When Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary relocated from Oregon to New York, they never expected to inherit a cow. But waiting for them on their new property was Miriam — a lone cow who’d been left behind.
“The owners couldn’t load her up for slaughter, so they offered her to us,” said Eryn Leavens, the sanctuary’s executive director. “It felt like she had been waiting for us to arrive.”
Three years at the New York property means three years of magical Miriam. 💫 When we were given the opportunity to take in Miriam, the lone cow remaining at the new property where we were moving our nonprofit animal sanctuary to from across the country, we jumped at the opportunity. We had always wanted to be able to rescue cows, but our original property in Oregon was not a good fit for such large animals. When we finally arrived at the new property after three days of travel with nearly 100 rescued animals, Miriam was the only one there. She would try to hide from us behind trees, but she was so curious about all of the new animals. It took months for her to slowly begin to trust the humans holding out fistfuls of hay for her. Miriam didn’t have a structure, so one of the first things we did was bring in a large shelter, which she immediately knew was hers. She didn’t have any cow friends, so when we got another request for a cow in need, we said yes. Three years later, she’s a completely different girl. She gets medical care and is an auntie to so many and doesn’t run when we get close. She is relaxed and feels safe and happy. If you’re able to contribute to our three-year MATCH for the animals, we would greatly appreciate it. As a public nonprofit, this special place only continues to exist with enough community support. You all are as much a part of creating this place as we are. Please help us keep going. How to help: 🦚 DonorBox via our website (first link) 🦙Venmo @happycompromisefarmsanctuary 🐓 PayPal.me/happycompfarm 🐄 Sponsor a resident! 🎉 JOIN PATREON for as little as $3/month! 🥳 Send items from our Amazon wishlist 💓 Volunteer! (Our next open volunteer day is Sunday, September 29 from 10-2p!) All links in bio and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Anything helps! 🎉 *** *** *** #happycompromisefarm#animalsanctuary#animalrescue#cowsoftiktok#friendsnotfood#rescuedandloved#fortheanimals#compassioninaction#secondchances
For the first five years of her life, Miriam had lived on the outskirts — sleeping in the woods and keeping her distance from people.
By the time the sanctuary team met her, she was terrified of humans, and understandably so. But the rescuers were determined to show her that life could be different.
At first, Miriam watched nervously from afar. But when she saw alpacas and other rescued animals trusting their new caregivers, something shifted. Slowly, she began to believe these humans might be safe too.
The biggest turning point came when they introduced her to Penelope, a young Jersey cow in need of a home.
“They became best friends immediately,” Leavens said.
For Miriam, meeting another cow changed everything. She finally had a companion who understood her — and the bond gave her the confidence to open her heart wider.
Today, Miriam is no longer the frightened, solitary cow she once was. She’s surrounded by a herd of fellow rescues, adored by the people she once feared, and follows her caregivers everywhere.
From scared and alone to safe and deeply loved, Miriam’s life is proof of what patience, kindness, and friendship can do.
