As a male Holstein cow, Theo was likely born at a dairy farm and sold since he would not be considered profitable as a male. He was transferred to a feed store where he was kept with another small female calf. Both Theo and his friend were extremely emaciated, to the point where his companion did not make it.
He was eventually purchased by a man who used Theo as a prop for photos, saddling him up and allowing others to sit on him as a baby. Eventually, the other bulls on the property began getting into fights with Theo, and the man needed to remove him.
That is when a kind woman named Virginia stepped up. With horse experience, she figured she’d be able to provide the young bull with a home until she figured out the next steps. Theo grew and grew, and eventually, the companionship of the miniature ponies in his pasture was not enough for him. In his searches for companionship, Theo learned how to break down fences, take strolls through neighboring lawns, and call out for other cows. Virginia contacted multiple vets to castrate Theo, but due to his size, as he was now fully grown, no amount of medication would keep him calm enough to do the procedure without a chute, a tool she did not have. Knowing Theo deserved the companionship of other cows, and fearing he may get injured during one of his escapes, she made the difficult decision to reach out to us to get him a forever home where he could successfully become castrated and join a herd of his own.
Theo successfully arrived at Critter Hills in March 2026. He was supposed to be a temporary foster, just with us long enough to heal from his castration before moving to another wonderful sanctuary in Alabama, but plans changed. As we looked at the costs associated with transporting him and racing against the increasing summer heat, all parties agreed it made the most sense for Theo to stay at Hills. Though it was not the original plan, truthfully, the Critter Crew was elated to hear of Theo’s new permanent residence. His huge size, combined with his gentle nature and goofy personality, made everyone pretty attached!
Now, he has more space than ever, and his friends are finally his own size!
Sponsorship of Theo goes towards his ongoing care. A one-month sponsorship will receive a digital certificate. A monthly or annual sponsorship will receive a digital and physical certificate, as well as quarterly updates.