Emily the cow

I just found this amazing story about a cow named emily who, in 1995, escaped from a slaughterhouse in Hopkinton, MA, U.S.A, by jumping a 5-foot gate. During her 40 days eluding capture, Emily was aided by a sort of ad hoc underground railroad of townspeople. She found lasting refuge at Sherborn's "Peace Abbey," and became a charismatic spokescow, espousing a meat-free diet for humans. She didn't talk, but her huge eyes and friendly disposition inspired many who met her to take up vegetarianism. .
She died in 2004. Her story made such an impact that there was a memorial built for her and she became a household name through stories in major newspapers and magazines, including People Magazine.

“Emily opened the eyes of thousands of people to the cruel treatment of cows by the dairy industry, and the suffering these animals go through,” said Lewis Randa of the Peace Abbey.

Here is a nice article about Emily and the lives that she touched.