The Origin Story: How It All Started

Every journey has a beginning, a moment when ideas take shape and actions set the course for what follows. The truth is, I personally have been obsessed with the fluffy highland breed ever since I first laid eyes on them online. I began researching as my husband 'coo'd' about how these cows could not live in Texas because of their long coats. Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs are often covered in long coats, and there are lots of them in Texas! Anyhow, I started searching... I wanted to find these cows actually living and thriving in Texas.

The Spark That Ignited the Journey

My biggest challenge during my 'research' years was working full-time while returning in 2021 to online college courses to pursue my Bachelor's degree in Accounting at Texas A&M. Gig 'em! This left me with little time to offer the fluffy creatures that were so desperately calling my name. I continued to search for the perfect breeder during this time. Almost made a trip to Oklahoma to visit a breeder there. During this time, I had already embarked on chickens, and the chicken math would occur each year when I needed to add a different breed or fill the coop with new layers. This fulfilled my farm dreams for now.

Closing in

Facebook and its algorithms don't disappoint when you are obsessed. I began seeing more highland cows on my feed, but often they would be in the Midwest or up north. I know they exist in Texas, and surely a breeder was waiting to meet me... then I came across the heifer of my dreams—a white HighPark with a black snout and black ears, with that majestic stance and stare. Who was this pretty little heifer? I clicked and found myself on Paisley's Pasture Facebook page. I messaged the page asking about the price and availability. I looked up where she was, and her farm was 2 1/2 hours south of where I am. I began the conversation - found her website, found an article on Texas Monthly that featured Erin, and then panicked, what if this was all a SCAM? Erin specifically asks you to make sure you are communicating with her and not with someone pretending to be her. An email was sent to validate. Yes, I was speaking with her directly. 'Storm' was still available, and I expressed concern that my husband wasn't entirely on board.

SCHEDULING THE MEET & GREET

I had pre-purchased and pre-scheduled a trip to San Antonio to see my country boyfriend (not really, but a girl can dream), Cody Johnson. Our grandson's graduation party ended up being scheduled at the same time, so I sent my husband and took my mom and her best friend to San Antonio for dinner, a concert, and the next day we would meet Erin and the cows. I don't know if I was more excited for Cody Johnson or the cows. :) EEK. We got up that Sunday and had a nice breakfast, then headed out to Pipe Creek to Paisley's Pasture. Erin met us surrounded by the micros, minis, and standard highlands. Sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens... she is living my dream, I thought!?!?! Erin exudes true love for the animals. I was convinced that I would be buying from someone who was true to their word and who truly wanted the best for their cows. I was sold.

Gaining Support and Momentum

I was not done with school yet, but had tucked away some of the bonus I had received at work, so I went ahead and made my deposit. There was no turning back... for me, anyhow... so my next feat was to get the husband on board. I had a few months because the cows weren't fully weaned from their mommas yet, and while I was there, I decided to pair Storm with a bull named Copper so they would come from the same farm home with me! Below is baby Storm with some of the other highlands.

My husband was starting to come around, so we planned a trip for him to meet Erin and the cows in person. We needed to be on the same page to provide the best experience for the cows and us. It didn't take long for him to come around after visiting Erin and the cows. Now I was genuinely excited, as this was happening! I only had a few things I needed to secure to make the dream complete.

ALL THE THINGS - Preparing for arrival

It was important to ensure I had everything I needed when I brought the cows home. Could I borrow a trailer, or pay to have the cows delivered? Sure. But eventually, I'm going to need a trailer to take them to the vet or 'events'. Believe me, this is when I knew the husband was IN - he made some phone calls to help find me a cattle trailer. New. Love.

Cattle trailer - CHECK.

Hay on the land - CHECK

This was also a sign: the husband made the calls and went to pick up our first rounds of hay to place on the land. AND got the concrete troughs and put them with hoses that would reach on the land.

Concrete Troughs - CHECK

Beef cubes for treats - CHECK

I felt ready. Little did I know...

We went to pick up Storm, but we didn't have a smaller enclosure to keep her in while she got used to us, so off to Tractor Supply we went. Got what we needed, but I had thrown out my back. My husband reached out to a neighbor who luckily came to help us set up and get Storm unloaded.

Beginning the bonding

The next few days were just animal bliss!

• Persistence matters: Everyday we spent time with Storm, whether it was just sitting with her or brushing her coat, walking with the harness, and of course treats.

• Trust the process: The cow is stressed after riding in a trailer but she quickly warmed up to us. She was set up in the small enclosure with a solar light next to the enclosure so she wasn't sleeping in the dark alone.

My LGD's weren't real sure about these new members of the family. Maya, my protector, decided as long as she got treats alongside the cows that she would accept them. Waylon, however, was not real sure that would do the trick for him. Mom's Aussiedoodle was the least disturbed. Heck, that dog can run 30 mph so not much concern for her moving out of the cows way.

The Foundation for Growth

Next, we made another trip to get our bull, Thunder (Copper). Again, we brought him home and placed him in the enclosure with Storm. Storm let him know she would be the boss, and I had to put out two separate bundles of hay so that he could get some! I messaged Erin thinking maybe we mis-matched this pair, but she assured me that Storm would be the Matriarch of the pastures and this was normal. Okay, as long as I know this behaviour is normal..

Thunder, is the cutest micro bull I have ever seen. He has the sweetest temperment and tolerates the Diva that Storm is. We began walking them out of the enclosure and allowing them to roam the property. They would surprise us at the front door, or right off the back of our deck in the backyard grazing the grass close to the house.

I then made a deal to procure a steer and a second heifer from Erin. This would be my starter herd. Her promise to help me get my starter herd was coming true.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Today, January 17th we are arriving home with Aurora (Sitka) and Comet (Oddball). We will place them in the enclosure and spend our time getting to know these new furry members of our family while allowing Storm and Thunder visit from a distance. It's been an adventurous few months taking on this new journey. Next up will be to get insurance and waivers for visitors to sign while on the property.

Hoping we can get others to want to come spend time getting to know these gentle beauties with us in the near future!