Meet Buddy, the Cow Raised by Dogs and Loved by a Family in Australia
“Our Cows Eat, Sleep, and Play with the Family’s Dogs, Raised as a Dog”
Meet Buddy, the adorable cow who’s become an integral part of Coral and Wayne Algie’s family. Buddy was adopted by Coral and Wayne when he was just one day old and has been raised by the family’s dogs. Over time, Buddy has come to see himself as a dog, exhibiting dog-like behaviors whenever he gets excited, such as wagging his tail like a domestic pet. The story behind Buddy’s adoption is both heartwarming and unique.
Buddy’s mother tragically died after being trapped in a dam near the Algie family’s farm in New South Wales, Australia. It was a stroke of fate that brought Buddy into the loving arms of their family. Coral and Wayne introduced Buddy to their dogs when the mother dog, Bada, had just given birth to a litter of 11 puppies. This unique family dynamic has shaped Buddy’s upbringing.
At the tender age of six weeks, Buddy displays a plethora of dog-like behaviors, including playing catch with his canine siblings, wagging his tail in excitement, and snuggling with them while sleeping. Coral shared her thoughts on Buddy, saying, “Bada really considered Buddy her 12th puppy, and even Buddy didn’t know he was a cow. I thought he was much more dog-like. Buddy loves playing with both humans and dogs, and the care that Bada provides to this orphan calf is simply wonderful. She’s always right there beside Buddy.”
The story of how Buddy became a part of the Algie family is touching. After their attempt to rescue Buddy’s mother from the dam next door, Coral said that when the cow escaped, she was exhausted and passed away shortly afterward.
Since being adopted by the couple, Buddy has seamlessly adapted to farm life. He often engages with the family’s children, Bella and Lawson, in play. Coral added, “Buddy is very affectionate. He often chases and rides bicycles with the children.”
Despite being an honorary member of the dog family, Buddy is undeniably a cow. As a result, his body will continue to grow larger, and he’ll need to sleep outside on the porch. Buddy consumes 10 and a half liters of fresh milk every day, and when fully grown, he can weigh up to 600 kilograms. Nevertheless, the Algie couple stated that they will always consider him a beloved pet in their home, regardless of how “oversized” Buddy becomes.
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