People lined up in a barn on a recent Sunday to celebrate love and nature by kissing a cow.
It’s a free event that Lanette Cook, who works at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, just 30 minutes north of Denver in Weld County, said gives the cow — named Maybell — social interaction and also shares the sanctuary’s mission and Maybell’s love with others.
Lesli Tanski was one of the many people who pre-registered for the event just outside of Erie.
“I've been kind of a mess with everything going on in the world, and just being around animals is really soothing,” Tanski said as she waited in line for her turn with the 11-year-old brown cow with a little black on her face and a stripe of white around her muzzle.
She and her husband, Dustin Tanski, said that spending time with Maybell was needed, considering current events.
“I don't want to stress out that it's 68 degrees in February. They don't. They're just like, ‘Whatever. I'm getting treats and getting kissed,’” Dustin said. “They've been around for a long time and managed to be in harmony. And we just can't seem to figure it out, so maybe we could take some cues from them.”
A cow named Maybell
Staff members at the sanctuary describe Maybell, a Jersey cow, as sweet and nurturing. She came to Luvin Arms about three years ago after spending the majority of her life on a farm as a bell cow.
“Miss Mabel has always been such a smoocher,” said Aoife Phillips, who works at the sanctuary. “She will just walk up to people and give you a full bath just like she does to all the other cows in the herd.”
But it’s not all temperament. There’s also some training involved. Maybell’s been trained using what’s called “clicker play” to position herself behind the kissing booth.
“A lot of the residents here come from some inhumane situations, so they've learned to fear people,” said Jamie Clay Jones, who works with the animals. “The enrichment, it helps them kind of form a new association with people.”
A unique experience
Families, friends and young children all waited in line for their turn. The novelty of the event was a hot topic.
“How often do I get a chance to do this? Not very,” Aaron Watenmaker said.
Another family, all wearing Patriots jerseys, waited patiently, too. On this Super Bowl Sunday, the family carved out time to spend with Maybell.
“I wanted to kiss the cow. I'm not kidding,” Joe Perrotto said.
“It's just wonderful to connect with nature and animals, and it just quiets the rest of the world,” Emily Perrotto said.
