Cooey the Cow Finds a Friend

By Robin Jespersen

Grade 2 writing sample

*Assignment was to write a “transformation” story

There once was a plump Holstein named Cooey who lived in the middle stall of an old barn.  Each day she dined on juicy grass, crunchy hay and fresh oats.  Cooey should have been cheerful, but she wasn’t.  One Sunday while eating grass along the fence-line, Cooey saw the farmer rub his dog’s head and pet the dog’s fur.  In turn, the dog lifted his paw and patted the farmer’s thigh.  The farmer and the dog seemed to love each other.  A tear rolled from the corner of Cooey’s large blue eyes.  She thought to herself, “I need a friend.”  Around lunch, Cooey meandered towards four cows standing twelve meters from the main herd.  As Cooey approached them, they ignored her and kept eating.  The black one explained, “Do not disturb us.  We are busy eating.” 

Feeling unwanted, Cooey plodded towards the barn. 

The next morning as the rooster crowed, Cooey heard the pigs crowding, pushing, shoving and snorting all around the trough.  Inside the pig pen Farmer Mark watched and held and empty slop pail.  Silently, Cooey lifted the metal latch with her snotty nose; her hooves tiptoed behind Farmer Mark.  Gently, she tugged at his hair just above his neck with her human-like teeth.  He quickly turned around, and his mouth fell open when he saw Cooey the Cow. 

        “I am looking for a friend.  Would you be my friend?” requested Cooey. 

        Outside in the farmer’s yard, Cooey gave Farmer Mark the greeniest grass she could find and Farmer Mark’s teeth chewed and grinded the grass.  His lips stretched downward, his eyes squinted and greenish slobber drooled onto his suspender-pinned shirt.  Then he spat the grass on some leaves.  He shouted, “Yuck, Yew, gross! I can’t eat this!”  Seeing Cooey’s tears hit the hard ground, Farmer Mark asked, “Why are you crying?” 

        “Because you don’t like my food,” replied Cooey. 

        “How about helping me to slop the pigs?” stated Farmer Mark. 

        Cooey answered, “Yes, that would be great.  I have never slopped pigs before.” 

        Towards the barn Farmer Mark carried with each hand a five gallon plastic bucket.  With each step, the yucky liquid splashed over the rims.  Using his muscular arms, Farmer mark lifted one bucket and poured the contents into the trough. 

        No matter how hard Cooey tried, the handle of the bucket kept slipping away from her teeth until the bucket tipped.  The slop flowed down the gutter.  Suddenly Cooey had and idea.  They could stroll and chase each other in the field.  From that day on, they met every day and could be seen walking the grassy field talking and laughing.

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Posted by Granny

You really made me feel sorry for that poor little cow! You are getting to be quite a great little writer Robin. Your lessons with Mrs Martin seem to be really paying off in great writing skills. I'm glad Cooey made friends with the farmer! We all need friends....I'm glad you are one of mine!

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