Her mother was nowhere in sight, nor were any other sheep. Bear may have been left behind when the flock was moved to a new location. At the most vulnerable time of her life, this little girl was completely alone.
Fortunately, the agents knew to contact Alicia Pell, a volunteer rescuer who has played a pivotal role in a number of our Southern California Shelter rescues. Alicia called us immediately and then rushed Bear to our veterinarian’s office. When Bear arrived, she was dehydrated and limp. She had not nursed from her mother, so medical attention was imperative. The clinic staff started her on IV fluids, and, thankfully, she took to a bottle quickly.
Because Bear had been denied the chance to nurse from her mother, she did not receive the vital, immunity boosting colostrum that baby ruminants can receive only from a mother’s milk. Without these essential nutrients, the young lamb’s improperly treated umbilicus posed a serious threat for infection. Bear had also been deprived of the incredibly close, affectionate bond that mother sheep share with their babies. Despite this loss, Bear still has a lot of love and joy to give, much to the delight of all her new friends.
Once Bear gained a little strength, she quickly set about endearing herself to her caretakers at the veterinary clinic, where she received the special care and observation she needed. Soon, she was up and about, following staff members around the office. After a couple of days, Bear was ready to come to our Southern California Shelter. So far, Bear is feeling great and playing in the shelter courtyard every day, but with such a rough start she is still very fragile.
Although she must remain isolated from our other animals until her immune system is stronger, Bear is already making friends with the goats and sheep whose enclosure borders our shelter office. This vocal girl frequently communicates with a one-year-old goat named Erika and with Mary, an elderly sheep who is intrigued by her mysterious and talkative new neighbor.
Besides introducing herself to some fellow ruminants, Bear has already had a chance to be quite the party animal. Recently, our good friend Alicia Silverstone brought her son, Bear, the young lamb’s namesake, to the shelter to celebrate his birthday — and for a meeting of the Bears!
Someone once overlooked Bear, abandoning her to suffer a lonely and painful end. Here at the shelter, however, this winsome new resident is impossible to ignore. As she grows up, Bear will meet countless shelter visitors, showing each of them that farm animals are unique individuals who deserve respect and love. When these guests depart, we hope they’ll keep Bear in mind.
