Rescue & Adoptions

2008 Featured Rescues

Abandoned Calf Saved by Good Samaritans

Just as some opportunities are too good to pass up, so are those precious chances we sometimes get to really step outside of ourselves and make a profound difference for others. A kind couple in central California recently got such a chance when they spotted a tiny calf suffering on the roadside, and, following a strong, compassionate impulse, pulled their vehicle over to come to his aid and save his life.

Lying alone on the ground, with no one around to care for or claim him, Whitaker was only days old and hours from death when his rescuers found him – too weak, too sick and even too young to stand very well on his own. Scooping him up and driving around in search of anyone who might know who abandoned the calf, but coming up short, the couple took him to a vet for examination.

After a short stay at the hospital, where the starved and dehydrated calf was treated with fluids and electrolytes, Whitaker was taken home by his rescuers. Worried about his poor condition, they began looking for sanctuaries that could provide the calf with the special care they knew he needed to survive. Luckily, they found us online, reached out for help, and brought Whitaker to our California Shelter the next day.

As we feared, Whitaker arrived in a terrible state. He was every bit as small, thin and weak as his rescuers described; and worse, he wasn’t even interested in nursing from a bottle. Fortunately, we have rescued dozens of orphan calves over the years, and knew just what to do. Seeking veterinary consultation and putting together a healthcare plan for Whitaker, we began to tube feed him milk replacer and electrolyte water, administer him sub-Q fluids to keep him nourished and hydrated, and treat him with antibiotics.

Equally integral to Whitaker’s survival were our shelter interns, who spent countless hours during those first critical days helping caregivers provide for the ailing calf. This included tube feeding him when he wouldn’t eat, staying with him overnight to monitor his condition, playing and interacting with him to stimulate his mind, encouraging him to stand and walk, showering him with affection, and giving him every reason in the world to keep fighting and not give up.

Finally out of the woods, Whitaker has made a strong recovery and is breaking the hearts of everyone he meets with his innocent, sweet nature and big, beautiful eyes. A hearty eater day and night, he now eagerly drinks from his bottle, walks around, explores and even plays. Stronger, healthier and happier, Whitaker enjoys his new sanctuary life more and more each day, and we are grateful for the opportunity to watch him thrive and grow!

Though Whitaker will never know his own mother’s love, thanks to his rescuers’ act of kindness, he can now find comfort in new friends. You can take hold of a precious chance to make a difference for him too by becoming his adoptive parent through our Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project. Learn how online or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 225.

*Photos provided by Connie Pugh for Farm Sanctuary.