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Emily the Cow.

Emily the Cow, Vegetarian Activist

Field review by the editors.

Sherborn, Massachusetts

Died 2004

Pet Cemetery.

In 1995, Emily the Cow escaped from a slaughterhouse in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, by jumping a 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.

When Emily died in 2004, her owners commissioned artist Lado Goudjabidze to sculpt a life-sized likeness to stand above her grave -- near statues of Mother Teresa and Gandhi. Emily was buried in April 2005, and the statue was dedicated soon after, on Earth Day.

The statue is labeled as the "Sacred Cow Animal Rights Memorial."

In 2012 the Peace Abbey was sold and turned into an over-55 condo community -- on the condition that Emily (and her human statue companions) would remain. In 2018 the plaza surrounding Emily was rededicated as The Pacifist Memorial, with plaques honoring personages from Muhammad Ali to John Lennon. But Emily endures as the show-cow centerpiece.

Also see: Behemoths | Roadside Pet Cemetery

Emily the Cow, Vegetarian Activist

Abbey Road

Address:
2 N. Main St., Sherborn, MA
Directions:
Abbey Road. In town, on the east side of MA-27/Main St., just north of its intersection with MA-16/Washington St. Set back from the road, behind a statue of Gandhi.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Moon TreeMoon Tree, Holliston, MA - 4 mi.
Oldest Football Rivalry RockOldest Football Rivalry Rock, Wellesley, MA - 6 mi.
Giant Rosary BeadsGiant Rosary Beads, Holliston, MA - 6 mi.
In the region:
Sawed-Off Head of Andrew Jackson, Charlestown, MA - 18 mi.

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