Bonjie and friends

In early January 2022, we took in eleven sheep that were in desperate need of help. They were rescued from a farm where the bodies of starved and infected sheep were reportedly removed on a regular basis. Despite numerous reports to the authorities, no action had been taken. We couldn’t help but wonder how many lives had been lost before we were alerted to the situation.

Our vet examined the sheep and confirmed they were severely malnourished, had the highest worm count she had ever seen in a live animal, and were badly infected with sheep scab. Tragically, we lost one of the sheep that first night. We named him Paddy, but it was too late to save him. He had been found lying under a hedge, unable to stand or even sit up.

We administered fluids, vitamins, and our sheep life-saver, Golden Syrup porridge. After a few syringefuls, he began to take it on his own, and for a brief moment, we hoped he might pull through. We took some comfort in knowing that he left this world feeling more cared for than he ever had before, with a deep bed and a belly full of warm porridge.

The treatment for the remaining ten was slow and methodical, as cases like this cannot be treated for all their ailments at once due to the risk of shock. Over the course of many weeks, they were given wormers, injections, vitamins, food, salt licks, and the sweetest hay. Gradually, their health improved. Their once vacant faces began to show signs of life, and their cheeky personalities started to shine through.

Three months after their arrival, they were finally well enough to receive their last treatment to eradicate sheep scab. They thrived, and when they were ready to roam the fields of lush spring grass, they bounded around with a joy and energy like no other sheep we’ve ever known.