Here’s more information about Hoofs n Horns, March 2014
When a Wrong Turn Goes Right
written by Shelby, Hoofs n Horns Farm Sanctuary. Hoofsnhorns Farm Sanctuary specializes in farm animals who have been rejected, abandoned, abused or at risk of being killed because of their sex, a medical issue or just being worn out and deemed non productive.
In search of a hay grower on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I took a wrong turn and soon noticed a dusty small corral at the side of the road cram packed with sad looking roping cattle in need of food and shade.
I noticed a small wet bundle laying behind one of the cows. She had just given birth!
Austin was at least two months premature according to the rancher and “as long as he could stand he would be fine,” but over the next several hours he lay in the dirt being pawed and pushed by his mother and other cows trying to get him to stand, he could only flop over.
By nightfall the rancher finally realized he wasn’t going to stand and if he did, would probably not be tall enough to nurse his mother. Cold, dirty and hypoglycemic we wrapped him in a warm blanket, rubbed honey on his gums, attempted to get some warm goats milk into him and promised him he’d be okay. By midnight he knew how to suckle the bottle.
We named him Austin since he is half Texas longhorn and have a house cow for almost a year. He had no body fat; his little soft fur looked like an old velour blanket thrown over a hard wood chair. He wasn’t developed enough to have much fur or even tail hair, his tail looked like a small fuzzy rat tail. His soft hooves were not ready to hold him yet and his knobby little knees were way too big.
That first week, he weighed just 19 lbs (even mini cows are born 30-40 lbs). With lots of love and prayers and a heating blanket he was cuddled and fed and as days wore on he progressed more every minute.
Within a week he could stand, wobbly and too unsteady to walk yet, but soon. Then in months as he grew and developed more muscle he could walk, then play. His favorite thing was to jump onto my bed. He had been raised in laps and on the couch, so why not? He napped with tiny dogs, followed us around for love, continued to grow and thrive.
Austin today thanks to Hoofs N Horns
Today Austin is still small for his breed but he is a big red beautiful boy with horns that span almost three feet. With those horns, he is gentle around baby goats, children and others who visit.
He lives in the general population corral with older retired cows thrown away from the dairy industry, a mini bull who was saved from a rodeo act, and approximately 70 goats rescued or retired here at HoofsnHorns Farm Sanctuary.
Austin was put in our path on an ordinary day, it was a miracle he was still alive at the end of that first day and a miracle he has grown the sweet beautiful fella that he is today. Had we not been led down that “wrong” road that day and seen him laying on the ground, pestered the rancher until he agreed to at least watch over him and finally allow us to come and get him, Austin would have surely been dead by morning.
The Sanctuary finally became a non profit 501(c)3 in the last year and is now able to accept donations, offer tax receipts and more.
Tours, birthday parties and school groups are welcome! There is a tiny farm store where you can purchase tshirts, handmade goats milk soap and other goodies.
It is a peaceful place where miracles happen and you can feel it as soon as you arrive. All food, water, shelter and expenses are paid for from donations, sales in the farm store and animal sponsors.
Hay is over $14 a bale right now and these critters need between 4 and 5 bales a day, in addition to grain, supplements, medical costs and other items for the special needs residents.
Formerly a paramedic, Shelby takes care of these animals full time, 24/7/365. She provides medical and emergency treatment, is their nursemaid and friend. Often they have special needs such as a diet, physical therapy such as being supported, exercised and rehabiliated to walk, eat and other basic functions. They are allowed to live among friends and family and never want for anything again, their lives are full loved and peaceful.
Hoofs N Horns takes donations on the website, at the farm, in the form of feed, and directly to their feed store on Avra Valley / Sandario (Post Feed and Supply). It is also possible to sponsor individual animals or the farm in general.
Thank you amazing ladies for making us your beneficiary this month.. you are angels doing beautiful work!
Shelby & herd at Hoofsnhorns Farm Sanctuary!