If you look out the back window of Catherine Owens' Saint Agnes Farmhouse, one will see geese flapping their wings, families of deer frolicking about and two black-nosed sheep lounging near a gate. But the stars of the show are just south of the action—two orange, mid-sized highland cows named Betty and Judy. Owens never intended for her property to be a place for entertainment or a petting zoo. A love for animals rather pushed her to acquire the bunch. But after seeing the difference a furry friend like a highland cow can have in people’s lives, she knew she wanted to use it to benefit others.
The Saint Agnes Foundation, the non-profit Owens created, grew out of a love for bringing others together—specifically veterans. The nonprofit allows people to come visit Judy and Betty for donations, which Owens, in turn, donates to Bozeman nonprofit Warriors and Quiet Waters, an organization that empowers veterans returning home from service by offering nature-based experiences and a sense of community.
Originally from California, Owens and her husband, Mark, moved to Whitefish in 2011 from Texas. Parents to six children, Owens juggled various activities over the years. But when she got introduced to farm animals in 2019 through her daughter’s 4H program, she was hooked.
Owens' old house backed up to a farm, and soon their family began to grow with chickens and the sheep her daughter raised. They found and closed on their current property in July of 2020, where they also operate an Airbnb, called Casa Alpina.
Betty and Judy joined the Owens family in March of last year. Owens had no intention of sharing the cows with the public initially, but after one of her daughters posted the pair on social media, Saint Agnes Farmhouse “blew up,” Owens said. “It was an evolution,” Owens said. “I tried to listen to God’s whispers of where He wanted me… It just started weaving itself together.” People were already coming and asking to pet the cows, Owens said. Hence, the idea to benefit others came about. At one particular visit, Owens remembers, a man pulled her aside and told
her how therapeutic it was to be around animals like Betty and Judy. He served in the Armed Forces and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. Wildlife and animals, specifically a one-of-a-kind experience like the one Owens offered, helped alleviate some of his anxiety.
As a mother of two soldiers, an active-duty Major in the Army and a veteran, having served 3 years with the 10th Mountain Division, Owens said she heard God’s whisper after that interaction. The space she'd built would henceforward benefit an organization that helped military members. In November 2025, Owens established the foundation and has since started to build out her mission of helping veterans across the state.
“Our community continues to surprise and inspire us with the creative ways they support our mission to empower post-9/11 combat veterans to thrive,” Justin Kreis, a digital content manager with Warriors and Quiet Waters, said. “Whether through round-up donations, pint nights, or novel efforts like fundraising through experiences with mini-Highland cows, we are deeply grateful for the individuals and organizations who elevate our mission, engage their own networks, and support veterans in meaningful ways.”
It’s a win-win situation, Owens said while sitting on her couch, as people get to meet the animals and benefit the community. Sitting around her were various stuffed animal versions of highland cows. Her dog, Max, fell asleep next to Owens as she shared the stories of her home. It’s a place she built with intention, and to share that love with others is the most exciting part of building it. In the summer season, Owens allows visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, asking guests for donations if they are able. By sharing her life and her animals, she hopes to restore and invigorate people's spirits. “I’m just out here growing old in the woods loving my God,” Owens said, sipping on a cup of coffee.
Owens hopes to connect with more veteran organizations to bring them to see, pet and brush Betty and Judy, a unique and calming experience with which she hopes can continue to impact people for the better.
In the meantime, spreading joy—in turn helping veterans—is the greatest purpose she could think of.
To learn more, visit AMontanaExperience.com.