Ruthie

Tiny Ruthie was born on a dairy farm. Even as a new baby, she was so small that the farm knew she would not be “profitable.” Fortunately, our friends at Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary were able to intervene and save Ruthie’s life. It was there Ruthie met her best friend, Franklin.

Franklin is a senior cow who was also born at a local dairy farm. He was given to a petting zoo as a baby, where, sadly, he lived his life alone for eight years. In 2023, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary learned of Franklin’s living conditions and of several recent injuries. After a public campaign, he was released to Squirrelwood Sanctuary. Franklin was so nervous around the rescued cows, having never grown up with his own kind. Ruthie, however, was patient and gentle with him, and the two formed an inseparable bond.

In August 2025, we learned that Squirrelwood was closing and needed to find new homes for some of their rescued animals quickly. Having cared and fought for Franklin for years, we knew we couldn’t say no, and that we could never separate this special duo.

Ruthie was just three years old when she arrived at Woodstock Sanctuary, but lives alongside our older group of cows because she is so gentle and petite. Ruthie will come racing to the fence any time a human is near, eager for some pets and scratches. She still looks out for Franklin and has begun to bond with her new herd—Mikey, Penny, and Maybelle. We cannot wait to watch her continue to grow and thrive.