Rescue & Adoptions

In Loving Memory

Sadie

Sadie came from a herd of range cattle being raised for beef, where calves must rely on their ability to keep pace with the herd for protection from predators and the elements. Tiny Sadie was suffering from an untreated hip infection and was physically unable to keep up with the herd. Since range cattle are left to fend for themselves for weeks at a time, she certainly would have died, but the rancher decided to give her to our California Shelter. Though the raging infection in her hip ultimately required the amputation of her leg to halt its spread, Sadie’s shining spirit and will to thrive was clear from the start. She bounced back incredibly quickly from the extensive surgery and adapted to life with one less leg as if it had never been any other way. She also bonded immediately in those early days with another rescued calf named Dawn, and the two quickly became inseparable. Sweet Sadie lived happily at our California Shelter for six years, spending countless summer days grazing contently or napping in the barn next to Dawn. Though we knew her special needs status as a three-legged cow could eventually lead to more severe problems, we didn’t allow ourselves to think of it...until it happened.

Sadie was discovered in the field in the evening when we went out to bring her in to the barn for the night as always, and was not able to stand up on her back leg. The local vet was unable to fully diagnose the problem, so we took her to UC-Davis Veterinary School where they have x-ray equipment large enough to handle cattle and horses. The x-rays showed that she had dislocated her remaining hip, and the bone was displaced by at least 6 inches. Sadie's prognosis for successful recovery was estimated at 5 percent or less since she did not have her other leg to bear the extra work while this one healed slowly, so the choice to euthanize was all too painfully clear. While still under sedation from the contortions of x-rays, Sadie was given a spinal epidural of morphine so that she would feel absolutely nothing from mid-back down for 24 hours, and could make the trip home without pain. We wanted her to spend her last few hours surrounded by love.

Sadie’s adoring caregivers and interns spent several hours cuddling with her, stroking her constantly and lavishing every imaginable treat on her. We had hoped that Sadie's best friend Dawn would also spend time with her and understand what was taking place, but in a very curious and completely uncharacteristic manner, Dawn refused to come in from the pasture no matter what we tried. We are certain that she knew, and did not want to see Sadie that way. Dawn refused to come back to the barn for over three days.

Sadie was put to sleep with all of us holding her. There are some animals who touch us so deeply that we will never get over their departure. There will never be another like Sadie. She is buried on the farm's tallest hill, the queen's spot, overlooking the sanctuary and facing the sun. She will live on in our hearts forever, and will always inspire us with her amazing spirit.