A beloved Mother’s Day tradition is returning to an animal sanctuary near Uxbridge next month, where rescue animals will once again run wild and free as the barn doors open for the ninth annual rescue animals Uxbridge running of the cows event at the Farmhouse Garden Animal Home.
The popular community event, which has been running for close to a decade, offers Durham Region residents and visitors a unique and heartwarming opportunity to watch rescued farm animals burst out of their winter barn and gallop freely into the fresh spring pasture. The rescue animals Uxbridge running of the cows celebration has become a cherished Mother’s Day tradition for families across the region who are looking for something truly special and memorable to do together on this important holiday.
This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, running from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the sanctuary located near Uxbridge in beautiful Durham Region. The cows have been kept in the barnyard throughout the entire long winter season, patiently waiting for the grass to finally grow long enough for them to graze on freely once again in the open fields. In previous years, the excited animals have been known to run, jump, and play with pure infectious joy all the way out into the open field when they are finally released from their winter quarters to the delight of watching crowds.
The rescue animals Uxbridge running of the cows event will also offer attendees the special opportunity to personally meet and feed the rescued cows, horses, and donkeys that call the sanctuary their permanent and loving home. Visitors will be able to purchase food for a lovely picnic on the beautiful sanctuary grounds, and there will be engaging and fun activities specially designed for children to enjoy throughout the entire afternoon program.
Edith Barabash, executive director of the Farmhouse Garden Animal Home, emphasized that the event represents the perfect Mother’s Day outing for families looking to create lasting and meaningful memories together. She noted that seeing the rescued animals run, play, and enjoy the fresh green grass serves as a powerful and moving reminder that all animals truly deserve freedom and joy in their lives.
The Farmhouse Garden Animal Home sanctuary was originally founded in 2016 when local farmer Mike Lanigan made the compassionate and courageous decision to transition his traditional agricultural facility into a permanent safe haven for farm animals in need of rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. The sanctuary is currently home to 24 cows, one horse, one donkey, two ducks, six hens, and one rooster, each with their own unique personality and inspiring rescue story to share with visitors.
Notable residents include cows named Aubrey, Butternut, Cocoa, Einstein, Gord (named after the late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie), Milkshake, Pumpkin, Red-Eye and many others who have found a safe and loving permanent home at the sanctuary.
Tickets for the upcoming rescue animals Uxbridge running of the cows event are available for a minimum donation of twenty-five dollars, with children under the age of ten attending completely free of charge. All proceeds from the event directly support the ongoing daily care, feeding, and veterinary needs of the rescued animals living at the sanctuary near Uxbridge.
