Thank you Isaac.

It is with heavy hearts that Retreat Farm shares the loss of Isaac the ox, following recent and rapidly declining health. Though the exact cause of his decline is unknown, we know Isaac had debilitating arthritis and became unable to stand.

In his final days, Isaac received near constant care and supervision, as well as medical evaluation and interventions to try to improve and extend his life. In the end, the difficult decision was made together by Retreat Farm staff, Isaac’s original owners, and veterinary experts at Green Mountain Bovine, that his health was unlikely to improve and it was time to let him go.

A Real Gentleman

Isaac came to Retreat Farm in spring 2024. A six-year-old Guernsey steer and trained working ox, Isaac was given to the Farm by local homesteaders, Kassie and Randy, who wanted to find a place for him to retire. Isaac was raised with another ox, and did logging work around their owners’ farm. This well trained and much beloved ox knew a variety of commands, and could even bow on cue! 

Since Isaac arrived at Retreat Farm, he warmed visitors’ hearts by greeting them at his pasture fence, keenly observing and interacting with those who came to see him–often mooing when visitors left. Unless he was otherwise occupied by eating, Isaac loved visitors, and Retreat Farm’s animal care team described him as “a real gentleman,” carefully working with staff and interacting with the public. He was truly a gentle giant and will be greatly missed by all.

Isaac passed away on January 21, 2025, surrounded by his original owners and our animal care team, and was respectfully buried on Retreat Farm grounds. Retreat Farm thanks our dedicated animal care staff, Dr. Stephen Major of Green Mountain Bovine, and Kassie and Randy for their compassionate care of Isaac.

First two photos from the left courtesy of Kassie and Randy.

Second photo to the right courtesy of Mel Smith.

Far right photo courtesy of staff.

We invite the public to share their memories of Isaac. Photos and stories may be sent to with Marketing & Communications Manager, Amy Britt, at abritt@retreatfarm.org. Questions and concerns may be shared with Executive Director, Kristin Sullivan, at ksullivan@retreatfarm.org. 

Thank you to our visitors and members for the love and care you offer to our animals and the Farm. The loss of a beloved animal is a hard reality for farms and farmers, and your compassion is deeply appreciated during this time.