Cade Norwood blow-dried and brushed, groomed and primped, ignoring the sounds of a turkey gobbling behind him and a rooster crowing.

Bud the Limosin Angus cross stood quietly, not minding his last spa treatment from the teenager, who gave his own hair a quick blow-dry after making sure his steer was perfectly coiffed.

Today was the day. After months of walking, handling, and pampering the animal, it was time to say goodbye.

Norwood and his family started spending a lot of time with Bud when he wa...