Rescue & Adoptions
Adoption Stories
Rescued Rooster Now King of the Coop at His New Adoptive Home
 In
what has been hailed as one of the largest animal rescue efforts
in the history of Steuben County, New York, Johnny Damon and 56
other neglected animals were seized from the property of a Prattsburgh
man, who had kept his animals outdoors without shelter in the dead
of winter. Malnourished and suffering from exposure to freezing
temperatures, Johnny and his friends were taken to the SPCA shelter
in Bath, New York, where they were held until homes could be found
for them. When the SPCA staff called Farm Sanctuary, we happily
agreed to take in all of the chickens and a duck found on the Prattsburgh
property.
When Johnny arrived at our New York Shelter, he was very ill. Caregivers
discovered that he was suffering from a severe respiratory infection
and had a serious case of frostbite in both of his feet. At first,
Johnny's prognosis was grim. But, after receiving intensive veterinary
care, eating lots of nourishing food and benefiting from the warm
affection of his caregivers for several weeks, he made a full recovery.
Johnny did end up losing portions of several of his toes to frostbite,
but in spite of this, he remained active and in good spirits. Finally,
once Johnny was fully healthy again, caregivers moved him out to
his own comfortable barn and pasture, where he lived happily with
a small group of hens for many months.
 Then, late in 2005, we found a loving adoptive home for Johnny in Marietta,
New York. Although saying goodbye to Johnny was difficult, we couldn't
help but be happy for him. Also, his adoption provided us with more
room for other needy birds. By all accounts, Johnny is very happy
in his new home. He lives with four beautiful hens and never seems
to tire of flaunting his gorgeous feathers and flirting with them.
Sweet and patient as always, Johnny has become good friends with
his new adopted mom as well. She says he loves his life and his
new family, and always seems to be smiling. Who can blame him? After
all the suffering and neglect he has experienced in his young life,
his new circumstances must seem like a dream come true.
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