WHEN the owners of the Pen y Bryn Animal Sanctuary in Ross-on-Wye took in a blind young Hereford cow just over a year ago, they didn’t realise that their lives would be inspired by this special jewel.

Lana was born without eyes, without a tail and with a myriad of other health issues resultant from deficiencies whilst in her mother’s womb.

Peter Gill and partner Kelly explained that they took Lana into their care when she was just two weeks old in October 2024.

She arrived frightened, weak and vulnerable and stole the couple’s hearts immediately. They didn’t know if they would be able to get Lana through a week, let alone a month, or to spring, but they gave her every chance they could.

Peter said: “Today, every morning that we walk down to the paddock and see our beautiful Lana waiting our call is a precious, cherished one.

“As soon as she hears our footfalls her large, unsteady head lifts slowly in anticipation and curiosity, no doubt her tummy rumbles in recognition that feed time is imminent.

“We call out to her, and her unseeing eye sockets search for us trying to get a fix on our location, her ears twitching gently like mini radars.

“Lana is a jewel, a precious token and inspiration to us and we feel blessed for every moment that she shares with us.

“We love her dearly and she epitomises everything that we believe in and wish for Pen Y Bryn. She is the inspiration, she is the hope and she is the heart.

Peter explained that Lana spent her first winter in a small pen in the garage with one of the sanctuary’s barn cats as a constant companion.

Kelly would often take a duvet and spend the night with her – as much for her own peace of mind as anything.

Whenever the weather suited, they would take Lana out of the garage for short walks around the sanctuary to meet our other residents, to smell the air and to nibble at the grass.

And when the warmer weather eventually arrived in spring, she joined the sanctuary’s small flock of sheep, which soon became her herd, with which she would jostle for food.

Just over a year old now Lana has grown in confidence as well as bulk. She has a lovely temperament and will follow the couple, without a rope from one paddock or enclosure to another, guided by Peter and Kelly’s voices, smell and close presence.

At two weeks old her options in life were minimal, but she was given a chance and through her own spirit and tenacity she has made it a lot further than was ever expected of her.

“She is an inspiration to us all,” concluded Peter.

Unfortunately, Pen Y Bryn is not open to the public, but the owners do offer the occasional supervised visit.

Visit the website: penybrynanimals.co.uk to find out more about the residents or how you can help the sanctuary and read their blog ‘Tales From Pen Y Bryn’.