Care for Cows in Vrindavan are international volunteers who rescue abandoned and mistreated cows and calves in Krishna’s Holy Land, and adds them to a growing herd of happy, healthy cows . They provide stray cows hay, flour, fresh grass, medical attention and a place where they can recuperate from injuries. At present they host a herd of two hundred.

There are approximately three to four hundred abandoned cows in Vrindavan requiring accommodation. Unless they are protected they are destined to subsist on refuse, and become plagued by various debilitating and often terminal diseases, or suffer injury from careless motorists. However, the most immediate danger is that they become abducted for slaughter by cattle rustlers who are active in this area today. Care for Cows’ present facility is full, and there is an urgent need to acquire more land for their protection.

Photographs showing the pain and suffering of these favourite animals of Krishna shocked me into realizing that even in this most Holy of places, Kali Yuga is alive and well. I had a desire to assist Care for Cows, but do not have much spare cash and my desire was fulfilled in an unusual way.

An advertisement in the local store for a dog walker caught my eye. Being a dog lover from way back, I made the call, and for some months I have been walking Mickey (as in mouse) 4 or 5 times a week and receiving $20 per week for doing what I was already doing every day.

In one simple action I am able to go on japa walk and improve the dog’s and my own health with exercise. I am able to share prasadam, and most of all engage the dog and her owners in doing service for the poor cows being so poorly treated.

I am amazed at how so little money can do so much to help ease the suffering of the cows. For example, US$30, feeds the herd for a day, $25 per month or $300 per annum maintains a resident cow of your choice. Donations are also required for medical expenses, building a new cow shed and buying land. Donations can be made through the Care for Cows web site http://careforcows.org/drupal/home/ or given to the Conch to pass on.

The Care for Cows monthly newsletter can be viewed on the web site, and tells about the activities of this wonderful organization. It is both inspiring and entertaining to read.