Ellie, 1988-2002

The College of Veterinary Medicine cow, whose fistula (portal in the side) was a window to the mysteries of ruminant digestion, died June 2 of old age. Ellie, born in May of 1988, was a perennial favorite for thousands of Veterinary College Open House visitors and an esteemed "instructor" for hundreds of veterinary students. The removable cap on the fistula fitting also let Ellie serve as a rumen donor to less healthy cows, whose digestive juices needed a jump-start. Remembered by Farm Animal Hospital staffers as a gentle and patient animal who craved love and attention, Ellie outlived most Holsteins. College of Veterinary Medicine