“Bailéro (Shepherd’s song of Auvergne hills) – Chants d’Auvergne” by Marie-Joseph Canteloube, performed by María Bayo and Orquesta Sinfonica de Tenerife (courtesy of J P Pedroso):
“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift,
And the rational mind is a faithful servant.
We have created a society that honors
The servant and has forgotten the gift.”
Albert Einstein
“Intermezzo” from “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni, performed by Hauser and the London Symphony Orchestra (courtesy of Hauser):
In this week’s post you will find everything you didn’t know about the secret life of cows. It will make you smile – become happier in just five minutes! I can recommend a beguiling book “The Secret Life of Cows” by Rosamund Young.
Courtesy of BBC Reel:
It has been reported that there is a new bizarre (not to me!) practice of cow hugging. Of course, it was invented as a result of the pandemic. As we were forbidden from cuddling other human beings, we began to look for comfort elsewhere. In Holland, where the practice originated, they call cow hugging “Koe knuffelen.” In the US, farms are charging anything up to $75 per cow-hugging hour.
At the Mountain Farm in New York (shown above), visitors pay to hug cows called Bella and Bonnie.
Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary in Queen Creek, Arizona, also reported a boom. Owner Aimee told a reporter from the Washington Post that her nine cows, among them Moonicorn, who has only one eye and one horn, all love being cuddled by strangers. One visitor, Renee Behinfar, said that she cried when Sammy the cow lay her head in her lap and fell asleep. I suspect that I might cry too, if a 1,300 lb cow decided to have a nap on top of me, but Ms Behinfar insisted that hers were only tears of gratitude.
Scientifically, there are all sorts of biological reasons why cow hugging is good for us. It promotes positivity by boosting oxytocin, the hormone released in social bonding.
Courtesy of Kinder World:
I have empathy with all animals but unusually with cows which stems from my earlier experience when I was 15 years old. During my summer holidays, I would travel to a farm situated on top of a mountain and stay there for a few weeks every year. I loved to travel on the open carriage of the goods steam train because I could sit on the floor of an open platform and watch the passing landscape, while listening to the soothing sound of the steam and the wheels singing in unison.
The farmers, long-time friends, knew that first thing in the morning after arrival, I would take all the cows to their grazing field, and then clean up their shed. It meant washing the walls and the floor thoroughly, wiping it dry, and filling it with fresh straw. The cows would come back for milking and to the clean, straw-smelling shed. They slept well that night. I slept very well too, happily tired, and in the most comfortable bed, I have ever known. It was a big wooden bed with all the pillows and eiderdown so light and fluffy, you just wouldn’t know that they were there if you didn’t see them. There were the freshness and the faint scent of wood as the house was built of wood, although you would not realise this as the walls were rendered and painted white. The house was large and spacious, and my bedroom had the additional pleasure for me – the branches of an apple tree filling the open window.
During my stay, I learned many things about cows’ personalities, intelligence, and memory. At the farm, the cows had space and liberty, and because of this, their response was to reveal their true and lovely nature. It was obvious that they responded better because they were well looked after. I instinctively knew already that animals deserve our care, respect, and understanding, and I wasn’t surprised that the cows recognised this, and I was never hurt by anyone of them.
“Myfanwy” by Joseph Parry, performed by Sheku Kanney-Mason:
In one of my posts, I wrote about a herd of elephants who remembered the man who saved them from being killed and would come back to the compound every year on the anniversary of his death to mourn him in silence. During my holiday stay, I would witness amazing examples of my cows’ logical, practical intelligence. The point I am making here is that animals living alongside us should be regarded as sentient creatures and not some inadequate servants of human beings.
One of the things that I have noticed during my weeks of observing the cows, was that if they were given the opportunity to be able to choose what to do during the day, for instance – staying outside or coming in for shelter, or walking on grass or straw or concrete, or a choice of their food – they would always know and choose what was the best for them. Cows are as varied in temperament and intelligence as people. Some can be highly intelligent, friendly, considerate, docile, inventive, and proud, others could be not so, the main thing is to treat them as individuals.
It is a well-documented fact that animals kept in cramped unfriendly conditions, and without the ability to move freely, would be badly affected in their development and behaviour. Stress can affect animals as well as humans, with similar consequences. The most important is that stress hormones reduce the efficiency of the immune system, which compromises the natural ability to resist parasitic infections.
“Scarborough Fair (Instrumental)” (courtesy of Crysantheme1):
Cows regularly seek out plants they sense they need. They pick up blackberries, various leaves – hawthorn or willow, herbs – wild thyme and sorrel, even stinging nettles. But cows’ particular favourites are apples.
Many people assume that animals have no feelings, and they couldn’t be more wrong. It is enough to see the way cows respond to being cuddled even by strangers, let alone people they know and like. They like the companionship of other cows too and, they love their calves like we love our children.
Being so intelligent, cows can work out what to do in many circumstances and are capable to ask for help when it is needed. The companionship is very much evident between cows and sheep. When writing about many aspects of cows’ personalities I have to mention their language of communication. Cows moo for various reasons: fear, disbelief, anger, hunger, or distress. Often, when it is a question, it would be a stare, followed by a quiet moo.
It was reported that the cows who have sustained an injury will eat a large amount of willow tree leaves to relieve the discomfort. We know that origin of aspirin came from the willow tree. They will eat the leaves for as many days as they need and then they stop. Another proof, if one was even needed, how intelligent cows are. Those who live with cows will confirm that part of their communication skills is the use of stare. By persistent staring at the person whose attention they want to attract, they get the reward, it could be food, especially apples, or some help with a problem in the field.
I have mentioned before that cows have a very good memory; they remember us as individuals, and that includes our faces. It is accurate as they notice our height, the way we walk, and even our voice. I noticed the same thing with all the wildlife in my garden, there even wasps and bumblebees come and ‘talk’ to me, not only as a greeting but when they need more sugar on the plate I provide for them in late summer. And, no I am not on ‘something’ or hallucinating, this is a fact, just ask Dr Dolittle. I am joking but only about the doctor, not about my close friendship with my wildlife. But back to the wonderful creatures, that the cows are. They recognised me, even after not seeing me for a year, and remembered that I would clean their house better than anyone else.
“Chasing Sheep Is Best Left To Shepherds” by Michael Nyman:
As sheep are good companions to cows, I need to say that they too have accurate memory. It might seem to be an unnecessary thing to say that all animals respond to kindness, but as not all humans do (“No good deed goes unpunished”, Oscar Wilde), I can, from my experience, vouch for that kindness to any creature is returned tenfold. This is why cuddling is so much appreciated by cows. It is useful to always have a small brush to hand to do some grooming during this bonding session, it will be appreciated. Cows are not colour blind, so they recognise their young among many by looking for the one that, firstly, is the same colour, then on close inspection use their sense of smell. Their sense of smell is used in many ways in their daily life, but one thing is certain – cows don’t like anyone wearing perfume. The subtle changes in head movement, the tightening of the neck muscles, or relaxing, all are significant signs of the cow’s mood or intentions. Head is used in their communication to greet, accept, and recognise another, a new member of their group.
Please allow me to digress and finish on another positive benefit. Scientists proved that listening to birds singing or chirping not only boosted physical health but also mental wellbeing. Birdsong can have striking health advantages by combating stress and annoyance. The research looked at recordings from 251 sites across 66 US national parks and found that tuning into nature can decrease pain, improve mood and enhance cognitive performance. One of the scientists, Dr Rachel Buxton said: “The pandemic has emphasised the importance of nature for human health. As traffic has declined during quarantine, many people have connected with soundscapes in a whole new way, noticing the relaxing sounds of birds. How remarkable that these sounds are also good for our health. These sounds are beautiful. They deserve our protection.” The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
I keep my Alexa switched on with a camera showing the back garden, and the sound of birds singing is so enjoyable that my writing seems to flow, and that is why so many readers like it!
“In Paradisum” from “Requiem” Opus 48 VII. by Gabriel Fauré, performed by Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (courtesy of KingsCollegeChoir):
naturetails 
Lovely essay, Joanna. We had gerbils that when they wanted the food dish refilled, would stand with one paw on the side of the dish, look pointedly at the dish, stare at us and repeat. It’s amazing how species can learn to communicate with other, if we but stop and observe. We would all be better off both inter-specie and intra-specie if we could learn to pause, listen, and respond in kind.
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i love cows too, & also had the blessing of living with a herd in the Ozarks. my husband was the cowboy & i was the back-to-the-land hippie. they were very good years, those caretaking times🤗
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Thank you so much, Pat, for your wonderful comments, and the additional details. I am not surprised by the behaviour of your gerbils at all, my cat, Felicity, knows all the days of the week, and talking to her is like talking to a young human. The intelligence of my hedgehog, Gaby was astonishing, and at some point I will publish the posts about his extraordinary abilities. A close contact with animals and learning how much they understand changed my outlook on life, and of nature.
Thank you, Pat, again, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you for your interesting comments! As cows are holly in India, you would be expected to love them. Your little snippets about your colourful life are astonishing!
Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated!
Joanna
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Oh, I love it Joanna! 💜🐮🐄
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I look forward to reading more about your pet animals.
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Thank you, Pat, except I don’t have pets, just friends living with me who happen to be animals.
joanna
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Ah, a defining difference.
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Thank you, Filipa, for your lovely comment! Your praise is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Yes!
Joanna x
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What a delightful post Joanna. I totally agree that all creatures should be treated as individuals and I hate that some are exploited purely for human gain. The fact that some farmed animals never get to see grass, or experience fresh air is, in my view, a criminal act. Thank you for this CUDdly, MOOving account.
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Delightful, Joanna. I can always count on you for something uplifting. As a kid I was terrified of cows but it was because we were in a field one day walking my aunt’s dog and I think she was barking at them so they appeared to be chasing us. I so wish I had got to cuddle a calf and been able to spend time with other farm animals. There has never been a time in my life when I didn’t get joy for any animal encounter. I could spend all day watching birds and listening to their chatter. Today I watched sparrows bathing in the water bowls that I replenish every day. There seems so much delight in their frolicking. I love the music you choose to, especially the piece played by Hauser who obviously gets in touch with Nature and puts such feeling into his playing. Thank you, as always!
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Thank you, Peter, for your wonderful an witty comments! One day, I will wite about the greatest friend of mine, a wild hedgehog who lived with me after I saved his life, and what he thought me about the intelligence of animals will fill a book.
Thank you, Peter, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments that lift my spirit! I wrote before that I want to distract readers from the horror of the news and publish the feel-good posts before the end of the year. When you write about splashing birds in water, that is another benefit of having the wildlife close by, it is the entertainment!
Thank you, Carolyn, your kind words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Thanks for sharing so much information about cows Joanna. I really enjoyed reading
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Lovely post about a lovely animal – of course all animals are lovely! Thoroughly enjoyed all the jokes and the peek at the young Joanna. Sending you hugs even though you aren’t quite a cow 🤗🤗
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Thank you, dear Harini, for your wonderful comments, and for making me laugh! I hope you and Topshe are not holding against me for not being a cow! I am following in the example of your “positive news only” friend, and so you can expect feel-good posts. And it is catching
as another blogger decided to publish only light-hearted posts.
A big hug for you too,
Joanna x
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Thank you, Sadje, for your lovely comment! More interesting posts to follow! Thank you, Sadje, for your time, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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You said your next few posts would be uplifting Joanna – and how right you were. This is yet another example of your affiliation with nature and animals, and like you said, there are so many things about creatures like cows we don’t really understand or appreciate, which thankfully you have now told us about.
As you know, I always enjoy your music and video clips, and I especially enjoyed the hugging one. You’ve mentioned before about your time on the farm and it’s obvious that it has left a lasting impression on you. I can equate with that because I got to learn quite a lot when I lived in the countryside for quite a number of years. A good farmer friend of mine had a herd of 98 cows and they all had their own name. If he wanted one to come to him, he would shout out its name and they would know which one he was calling. I always thought that was incredible.
This is another one of your gems Joanna, and I hope you’ve got some more up your sleeve. Incidentally, I responded to your comment on my post and sent you an email, but I didn’t get a reply to either, so I’m wondering if you received them.
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Great post full of interesting information, beautiful images, music and videos.
I really appreciate the fact that you share with us the fruit of your precious research: this time too I learned many things that I didn’t know. 💞💞💞
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Thank you, Malc, for your wonderful comments, and the additional details about the farm and the cows! There is so much more about the intelligence of animals that one could fill the book!
No, I didn’t receive the email, but the chaos around us is overwhelming, hence my light-hearted, feel-good posts!
More interesting posts to follow.
Joanna x
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Great!
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Thank you!
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It’s my pleasure
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Thank you, Luisa, for your lovely comments! I am so glad that you liked everything! Your words are much appreciated!
Joanna x
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Thank you again!
Joanna
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💚
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You’re always most welcome, dear Joanna 💞
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Thank you
Joanna
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Thank you, dear Luisa!
Joanna x
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🥰🥰🥰
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A wonderful post, Joanna. The more we know about animal lives perhaps we’ll be less inclined to abuse them. Will you do a post for pigs? A good book on the subject is The Unexpected Genius of Pigs by Matt Whyman. 💌💓🌹🙋♂️
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Ever since I was a teenager I’ve enjoyed Canteloube’s “Chants d’Auvergne,” and in particular “Baïlèro.” The recording I had was with soprano Netania Davrath.
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Thank you, Ashley, for your beautiful comments! I become a committed vegetarian because I have a grate affection and respect for the pig’s intelligence. The post about them is certainly a thought, thank you for the book title and the author.
You are right, Ashley , the more is written and spoken about the treatment of animals, and their connection to us, the more of a chance of ending the mistreatment animals surfer worldwide.
Thank you, Ashley, your words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna x
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Dear Joanna, thank you for your lovely response to my comment. Wishing you a peaceful & happy weekend 🤗🌹🙋♂️
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Thank you, Steve, for the interesting information about your taste in music.
Joanna
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Thank you, dear Ashley, and likewise!
Joanna x
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Dear Joanna, your wonderful post on sacred cows in Hinduism resonates deeply with me. We consider them akin to mothers, and for those who raise them, cows are cherished as family members. The tradition of cow cuddling is not new to us.
In Southern India, some people keep Punganur miniature cows as pets, further emphasizing the special bond we share with these holy animals. Your personal experience during summer holidays as a teenager beautifully reflects your love and compassion for cows.
You’re absolutely right, Joanna, cows are not just animals; they have feelings and sensitivity. They communicate through stares and moos, and their sense of timing is remarkable. I recall a cow visiting my house daily at 5 a.m. for rotis and jaggery. And I feel that they like this too in addition to apples.
Your mention of the positive impact of listening to chirping resonates with me, reminding me that playing soothing classical music has been known to reduce stress in cows and enhance their milk output.
Thanks once more, Joanna, for sharing this beautiful post on a topic dear to me.
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As a young boy I had a flock of chickens which I raised for eggs. They always greeted me with a stepped up (and different) chicken conversation when I came to feed them or collect eggs. Our two cows would greet us at the pasture gate as well.
As a veterinarian, pet parents were encouraged to visit their babies who needed to stay in the hospital for prolonged periods. Similarly, hospital staff would spend a quiet time with them and I always said they recovered faster after those visits. Your observations, Joanna, are spot on with my own. Stewart
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Thank you, Stewart, for your wonderful comments! To have your learned agreement with my views is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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PS. Thank you, Stewart, again!
Joanna
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WOW Joanna, what a thoroughly amazing post. I never knew that there was actually the practice of Koe knuffelen. I appreciate the respect and the beneficial engagement that cow hugging can have on an individual and the animal. I can see how this can improve physical health, well-being and reduced stress. 💖 Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful message. 🐮🐄🐮
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Thank you so much, Kym, for your beautiful comments! Reading about the amusing or inspiring facts make easier to deal
with the horrific daily news.
Joanna x
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Oh Joanna, I agree with you. We need such positivity as you noted in an earlier comment and take the attention away from the depressing news. I appreciate you my friend. 🥰💖🤗
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Thank you!
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your beyond beautiful comments! As always, you add interesting details such as a cow visiting your house every morning for a snack not know to cows in my part of the world. The saying “Holy cow” comes from India, and to know that the cows are revered in such a way makes me very happy.
Thank you, Kaushal for your wonderful comments, and your words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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I learned so much about cows, Joanna, even after already loving them. What an amazing post honoring these wonderful animals. 🩷
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You’re very welcome and it is my pleasure as always Joanna! 🤗💖🥰
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My pleasure, Joanna, you’re welcome!
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Thank you!
Joanna
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