The Geneseo, NY farmer had entered the profession with plans to raise sheep for meat. In this industry, many farmers learn to view their animals as objects instead of individuals. It makes sense: It can be painful to bond with a farm animal—as one might do with a pet—only to send them on to their deaths.

But baby Odin helped break the façade. While the farmer’s other sheep had nursed their young, Odin’s mom either refused or was unable to nurse; he would have starved to death without regular bottle feedings from the farmer.

At first, these feedings were just part of the job. A sick and scrawny lamb wouldn’t sell, so ensuring her lambs’ health would protect the farmer’s profits. But the more time that she spent feeding Odin, the stronger their bond became. The farmer came to realize that Odin deserved to grow up, just like any individual, instead of facing slaughter at just six to eight months old.

Some farmers, upon bonding with a particular animal, might make an exception and spare his or her life. This farmer chose to cease her operations entirely. Though she first bonded with Odin, she understood that she could have made a similar connection with anyone—and the rest of her flock also valued their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Since no one would step up for the rams’ long-term care, she decided to send the quintet to Sanctuary.

In March, we welcomed Odin, Loki, Patrick, Tyke, and Rocky to our New York Sanctuary. We agreed to take on their interim care—including treatment for lice, routine diagnostics, and neutering—before placing them in their new home through our Farm Animal Adoption Network.

Due to restrictions around COVID-19, the boys wound up staying a bit longer than planned. To minimize potential spread of disease, all routine procedures—including their required neuters—were placed on hold.

Eventually, Cornell resumed elective procedures, and we scheduled the boys’ neuters for the end of July. All recovered well, though Tyke had a harder time due to additional, unrelated neurological issues. We decided that he should stay at Farm Sanctuary, rather than join an adoptive home, as we are so close to Cornell and can bring him in for additional treatment should the need arise.

He wasn’t quite bonded with the rest of his incoming group, either; so, keeping him with us would not mean a separation from close friends. Instead, Tyke joined the flock in our main sheep barn. Here, he’ll receive the quality care he needs, and the space to find the sheep he wants to spend his life with.

The other four are now at their new home: Huckleberry Trails Animal Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. Huckleberry Trails recently joined our Farm Animal Adoption Network, and we are thankful for their partnership. Odin, Loki, Patrick, and Rocky are enjoying their new space and the start of the rest of their lives in freedom.