Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary in Poughquag has adopted the cow who recently spent nearly a month in a residential neighborhood in Pawling. During this time, she gave birth to a male calf in the surrounding woods.
On June 24, the beef cow left Robert Pfister’s cattle farm on Quaker Hill Rd. and crossed Routes 22 and 55 to Fenwood Drive, where residents spotted her and got word to Mr. Pfister. After waiting patiently for several nights, Mr. Pfister and his staff were able to capture the cow and her calf on July 19. He donated them to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary, founded by Ellen and Bill Crain, is currently home for 71 animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and a mini-horse. Because the sanctuary has only a small area of pasture for the cow and calf, and no herd of cows, it will transfer them to the larger Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, in the Finger Lakes area of the state. There, mother and child will live out their natural lives in expansive pasture with the companionship of a herd.
“A full and happy life with her child will be a fitting reward for this brave cow,” says Ellen Crain. “Mr. Pfister is a highly regarded farmer, and Bill and I wish to thank him for his generous donation.” Mr. Pfister adds, “I am happy to donate the cow and calf and wish to thank all the neighbors for their help.”
For further information, please contact Ellen or Bill Crain at Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary, 845 724 5138. Ellen’s cell phone is 845 702 7379.