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“That though the heart is breaking, happiness can exist in a moment”-Zora Neale Hurston


5 years ago I (Michelle) connected with a kindred spirit online, Kerri. Kerri had recently moved from Brisbane city to Warwick, and gone vegan after making a personal connection with the farmed cattle next door to her new home. After realising that each cow had individual personalities just like her dogs that she loved dearly, she couldn’t support the exploitation or suffering of any living being. She and her husband became animal rights advocates, and began learning ways they could continue to help animals. They decided they wanted to help rescue animals in need, and adopted 2 calves from the same dairy we rescued Blue from. Thats how we connected, and made friends online! We bonded instantly, and have grown from friends to family over the years. Kerri is often the person I call when I’m having a bad day, the person I think of when I need inspiration, and one of the people who fill my heart with endless love and support. It is so rare to meet someone you feel truly connected to nowadays, which is why Kerri and I value each others friendship so much. Over the years, Kerri and her husband Ross rescued 2 more calves, 4 goats, 2 turkeys, 4 roosters and 3 hens. They created their own sanctuary full of love, kindness, and positivity. They not only took care of their own rescued animals, but worked full time and donated towards so many other sanctuaries and rescues around the world. Kerri and Ross felt they had found their purpose in life, and finally built the life they were always meant to live. In May 2022 Kerri was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage 3. Due to the size and rapid growth of her tumours, she was immediately sent to specialists and admitted for Surgery. In June 2022, she underwent surgery where they successfully removed the 7kg mass, and thought they had a successfully removed the tumours with good margins. They decided to treat Kerri with chemo just to ensure any leftover cells were zapped away, but told her that her prognosis was good. Kerri began her Chemotherapy in September 2022. Whilst sitting waiting for Kerri during her first rounds of chemo, Ross scratched his neck and noticed something, he felt a lump… Ross was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes and went into intense radiation treatment. So not only was Kerri fighting for her life, but so was her soulmate and husband Ross. Whilst Kerri was undergoing chemotherapy, her doctors found that 3 more tumours had grown in her ovaries. At this point, they diagnosed Kerri with stage 4 terminal ovarian cancer. Receiving the news of Kerri’s cancer being terminal was devastating to everyone around her. Not only for Ross and Kerri, for their friends and family, and also for their animal family. Ross and Kerri were living a nightmare, knowing that she won’t be here to care for and provide for their animals. Kerri once told me the hardest part of knowing she is dying, is knowing that she will be leaving Ross and her animals behind. At this point, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to help Ross and the animals. After all, that’s what families do! They have now found out her cancer has metastasised and Kerri has a lesion in her brain. Kerri and Ross made the heartbreaking decision to move their animals so that they could focus on Ross’ treatment and Kerri’s palliative care. I drove out and stayed with Kerri and Ross for the past 2 days. Kerri and I relived our childhood slumber party days… we ate loads of vegan junk food, stayed up late watching tv, made matching patchwork shirts and had heart to heart conversations. We truly had the most magical and inspiring 48 hours, and then I left for home with their 4 goats, 2 turkeys, 3 roosters, and 2 hens in tow. Kerri and Ross have trusted me to care for their babies because they know Happily Heifer After will be able to provide them with the life they truly deserve. A life that Kerri and Ross always dreamed of providing them. I will never be able to replace them, but I am honoured to care for their animals and share their stories with the world. BUT we cannot help Kerri’s animals without your support…


We are still raising funds to build our forever home. A home where Kerri’s animals will live out their lives and carry on her legacy. Can you donate to turn Kerri’s wish into a reality?!




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