“Be Kind to All Kinds”

Meet the Animals

Nora

The cat in this mural represents Nora, a rescued gray tabby who became a global internet sensation for her love of music. Nora was rescued from the streets of Camden, New Jersey, and adopted by Philadelphia-based musicians Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow. After adjusting to her new home, Nora began spending time at the family’s piano. Soon, her humans noticed her playing notes on her own. In 2007, videos of Nora performing her own improvisational music went viral, earning her appearances in magazines and on TV. Nora’s story reminds us that every animal (just like every person) is an individual, with their own unique personality, interests, and talents. When we give animals (and people) the chance to flourish, we may discover something extraordinary.

Wally

The pig in this mural represents Wally, a celebrity pig and resident at SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary in New Richmond, WI. In March of 2017, nine-month-old Wally was riding in a truck traveling 70 miles per hour toward a meat processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Just three miles from his destination, he nudged persistently at the latch on the back of the trailer until it gave way, then jumped onto highway I-90. Somehow, Wally survived the fall with only road rash and a sprained leg. His leap of faith led to a brighter future: a loving forever home at SoulSpace, where he quickly became affectionate, sociable, and one of the sanctuary’s most beloved residents. Wally’s remarkable escape made international news, inspired a documentary, and was celebrated each year as his “Jumpiversary” until his passing in 2026. While most pigs in the food industry are slaughtered at just six months old, Wally was able to enjoy a life full of love for nearly a decade. Wally’s story reminds us that animals are not ours. They are individuals with lives, feelings, and a will to live.

Stanton

The cow in this mural represents Stanton, a well-loved resident steer at Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York, known for the distinctive heart-shaped marking on his forehead. As a young calf, Stanton was found barely clinging to life in a filthy barn where nine calves had drowned in the muck. He was discovered resting his head on the body of a calf who had already died. Separated from his mother soon after birth, Stanton had grown dangerously ill without the protective nourishment of her milk. Thankfully, rescuers brought him to Farm Sanctuary, where he made a full recovery. Jackie, another rescued cow who had suffered similar neglect, began nursing Stanton and took him in as her own. Once timid and fragile, Stanton has blossomed into a joyful and affectionate steer who loves greeting human visitors by licking their legs. Stanton’s story is a reminder that even after tremendous suffering, love and compassion can help an animal heal and flourish.

Sadie

The dog in this mural represents Sadie, whose remarkable story came full circle after 12 years. In January 2014, Sadie was wandering alone through a snowstorm in Boulder, Colorado, when Aaron Foster found her outside an office building. He brought her inside, warmed her up, and eventually fostered her. But Aaron would soon be traveling for a year, so he found her what he believed would be a loving home. Twelve years later, Aaron received an unexpected call from an animal shelter in Las Vegas. The caller stated that a senior dog had been found wandering alone and was registered to him by her microchip. It was Sadie. Aaron immediately traveled to Las Vegas to find the dog he had once rescued. Aaron decided to give her a forever home, and soon her favorite place to be was by his side. Sadie’s story reminds us that, despite difficult circumstances, dogs can show incredible resilience and an extraordinary capacity for loving and trusting people.

Phoebee

The bee in this mural represents Phoebee, a wild queen bumblebee found injured and unable to fly along a roadside in Scotland in 2026. Suffering from a damaged wing and exhausted from the summer heat, Phoebee was discovered by Gilly McArthur, who brought her home and provided flowers and nectar. Gilly expected that Phoebee might survive only a day or two. Instead, Phoebee lived for 52 days, revealing a vibrant personality that surprised and delighted the people around her. Curious and active, Phoebee would explore her surroundings, crawl onto her caretaker’s hand, and become a tiny ambassador for the remarkable lives of wild insects. Though bees are often overlooked because of their size, they are individuals with their own needs and experiences. Phoebee’s story reminds us that compassion can extend beyond the animals we know best and that even the smallest creatures are worthy of care.

The Story Behind the Art

Working in partnership with Compassionate Action for Animals and Vegan East, local muralist Xena Goldman brought this mural to life. To learn about the vision behind the art and Xena’s process, come back soon to see a video covering how and why this mural was created!