Tommi & Teddi: A Friendship Forged in Hope

Teddi, a striking black Angus calf, was born with contracted tendons in his front legs. In the world he came from, this made him imperfect—especially in the eyes of those who saw his worth only in terms of profit, not personhood. Despite early efforts to straighten his legs, the deformity forced Teddi to walk on the front of his fetlocks. He was just five days old, but already, the damage had begun.

Yet just in time, sanctuary found him—and with it, a second chance. With expert veterinary care, Teddi’s legs were splinted, and he began a careful journey of rehabilitation. Day by day, with patience, physiotherapy, and a whole lot of love, Teddi grew stronger. Before long, he was confidently exploring the world on four sturdy legs.

Just one day before Teddi’s arrival, another tiny life had entered our care. Tommi, a three-day-old Murray Grey calf, had been abandoned by his mother. We’ll never know why. The farming world would say she “rejected” him—as though her heartbreak, confusion, or suffering didn’t matter. But maternal bonds, in all mammals, run deep. When they break, it’s never simple. It could have been stress. Illness. Trauma. We’re quick to judge what we don’t take time to understand.

And so Tommi became motherless. Alone. But not for long.

The day after his arrival, Tommi met Teddi. One grey, one black. One healing from heartbreak, the other from injury. Both yearning for comfort. What followed was the beginning of a friendship that would change everything.

As March turned to May and May to June, the boys grew—together. Teddi’s legs grew strong. Tommi’s spirit grew brave. Bottle feeds gave way to hard feed, and naps under the sun were shared side by side. In each other, they found what they had lost: connection, safety, and kinship.

And then, just last week, their journey took another joyful turn.

Tommi and Teddi moved to their forever home—a beautiful private property owned by the kind-hearted Jo and Kev. There, they were gently introduced to their new companions: Gordon Whitefoot and Phyllis, two wise and gentle adult cows who were previously rescued by Edgar’s Mission. At first, the boys were a little unsure, especially when faced with the much larger Gordon Whitefoot. But after a few tentative nose touches through the fence, their fears melted away. A new herd had been formed.

Being able to rehome rescued animals into safe, loving homes is a vital part of the Edgar’s Mission story. It creates space for more animals who need urgent care, and ensures every resident—whether here at the sanctuary or beyond—is given the absolute best life possible.
After a shaky start, Tommi and Teddi now have all they need for the rest of their lives: love, safety, companionship, and the freedom to live on their terms, just as every animal deserves.

If you think you can offer that kind of hope through adoption or rehoming, please visit our Adoption page. Because every heart healed opens the door to another.