies at 7 p.m. each Monday, petloss.com

Nikki Hospice Foundation for Animals’ help line, 707-557-8595

• Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS)

BFAS is a “no-kill” animal sanctuary located in Utah, which was founded in 1984, and which has developed a nationwide network of similar sanctuaries and lifesaving centers. BFAS has put together an excellent set of resources to assist people in coping with the passing of their companion animals.  Among a variety of other helpful materials, the BFAS webpages include:

• Articles regarding coping with the loss of an animal companion, mourning the loss during the holidays, and animal euthanasia
• Links to hotlines, support groups, a network of veterinarians who help people copy with end-of-life care for their animals, and a platform for those in mourning to write and share letters expressing their grief
• Videos to assist in the grieving process

Jameson Humane Is Here to Help and Invites Your Thoughts and Suggestions as to How Jameson Can Support People in Coping With the Loss of Animals Under Their Care 

Jameson Humane takes in many animals that might otherwise face premature euthanasia. But the decision to humanely euthanize is often the appropriate course for the sake of the animal. Animal guardians who face this sad step are invited to contact Jameson Humane for a list of veterinarians who make house calls for euthanasia to make the process as personal and comfortable for both the animal and the guardian as possible.  Please contact Monica Stevens at Monica@JamesonHumane.org.  Please visit our Grief Support Page for more resources.

Do Animals Experience Grief When a Human or Animal Companion Dies?

by Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

A fundamental principle at the core of Jameson Humane’s mission is that animals are sentient beings who deserve dignity, respect, and empathy equivalent to human beings.  But do animals experience a full range of emotions on par with those felt by people? Do they experience sorrow and grief from the loss of an animal’s human and animal companions, pack/herd members and loved ones?

Veterinary literature and anecdotal evidence indicate that animals certainly do mourn the death of human and animal companions and loved ones. In an online publication of Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Karissa Bennett writes:

“People with companion animals or service animals will strongly argue that animals express numerous feelings such as fear, anger, shame, excitement, and grief. Historically, wild animals have been known to express grief by letting out a yelp, wandering aimlessly, and eventually reorganizing their pack.

“The human animal bond is a complex social bond which is mutual, affectionate and thrives around a family system. Animals view you as a member of their pack. This bond provides safety and security for the family members and their pets and stabilizes everyone’s wellbeing.

“When a family member, human or animal, is lost, becomes ill, or dies, it affects the whole family. Effectively supporting the grief process in the surviving pack members allows the pack to move forward.

“Animals display grief in a manner similar to humans. Aspects of their personality may change for a period time.”

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/animal-health/how-animals-grieve

            Jameson Humane’s staff members have observed numerous examples of mourning behavior in both companion animals and farmed animals in Jameson’s care. Dawn English is Jameson’s Equine Care Lead. Dawn recalls many times when animals have displayed grief due to the loss of a companion, herd member or other loved one during her 12 years in the field of animal rescue:

“Sadly, I have seen a lot of animals pass and have observed how their herd mates, family and other animals housed near them reacted to the loss. On one occasion, a llama under our care reacted in an unexpectedly mournful way to the passing of a goat in our herd. I came in one morning and our sweet girl had passed away during the night. Our llama housed near the goat sniffed her body, rolled on the ground next to her several times, and lied down next to her for hours until the body was taken away.

“While I was with another rescue organization, I was in charge of caring for a herd of horses and got to know them very well. One pair was so bonded that they groomed each other all the time and even walked in sync. When one of them passed away, we took the other over to say goodbye. At first, he didn’t show much of a reaction but we gave him time alone with his companion while we waited for the truck to pick up the body. After a few minutes, we were quite moved when the survivor groomed the other horse from head to hoof.  He then stood in the corner of his paddock, looking away from his friend. He cried out when the truck took his friend away.”

            BBC Earth, in its online edition, addressed the question of whether animals (and which animals) experience grief and mourning from the loss of family/herd/pack members in the article entitled “The Truth About Animal Grief.”

“Because mourning is not limited to big-brained cetaceans (whales and dolphins) or primates – scientists have documented some form of ‘death response’ in seals, manatees, dingoes, horses, dogs, housecats, and more. Striking examples include 27 adult giraffes holding a vigil for one dead baby giraffe, elephants from five different families visiting the bones of one of the dead, a group of 15 dolphins slowing their speed to escort a mother dolphin carrying her dead calf, and a strange case of two ducks rescued from a foie gras farm who formed a friendship at their sanctuary home. When one duck died, the other lay with its head on the others neck for hours.

“Though charismatic mammals make headlines, responses to death can also be seen in non-mammals – such as birds, like the foie gras ducks, and wild scrub jays observed in the field.”

The article describes studies which confirmed “grief processing” in a variety of animals. Striking examples were found among primates and bottlenose dolphins who reacted in grief-stricken ways to the loss of infants.

https://www.bbcearth.com/news/the-truth-about-animal-grief

            How Can We Help Animals Mourn the Loss of a Loved One?

When we humans learn of a friend or family member who has suffered the loss of a loved one, we help them by providing, for example, emotional support and comfort, ready-to-eat meals, and assistance with arrangements and communications for funeral services and memorials. But when it comes to helping animals go through the grieving process, what can we do?

Dawn English stresses the need to let surviving animals obtain closure by visiting the remains of loved ones:

“It is my firm belief that animals should be allowed to visit the body of a deceased companion or herd/family member and be given a chance to say goodbye. I have seen heartbreaking behavior from animals who were denied the chance to have such closure. One example occurred when two bonded, inseparable horses were rescued from a fire. One of the horses grew ill and had to be rushed to U.C. Davis but never returned. The surviving horse would get worked up every time a trailer came on the property, running alongside of it and calling out.

“Even after a long separation between a deceased animal and a survivor, it is beneficial to try to allow the survivor to see the body of the deceased in order to gain some sense of closure.  On one occasion, a gelding and a mare who were in neighboring stalls developed a connection. But they were separated when the rescue moved to a new location. At least a year later, the mare had to be euthanized. We brought the gelding over to the mare’s stall to see her, thinking that it might provide some closure to him. It was clear that he remembered her. He sniffed every inch of her body and groomed her face.”

Jaime Vega, Jameson’s Companion Animal Manager, echoes the need to give surviving animals the closure that comes from visiting the remains of a deceased companion or loved one:

“With an animal in a herd passing, it is very beneficial for the survivors, especially those who were bonded with the deceased, to see the body and to be able to see that they are not coming back. This gives those animals some closure by knowing what’s going on.  The same thing holds true with the passing of an animal’s human guardian. As the fabled Hachiko tale in Japan shows, dogs are very loyal and loving companions. We don’t have any way to communicate directly with animals that their human companions aren’t coming back when they pass away.  As a result, unless they are given the chance to see a loved one’s remains, the surviving animals may spend the rest of their lives longing and yearning for their person or animal companion to come through the door. From an animal’s perspective, knowing that their guardian has passed and is no longer with them is still equally as heartbreaking, although it provides some comfort and closure in knowing and the possibility of the animal living a fulfilling life long after their guardian has passed.”

            The importance of closure, and the instinctual need of surviving herd/pack/family members to visit and pay respects to the remains of decedents were demonstrated in a recent documentary produced by National Geographic entitled “Secrets of the Elephants.” In the first episode of Season 1, the film focuses on elephants of the African Savanna and the closeness of the families comprising the herd.  One elder statesman of the herd, Tolstoy, was a “super-tusker” (one with gigantic tusks nearly dragging the ground), who was revered by the herd, especially by other bulls.  Upon his death, many elephants came from miles away in the Savanna and, one by one during the night, paid respects to Tolstoy by gently touching his body with their trunks. The narrator observes:

“There is a ritual to their grief.  Their actions speak to the depths of their bonds, bonds that endure beyond death.”

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/secrets-of-the-elephants

In addition to letting a surviving pet or other animal view a deceased companion’s body, what else can we do to ease the survivor’s grief and facilitate recovery?  The Colorado State University article cited above provides useful insight and recommends the following steps:

• “If the eating habits change in the surviving animals . . . leave the deceased pet’s beds, water, and food bowls around for a few days after the death.”
• “Most animals sleep in pairs; if this routine is changed, they may sleep in different areas and become restless where they once slept peacefully. Things you can do to support the change in sleeping habits is to make time for more exercise, walk, hike, and play more often. When there is an opportunity to go for a drive, be spontaneous. Creating new memories will help heal the grief and allow the pack to naturally reorganize.”
• “Engage the surviving animals in activity. This may be a time of introducing a new leadership. Be sure to use positive reinforcements and gentleness to encourage these changing roles. Keep a regular schedule to best support the grief of the animals that express anxiety.”
• “Spend extra time together; sometimes allowing our pets to take care of us is just what they need as well. They will get through their grief in their own time in their own unique way.”
• “Comforting grief in pets is similar to comforting grief in humans. Various expressions of grief will fluctuate from day to day, and sometimes hour by hour. Remember, grief is not black or white. Grief can be gray. The important thing is to be patient with your animal and understand that although grief can feel like a roller coaster ride in the beginning, eventually the ride will smooth out.”

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/animal-health/how-animals-grieve

Jameson Humane Can Help

If you have questions or are encountering a situation where your animal companions or herd members are suffering from the loss of a loved one or companion in ways that the suggestions above do not seem to be easing, please contact Jameson Humane by reaching out to our Founder, Monica Stevens, at 707-815-8153 or Monica@JamesonHumane.org. 

Next month, we will address the related topic of how our society views the sorrow and deep feeling of loss that we humans suffer when we lose an animal, and the resources available to help you go through your own grieving process.