Have You Ever Known A Nanny Dog That Raised A Calf?
Lincoln, a 5–year–old Australian shepherd, is a perfect example of what a responsible big brother should be. He is a nanny dog that raised a calf and still babysits him a year later!
He not only plays with his sibling Calvin but also takes his responsibilities very seriously. What makes this relationship so special? It’s because Calvin isn’t a dog like him but, a cow.
First time in the sun.First time on grass.First time being able to run and play.💚 I am smitten .
Posted by Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary on Friday, July 20, 2018
From The Very Beginning, There Was A Bond That Led To This Nanny Dog That Raised A Calf
From the very moment that Calvin arrived at the Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary located in Ontario, Toronto, Canada, Lincoln has always been by his side. The nanny dog that raised a calf story began immediately after they first met.
Before being in the sanctuary in July 2018, Calvin’s life wasn’t an easy one. He was born and rescued from the dairy farm where he was calved.
On dairy farms, mama cows need to give birth regularly, to keep them producing milk continuously. This is how dairy farmers make money. Calves, on the other hand, are sold for slaughter days after they’re born.
Sanctuary Intervention Saved Calvin’s Life
Luckily for Calvin, the sanctuary intervened and provided him his forever home. Immediately after he stepped out of the concrete pen, Calvin set foot on the sanctuary’s fields and was immediately filled with joy.
“He never knew outdoors until then,” said Black Goat Cofounder Megan Mostacci. “He just loved to go running and running.”
Once Calvin’s excess energy had drained out, he met the individual that has now become the most significant part of his life – Lincoln.
Quickly, the two bonded. Lincoln watched over Calvin exploring and running around the sanctuary.
When the time for Calvin’s nap, he was also there, sharing rest time in the field. All the while, whether romping or resting, the dedicated dog seemed to feel highly responsible for the baby calf.
And Calvin was more than happy to have his big brother looking out for him all the time.
After All These Months, Lincoln, the Nanny Dog That Raised a Calf, Is Still Watching Over Calvin
After six months, it’s uplifting to witness almost no change in the strong relationship that Lincoln and Calvin have – except, Calvin has now grown quite large.
But despite this, Lincoln still sees his brother as the baby calf Calvin once was. As Calvin grazes over the field, Lincoln will be watching him over.
“We think that even after six months, Lincoln believes that he still needs to keep watch on Calvin,” said Mostacci. No doubt, Lincoln does his job wonderfully as the big brother, even when he is seen wasting time.
Is it all in the blood?
Lincoln is an Australian Shepherd, also called an “Aussie”. Strangely enough, this breed was developed on ranches in the Southwest United States, not in Australia! They are closely related to Border Collies.
This breed of dog has lots of energy and is very protective of what it considers its property. They are wonderful with livestock and are easy to train as stock dogs or to herd cattle.
Very intelligent but also a bit rambunctious, they are better with elementary-aged kids than toddlers who are too easily bowled over by an energetic pup. They make great Frisbee players as well!
Lincoln was bred and born to protect and Calvin needed to be protected when they first met. It was a match made in heaven! Lincoln took the place of Calvin’s mom. As Calvin continues to grow, it is likely they will maintain this relationship. It is too strong a bond to break. They are lucky to have one another.
Photo and Video Credits to Facebook/Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary