Dudley, a rescued cow who was given a prosthetic leg after he was rescued from slaughter, is having the most amazing time at The Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary in California. The three-legged cow recently turned two and had the most epic birthday party ever thrown for a cow. Volunteers, staff, and Dudley’s fans all came out to the California animal sanctuary to sing “Happy Birthday” and celebrate Dudley’s amazing journey to recovery with all of his favorite treats, including watermelon, apples and a mega ball for loads of fun.

Dudley’s inspirational journey started on a farm with several other calves destined for the meat industry when a line of bailing twine had wrapped so tightly around his foot, that it cut off blood flow to his leg and caused it to fall off entirely. Taking pity on the three-legged calf, who had traveled so far, the farmer had a change of heart and decided not to send Dudley to the slaughter house after all. Instead, the Gentle Barn stepped in to give Dudley a new life.

An amazing group of people and a leading bovine surgeon teamed with a local prosthetics company to make a new leg for Dudley and prepare him for his new life. With his new prosthetic, Dudley is now running, skipping, and hopping about at his new home at The Gentle Barn. We’re so thrilled to see Dudley celebrate his second birthday, and we know that in the care of these amazing volunteers, he will have many happy birthdays to come.

 Happy birthday, Dudley!

Who else gets their own portrait on a cake?!

The best  birthday gift of all is love and hugs, and Dudley is happy to receive them all!

Scratches under the chin are welcome too.

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Dudley! Our birthday wish for you is that all cows will be able to enjoy life as much as you.

 All image source: The Gentle Barn