Paige Bartell is a former 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) student. She raised Louie the cow to ultimately be slaughtered for his meat.

The teen couldn’t let that happen, though. According to Paige, she was plagued by guilt as she watched Louie grow up and formed a bond with him. She felt like a “bad person” knowing he would be sold and killed after she was done showing him at the fair.

Louie had become like Paige’s child, as she puts it. She knew she had to act if she wanted to save his life – and that’s what she did, despite facing insults and bullying from her peers for her pro-animal rights views.

Paige found Louie a forever home at Rancho Compasion, an animal sanctuary in Nicasio, California that takes in cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks. According to Miyoko Schinner, founder of Rancho Compasion, Louie’s arrival came during a time when Angel, another cow, was mourning the loss of her best friend and in need of companionship.

Much to Paige’s relief, Louie will enjoy the rest of his life at the leisurely sanctuary, safe from slaughter. Watch this video to witness Louie’s arrival to his new home!