When you look at Madeline today it is hard to believe how far she has come.
When we first met Madeline, she had been left to die. She had been born with health issues and the breeder did not feel she was worth the time or money to treat her or give her proper care. A caring citizen
was able to negotiate Madeline’s release, and then contacted Farm Sanctuary for assistance.
Madeline not sure what to make of the camera photo by Kate Powell
She’s come a long way, baby!
Shortly after rescuing Madeline’s rescue, we rushed her to a veterinary hospital for immediate and lifesaving care. She had septic arthritis in her left front knee and her right rear stifle required antibiotic-infused joint flushes. She also needed a plasma transfusion because of a lack of proper colostrum from her mother when born.
Madeline had a very guarded prognosis, and there were serious concerns from her veterinarians that she would have moderate to severe arthritis throughout her lifetime. Thankfully, Madeline was and remains a fighter. Against the odds, she faced she started to get better.
A very young Madeline in 2011 with new friend Steve as featured on KissMyVegan.blogspot.com.
In just one week after her hospital release to our Northern California Shelter, we saw a much hardier, playful goat. And she was a champion eater. She would call loudly whenever a feeding time was close just to remind the caregivers it was almost time for her bottle (as if we might have forgotten).
Just over five years have passed since Madeline was rescued and brought to Farm Sanctuary. Despite all of the issues she faced early on she is a very healthy and happy goat. The fears of permanent arthritis have not come to pass; although we monitor her closely every day for signs.
Madeline loves humanimals and proudly posed for a selfie with her buddy Brian.
Madeline is one of the feistier goats on the farm. She has no problems showing the new goats in the herd who is in charge, and will even keep the caregivers in line. For example if she feels the other goats are
getting more than their fair share of attention, she will run up and butt a caregiver’s leg to let her know it is Madeline’s turn to get all the attention.
She remains a voracious eater – maybe even a little too much. She is part of a goat herd that needed to be put on a diet because they’d begun to get a bit rounder. Madeline’s knack for getting more than her fill seems to have rubbed off on the rest.
Madeline loves her herd mates, and mostly enjoys girl time with the other ladies in the herd. She is especially close to Raposal and Poppy. She will even chase some of the boys away if they try to interrupt
“girl time”. It is not uncommon to see her chasing away youngsters, including Totes and Hemingway.
Madeline had an extremely difficult start to life, but despite everything going against her she has prevailed. Today, she is busy living the life she loves with her best friends animal and humanimal by her side.
Please share Madeline’s story. Together, we can encourage awareness and understanding about the rich emotional lives of goats like him. With your support we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. A compassionate world begins with you!
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