Both lambs had severe health conditions that rendered them unfit for meat production. Otto, born with neurological impairment, can’t eat unassisted. Meanwhile, Squid sustained permanent damage from a badly broken leg.

In many cases, farmers will put ailing animals “out of their misery” since they have no monetary value. Luckily, the boys’ guardians fell in love with the lambs, and felt that they deserved a second chance.

The pair came to Farm Sanctuary three weeks apart, and met on Otto’s first day here. Through their “bromance,” these spunky sheep are pushing through their health challenges together.

Squid was bred at the request of a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. According to plan, a student would raise the purebred lamb, show him at the local fair, and then sell Squid at auction—likely resulting in his slaughter.

Instead, the program was canceled due to COVID-19. Around the same time, Squid’s mother accidentally stepped on his leg, breaking it beyond repair.

This prevented Squid’s breeders from selling him elsewhere. It also left them asking: What do we do?

Some people, faced with similar circumstances, choose to cull their injured animals. Squid would need extensive—and expensive—medical care, and there was no guarantee that in the end, he’d be healthy enough to sell.

Thankfully, Squid’s breeders bonded with the little lamb, and did what they could to save his life. When his care needs exceeded their abilities, they sought Sanctuary placement, and Squid came to us.

Squid’s leg has since healed, albeit unevenly; he takes daily stints in a custom wheeled cart to support his weight and improve his mobility. But even more important for his healing has been his bond with fellow lamb Otto.

Otto was born on a commercial sheep farm, and had issues of his own. As a “bummer lamb,” he couldn’t nurse from his mom; in fact, he couldn’t even open his mouth on his own.

A nearby landowner who helps raise “bummer” lambs brought Otto home with her. His case was more severe than others, however, and she reached out to Farm Sanctuary for help.

We hoped that Otto might learn to eat from watching Squid; he did, in fact, start to mimic his “big brother” by touching his lips to the water trough! He still needs our help much of the time, though, and we work with Otto up to five times a day—from guiding him to water, to placing his food directly in his mouth to cue his chewing. Squid grew jealous of his friend, thinking that he should be hand-fed, too (Brothers!).

Both Squid and Otto are happy little lambs who love life and one another. When Squid’s in his cart, they go on grand adventures—romping back and forth in their shared space!

This Valentine’s Day, you can share the love with these special boys, too! With a $35 symbolic adoption through Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Farm Animal Program, you’ll support Squid and Otto’s ongoing care, along with our work to rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate for other farm animals like them. In gratitude, we’ll send you a digital certificate featuring these best buds. Print and display it at home or work, or email it to the individuals you love!

Farm animals, just like people, are capable of love—and seeing them thrive does our hearts good, too. Join us in celebrating this beautiful partnership, and in sharing this love with those who still need us most.