Fans worldwide come to the rescue of beloved bovine

Norman is a nearly 2,000 pound, friendly pet steer who comes when his family calls him, chases cars and beams with personality. 

He even takes his teenage owner for rides on the family farm in Woodstock, just west of Fredericton, sporting a saddle in the same way a horse would. 

But a bacterial infection in the bones of the largest member of the Doucette family is threatening to cut Norman's life short and the beloved bovine is now facing a risky, out-of-province, surgery. 

"It's a rare infection in his jaw bone," said owner Rayna Doucette. "In most cows he would have been culled, but he's family." 

Five years in the family

The Doucettes rescued Norman five years ago, and it didn't take him long to develop his unusual, puppyish personality.

He was a big part of Ryson Doucette's childhood. 

"When Norman was younger we would take the dogs out and run up and down the driveway and Norman would always come and I've never seen a cow that could run quite as fast as he could," said Ryson, now 17. "I could sprint as hard as I could and he could still pass me, no problem."

Norman has also developed a big social media following, and when word spread of his upcoming medical procedure, Rayna Doucette said friends, family, the local community — along with his large online fan base — rallied and raised $3,000 to try to save his life.

"He has a huge Facebook following but he also has friends from all over the world," said Doucette. "Including many from the United States, who mailed and sent tickets. And he also had some from Australia, and one from England, who sent money to support his cause."

Thanks to the fundraising campaign, Norman has a trip booked to P.E.I. on June 12, where he'll undergo a rare procedure. 

"It's a rare surgery," said Rayna Doucette.  "I'm told that it's probably only been done two or three times in the 2000s on breeding bulls ... so it's high risk, but we're praying."

A boy and his bull

Ryson says taking Norman for rides and even barrel-racing has created a lifetime of memories. He's hoping his friend will pull through with the surgery.

"He's been a part of my life every day," he said. "I'm trying not to be too worried. I'm just hoping that everything goes alright."