A heartwarming tale unfolds at Godlingston Manor Farm near Swanage, Dorset, as a three-week-old calf named Silvio finds an unlikely companion in Welsh border collie Taffy. Hand-reared by farmer Ben Bowerman after losing his mother just a day after birth, Silvio has developed a remarkable bond with Taffy, even adopting some canine behaviors.
Born on April 17, Silvio, a Simmental and Aberdeen Angus cross, faced adversity early on when his mother became incapacitated due to inflammation, necessitating her euthanasia. Moved by compassion, Mr. Bowerman welcomed Silvio into his farmhouse, where the calf initially found refuge. However, upon his wife Catherine’s return, Silvio’s new home became the kennel adjacent to the farmhouse.
Despite attempts to integrate Silvio into the herd roaming the 450-acre farm during the day, the calf consistently returns to the comfort of the farmhouse in the evenings, displaying a strong attachment to the Bowerman family.
Mr. Bowerman, 58, recounts Silvio’s transition from the farmhouse to the kennel, sharing the challenges and joys of caring for the orphaned calf. Silvio’s daily routine includes hand-feeding with powdered milk and the gradual introduction of solid foods, mirroring the diet of his bovine counterparts.
Notably, Silvio’s integration into the household extends beyond mere accommodation. Equipped with a GPS collar like the farm’s dogs, Silvio enjoys supervised excursions around the property, often alongside Taffy. The calf’s affectionate demeanor and preference for human company pose a unique challenge for Mr. Bowerman, who acknowledges the difficulty of forming attachments with farm animals destined for sale.
However, Silvio’s endearing personality has earned him a special role within the Bowerman family. Beyond his duties as a farmhand, Silvio is poised to become a mascot for Mr. Bowerman’s son George’s indie-rock band, Galaxy Thief. Silvio’s affinity for music, particularly George’s electric guitar, has inspired plans for a custom coat featuring the band’s logo.
As Silvio thrives under the care of the Bowerman family, his story serves as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, transcending traditional boundaries and enriching lives in unexpected ways.
