“They … make sure he’s never alone.”
Nimai, a rescued baby cow, arrived at New York-based animal rescue and vegan farm Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary when he was only a day old. The sanctuary saved him from a situation in which he and many other animals were being neglected.
Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary gave him the care he needed, and before they knew it, he was feeling much better. But he was surrounded by very large adult cows and needed a friend. So when 3-month-old Great Pyrenees puppies Tofu and Tempeh arrived at the sanctuary, they were a match made in heaven.
Everyone at Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary noticed right away that Nimai, Tofu and Tempeh had a special bond. They were born only two weeks apart, are similar in size, and all three of them have sweet, loving personalities.
Even though they’re so close in age, Tofu and Tempeh act as Nimai’s guardians. Cows grow more slowly than dogs, and since he’s an orphan, Nimai has been developing slowly.
“[T]he pups seem to want to protect Nimai,” Eryn Leavens, co-head of Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary, told The Dodo. “They’ll be on each side of him, escorting him around the property. They will check on him if he’s laying down or doesn’t seem quite right. They are always so concerned with his well-being and make sure he’s never alone.”
Tofu and Tempeh keep such a close eye on Nimai that the Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary staff like to joke that they’re his bodyguards.
As puppies, Tofu and Tempeh are bursting with excitement at all times. Nimai, on the other hand, has a more laid-back demeanor. Despite their differences, they get along beautifully.
“Cows are incredibly gentle animals, and Nimai is so tolerant of the puppies, even though their energy doesn’t always match his,” Leavens said.
Leavens and the other people who work at Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary are incredibly touched by their relationship. They’re excited to continue watching this special friendship blossom over the years.
“They’re all so young and it’s sweet to see them bond and protect each other in this way,” Leavens said. “What’s even more special about their relationship is that they will have an entire lifetime together.”
