Yesterday, a newborn lamb named Dusty entered the world; he was shunned, unrecognized and hungry. In the paddock he went from mother lamb to mother lamb, but each and everyone shoved him away. The concerned farmer tried again and again to get one of the ewes to allow Dusty to nurse, but each time they turned the tiny lamb away. Sadly, the last attempt ended in a “headbutt so forceful it sent his little body rolling across the paddock.”
Dusty had given up; but it wasn’t over yet. Freedom Hill Sanctuary had been called and asked to help. Out went the “lambulance” to the farm where the baby would never have survived the night without nourishment.
Back at the sanctuary, the staff had figured out why Dusty had been rejected. He didn’t have a cleft palate, but he struggled to suckle; his tongue and his mouth had not been able to coordinate the rhythm of feeding, so his rescuers had to slowly feed him with a syringe through the night while trying to figure out, using different treats, how to help him latch.
For most lambs, latching onto their mothers to nurse is instinctive, but Dusty needed a bit more time to learn the basics. He’s still learning, but his latest update is encouraging:
He’s still not quite mastered the art of bottle feeding just yet, but we’re working on it gently it’s only day two. He’s trying so hard, bless his little heart — with his tongue often hanging out in determination (or maybe confusion!).
These things take time, and rescuers are giving him all the patience, love and encouragement in the world. What’s certain is this; without intervention, Dusty wouldn’t be here.
But he is safe, warm, and surrounded by caregivers — and that’s thanks to the kindness, and to the power of compassion.
We’ll keep you posted this little guy’s progress. Keep cheering him on — every drop counts.
To donate:
Freedom Hill Sanctuary ~ Where Life Begins
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