Rookie, a little but lively dog, formed a friendship with an odd companion: his human’s brown female cow. Because the cow acted like Rookie’s “actual” mother, licking his coat and nuzzling him, they developed a close bond. On occasion, the rambunctious dog was even seen sitting or napping on the cow’s back.
The attachment they formed was so strong that when it came time for the cow to be sold, Rookie went from being a happy puppy to being the saddest dog on the planet. The family had no choice but to sell the cow, even though it would be difficult for him because they couldn’t afford to have two. The mama cow was pulled from the enclosure where she and Rookie frequented in preparation to be auctioned.
Rookie’s sadness was palpable as the cow was brought outside. He started screaming and howling, and his face was filled with sorrow. While being taken from his “mother,” his eyes began to get wet, and he almost appeared to be shedding real tears. It was painful to watch them say their goodbyes, as the dog can be seen jumping upon the threshold and screaming out to the cow. His mother, on the other hand, had vanished from view by that time.
But then Rookie heard a mooing close one day, and he knew who it was. The quick-footed pup bolted down the street, his owner chasing after him and calling his name. But the dog was uncontrollable, and he dashed as quickly as he could to the source of the noise.
Finally, he arrived at the cow’s new home, another village barn close enough to Rookie’s refuge. When the puppy spotted the cow, he couldn’t contain his excitement and began barking and jumping to lick the cow’s face. It was a heartwarming reunion, but it wouldn’t last long.
Rookie’s owner discovered him and reprimanded him for running away before carrying him home, despite the dog’s protests. He yipped and barked in agony the entire way out of the barn, knowing they were about to be separated once more.
Rookie became inconsolable when he returned home, losing his normal excitement and vigor. He eventually lost his appetite and refused to eat the dog food that was supplied to him. Rookie’s owners were concerned that he would perish as a result of his melancholy. The dog continued to walk about the enclosure where his mother used to stay, waiting for her to return.
Rookie’s owners couldn’t stand seeing him in pain any longer, so they decided to bring him home! They were retaining the cow for Rookie’s sake, regardless of the financial consequences. Aside from bringing Rookie’s mother back, the owners also introduced him to a new playmate – another tiny dog! This is to help him build and develop his social abilities as a dog, as growing up with a cow won’t help him much.
This story shows the concept that animals have feelings as well. They are capable of loving and suffering pain, much like people. This, hopefully, teaches us to be more empathetic toward them and to treat them with the respect and care they deserve.
Watch the video below from the Kritter Klub to discover more about Rookie and his cow’s remarkable story.