Norman’s Story:
After a particularly long shift at work I was driving home and received a message from a friend. A “Painted Desert” lamb had been born that day and mom was rejecting him and all efforts to get her to change her mind had failed. Without nutrition and care he wouldn’t survive much longer and needed someone to take him in.
Despite his small size and stress he thankfully picked the bottle quickly. The next few days were spent keeping him warm and well fed to improve his strength. Each day was a blessing as he did not receive colostrum from his mother and he could easily succumb to illness and infection. His ruminant veterinarian provided excellent care and also noticed right away that he was a preemie, the very likely reason his mom rejected him.
Over the next couple months Norman was living his best life indoors. He continued to grow and fit in as one of the “dogs”. When he finally became big enough to jump on the back of the couch, it was obvious he needed to move outdoors.
Today Norman is a thriving, energetic, sheep that spends his days running with his pasture mates. Yet, he never misses an opportunity to run up every morning for a hug and snuggle before he bounds off to join his friends.