Rosie

50% of TARGET

😢

50% of TARGET 😢

Rosie's rescue from slaughter was bittersweet.  We had been contacted by a farmer who asked us if we would try to help a very young calf who had been born with a dislocating hip. The farm's vet had tried to get it to go back with no joy, so we were asked if we would consider helping the little boy. We took Rufus in in July 2019 and after assessing the problem we took him to Cambridge University Equine Hospital who had previously done such wonderful work with Jonathan to see if they could help.  It was a diffcult procedure as they tried everything to re-locate the ball joint, but every time it went in, it popped out again. The only hope was that the tendons would grow aroud it to help keep it in place - although this was not going to be a permanent solution.

We brought Rufus home and continued to care for him, but we figured he was missing his mum & likewise she, him. So we contacted the farmer to see if we could get Mum to the sanctuary too as seeing her might give Rufus the 'will' to keep going. He could stand and run about at this stage as he was not very heavy.  When the transport vehicle arrived in the yard, and started to reverse towards Rufus' enclosure, Rosie gave a little moo which was instantly recognised by Rufus & he went mad scampering about - Rosie responded by bellowing and became hugely animated. Their reunion was something to behold - they were both so happy to see each other again - everyone was crying who was watching. 

The joy however was short lived as whilst Rufus did so well in that first week, as he gained weight he became less able to cope and eventually towards the end of that month we had to let him go.  His legacy was to have saved his mothers life as she had been destined for slaughter being herself some 12 years old at the time (now 16) being at the age where further breeding is not ideal and having birthed a disabled calf her time had come. 

She is now peacefully living in the garden paddock with Marinka, Olga and Dawn and would love to continue to be able to do so which will only be possible if she and all her friends find enough sponsors from taking part in the marathon des cows - Can you help her? Just £1 a month will make a difference