11/10/2025
The world of rescue is full of emotional highs and lows. One moment your heart is full, having just saved a deserving soul from a horrible fate. Less than 24 hours later, that same heart is shattered into a million pieces for what seems like the tenth time this month. I’m still searching for the right words to express my heartbreak, tears streaming down my face as they are. Yesterday, we lost an anchor at the Sanctuary, the most charismatic turkey I’ve ever met in my life. Yesterday, we said goodbye to Kevin. My heart hurts. My brain can’t wrap its head around the reality of the situation. I’m not sure how to handle this emotional pain.
We brought Kevin in around three weeks ago to treat a staph infection in his feet. This time of year when it’s cold, wet and rainy, staph infections are super common. We regularly have a handful of residents in our quarantine area being treated for the same thing.
At first, Kevin seemed to be improving. He was more alert. He was excited for meals. He even perked up when listening to his favorite country station. Then about a week ago, he took a turn for the worse. He developed a phlegmy, mucousy cold. We consulted with our veterinarian, changed up his medication and hoped for the best. Kevin had been through worse with us two other times in the past and we were able to pull him through successfully. We figured this was just another episode. A few weeks of meds and he’d be back to his shenanigan-filled self.
Unfortunately for Kevin, this time around he was much older. Broad breasted turkeys are not bred to have long lifespans. They were designed to grow really big, really quickly, and as a result their hearts are pushed to the max. Kevin was on medication to help mitigate the inevitable congestive heart failure. It bought him two additional, wonderful years of time. Ultimately, however, Kevin’s advanced age, combined with the stressors of being sick, was just too much for his heart. I take comfort in knowing it was fast. We held him in our arms as he took his last breath. 💔
Our amazing boy made it through three Thanksgiving seasons he never would have gotten to enjoy otherwise. We are honored to have given him the chance to experience the sensation of feeling lush grass beneath his feet and warm rays of sunshine on his face. I’m thrilled I got to witness his very first mating dance in our living room. That incredible display was for none other than our Keurig. I, too, share the same love for coffee.
From tossing my phone across the room in protest of eating salad for lunch to stealing and eating the last piece of my birthday cake, Kevin never failed to express himself. You always knew what the big guy was thinking. His personality was as great as his appetite, maybe greater. I’m going to miss his crazy antics.
I had no idea a turkey could make such an everlasting impression on my heart and soul. In his short time on this earthly plane, Kevin touched so many lives. He brought joy to countless people. Going forward, I can’t imagine turning on a country radio station without picturing Kevin singing along to his favorite tunes. I hope wherever he is, he’s eating his favorite snacks and belting out Big & Rich, Trace Adkins and Brooks & Dunn songs. Rest in peace, sweet Kevin. I’ll see you on the other side. 💗
For those who knew Kevin, could you please share your favorite memory of him in the comments? Seeing this post flooded with happy Kevin anecdotes would mean so much to me. Thank you. ❤️
