Voices of the Herd: Portraits of Rescued Cows and Their Sanctuary Stories

Did you know that cows have best friends? That after giving birth, cows and their calves form powerful, lasting bonds?

Voices of the Herd takes you inside animal sanctuaries, where cows are cherished as unique beings with deep emotions. This stunning coffee-table book features breathtaking photography and moving rescue stories that reveal the hidden lives of cows, as told by the people who know them best. Explore the world of these remarkable animals through intimate portraits and touching narratives. Voices of the Herd not only showcases the beauty and individuality of cows but also challenges how we view them--not as livestock, but as sentient beings with rich inner lives.

With over a decade of experience photographing farmed animals, Mark Peters offers an unparalleled window into their lives, capturing their personalities, their bonds, and their resilience. Accompanying the photographs are stories of select animals by sanctuary staff, turning the book into an emotional journey. Voices of the Herd is more than a visual experience--it’s a call to compassion. With every turn of the page, you’ll witness the intelligence, curiosity, and affection of these gentle giants. An included essay by an animal welfare scientist further deepens your understanding of cow emotions, teaching you how to recognize their feelings through body language. Whether you’re a longtime animal advocate or simply curious, Voices of the Herd will inspire you to see cows in a new light. Purchase your copy today and join a movement of empathy, one photograph and story at a time.

Contributors to Voices of the Herd include Anne Shroeder, Erin Amerman, Dr. Helen Lambert, Indra Lahiri, John Netzel, Jonina Turzi and Sarah Salluzzo, Kelly Nix, Michele Waldman, Terry Cummings, and William and Ellen Crain.

For over ten years, photographer Mark Peters has immersed himself in the everyday lives of the cow residents of farmed animal sanctuaries. He earns their trust by walking respectfully alongside the herd, coming to know each animal personally. Peters’s ability to earn the trust of his portrait subjects has resulted in numerous cow licks, having his ear chewed on, and getting chased (but never caught) by playful ＂puppy cows＂ on occasion. Peters lives in Maryland with his wife, Alisa, and the two little dogs who rule their home.