Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Dewey, Arizona, Cuddle Corral offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature – and cows.
Husband and wife Rob and Tracy Jones moved away from the Valley to live a more rural lifestyle, and since June 1, 2023, they’ve opened their doors to allow everyone to experience cow cuddles.
“My wife has been obsessed with cows and I promised her one day she would eventually have pet cows,” Rob Jones, co-owner of Cuddle Corral, said. “That was the goal of moving up here, but within two to three months of having the cows, we had some friends come by and visit… We got to see how the cows interacted with people and one of our friends asked, ‘Why don’t you share the cows with people and share this experience of your property?’ And it naturally happened from there.”
The herd consists of four miniature zebus; Toby Stetson and Winston Augustus, Stella May, and their newest addition, 5-month-old Leroy. After researching all that goes into caring for a full size, regular cow, Rob stumbled across miniature zebus and knew that was the route to go.
Zebus evolved from a now extinct, wild cattle species called aurochs. Weighing no more than 400 to 500 pounds, miniature zebus are a naturally occurring breed that are known for having a more docile and gentle nature. They also have 22 chickens and a heritage breed turkey that guests can see.
“Our goal with every customer that comes up is that they feel they’re part of the ranch. They’re part of the family and herd,” Rob said. “We want them to get to experience the cows’ individual, funny quirks and have a nice, relaxing time. You’re checked out for an hour just hanging out with some cows – sitting on a couch while they’re munching on snacks is pretty relaxing.”
Each mini zebu has their own unique personality. “Toby, our bull, is the smallest one of the group. He looks the most intimidating of the group, but he has the softest, gentlest personality. He’s very affectionate and loves to be touched and around people,” Rob said. “Winston is our little troublemaker who’s full of sass, but very loving. Stella has what we call mood-itude. She lets everyone know that she’s the boss, but then she’ll melt your heart… Leroy is the most inquisitive of the group and wants to be around everybody, but is still figuring out life.”
The Cuddle Corral offers 30-minute family meet and greet sessions for $50 per group and 1-hour mini zebu therapy sessions (adults only) for $60 per group. Groups up to six people are allowed for the shorter session. For the 1-hour experience they recommend having four or less people. Sessions are typically booked out about a month in advance and can be reserved online at cuddlecorral.com.
Currently they have a full astroturf, couches and a steel 25-foot by 20-foot steel canopy that covers the area. Their five-year goal is to expand on their property and build a small, self-sustained Airbnb. With the addition of an Airbnb, they’ll be able to offer the full, off the grid lifestyle experience to customers where they’ll get to spend the whole day with the cows.
“It’s nice to get out of the city. When you’re down in the cuddle area the loudest thing you’re going to hear is a neighbor on a tractor or maybe someone hammering on a roof,” Rob said. “It’s unbelievably peaceful up here.”
Since opening, the community has responded with open arms. Partnering with Modern Coffee & Deli, guests can add the Herd Package to their experience. With this they’ll get a customizable to-go box of specialty coffee, a “cowcuterie” grazing table and personalized bite-sized desserts for $50 a person. They also offer the Coffee Date where guests will start at the coffee shop for drinks and snacks before heading over to the corral.
“We want people to be able to come over with an open expectation and leave with something memorable that they’ll go back and talk to their friends and family about,” Rob said. “We get to watch people come out of their shells and see their energy turn from being not in a good place, to people glowing from excitement from being down here.”
For more information about the Cuddle Corral, or to book an experience, visit cuddlecorral.com.
