Sofie’s Story
The Guinness World Record for the oldest cow is 48 years and 9 months. Sofie is believed to have been 37 years old. Prepare yourself for this incredible story! Sofie was regarded as a living sacrifice by her caretakers and as a symbol of faith by the church, which healed her when she was injured (in fact, it was reported that Sofie had been purposely stabbed!).
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” Matthew 9:13. Sofie’s caretaker, Donna, had known Sofie since the day she was born. When Donna surrendered Sofie to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, it wasn’t a sacrifice; it was an act of kindness and human empathy overcoming a cold, capricious world. This was the best option for Sofie because Donna had to sell the ranch land, though the transition wasn’t without its challenges.
As Sofie’s family was in the process of selling the land, the new landowners took down the fencing, and Sofie escaped. She ended up running near the highway, a little too close for comfort. That night, Sofie had to stay right next to a sale barn, surrounded by the sounds and smells of tortured animals. Her perfect world would have been shattered, and her life was in the balance. She had no idea she would have a soft landing the next day at Rowdy Girl Sanctuary.
Sofie arrived very stressed. She had lost one of her horns during transport, and when she was offloaded from the trailer, she fell to the ground onto her knees before finally getting her bearings and running to the back of the pasture, terrified and in pain.
Sofie adjusted to her new home. Her injuries were managed, and her spirit eventually settled. Respectfully, Rowdy Girl caretakers allowed her to acclimate at her own pace, with anti-inflammatory pain medicine to help. After 37 years with one family, it’s understandable that this was a difficult transition, but slowly she came around—especially when Renee sang to her.
**Update:** Our beloved Sofie passed away in 2022.
