Dignity and utility
Bull calf Iwan was "worthless"
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Iwan is around five months old – he shouldn’t have reached this age because they actually wanted to euthanise him. Iwan’s breed is Holstein black and white. Iwan has a white triangle on his forehead and white legs, but is otherwise black. The bull calf could only straighten its hind legs, the front legs were deformed. What this all meant is obvious. It was worthless.
Dieter Ehrengruber learnt of Iwan’s fate and immediately organised his collection: Iwan and his bull friend Michi now live at the Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf animal visitor centre.
Consistent treatments showed health success ...
The bronchitis is almost healed, the front legs are straight and Iwan can stand up, lie down and even jump around in the meadow as normal.
Iwan grows and grows, and that’s the reason why he couldn’t stay in his rescuer’s barn after all. There are only female cows here and unfortunately no room for a growing bull.… and the people changed their minds …
and so Gut Aiderbichl was allowed to take in Michi, Iwan’s best friend, a few days later. Michi is a few weeks younger than Iwan and is also a Holstein black and white cow. His coat is white with black patches.
Animals are fellow creatures - things have the value we give them
Every animal, whether healthy or with health problems, has the right to a second chance. Euthanising or slaughtering is quick – too quick.
Iwan’s example shows that initial health problems can turn out well with a lot of patience and dedication. Sometimes they don’t, but in Iwan’s case they do.
The life of an animal should not be measured by “it brings profit or it does not bring profit”. Nature does not bring “worthless” creatures into its system, as every fellow creature has its value and its reason for living.
Iwan and Michi are happy and content, and bring a breath of fresh air to Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf’s animal visitor centre with their zest for life.
Dignity and utility – simply to think about.
Herzlichst, Ihre Gisela
