Meet Atlas: The Steer Who Nourished My Family

Meet Atlas: The Steer Who Nourished My Family

In July 2025, I began working with a very special patient named Atlas.

Atlas was an 18-month-old Red Angus steer raised by AM PM Farms in Fountain Inn. Through a partnership with the farm, I had the opportunity to provide chiropractic care for him from July through October.

Atlas had a sweet demeanor. Despite his size, he was gentle—and after his adjustments, he appeared noticeably calmer, including when it was time for him to get onto the trailer.

My reason for adjusting Atlas was both professional and personal.

I wanted my family to have meat from an animal whose life and care I knew personally. Atlas had been raised by a local farm, and chiropractic care became another part of supporting him during his life.

Some people may find the idea emotional, but I grew up on a farm where we raised animals for food. I understood from an early age that caring for livestock and eventually receiving nourishment from them are not opposing ideas.

In fact, that understanding can create a deeper sense of responsibility.

Atlas deserved to be treated gently.

He deserved to be handled with respect.

He deserved to experience the best care available to him throughout his life—not merely because he had value to our family, but because he was a living animal entrusted to our care.

Knowing Atlas personally did not make me uncomfortable about feeding my family. It made me more grateful.

When we know where our food comes from, we understand the life behind it. We become more intentional about how animals are raised, treated, and respected.

Atlas gave my family something special: locally raised, chiropractically adjusted meat from an animal I had personally cared for.

But he also gave me a story about stewardship.

Caring for livestock does not always mean keeping them forever. Sometimes it means giving them a good life, honoring the purpose they serve, and remaining grateful for what they ultimately provide.

Atlas was cared for.

Atlas was respected.

And Atlas will always be remembered.