At Uncle Neil’s Home, a caring place for animals in New Jersey, there’s a blind cow named Helen living a much better life than she used to.
“Helen lived in a stall for 19 years. She didn’t have any cow friends. She didn’t graze or anything like that,” a sanctuary worker shared.
But Helen’s life was about to change as she was taken in by the sanctuary, where she got a second chance at happiness.
Helen Learns to Trust
@uncleneilshome When Helen met Margaret 🐂🤎🐂 It went as perfectly as you could have ever imagined. A match made in heaven, an instantaneous connection. Between them both, there are 36 years of dairy and at least 26 children who are, no doubt, dece@sed by now. Helen and Margaret survived because their bodies were able to continue and produce enough milk to be considered profitable and worthy, well into their teens. In a twisted way, it ultimately saved their lives, and how absolutely lucky are we all to have the privilege of knowing such beautiful, gentle souls. May their every day be filled with nothing but joy, fulfillment, and each other. We are so emotionally overwhelmed in the best way possible to be able to witness their love, and continue sharing their friendship with you. They are so incredibly special, and as we guessed from the moment we saw Margaret’s photo and began the process to take her in, they were meant to be… “We could tell that they were gonna be friends” 🎶🌞🎶 #cow #cows #friendship #love ♬ original sound – Uncle Neil’s Home
When Helen first came to the sanctuary, she was nervous.
“She was very timid, and she had a lot of new things to take in. So, for the first few days, we tried to make her very comfortable with her surroundings,” the caregiver explained.
The people at the sanctuary took great care of her. They spoke softly to her and played calming music to help her feel at home.
Over time, Helen started to enjoy listening to the breeze and feeling the grass under her feet, which helped her get used to her new life.
Comforts for Helen
@uncleneilshome Helen asked us to put 10,000 pounds of bananas on her birthday wishlist please! 🍌🎉 We’ve offered Helen lots of different fun types of fruits and veggie snacks, and unless you’re a banana, it’s an “absolutely not!” 😂 So, alllllll the bananas in the world for you, precious Helen. 🎈 Helen’s 20th birthday party is officially sold out! Thank you for joining us on what is sure to be the best day for the best girl. We can’t wait to meet you ❤️
♬ original sound – Uncle Neil’s Home
The sanctuary made sure Helen could find her way around and enjoy herself.
“We hung up windchimes all around her pasture, which helped her get back to her room when she wanted to rest,” the caregiver mentioned.
They also set up a water fountain that made noise so she could find her water easily and gave her a special brush to scratch herself against, which she loved.
Helen’s Way of Hugging
@uncleneilshome One week of life with the most beautiful soul in the world ❤️ Helen might not be able to see us, but it doesn’t stop her from knowing exactly where we are to give us hugs. She is so smart, so happy, and so full of life. Every day is the best day ever with Helen. We’re still waiting on bloodwork and testing results, and then once she is medically cleared, we’ll be able to figure out a companion(s) for her. We’re going to carve out some time to do a LIVE with Helen so you can meet her ❤️ Stay tuned for more info.! #cow #cows #blind #farm #animal #animalrescue ♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
The moment everyone knew Helen felt safe was when she gave one of the sanctuary staff a big cuddle.
“That was her way of hugging and showing affection,” they recounted. It showed that she trusted and loved her new friends.
Joyful Days
@uncleneilshome You’re invited to Helen’s 20th Birthday Bash!! 🎉👑🐂🤎 Everyone’s beloved Helen is turning 20 and we’re throwing her a birthday party on May 4th at Uncle Neil’s Home! Not only will you get to cover her perfect birthday face in endless smooches, you’ll also meet the wonderful residents who call UNH home, hear their remarkable stories, and enjoy refreshments and birthday cake as you tour the sanctuary! We know it’s going to be the most magical day showering our girl with love and we hope you can make it! ✨ DM US FOR THE LINK TO OUR EVENT PAGE OR VISIT OUR LINKTREE ON OUR INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK PAGES 💚 100% of proceeds go towards the care of our residents.
♬ original sound – Uncle Neil’s Home
“Helen really lives every day to the fullest,” said a sanctuary worker.
She spends her days walking around, eating plenty of grass, and making new friends. She still loves listening to music, especially her favorite song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
The people who look after Helen say she’s brought so much joy into their lives.
“Knowing Helen has really been the greatest gift,” they said.
She now spends her days in the field, under the wind chimes, reminding everyone that kindness can make dreams come true.
