A dairy cow named Doris has achieved internet stardom after being caught pretending to sleep to avoid her milking. The now-famous Friesian, who resides at Reads Farm in Calbourne, Isle of Wight, was captured on video by farmworker John Brodie as she attempted to stay in bed for a few more minutes. The footage, which has since gone viral on TikTok, has been viewed over 1.5 million times and even made its way to the United States, where it has been featured on CNN.
In the video, Doris can be seen surrounded by her already milked companions. She seems reluctant to leave her cozy spot and join them. After a bit of cajoling from John Brodie, she finally gets up and heads off for milking. Speaking about the incident on BBC Radio Solent, Mr. Brodie said, "Just before I started to take the video – the reason I took it in the first place – was because she was the only one in the barn, all the other cows had got themselves up...And that’s why I got my phone out because I knew she was being typical Doris and trying to play me up.”
Asked if Doris was a “lazy cow,” Mr. Brodie responded with a laugh, "Yes, you could say that. She likes to take it easy, does Doris, bless her. She’s usually the last one to do anything. I think she thinks by hanging back she’ll get a bit more fuss and attention – she really loves a bit of fuss.”
Despite her newfound fame, Doris seems unfazed by all the attention. Mr. Brodie noted, "Doris is really not too fussed actually, she’s quite happy doing her day-to-day thing. But, certainly for us, it’s a complete whirlwind. I would never have imagined that it could have got this exposure and gone around the world.”
Reads Farm, where Doris lives, is home to around 200 dairy cows that produce milk for local shops and branches of Co-op on the Isle of Wight. Speaking about Doris's popularity, farm owner Mark Reed said, "We are delighted that Doris has brought so much joy to so many people worldwide. She is a lovely cow and much loved by all our staff and family."
The rise of Doris on social media is an excellent reminder of the profound impact animals can have on our daily lives. Whether it is the companionship of a pet or the warm feeling of observing a wildlife scene, animals have the ability to enhance our wellbeing and bring a sense of joy and wonder into our lives. As we move through the challenging times ahead, it is essential to remember the positive role animals can play in our mental and emotional wellbeing.
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