Brother from Another Mother

COVER STORY

Sven & Drake

Sven and Drake have grown up together. They are the same age, born only about a month apart. Drake had parvo and a heart condition as a puppy and was given six months to live. Niko, who is a vet tech by profession and a life long animal rescuer, took Drake home, where he was taken care of and slowly introduced in to the menagarie of animals at their rescue farm. The Pelletreau Farm has dogs, cats, goats, chickens, pigs, a parrot and whatever other foster animals may stay there on a temporary basis. All of the animals on the farm are rescues and some are up for adoption. The one exception is Sven the cow.

Sven is a two year old miniature Baldy/Hereford steer. Niko had searched for a miniature cow to be a part of their farm but could not find one. Through a connection in the veterinary field, Niko found Sven when he was still a young calf. Sven was raised inside with the dogs and thinks he is one, although he has come to love sleeping in the barn with the goats and chickens as well.

The animals are all very good at figuring out where they fit in (kind of) and where the best cuddles are, but days on the Pelletreau Farm can still be chaotic. The parrot oversees everyone, whistling at the dogs and telling them to behave. The dogs spend their days in the sun with the farm animals, and the smaller, inside animals all get their turn to run around with their friends. Niko says, “I wouldn’t be able to help so many other animals or foster if I didn’t have such good pets. It’s amazing what friendships form in a safe environment. Of course, caution and slow introductions should always be used with small and large critters cohabitating.”

A video of Sven walking into the house went viral on Niko’s TikTok. Sven’s social media account @sventhecow was then created, where everyone can see the adventures of Pelletreau Farm.

Meeko & Esmeralda

Aubrey Northrop is no stranger to bringing strange animals around her sweet shorty bull, Esmeralda. You may remember Esmeralda from the 2020 Lowcountry Dog Calendar.

When Aubrey was to bring an orphan racoon home to foster, she wondered how Esmeralda would react. Meeko was found orphaned almost three years ago at about six weeks old. This happens frequently since so many adults that are out searching for food get hit by cars, caught and killed by pest or animal control, or are attacked by other animals.

“Esmeralda has always been phenomenal with all of the random animals brought home including squirrels, pigs, chickens, and whatever else crosses my path so it was assumed she would get along well with a raccoon, too.” Aubrey writes. Once Meeko gained her strength back and was able to walk pretty well on her own, they were introduced. Meeko immediately saw Esmeralda as her new mother even though Aubrey was the one that bottle fed her. Whenever she took her out to play or eat, she would follow Esmeralda around everywhere no matter how far or fast. Meeko ended up becoming a non-release case meaning she couldn’t be sent back out into tbe wild, not even to a nature preserve. It’s definitely

been a rough few years since Meeko is technically a wild animal and can still be crazy at times, but the two of them have stayed close throughout the years and continue to see each other as family. Aubrey insists that Meeko likes Esmeralda more than her.

Keeping raccoons as pets is not advisable and is only for experienced rehabbers like Aubrey. If you are interested in learning more about rehabbing and helping wild animals in need, check out Keeper of the Wild at keeperofthewild.org

Juniper & Moose

Juniper is a tame North American Red Fox. Her owner, Jess, adopted her at five weeks old after learning that she needed a home. Working with foxes in rescues in the past and with that handson experience knew that they knew they could give her the home she deserved.

Patient Moose, the Australian shepherd malamute mix, came to them after his six siblings and his mother were dropped off outside of a veterinary office after closing hours. His mother died of canine parvovirus shortly after being taken in.

Jess says, “I had been volunteering at the time and as soon as I saw him I knew he was going to come home with me. He was the first dog I ever adopted, the first dog that I could call my own. He’s a special soul and because of his patient nature he’s helped many smaller animals learn to feel comfortable and safe before going to their forever homes.” Follow Juniper and Moose on Instagram @juniperfoxx or at juniperfoxx.com