Tag Archive for: special needs cow

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Hope, Forever in our Hearts

We knew from the beginning in our journey with Hope, that, being a dwarf, she had quite a few obstacles to overcome. And Hope was, without a doubt, an overcomer.

We watched Hope grow and learn to find ways to work around her challenges. Caring for her took a good amount of time, work, and patience, but there is no price we can put on the rewards, which were great. She appreciated everything done for her. She loved to cuddle, really cuddle. She loved Kitty Cat, her Portacooler, and music. She loved to meet people and other animals. And she truly loved her big blue bed and her stuffed toy and BFF, Jerry.

Hope was a happy little calf that smiled a lot – her smiles were contagious. Everyone who met her simply adored her. Bob and I loved sitting with her, talking with her, and watching her in awe. During those times, at least for me, I could sit and just breathe – not stress about what still needed to be done that day, not look at the phone or the clock, not worry – just relax and breathe.

The last two days that Hope was with us were horribly hot and humid. She seemed off, just not herself. She didn’t have a temperature and her vitals were normal. Her appetite wasn’t what it normally would be, but that happened at times when the heat and humidity were especially bad. The second day, she wasn’t interested in food or water. Her temp, HR, and RR were all still normal. Concerned about dehydration, we did get water and electrolytes in her. I stayed with Hope, all day, observing her and following Dr. Sonday’s instructions in giving meds, etc. If Hope got worse, or was no better by the next morning, Dr. Sonday would be out.

By evening, I became very concerned that I hadn’t seen Hope chew her cud. I rubbed her belly and used Essential Oils on her. After awhile, she did start burping and then chewed her cud some. She started drinking water which was a huge relief. Hope walked around a little, picked at a little grass, and I was delighted when she took a cookie from me which she had refused all day. We tried taking selfies again, but, as usual, I didn’t do very well. As the night came, she rested and we watched. At 12:03 am, she very peacefully slipped away from us.

We all knew that someday, that day would come, but we had hoped for much more time with Hope.

Dr. Sonday said that Hope’s organs were as her body, not correct in form and function to sustain life into adulthood. She assured me that all that was done, was the best that could be done, and that Hope just wasn’t built to live in our world for long.

Hope gave many people joy and a sense of purpose. She was, and always will be, a very special girl that touched our hearts deeply. We were more than blessed to have had her entrusted to our care for as long as we did. I know I’ll see her again someday, with a perfect body and perfect legs that enable her to run all over the place!

I haven’t brought myself to read your posts yet, but I will. Jeanne has warned me to grab tissues before I do. We loved this little miracle calf that shouldn’t have survived birth much less survived living on the ground for the first several weeks of her life with the hot sun and torrential rains beating down upon her. It says a lot about her determination and love for life. We’re slowly adjusting, accepting, and moving forward. God bless all of you for caring.

When the world says, “Give Up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

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Baby Steps for Hope

Hi Everybody!

“When I first came to the rescue, it was very hard for me, most of the time, when I tried to lay down or walk. If you click on the image of me above, you will see a video of my first days at the rescue. But at least I had been able to get to the milk bar after I was born with a little help from my mommy. Dr. Sonday said, most babies born with issues like mine don’t live. But, well, don’t you know? I never give up! We got a wheelchair to help me get around better and to get stronger and more coordinated. I’ll share a video of that as well.”

Hope’s Sling

“I also had a sling that I could stand up in without worrying about my balance and falling over. I was supposed to use it to help me get stronger. But there was a little problem – all I wanted to do in it was rest and relax! But it was ok, the humans would stretch my legs out and massage them, and my shoulders and hips too, and it felt pretty good.”

Hope’s Walkin’ Wheels

“How do you like my pink wheelchair? It helped me to go places all by myself without falling down! Like all by myself – just watch me move about by clicking on the above image! My wheelchair was supposed to help me get stronger, and help my balance and coordination, but there was a little problem. One day, I fell asleep in it and the back straps popped off. All of a sudden, I was up sitting on the ground with my front legs pointed up in the air. Jerry said I looked like a cow getting ready to jump over the moon! After that, mommy Theresa kept all of the straps off because she was afraid I’d get hurt in it if I fell asleep again and nobody was right there with me to help me. Then the humans started using my wheelchair to nudge me along from behind to walk and that works pretty good except I can’t lounge in it anymore.”

When the world whispers, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Let’s try it one more time.”

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The Story of Baby Hope – Chapter 3

Hi Everybody!

“It’s true that I’m a little slower at many things than most calves my age, but I finally have Chapter 3 of my life story ready to share! In Chapter 2, I told you about my Dynasplints and Silver Whinnys’ Sox. The splints helped my legs to not criss-cross so much and I can walk better. We’ve been doing a lot of PT which helps me learn better balance and coordination.

After my splints came, we did PT everyday but even after a short walk, I’d get tired and want to rest on my knees or lay on my bed. Did I tell you about my bed? I think I did. Well, I still love my bed but it’s getting a bit worn out. It’s comfy and it’s my home base. When we do PT and I walk, someone puts my bed on the ground where I’m supposed to walk to and that’s where I try to go. But at first, on most days, it was so hot – all I really wanted to do was lay on my bed in the grass on the little hill by the barn. But in the evenings, when it was cooler, we did a bit more PT and it wasn’t as bad, but I’d still get tired.

Hope Learns About Betsy Rose

Volunteers and visitors came to visit with me each day and Kitty Cat still hung out with me. Freckles and Jerry told me stories about Betsy Rose almost nightly. Did you know that we have a lot in common? Like the sling – let me tell you about the sling! Freckles said Betsy liked her sling and did you know she lived in it, around the clock, for two months before she was strong enough to walk on her own? Freckles said, sometimes, after Betsy was strong enough to walk on her own, she would walk to her sling and look at mommy Theresa and, somehow, mommy Theresa knew Betsy wanted to get in it. Betsy Rose liked it because she could get good REM sleep, whatever that is, without worrying about falling down. It helped mommy Theresa to worry less – she didn’t want to take any risks with Betsy Rose – she loved her to the moon and back! Sometimes, when Betsy would nap in her sling, she’d go into REM sleep, and her little legs would run like she was running a race and she’d make cute little noises like she was having a blast. I’ll ask mommy Theresa to share a video of it – she tried to show it to me one day when it was raining and we were bored in my suite but I couldn’t see it very well. Anyway, Betsy’s sling was a bit big for me, even though she was a little pony, so I got my own smaller sling, but I still didn’t care for it – it just didn’t fit my body right – I’m shaped a little different than most baby cows. Whenever I was in the sling, my front legs wanted to go straight out in front of me and Jerry said I looked like a cow getting ready to jump over the moon!

Hope’s Walkin’ Wheels

Dr. Julia kept doing acupuncture and Raindrop Therapy on me and sometimes, mommy Theresa used a red light thing on my knees. Humans still helped me up much of the time, and I tried to walk, but I still wasn’t very good at it and I got tired easily. Every now and then, mostly at night, I’d get up on my own and go walking. It would freak mommy Theresa out on mornings when she’d go to the barn and I wasn’t where I was supposed to be!

To help me stay up longer and walk further, and to help my coordination, I got my very own wheelchair! The humans wouldn’t leave me in it very long – when I got tired we’d head towards my bed and I’d get to rest but we tried to increase the amount of time I was in it by a little each day. One day, when I was in my wheelchair, I dozed off and can you guess what happened? The back straps popped off and I ended up sitting on my butt and my front legs were pointing up in the air – they were still kind of strapped in! Jerry said I looked like a cow getting ready to jump over the moon again and that the look on mommy Theresa’s face was priceless! After that, I didn’t get strapped in anymore. Instead, humans put the wheelchair around me, like I was in it but without the support straps, and they nudged me from behind to get me to move forward. It worked ok, but I still didn’t have much energy. We tried to do a little more walking at night and I got a little bit stronger.

And then one day, guess who I met? Uncle Andrew! He’s pretty cool and he gives me hooficures! He says if he took me home, the Mrs. would take me in the house because I’m way too cute! He trimmed all four of my feet a little bit and it didn’t hurt at all. He says its important that my feet stay balanced to help me walk better.

Another Visit with Dr. Sonday

Mommy Theresa was worried about me being tired so much and called Dr. Sonday to come out to see me. I was happy to see Dr. Sonday again – we’re good friends! She listened to my heart and lungs and my tummy and said they were normal and that I was bright and alert. She was glad to see that my legs were a little better. I was laying down when she got here, but then I stood up for her, all on my own, so she could see that I can do it. But I only walked a few feet and got on my knees – it was very hot that day and I was really tired. Dr. Sonday went to her truck to get something, so I laid down. When she got back, she did that “poke me in the neck thing” that Dr. Bullock did to me to do blood tests. She said she’d find out if I needed more vitamins and minerals or if there was something else going on. Just before Dr. Sonday left, she gave me a shot of something which didn’t feel good, but it was something she said I needed, so it was ok. A few days later, Dr. Sonday called mommy Theresa and gave her some instructions which included giving me B12 injections.

Pretty in Pink

Over the next few days, I started to feel better. I felt so much better that mommy Theresa added a challenge to my PT routine. She started putting my meals in a dish that was a little bit high off the ground so that I had to stand up to be able to eat! A couple of weeks later, did you know that I got a pretty pink halter? I didn’t really like to wear it at first, but I got used to it. And then I learned a game called “follow the feed tub” and it seems like the walk to the tub gets longer and longer!

By then it was almost June and one day aunt Becky brought me the coolest gift but I’m going to save that story for the next chapter – I’ve got to get back to PT! I’ll ask mommy Theresa to post some photos and video, ok?

Everyone take care and stay tuned for Chapter 4!”

Love,

Hope

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

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My Story – By Baby Hope

Hi Everybody!

I’m a baby cow and I want to tell you my life story.  I’m only about four months old but I have a lot to tell and maybe it will help another baby cow! But I’m going to tell just a little at a time, ok?

Being born was a pretty wild adventure, but me and my mommy did it! I wasn’t sure where I was after I was born but there were new smells and noises I’d never heard before. I couldn’t see but I knew my mommy was there because she started licking me all over. Then she nudged me to help me get up, and I eventually did, but it wasn’t easy! She nudged me again and I found out what the breakfast bar was! I got a full tummy before I had to lay down again.  After awhile, Mommy nudged me to get back up and I did it, but when I tried to move my legs, my legs would get tangled up and I’d fall. We went through this a lot of times – my legs just wouldn’t work right. My mommy told me to keep trying and to never give up!

My mommy stayed with me for a couple of days, but on the third day, she asked me to try extra hard to walk because she needed to go away to graze.  As usual, I’d take a couple of steps and my legs would get tangled up and I’d fall down. She told me not to worry, she’d go without me, but she said she wouldn’t go very far and would be back soon. I did start to worry after she had been gone awhile – I’d never been totally alone before and I was starting to get hungry. But then I heard my mommy and the next thing I knew, she was licking me again! She was happy to be back and nudged me to the milk bar. She told me that she needs to go off to drink water and graze because she couldn’t feed me if she didn’t get nourishment. She said there were other cows that grazed too and sometimes she’d have to go far to find good grass.

I think I can…

Everyday my mommy went to graze and get water, but she’d always come back and nudge me to the milk bar. She knew that while she was gone I’d try to make my legs work – I wasn’t going to give up! But most of the time, I laid on the ground, even when it rained and when the hot sun was out.  As the days passed, my mommy seemed to get sad or maybe she was just tired. Maybe it was too hard on her to come and go because it was so hot – even at night it was really hot!

I learned to eat the grass around where I was laying, but it didn’t last long. Each time I tried to walk, I’d move a little before falling down in a different spot. But when I landed, I would find a little bit of new grass! And then guess what? One day I didn’t fall all the way down – I landed on my knees which gave me an idea and I decided to master getting around on my knees! I was excited and couldn’t wait to show my mommy – maybe I’d be able to go with her the next day! That evening, I showed her and she said she was very proud of me and that made me happy! I wanted to go with her the next day but she said it would be too hard for me. She said that I was a very special little girl and she didn’t want the other cows to bother me.

Waiting on Mommy

One day after my mommy left, I heard something that sounded like the owner’s truck and then I heard two different human voices but neither was our owner. I was nervous without my mommy, but I stayed brave! The humans said they were afraid coyotes would get me or I’d get sick from laying on the ground in the storms or I’d overheat because I couldn’t get to water. I wanted to tell them that my mommy wouldn’t let coyotes get me but they didn’t understand baby cow language!  The humans must have been watching for a few days because one of them said she was worried that I’d get dehydrated, or something like that, because my mommy was leaving me for longer periods of time.  She put something up to my nose and I stuck my tongue out and moved it around to see if I could taste anything and one of the humans laughed – she said I splashed water in her face! I learned what water was!  The humans agreed to take turns bringing me water every day which meant I’d have water and visitors!

When my mommy came back that evening, I told her about the humans and when I said they were going to bring me water each day, I could tell it made her happy. She said it made her feel much better knowing I’d get water because I couldn’t live without it and she couldn’t bring it to me. She said when I’m about 6 or 7 months old, I’ll have to be able to graze and get water on my own.  I asked her, since I was still little and working on the grazing part and humans were going to bring me water each day, if life was going to be ok. She nuzzled me and reminded me to never give up, or lose hope, and then she nudged me to the milk bar.

When my mommy was gone, I looked forward to getting water each day from the humans. Sometimes, both of them would come. One day, I heard one say that she was going to visit my owner to talk about me. Then the next time they came, I heard them talking and one of them said my owner didn’t want their help because my legs would get better over time. But days and more days went by, and my legs weren’t getting better.

A New Adventure

When the humans came again, I showed them how I could get around on my knees. One of them said I was mostly going around in circles which, I learned later, is why I wasn’t getting anywhere! They said they were going to talk to my owner again to tell him that my mommy was away for longer periods of time and that I needed help.  They wanted to take me somewhere so I could get help for my legs! I thought “Wow! They’re going to fix my legs so I’ll be able to walk and go with my mommy every day to graze on good grass instead of going around in circles on my knees!” I got excited at the thought of surprising my mommy someday by running up behind her and then joining her to go graze! When she got back later that evening, I told her what the human said and I could hear a happiness in her voice and that made me feel good!

The next morning, my mommy said that she was proud of me and would always love me.  She said I was a determined little girl and she wanted me to promise to keep my “never give up” attitude and to always have hope!  She said I’m special and that God isn’t done with me yet.  She nuzzled me more than usual, and I sensed something was different when she left, but I didn’t know what it was – maybe it was my imagination. Then the humans came and gave me water and I heard one of them say, “She’s only 5 minutes away.” Then I realized it was happening – I was going to get help for my legs! One of the humans said they’d come back that evening to check on my mommy and that made me feel better, but I still wished she was there to see me off.

Then someone else arrived and guess what? Well, did you know that a baby cow can have TWO mommy’s? That’s right! One of the humans introduced me to another human and said she was “Mommy Theresa!” She hugged me and told me everything would be ok. She stuck her finger in the top of my mouth for some reason – nobody had ever done that before! She said she was checking to see if I had a cleft something but I didn’t and she said that was good. The humans picked me up and airlifted me into the back of what they called a SUV. Mommy Theresa sat beside me for a bit with the back door open and told the other humans that she couldn’t wait to snuggle with me. I didn’t know what that was but it sounded like it might be fun. Mommy Theresa asked one of the humans if they’d be sure to check on my mommy every day and they said they would. I think they care about my mommy too and that made me feel better. I hoped I wouldn’t be gone too very long. They said they hoped I’d be walking in no time and that’s when they decided I should have a name. Can you believe it? My mommy told often, including this morning, to always have hope and now these humans wanted to name me Hope! So, I’m a baby cow named Hope that’s going to get help getting my legs fixed so I can walk!

Did you know that I went on my first car ride that day? It was so cool! Really! The air in the SUV thing was cool and the sun wasn’t frying me! Mommy Theresa talked the whole time. She said we were going to see the vet and explained that he’s a human that helps animals. She said he needed to do tests on me to make sure I’m healthy and that I would feel a sharp sting for a second in my neck and then it would be over and we’d go to the rescue. I had no clue what she was talking about but I was about to find out! When we got to the vet, Mommy Theresa sat next to me and said she couldn’t help it – she just had to snuggle with me. I liked snuggling! When the vet came out, Mommy Theresa had to move so someone else could hold me, but it wasn’t like a snuggle. I found out what a sharp sting was and I didn’t like it!

All Settled In

When we got to the rescue, I heard noises I hadn’t heard before and more humans greeted me. And get this – they airlifted me to a place they said was inside the barn where I had my very own suite! I didn’t know what a barn or suite was but I had my very own suite! And guess what?? After they put me down in my suite, I felt something next to me that was soft. Mommy Theresa said it was Jerry, the stuffed giraffe, and that he’d stay there to keep me company. She said someone named Freckles was there too, but that she was also stuffed, and small, and had to stay up high so the dogs and ponies wouldn’t get her. She said Freckles was wise and very special and would always prove to be a true and loyal friend. So, a stuffed Jerry giraffe, suite, barn, Freckles, horses, dogs, and ponies – this was all so new to me!

I had so many questions but I was tired and that’s when I realized I was laying on something soft and dry and there was a cool breeze and I liked it! Mommy Theresa gave me milk that I didn’t like but I drank some anyway because my tummy felt empty. I drank some water too.

I drifted off to sleep and when I woke up the humans were gone and it was quiet. I thought about my mommy and wondered how she was and if she was thinking about me too. I wanted to go home. Then I heard someone say “You’re right where you’re supposed to be for now and everything will be ok.”  It wasn’t mommy Theresa’s voice and how did the voice know what I was thinking? I knew it wasn’t Jerry the Giraffe because he was beside me and he never said anything. Then Freckles introduced herself! After she spoke, Jerry the Giraffe introduced himself!  The stuffed thingy’s can talk!

Freckles said stuffed toys don’t talk when humans are around. I didn’t know what a stuffed toy was so I just kept listening. She told me about a special pony named Betsy Rose who, like me, couldn’t walk when she was brought to the rescue.  And since she couldn’t walk, she had to depend on humans to give her water and food, just like me! She would try to walk, but she would fall down, just like me!  She said Betsy Rose was skin on bones and was so weak that she couldn’t even hold her head up when she came here. That’s so sad! Why would a human let that happen? Freckles said a vet suggested that Betsy Rose be helped to go to Rainbow Bridge because she was in such poor shape and it was unlikely she would recover.  But Mommy Theresa told the vet that Betsy Rose wasn’t ready to give up and neither was she!  Mommy Theresa made sure that she, or another human, was with Betsy Rose around the clock for many weeks.  If Betsy Rose were to go Rainbow Bridge, she wouldn’t be alone when it was time. But Betsy Rose did get better and, after a few weeks, Freckles arrived to always stay with Betsy and be her loyal friend.

I asked Freckles what Rainbow Bridge was and she told me.  All of a sudden it hit me – I think I knew why my mommy had been sad before the humans said they would take me to get help!  Maybe my legs wouldn’t get better and there wasn’t anything she could do about it and when I’d get too old for the breakfast bar, I wouldn’t be able to graze or get water on my own and our owner would send me to Rainbow Bridge. I REALLY needed help and that’s why my mommy was happy when I told her the humans said they were taking me to get help!  She knew what would happen to me – she’s the best mommy in the world!

Sleepy Head

I’m getting sleepy now so I am going to end my story here for now but I’m looking forward to telling more. But next time it won’t be so long, ok? This was my first time doing this and I didn’t know it would take so many words! I hope you’ll like my story and will be on the lookout for the next chapter!

Love,
Hope

When the world says, “Give up.”, Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

#NeverGiveUp #believe #bhfer #follow #share 

#WhereThereIsLoveThereIsHope 

#CalfNamedHope

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Mommy’s Little Helper

Hey Everyone!

It’s me, Hope! It’s so, so hot here all I want to do is sleep under the tree in the shade with my friend Jerry!  Mommy Theresa is very busy taking care of me, Jasmin, the doggies, the cats, the donkeys and the many horses here at the farm, so I thought I should help her with this week’s Hay Fundraiser! Our hay is almost gone and we need to raise money to help feed my horsey and donkey friends.

A very special Auntie has come forth and is offering a Match Game to assist with this need and all donations up to $500, will be matched dollar for dollar. Contributions can be made via various secure means on our website (CLICK HERE). Please note in the ‘Comments’ section that your donation is for the ‘Hay Match Game.’ All contributions are very much appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!

Sending love and kisses,
Baby Hope

When the world says, “Give up.”, Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

#NeverGiveUp #believe #bhfer #follow #share #WhereThereIsLoveThereIsHope 

#CalfNamedHope

 

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Hope Wheelin’ Right Along!

We know Hope has dwarfism characteristics, contracted tendons, cataracts and neurological deficits.  But, she also has a bright spirit and a determination that we can’t, and won’t, ignore. She’s a precious and wonderful living being who deserves a chance.

We have seen an improvement in her tendons due to the Dynasplints, but she still has not been very active.  Her muscles need to be put to work – she needs to do weight bearing exercises and build stamina.  We had to find a way for her to get moving on her own as part of a good rehabilitation program in order for her to become more self sufficient.

Remember – Hope laid on the ground, almost 24 hours a day, every day for more than a month.  We plan to take one step at a time, through support and physical therapy.  Yes, it will take a great deal of our time, but since I have been in a somewhat similar situation due to a spinal cord injury (I was a quadriplegic), I can attest to the fact, that with the right tools, therapists, tons of determination, a wonderful support system, and much faith, I did overcome the odds and am able to use my limbs again (although I’m an incomplete quad with no feeling or proprioception below my neck).  I am not saying that Hope will do so as well, but unless we give her a chance, we will never know.

We did some research and found a wheelchair from Walkin’ Wheels that is absolutely perfect!  The wheelchair isn’t meant to be a permanent solution, but rather, a tool.

As we pray for a good outcome for Hope, if it turns out it is not meant to be, we will find peace with the knowledge that we gave her the chance that she so justly deserves and she will leave this world knowing that she was very much loved – she will be surrounded by those who love her and she won’t die alone in a field. Miracles do happen and we have borne witness to many.

This VIDEO was taken last night after I removed Hope’s Dynasplints in order to clean them, prior to tucking her in.  Hope’s back legs were not supported in the wheelchair but her front legs were – but she used them to move herself forward which is a very good thing!


As I mentioned in our last update, a majority of our horses are scheduled for hooficures this week so we need to raise $820. In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needed injections. Dr. Cardona was here this week to take x-rays and administer the injections. We currently need $400 for Chloe’s veterinary fees. We also need to make a Hay Run this weekend, for three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940.

Any help for these needs would be so greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via various means on our secure DONATION PAGE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Chloe’ or ‘Hay.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.

Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters who have already donated!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

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Chloe, Happy Feet, Hay & our Beloved Hope

We have been so focused upon helping Hope that many things have crept up on us. A majority of our horses are scheduled for “hooficures” this week and we need to raise $820. Would anyone like to help?

Contributions can be made via various secure means on our WEBSITE or via PAYPAL. If you donate via PayPal, please select the option, ‘Send money to family and friends’ and no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.

In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needs injections. Dr. Cardona is here today to administer her injections. If anyone wishes to help our beautiful girl, please designate your contribution for ‘Chloe.’

Once again, we must make another Hay Run in the upcoming days. We are in need of three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940. If you wish to help with this need, please note that your donation is for ‘Hay.’

Lastly, I had a bad fall last night and I just returned after being seen by the doctor. Thankfully, I didn’t need stitches. My head sure hurts like heck and I do have quite a shiner! I guess it’s a good thing that I’m hard headed!

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support.


 

Please click on Hope’s image to view her latest video.
Hope Believes!

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Here We Go! Hope is Moving On!



Hi Everybody!

Guess what? Yesterday was a really big day for me! I stood up for at least 15 minutes and walked at least 12 baby steps all by myself! I think I overdid it though, as I was a very tired little girl last night!

But guess what else? My DynaSplints arrived yesterday! We tried them on, and, this morning, we had to make some little adjustments. I’m going to get back into Betsy Rose’s sling now, to have my splints put on and then I’m going to try them out – so please stay tuned.

Love,
Hope

“Okay, everybody, it’s time! I’m just hanging around while they put my splints on me.  Then I’m going outside!  Please wish us luck, okay?”


Our Fundraiser and Match Game are both now complete! I’m thankful to all my Aunties and Uncles who have helped me so that I might be able to run and play like other baby calves!

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

Love,
Hope

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

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Hope’s Visit With Dr. Mangan

Dr. Mangan arrived at the rescue not long after Hope and I returned from Ocala Equine Hospital on Friday. He helped us settle Hope back into her “suite.”  Dr. Mangan had his absolutely wonderful children with him and we all learned quite a bit!  The findings could have been better, but they could have also, been much worse. We knew Hope has dwarfism characteristics and suspected neurological issues as well.  We also thought her to possibly be blind. So, here’s what we learned.

Hope has cataracts in both eyes but she can see some shadows from her left eye and a little bit more from her right eye.

She has iris hypoplasia which is the term for any condition that causes an intact iris to erode, or prevents an iris from developing properly. However, a mild improvement in visual function can occur as the result of maturation processes of the brain.  This may be what causes Hope to squint and lower their head.

Dr. Mangan arrived at the rescue to assess Hope’s eyes not long after Hope and I returned from Ocala Equine Hospital yesterday.

The cataract is pretty visible.

Hope has symptoms of hydrocephalus (excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain).  It can cause an up-gaze paresis with the eyes appearing to be driven downward.  The lower portion of the pupil is sometimes covered by the lower eyelid and the sclera may be seen between the upper eyelid and the iris.  Other symptoms of hydrocephalus can include abnormal curvature of the spine, difficulty walking, muscle fasciculations, proprioceptive deficits, blindness, diminished learning ability, skeletal abnormality, overreactive reflexes, and deformities of the limbs.

With these findings, and our team will regroup and determine a plan for Hope.  For now, we will continue to pursue the procurement of the Dynasplints and provide supportive care.  Only time will tell what the future holds for Hope.  Please keep her in your prayers.

The other cataract.


We have high hopes for Hope and we believe in her.  She’s got the right attitude and tons of determination!  She doesn’t know she’s “different” and we don’t need to tell her – we love her just the way she is.

Hi Everyone, it’s me, Hope!

Mommy Theresa asked me if I would like to share some news about the Match Game! We still have $669 to go to help with the cost of my DynaSplints and follow up care. I am so excited and thankful to all my Aunties and Uncles who are helping me so that I can soon, jump and play like other baby calves!

*Please CLICK HERE if you would like to play the Match Game.*

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!

Love,
Hope

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A Big Day for Hope!

Wednesday was a big day for Hope! I took her to Ocala Equine Hospital for an evaluation and x-rays by Dr. Lugo to determine if she would be a candidate for DynaSplints which would hopefully, help her contracted tendons.

Dr. Lugo and his staff did a great job in successfully operating on little Harvey a few years ago to put his kneecap back where it belonged – he had been born with his kneecap out of place. More than a year ago, Emma had bullets and bullet fragments removed at Ocala Equine Hospital almost a month after she had been shot multiple times. They are truly amazing!  Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Lugo and Ocala Equine Hospital.

To learn more about DynaSplints, please CLICK HERE.


Hope is always great for road trips. Freckles travels with her.

Everyone at the hospital loved her!

Hope was great for the trip – she’s always a very good girl for road trips. Once we arrived at the hospital, she had a bit of a welcoming committee.  She unloaded onto a nice thick mat and got comfortable. She then basked in all the attention that was being showered upon her.

The evaluation, multiple x-rays, and measurements took a couple of hours, but Hope cooperated the entire time. It was determined that she is a candidate for DynaSplints! There is no guarantee they will work but there is a good possibility that they will. We discussed the possible outcomes and her quality of life and we all believe that she truly, deserves a chance.

Hope cooperated – totally. She seemed to know we are all trying to help her.

Dr. Lugo feels we should try the Dynasplints and that Hope has a chance to live a comfortable life.

In addition to the contracted tendons, there is some abnormality in one knee but Dr. Lugo said that we can address that later, if needed.  Before leaving the hospital, more people appeared to have a photo taken with Hope – she simply loved it!  However, she was totally exhausted by the time we departed for the rescue. She curled up with Freckles and rested on the way home as she had an appointment with Dr. Mangan that same afternoon.

Thank you all for having faith in our little Hope and for helping her. I will update tomorrow regarding Dr. Mangan’s assessment of Hope which, hopefully, will help explain her other issues.

Please keep Hope in your prayers – she’s such a precious little girl who really seems to understand, and appreciate, that we are trying to help her.

Hope seemed to pose for photos – she knows she is “all that!”

So many people came by to take photos with Hope. I’m sure she felt like a movie star!


I was so proud of this little girl.

Hope is quite the determined little calf.


A tired little girl on the way home. Hope curled up with Freckles and napped on the way back to the rescue.

Our precious little sleepy head.


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