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Oatmeal the Blind Steer’s Sad Goodbye

Oatmeal the Blind Steer’s Sad Goodbye

 

Oatmeal the steer lived in a confusing world of darkness, with his eyes covered by inoperable cataracts so thick that he likely only saw dim shapes and shadows. No one believed he would survive, except for a thirteen year old girl named Kendyll.

In spite of the skepticism of everyone around her, Kendyll cared for Oatmeal, gaining his trust and love. The process of training him to walk on a halter took almost two months, but Kendyll persisted, visiting and talking to him every day.

The love between Oatmeal and Kendall was highlighted in Terry Evan’s article in the Star Telegram. Her grandmother, Alicia Mazok, observed, “When he hears her voice, or even just smells her, you can see his whole body just relax.”

Oatmeal had found a cherished friend and advocate in Kendyll, but tragically their friendship was ripped apart when Oatmeal was auctioned off at the Fort Worth Stock Show. He became one of thousands of animals sold at the Stock Show every year, most of whom are sent to slaughterhouses. Many of these animals are raised by youth with the sole purpose of selling them. Sadly, the idea that animals are nothing more than commodities is reinforced for these kids, in spite of the close relationships that are formed. These youth are forced to say heart wrenching goodbyes as they watch their beloved animal friends led away to certain and terrifying death. Emotions run high, so much so that the tunnel where animals like Oatmeal are led away is called the Trail of Tears

On the day that Oatmeal was sold, Kendyll’s tears speak volumes. “She hugged him and kissed him on top of the head,” Mazoch said.

Oatmeal, the blind steer who had only known love and trust in Kendyll, was transported to a slaughterhouse where he waited to die. Fortunately, he received a last minute reprieve. Spurred by a social media campaign to rescue Oatmeal, he was donated to Texas A&M. Oatmeal’s fate is still uncertain, but thanks to concerned citizens, he has escaped the slaughterhouse, for now…

Learn more about the fate of animals passing through the Fort Worth Stock Exchange here

Eating a plant-based diet can help save the lives of beef steer like Oatmeal. You can save approximately 200 animals per year by adopting a plant-based diet.

Download our FREE electronic vegan starter kit today: click here

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