You may think keeping livestock in your house is a bad idea, until you hear the story of Jim Sautner and Bailey the Buffalo
The Unlikely Bond: Jim Sautner and His Trusty Companion, Bailey the Buffalo
In the heart of Canada, a tale as extraordinary as it is heartwarming unfolded between a man and his buffalo. Jim Sautner, who became known as the “Buffalo Whisperer,” defied conventions and disbelief by raising a buffalo named Bailey, more like a family pet than livestock. This story, which has fascinated many, proves that the bonds between humans and animals can be both strong and unique, even when the animal in question is a lumbering one-ton buffalo.
From Calf to Companion: Bailey’s Unusual Upbringing
Jim Sautner first encountered Bailey under rather dire circumstances. Bailey, a buffalo calf, was rejected by his mother shortly after birth. Without the care of his mother, Bailey’s chances of survival were slim. Recognizing this, Jim stepped in not as a farmer, but as a surrogate parent. Raising Bailey by hand, he nurtured him with a love and care that went far beyond what one might expect from a livestock owner. This story defies the traditional boundaries that separate human and buffalo, showcasing a relationship that is normally reserved for household pets.
From the outset, Jim treated Bailey as a companion. Their bond was evident in their daily interactions. Bailey didn’t merely linger in a barn or field, as most buffalo do; instead, he lived inside Jim’s house. Jim and Bailey even took their escapades on the road, with Bailey riding shotgun in Jim’s convertible. This was more than just a quirk of animal husbandry, Bailey was part of the family. Together, they would frequent public bars, where Bailey would share an occasional beer with Jim, much to the intrigue of onlookers.
The Challenges of Turning Livestock into Pets and is keeping livestock in your house is a bad idea
While Jim and Bailey’s relationship is undeniably endearing, it also highlights some of the practical and potentially hazardous implications of treating livestock as pets. The idea of sharing your home with a buffalo sounds like a wild adventure, but it comes with its challenges.
Home Damage
Buffalo are massive animals, often weighing upwards of a ton. Having such a large animal inside a home can result in significant damage. Their sheer size and strength can easily tear through furniture, walls, and floors. Typical homes aren’t constructed to withstand the wear and tear that a buffalo can inflict.
Hygiene and Odor Issues
Keeping a buffalo indoors also brings about hygiene challenges. Livestock are not house-trained in the way dogs or cats are, leading to potential issues with defecation indoors. Moreover, the smell of a buffalo isn’t something most people would want lingering in their living spaces. The hygiene implications can be quite significant, requiring extensive cleaning and maintenance efforts to manage odors and maintain sanitary conditions.
Safety Concerns
Perhaps the most pressing concern is safety. Despite their generally docile nature when properly handled, buffalo are still wild animals. Their size and power pose inherent risks. An accidental nudge or misstep by Bailey could result in injury to those around him, particularly in a confined space like a home.
Lessons from Jim and Bailey’s Story
Jim Sautner’s relationship with Bailey teaches us several valuable lessons about human-animal bonds. It shows that compassion and care can bridge the gap between species, fostering connections that transcend normal expectations. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges that such unconventional relationships pose.
While it might not be practical for everyone to welcome a buffalo into their home, Jim and Bailey’s story is a testament to what can happen when we view animals as companions rather than just resources. It evokes a sense of wonder about the possibilities of human-animal interactions and challenges us to think more broadly about how these relationships can enrich our lives.
Sadly Jim passed away in 2022: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bison-whisperer-dies-leaving-behind-a-larger-than-life-legacy-1.6350463
