Herd of Cows Grieving the Loss of One of Their Own Bring All the Tears
If you're an animal lover like me, you probably love spotting cows, dogs, and other animals from the car. Even as a child, I got so excited every time we'd pass a farm that I'd startle my parents when I'd shout, "cow!" My reactions are a bit less dramatic now that I'm an adult, but I still find myself smiling when I see someone riding a horse or a group of fire-preventing goats eating grass on the hillside.
If my whole mood can turn around at the sight of farm animals, I can only imagine how easy it would be to bond with a herd of cows like the one at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary. These authentic and intuitive animals have so much love for one another, and it's incredibly bittersweet to witness the ways they grieve the loss of one of their own.
A January 9 video from the largest cow sanctuary in the United States showed exactly how the herd said goodbye to Hank, a cow who was sick with an intestinal disease. It was a tragic day for everyone at the farm, but the love everyone has for Hank is truly moving.
Rest in Peace, beautiful Hank! It's incredible to see the way his herd gathered around him to shower him with love in his final moments, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't heartbreaking, too. Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of life's greatest sorrows, and there's no doubt that these cows are grieving in a way many people can relate to. From the zoned-out staring to the 'dance' of grief, these acts look oh-so-familiar.
Related: Devastated Horse Grieves the Absence of Her Baby in Video That Makes Us Want to Sob
It was equally touching to see how many commenters sent their well-wishes and words of love to Hank, his herd, and the folks who care for the farm animals at @crittercreekfs. The sentiments that had me sobbing, though, were the stories from other cow owners like @jules_kem: "We had a cow who was dying, and the whole herd in a single file walked up to her and acknowledged her. It was very moving." That would have me in tears! Clearly, the beautiful moment from Critter Creek herd of cows is not an isolated incident.
It's Easy to Forget that Animals Grieve Too
As sad as this video is, it's also a very special reminder that animals' feelings and emotions aren't as unfamiliar to us as we may think. Cows may not hold a formal memorial service or honor lost friends by sharing old stories, but the way they gathered around Hank and reacted after his death leaves no doubt that they grieve in their own ways. Even squirrels mourn the dead!
Many people have observed grief in pets who have experienced a loss, too. Whether a mourning dog becomes isolated and lethargic or a cat continues to look for the lost loved one, every animal has its own way of dealing with grief and loss. Hank's herd is always going to miss him, but it's important to remember that he was so loved, too. Rest in peace, Hank!
