December 26th 2024.
Meet T2, the luckiest turkey in Britain. Unlike her fellow feathered friends, T2 survived the dreaded Christmas Day chop by going on a 5k Parkrun with her owner, Dave Brooker. It's not just a one-time thing either - T2 goes everywhere with Dave, even to the pub and the dentist. This Maidstone-based pet owner has formed a special bond with his beloved turkey, and their unlikely friendship has even had an impact on Dave's dietary choices.
It all started when Dave had to take care of newborn T2 after her mother, Trouble, was unable to care for her due to bad weather. Dave, who keeps turkeys for their eggs, set up a brooder to nurse T2 and her siblings back to health. But T2, being the first one out of the shell, imprinted on Dave and saw him as her parent. Since then, T2 has been inseparable from Dave and has become a regular sight in their village.
Their bond is so strong that Dave has given up eating turkey on Christmas Day, comparing it to eating a beloved pet. "When you keep an animal, it's quite hard... Maybe if you're a farmer, you can switch off to it, but I'm a bit of a softy," he shared. "Last year, I decided to not eat meat at all. My relationship with T2 definitely played a role in that. She's opened my eyes to the intelligence and sentience of these animals."
For their Christmas Parkrun, Dave pushed T2 in a pram, making her the first turkey to complete a 5km run on Christmas Day. While Dave's family enjoyed their traditional turkey dinner, T2 indulged in her favorite snack - cheese and biscuits. And although some may find their friendship unconventional, Dave and T2 are inseparable, even sleeping in the same room at night.
T2's presence has become a normal sight in their village, with people often spotting her sitting quietly in Dave's car at traffic lights or accompanying him for a pint at the pub. She is well-behaved and sociable, often attracting attention from passersby who can't resist petting her. "She's very tame and well-behaved. She doesn't wander off and lets people pet her," Dave proudly shared.
For Dave, T2 is more than just a pet - she's a special companion who has changed his perspective on animals and their treatment. "People have to make their own choice about eating them. But for me, I couldn't imagine eating a turkey now," he said. And as long as T2 is by his side, Dave is content with his vegetarian lifestyle and their unique friendship.
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