NICU, Part II

☆ March 8, 2012

A shower. A mug of strong tea.  I could have spent twenty minutes in the shower but a problem with my water heater means I only have enough hot water for the basics.  Long enough for the acute stress of the day to wash away with the sticky calf shit and milk slobber.

On Tuesday afternoon, a darling calf was born.  The mother was attentive, the calf was up and nursing, all seemed as fine as could be.  The weather has been amazing and all the snow had melted, nights have been mild, conditions were good for new babies.  But late that night, a freakish blizzard blew in ~ when I woke the next morning and could hardly open my door against the drifts, my first thought was for this calf, as the snow was piled taller than a calf in repose.

Mike and I were in the pasture before fully waking up and found the newborn calf buried in a snowdrift, only it’s head poking out.  Snow doesn’t bother a healthy cow or even a week-old calf ~ they have enough hair and fat to insulate and actually keep the snow from melting, but a calf just hours old is not hardy enough and the snow had soaked this calf and chilled her to the core.  Her hooves were like ice, the temperature inside her mouth was so cold.  Mike carried her to my house before dashing off to work.

Every year, I have at least one calf in my house for a spell.  Though the circumstances are always born of stress, it’s one of my favorite parts of calving.  With the calf placed directly in front of my woodstove, I set to work drying it off and then wrap it in flannel shirts and sweaters and tuck the hooves, wrapped in a towel, under the woodstove to warm ~ the cats love to lounge under there so I know it doesn’t get too hot.  Then it’s just a matter of waiting while the calf warms all the way through, flipping it over so the other side is exposed to the heat, and offering small amounts of Daisy’s warm milk in a bottle.

All the other calves I’ve tended in this manner have been preemptive saves ~ calves that are born too close to dusk in terrible weather who would surely freeze to death overnight, or a twin the mother rejects who would surely die of starvation and neglect.  This was the first calf that had been truly compromised before arriving in my house.

Though she warmed up ~ her belly was warm, her hooves were warm, the inside of her mouth was warm ~ and she drank a bit of milk, by noon she had not improved.  She remained still and unmoving; she didn’t even hold her head up, one of the most natural acts for a healthy calf.  When I lifted her long little body, she couldn’t stand, her legs were like noodles and just crumpled beneath her as I gently lowered her.  Her breathing was rapid and shallow.  Too rapid.  I saw the very real possibility that she would expire before she was able to replenish herself.  That the very act of trying to survive was depleting what energy she had.  She needed oxygen.

I sat back and thought.  Do I make a phone call and ask to borrow oxygen?  The man I would call would think I was absolutely insane.  But he already thinks that, so, nothing lost, everything to gain.  I made the call and procured portable O2.

Mike drove up just as I was walking to my truck so he rode with me to pick up the oxygen and sat with the calf as I set up the regulator and connected a mask.  He saw the dire state she was in and then we both watched, transfixed, as the calf started coming to life before our very eyes.  I held the non-rebreather mask over her little nose and she seemed to drink in the oxygen ~ her eyes opened and stayed open and her breathing began to slow and deepen until it was just half the rate it had been (and the rate it should be).  She started moving her legs.  If I pulled the mask away she would lift her head to follow it.  Amazing!

After fifteen minutes, she was trying to stand up on her own.  The oxygen had done good work.  We lifted her to her feet and she stood, wobbly but strong, and took a few steps.  It was time to take her to her mother for another boost of life force ~ mother’s milk.

Earlier, Mike had separated this calf’s mother from the main herd and put her in Daisy’s milking barn, a small, secluded space, dry and protected from the elements.  We brought the calf in to her and she immediately went to her calf and the calf immediately latched onto a teat, clumsily drinking as the mother stood still and patient.  When the udder was empty, the calf curled up in the straw we had spread out and, when I peeked in on them an hour later, mama was laying beside her calf.

We left them in Daisy’s milking barn for the night ~ it was better for them both to be together, rather than having the calf spend the night in my house, but I ran down to check on the calf every three hours through the night to make sure she was still warm and well and would have brought her home with me at the first sign of chill.  When I popped my head around the corner of the barn at 6am, the calf was standing and nursing, which is about the most perfect sign of recovery one can have.

nicu O2

Comments

135 Responses to “NICU, Part II”

  1. Rebecca
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:19 am

    I am in awe of you Shreve, seriously. Such amazing compassion and care for your farmily – it’s beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

  2. Joy Nored
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:22 am

    Thank you for such a sweet story of compassion and care… and just plain, good doctorin’! So glad this story has a happy ending.

  3. Cait
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:23 am

    I love that your risk “the crazy” for the sake of what is right. You saved a life. That’s pretty amazing. Actually, you’ve saved a lot of lives…both animal and human. That makes you a pretty damn special person.

  4. Betsy
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:24 am

    Beautiful! Great idea with the O2! Glad you had access to it! Keep the photos coming, mama and baby.

  5. Marg
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:25 am

    Well done, another happy ending (or beginning really). She looks like a little panda bear with that thick white hair on her face surrounded by the darker hair. Sounds like she’s a fighter. Did you inform her that she owes you a ride around the paddock next year?

  6. Marie the Lazy W
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:28 am

    What a beautiful story, I especially liked the hoof wrapping and the calf’s following of the oxygen mask. Have you decided on a name yet? Wishing you a continued recovery! xoxo Thanks so much for sharing this.

  7. Karin
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:39 am

    You, Mike, and Mama Cow. Behold the power of love.

  8. Laura
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:45 am

    Isn’t it great how once people think you’re crazy….. I get that a fair bit & I kind of love it :)

    Couldn’t wait for you to share this story once I’d seen the pic. Calving is one of my favorite times of year. Glad the little one is doing so well!

  9. Meg
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:48 am

    Awe, that story brought tears to my eyes :)

  10. Sara
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:49 am

    Loved that story. Amazing. Thanks for sharing with us.

  11. Frannie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:52 am

    In this age of technology where we can read blogs and chat with strangers we tend to form connections with people we have never met. You are the best person I have never met. The world is a better place with you in it, Shreve.

  12. Heidi
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:53 am

    I needed a nice warm story like this to start off this rainy day. Thanks.

  13. Jenny C
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:54 am

    Whew… so glad your compassion, wisdom and quick thinking saved this beautiful baby! Thanks so much for sharing your story – I could practically hear all of us as we held our collective breath until we read that all was well. We care so much, and you tell the stories of your life so well. May the warmth of this day bless each and every member of your farmily and Mike’s as well. The sun is quickly warming us as I write this just south of you in CO, and I see on weather reports that it’s the same for you in Ten Sleep. Thank goodness the calf and mom will bask in 50-degree sunshine today and for several days to come. Have a lovely day, Shreve.

  14. Deborah
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:55 am

    My “feel good” story for the day. Thank you for caring.

  15. Kelly
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:57 am

    I love this story! What a beautiful calf. This calf looks like a bull I raised, his name was Squirt. Hope you have a fantastic day!

  16. Sherri
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:05 am

    Thank you for this! What a precious wee creature you saved. So much love and attention – thank you. Beautiful end to what could have been a tragedy. Hugs to you!

  17. rottrover
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:07 am

    I knew there was a reason you became an EMT!! Thanks for sharing this happy story :-)

  18. Sarah
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:08 am

    What an awesome story! You are an amazing woman! The farmily is so lucky to have you.

  19. I Hermit
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:16 am

    Super Shreve strikes again! I would send you a wonder woman tiara, but it would interfere with your halo! Great story with a great ending. Barry

  20. Chris Waiton
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:17 am

    YEA!!! such good news. Thanks

  21. Linda S.
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:28 am

    A bit teary here. Gotta love Shreve!

  22. Janet M
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:34 am

    Hooray! I’m so glad that you were able to save the calf. Whatever it takes, you’re willing to do it. Thanks for the lovely story.

  23. Jenn
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:35 am

    Amazing! This has warmed my heart & brought a smile to my face.

    Thank you for sharing, you are amazing.

  24. BethK
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:42 am

    Yaaayyyy!!! :)

  25. Sandy
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:43 am

    Thanks for sharing. I love animals so much it sometimes hurts my heart. I would like to think I would have done the same. Thanks again for sharing and thanks for caring—-love your life girl—I admitedly am very envious!!!

  26. Suzanna
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:45 am

    OMG.I’m crying. I’m smiling. You are amazing. I love you! We all do!

  27. Dana
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:48 am

    Like you, I hesitated one time on borrowing an O2 tank from the fire hall to help a newborn puppy, but I did it and saved the puppy. Only true animal lovers go to that extreme. I feel every life is precious and needs to be givin a fighting chance. So happy for you, Mike, the calf and momma cow!

  28. Suzanne
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:51 am

    I hope this story and more pictures finds its way into another book. It is such a lovely story. When you think about it, you didn’t have to do much (keep the calf warm and provided milk to a newborn) , and then

  29. Dinah
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:54 am

    Might call her O2?

  30. kaptaink
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:54 am

    Thanks for sharing this story, it has made my day.

    You are lucky to live the life you do but I know you are also fully responsible for the life you live. You are an inspiration for me and a reminder that I must choose my path in life and not let it choose me.

  31. emily
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:58 am

    It makes me tear up how wonderful you are! You follow your instincts, take risks, and the outcome is rewarded by tenfold. Shreve, you are a rockstar!

  32. Judy
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:00 am

    Thank you for such a beautiful story. I hope others than those of us who follow your blog might see this story (and others) in a new book you publish someday.

  33. Jean Tanner
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:09 am

    well as i read thru the comments i was so glad to see I wasnt the only one all teary eyed over this one.. you truly are amazing.. I admire you so much.. I dont meet many who love animals as much as I do.. :) keep up your good work. we all love you :)

  34. hello haha narf
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:12 am

    leaky eyes and clapping at my desk. sign of a wonderful writer and terrific tale. thrilled that the little one is strong and doing well. great job, shreve.
    <3

  35. Aleta
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:13 am

    Three hearty cheers for another rescue! Thank you so much for sharing the story. Hugs all around. What’s going to become of the little one?

  36. Aostara
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:13 am

    I love your life-saving stories… they always make me cry… in the BEST way ;->

  37. Nancy Dean
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:14 am

    The gift you have with animals is absolutely amazing! I knew if anyone could help this calf it would be you. Thank you so much for sharing!

  38. Nathalie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:17 am

    Such good news. As Nancy Dean said, you truly have a gift and it keeps on giving.

  39. Theresa Szpila
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:18 am

    Oh, lucky calf! I’m so glad you were able to save her, Shreve. So glad you became an EMT and have access to people and equipment otherwise out of reach.

    Blessings to you and Mike, Mama and Baby!

  40. Eileen
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:34 am

    OMG Shreve….you are the most amazing and caring person! It does my heart good just to read about the amazing things you do. Thanks for sharing.

  41. Kelly
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:41 am

    Awesome story! Almost brought tears to my eyes. Your instincts to help an animal in need is truly amazing. Wish there were more people like you and Mike in the world.

    ~Thanks for sharing!

  42. sherry
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:50 am

    well, this made me cry at work!!! you are too much for words, Shreve. You are so wonderful. And what a sweet little newborn babe! I’m so happy to hear about this happy ending. Oh my.

  43. Sherri
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:51 am

    ** smile **

  44. Janice in GA
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:52 am

    :) Much love to you and the new calf. Amazing story.

  45. Maryanne
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:09 pm

    Bravo! With your resourcefulness, surely you are descended from the pioneers. Best of luck with the new baby.

  46. Terran
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:24 pm

    What an awesome story with a happy ending. I especially loved — and can relate to — this line, “The man I would call would think I was absolutely insane. But he already thinks that, so, nothing lost, everything to gain.” :)

  47. montanarose
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:25 pm

    Dontcha just love a happy ending? I sure do. Welcome to the new baby, who has no idea what a wonderful life she has to look forward to. She must have been very, very good in her past incarnation to land there with you, Mike and the rest of your family. Love how you tapped into your EMT book of tricks to save this precious one.

  48. Darci
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:35 pm

    I’m so glad Panda is going to be ok! she’s so cute!

  49. Mishka
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:46 pm

    What a great story…it is amazing what a little good air in our lungs can do for us…heading outside in the beautiful weather we are having for one day just to enjoy it before it is gone!!

  50. Stacey
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:48 pm

    I saw the photo after I read the story and thought the baby calf’s name was Nicu. Then I realized Natal ICU. Good instinct and save Shreve!

  51. CM Hooper
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:52 pm

    Great job. Such a sweet calf. Calving can be sooooo stressful. We just had twins born on Sunday to an older cow. She’s a good mama though. After scurrying around for a few days I think we’re all going to be okay.

  52. Rhonda
    March 8th, 2012 @ 12:58 pm

    Drying my tears, you are an amazing woman Shreve.

  53. Gabriela
    March 8th, 2012 @ 1:02 pm

    You’re Nicu’s Angel in Cowboy Boots! Makes me think of The Little Prince – spiky, hair & high boots

    Lovely story & quick thinking!

  54. Tamara
    March 8th, 2012 @ 1:25 pm

    We have alpacas. General suggestions for hypothermic newborns are: put the baby in a plastic bag with the head poking out, so you can immerse it in a warm (not hot!) bath without getting it wet. Warm water enema (to help warm the core). Feed it warm glucose (not sucrose/sugar) and electrolytes — the glucose is recommended for “flat” babies, to keep their brains going, and boost their energy levels. For some preemies and babies that after difficult births just don’t have the oomph to stand and suckle, often the glucose gets them up enough to start feeding. For the down ones, it helps keeps brain function ticking over long enough for your other interventions to take effect. For sick alpacas, which are better kept “in kush” (sitting up on their sternums), adults can be propped with haybales, and babies with milk/juice jugs filled with hot water (with an insulating towel). Not so relevant for a calf, but improvised hot water bottles might be of some use. Until now, I don’t recall hearing about using oxygen for a flat animal, but of course it make perfect sense, and now I must go and ask/tell the rest of the local community about it… :^) Always good to add another tool to the first aid chest!

  55. bonnie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 1:26 pm

    love saves the day again!

  56. wright1
    March 8th, 2012 @ 1:54 pm

    Well fought, well won, Shreve. You’re a shining example of how compassion extended to other living things enriches not only them but humanity.

  57. Jackie/Montana
    March 8th, 2012 @ 1:59 pm

    Thru blurred eyes I thank you for doing that. I love the person you are.

  58. Christina
    March 8th, 2012 @ 2:05 pm

    Just bawling away here. What a great story. Please post a pic of the baby!

  59. Carol
    March 8th, 2012 @ 2:17 pm

    Such a wonderful story with a happy ending thanks to you, Shreve. I echo all the above comments.

  60. Liane
    March 8th, 2012 @ 2:18 pm

    Bravo (and ditto) to all the comments! I truly don’t think I’ve ever seen a sweeter picture either. So happy. Thank you Shreve.

  61. Bec
    March 8th, 2012 @ 2:44 pm

    Thank you for that story, beyond beautiful xxx

  62. MJ
    March 8th, 2012 @ 3:22 pm

    What a wonderful story, especially the happy outcome. I totally agree with Frannie. Amazing how we all care so deeply about the lifes of people and animals we’ve never met but feel so connected to.

    I was thinking about a name for the calf…if Oxygen isn’t quite “musical” enough, how about Oxytocin? If ever there was a “feel good” story about a little calf…this has to be it! Oxy could be a nickname:)

  63. LJ
    March 8th, 2012 @ 3:33 pm

    So moving, so beautiful.
    Hugs to you all!
    Sweet little calf – grow healthy and strong!
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful, heartfelt life saving event!

  64. Janine
    March 8th, 2012 @ 3:44 pm

    All I can is you are f***ing amazing!

  65. Leisa
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:14 pm

    You are my hero!! Kisses all around!!

  66. Melissa E.
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:36 pm

    What an absolutely wonderful story!! Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing with us. Live Life Love <3<3<3

  67. Darleen
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:40 pm

    You’re such a great farmily mom.

  68. charity
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:46 pm

    Such a lovely story. I’m in tears. <3

  69. pam
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:51 pm

    you are a miracle worker. HOW do you always know the right thing to do??

    thank you for making me smile at the end of my long work day.

    I hope that the calf continues to get stronger with each passing day and enjoys a long life.

  70. Laurie G
    March 8th, 2012 @ 4:55 pm

    Once I started reading, I realized this might not have a happy ending, but I just couldn’t stop. I cried tears of joy when it was clear that you had saved this baby’s life! And a precious life it is. Thanks for beautifully sharing a beautiful story.

  71. Pat D.
    March 8th, 2012 @ 5:24 pm

    HOORAY! Another victory for Life! I remember my mom trying to save a newborn kitten that had problems. She taught me that if it loses the struggle, that’s just Nature.
    Very glad this little calf made it, and that you had the honor of helping it to survive.

  72. TomT
    March 8th, 2012 @ 5:56 pm

    Awesome story Shreve. Have you named it yet?

  73. carmel
    March 8th, 2012 @ 5:59 pm

    Aww, so happy “Oxy Panda” made it :)

  74. Julie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 6:05 pm

    So happy to hear that the little one survived and thrived. My heart almost flat-lined when I read your words that she was stuck in the snowbank. What a harsh beginning to life.

    Good taking care, Shreve – you are truly an animal lover.

  75. Karen
    March 8th, 2012 @ 6:18 pm

    I love to read about all your animal adventures, even the ones about death. Brava on your quick thinking, and the wonderful outcome that we are all so thrilled about! What a cute-ster!!!

  76. Patr
    March 8th, 2012 @ 7:20 pm

    YEA!!!! Oh what a great story.

  77. Chris W.
    March 8th, 2012 @ 7:31 pm

    The picture at the end of the story– “That’s so cool!!”

  78. Carmen
    March 8th, 2012 @ 7:55 pm

    A wonderful story in which to end a crazy day. Thank you : )

  79. Anne
    March 8th, 2012 @ 8:38 pm

    you continue to make my heart sing, you make the world a better place! Saw a bumper sticker this week and thought of you——EMT, trained to save your ass, not kiss it—–

  80. Steph in Oregon
    March 8th, 2012 @ 8:47 pm

    Wonderful!!

  81. Jackie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 8:48 pm

    You have most likely started a new trend in the care of compromised baby calves. I can just see all the ranchers having oxygen on hand during calving times. Saving one calf would pay for it.

  82. Claire
    March 8th, 2012 @ 9:18 pm

    Very sweet story and love outcome. y next life I would like to be a cow under your care. What a life.

  83. Maggie
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:06 pm

    Incredible story, you never cease to amaze me. :)

  84. WyoChick
    March 8th, 2012 @ 10:11 pm

    Beautiful lil miracle.

  85. pogonip
    March 8th, 2012 @ 11:55 pm

    I love happy endings!

  86. Lesley
    March 9th, 2012 @ 12:13 am

    How amazing and sweet and lovely.

    Some fragment of “Oxygen” needs to be in this little gal’s name.

    How about MOxy. :)

  87. mlaiuppa
    March 9th, 2012 @ 12:17 am

    Wonderful.

    Is this one of Sir Baby’s daughters?

    She is so cute. She reminds me of my Mother’s teddy bear. My Dad won him at a fair. He’s has black legs, arms and ears and a white face and body. Not really a panda.

    She named him Herkimer.

    Not a girl name.

    But that’s what she reminds me of. My Mom’s teddy Herkimer. Even the long curly fur.

  88. Carrie Mc W
    March 9th, 2012 @ 12:28 am

    Yay! Whoooo hooooo!

  89. Claudia
    March 9th, 2012 @ 3:42 am

    Amazing!!!!

  90. Scotty
    March 9th, 2012 @ 3:52 am

    good call S~ you’re an angel

  91. sybil ann
    March 9th, 2012 @ 7:11 am

    Aw. Sweet lil baldy!

  92. Holly
    March 9th, 2012 @ 7:11 am

    This brought tears to my eyes Shreve. I am soooo happy that the calf is recovered, and well on her way. Your compassion for animals is rewarded in so many ways, and this is just one of them. Another special addition to the farmily. Can’t wait to hear what you name her.

  93. Colleen G
    March 9th, 2012 @ 7:43 am

    This is truly amazing. I cried happy tears when I read this yesterday. God Bless you for all that you do and for knowing exactly what that baby needed. xo

  94. moondoggie
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:30 am

    Shreve, please keep us updated on this new little one–and you must also tell us what you have chosen for a name.

  95. dogheart
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:34 am

    Awesome!

  96. Po
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:36 am

    I have been reading your blog since its beginning, and almost never comment. However, I loved this post. It reminded me of my growing up years on my grandmother’s farm (in the 50’s & 60’s). She had dairy cows, but also raised pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. I can remember only one time when she had a calf in her big, country kitchen, but she had little piglets several times, and we had to improvise barriers to keep them out of the rest of the house. My grandmother would often refer to them (lovingly) as “those nasty little things” but I was quite charmed with the idea of pigs in the house. Of course, I didn’t have to clean up their (considerable) mess.

  97. BPG
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:48 am

    What a wonderful post! I love those little black hoofs. Thank you! Thank you!

  98. Lynne
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:52 am

    tears….to joy.
    you live and describe life as it should be….and are in touch with its purest elements.

  99. Laura
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:52 am

    What a fortunate baby to be born in your care! I hope her mama also appreciates your heroic efforts to save her little one. Such a wonderful tale — you really are an amazing and awe-inspiring woman, Shreve. And you have the happy farmily to prove it!

  100. Danielle
    March 9th, 2012 @ 10:08 am

    lovely…truly.

  101. Jo Davis
    March 9th, 2012 @ 10:35 am

    another great story!!! thank you for your stories and thank you for saving another precious calf!!! I love the markings on this one’s face…I would name it Panda…
    have a wonderful weekend wonderful lady!!! :)

  102. Lisa Sage
    March 9th, 2012 @ 11:47 am

    SO glad she is thriving and even happier that you became an EMT!! She is just beautiful!

  103. christine
    March 9th, 2012 @ 12:51 pm

    You are awesome Girfriend.

  104. Kelley
    March 9th, 2012 @ 1:06 pm

    What a great story! Also- On demand water heaters are FANTASTIC. No tank to mess with or lack of hot water. We power ours from a 5 gallon propane tank, have a small one and it works perfectly for every hot water need. At $3/gal for propane we probably spend under $10 a month for this marvelous efficiency!

  105. Marva Felchlin
    March 9th, 2012 @ 1:56 pm

    Thank you for what you do and for sharing with us.

  106. cassie
    March 9th, 2012 @ 2:13 pm

    A wonderful success story!

  107. Kamaile
    March 9th, 2012 @ 2:23 pm

    This made my day!

  108. CeeJay
    March 9th, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

    You are simply amazing!

  109. Hawk
    March 9th, 2012 @ 7:03 pm

    I have to say, I’ve just had a very terrible week – a lot of frustration, a simple two-hour task stretching into a five day colossal hassle, plus medical problems that put me in a lot of pain and even more of a bad mood…

    Then this.

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It puts my own pain in perspective; it makes me care again about the world outside my own life.

    Just….thank you.

  110. Deanna
    March 9th, 2012 @ 7:11 pm

    I know everyone has already said it, Shreve, but I have to say it too. I so LOVE your stories. I am so grateful that you share them. I could never get too many of them.

  111. Kimberly
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:27 pm

    What a beautiful story! Brought tears to my eyes! So happy to hear that baby and momma are doing well!

  112. Julie
    March 9th, 2012 @ 8:45 pm

    we animal people *know*. Quietly, proficiently, you knew what to do, and you did it. Another star twinkling up in the sky ~ you, Shreve. We know you. So glad you can share this in your writing so beautifully.

  113. Janet H
    March 9th, 2012 @ 10:42 pm

    Everything has already been said above. So, just thank you for sharing your world with us.

  114. Lila
    March 10th, 2012 @ 11:49 am

    How wonderful that the EMT training adds yet another dimension to the care you give the farmily! Not exactly what you planned on when you pursued the training, but it made a huge difference for this baby, and surely will for other animals in the future.

  115. Ursula
    March 10th, 2012 @ 12:33 pm

    Omg…this brought tears to my eyes….thank you for all you do. What a gift you are Shreve and what a beautiful calf.

  116. Laurie
    March 10th, 2012 @ 7:06 pm

    Awesome! What an adorable little Baby!!
    Thanks for sharing
    XO

  117. taffy
    March 10th, 2012 @ 7:27 pm

    Those little hoofies! Yiiikes!
    So glad she revived to be a happy calf child!!

  118. Martha
    March 10th, 2012 @ 8:20 pm

    Wow Shreve!

  119. Domenico
    March 11th, 2012 @ 10:22 am

    I love you…

    in the most Dr. Dolittle kind of way.

  120. I Hermit
    March 11th, 2012 @ 10:54 am

    Re- Kelley #104 I also have a on demand propane fired water heater. I just had to replace my old Poloma, it gave up the ghost after 28 Years of faithful service, but the company stopped making the size I had, finally I chose the smallest Bosch unit. Now I have a little box, and not something that looked like a Star Trek killer satellite. Everybody should have a on demand water heater!

  121. Deborah
    March 11th, 2012 @ 9:09 pm

    YOU ARE MY HERO!

    What’s this new baby’s name going to be… maybe “Hero”… after YOU?!?!?

  122. Suzy
    March 12th, 2012 @ 3:11 am

    wow, I’m crying at work. Thank goodness I am by myself. The world needs more people like you! :)

  123. sandy
    March 12th, 2012 @ 7:31 am

    tear. smile. thank you.

  124. kri
    March 12th, 2012 @ 8:44 am

    Wow, what a great solution! I have worked on many halfway gone lambs and it never once occurred to me (or my doctor husband) that simple oxygen could be so helpful. We will be filing this one away in our bag of tricks!

  125. Joyce
    March 12th, 2012 @ 9:42 am

    I’m obviously not fit to interact with people today. This is a wonderful post, with heartwarming comments, and I have the urge to add something snarky.

    I’ll keep my stupid, snarky comment to myself and check back again later to see if pic of fluffy calf can warm my little grinch heart.

  126. SiobhanMcC
    March 12th, 2012 @ 10:04 am

    Just got to this wonderful story this morning. And I’m with Suzanna when she wrote on Mar 8 ‘OMG.I’m crying. I’m smiling. You are amazing. I love you! We all do!’. Thanks for sharing Shreve and for making my day :)

  127. Marlene in Cambria
    March 12th, 2012 @ 10:52 pm

    Just amazing this story! She is sooo adorable..cant wait for more pictures!

  128. Lisa
    March 13th, 2012 @ 1:21 pm

    What a beautiful story! I am so glad it had a happy ending. You are an angel to these animals.

  129. Karla
    March 14th, 2012 @ 1:16 pm

    What a great story. Thanks for sharing and I’m glad to hear the calf is doing well. Thank goodness you were there to help.

  130. Carolyne
    March 20th, 2012 @ 5:50 am

    …and they lived Happily Ever After! <3

  131. Bronwyn
    March 22nd, 2012 @ 9:49 am

    Oh that brought tears to my eyes. Every spring I have a nestling bird, usually only a week old if that, in my house but a calf…oh what an experience that would be!

  132. Stacey from Saskatchewan
    March 22nd, 2012 @ 4:50 pm

    Crying – best story told in the most beautiful way. Damn Shreve… you are outstanding and amazing! Much love from SK Canada

  133. Janet in NYC
    March 25th, 2012 @ 4:02 pm

    Just catching up on honey rock dawn – this story is gripping! I am so glad the little one survived…such a beautiful tale of love and hope and compassion

  134. CIXIDORPAPORM
    September 30th, 2012 @ 6:21 pm
  135. Ahikabed
    August 29th, 2017 @ 7:28 am

    domperidone for infant reflux chinakari39-domperidone what is a schedule n drug

Leave a Reply





  • MY NEW BOOK!

    • mwchrdF
    • SBhrd
    • Bhrd
  • More, Elsewhere

    • tdcbuttonb
    • newshopbutton16s
    • IGflicka
  • Tweets

    • No Tweets Available
  • Follow Honey Rock Dawn

    Enter your email address to receive new posts via email.

  • My Books

    • tdccoverbutton
    • ten
  • What I’m Reading

  • Categories

  • RSS