Tuesday, January 20, 2009

My Shocking Surprise

This morning I was so excited to go out and feed. It was snowing and everything was so beautiful and white. I filled the bucket to feed the goats and as I walked in the big pen I almost had a heart attack. I dropped the bucket and ran. There was a small little brown body laying on the frozen ground not moving. I grabbed the kid and shoved it inside my down coat and headed to Sammi's stall. I thought some how one of her kids had gotten out and froze to death during the night. When I opened Sammi's gate she was standing there with all 3 of her girls. So where the he** did this kid come from? It wasn't the right color for one of Diva's and the other kids were in the maternity house near the house. I took the kid out of my coat thinking it was dead to look at it. It was a newborn and it was barely breathing. The only other goat in that pen was Bridie and we thought we had just bred her a month ago. I went and looked in her stall. She was standing there crying and when she saw the kid she started licking and crying more. Yep, Nickel must have gotten Bridie while she was laying down as he is too short to reach her. He is only 11 months old so isn't very tall yet. Anyway, I ran with the kid to the house. I gave her 2 cc's of strong coffee to jump start her system. I got out the trusty hairdryer and started warming her up. I really didn't think she would live. I warmed a blanket and sweater on the stove. Put the sweater on her, wrapped her in the blanket and placed her in front of the woodstove to rest while I finished feeding the animals. I didn't even take time to enjoy the snow while I fed. I rushed and got all the animals fed and came back inside expecting to see a dead baby goat. She was still breathing. I gave her a injection of antibiotics and B12 and rubbed on her some more to warm her up. I gave her some of her moms milk I had gotten while I was out feeding and she drank it. I warmed her blanket again and placed a hot water bottle under her and left her resting in front of the woodstove. About 20 minutes later I hear a little cry and go check. She is trying to stand. I help her up and help hold her up as she is still weak but she stands for a couple minutes trying to nurse my chin. I give her more of her moms milk and warm her blanket again. She rests for just a few minutes and tries to stand again. I end up holding her so she will sleep. After lunch she is walking around and her body temp is normal. I take her out to let her nurse her mom. Bridie was so happy to see her! She cried and licked her over and over. The little one nursed good and then curled up next to her mom. I closed the stall and made sure there were no drafts anywhere and left them. I had plans to go get the kid in a little while but everytime I went Bridie would push her behind her so I couldn't reach her. The little one was walking around, nursing and doing well. I decided to leave her. I will go back out several times during the night and if she is the least bit cold or acting sick I will bring her back in. Right now I think her mom is the best thing for her. Bridie had gotten just a little fat on her but that was normal for when we thought she was due in May. She never showed signs of nearing labor. No discharge. No full udder, no loose ligament, nothing. I feel so bad I didn't check on her when I went out several times last night to check on DiDi and her babies. Diva and Sammi always take such good care of their kids I didn't worry about checking on them and I had no ideal Bridie was anywhere near kidding. What a miracle and a blessing that the little one is alive. There are still chances she might not make it. Newborn kids that get a chill at birth even in the summer time have a very slim chance of making it. They get respiratory problems within a couple of days from the chill and usually die. I am hoping with the getting the antibiotics into her fast enough and warming her inside with the strong coffee she will be okay. Right now you can't tell she was ever near death. She acts just like a normal newborn kid. She survived so far and is a very strong willed little girl. What a wonderful little blessing she has already become. Now I need to get busy and name her, DiDi's twins and Sonya's babies... I am way behind! DiDi's boys with Sonya's little girl and boy. Her other boy was sold yesterday and is doing great in his new home.

27 comments:

Jess said...

What a huge miracle!

I'm so proud that you found her when you did and that yo know the things to do to help save their lives...

You shoud name her lucky! Or blessing, or miracle!

Love, Jess

Anonymous said...

Wow - what a shock! I am so happy that she is doing well so far and that she is with her mom. I so hope she continues to be strong. Maybe you could name her Chance.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow Peggy... This sent chills all through me. That little girl is a miracle. I suggest "Marvel" as her name--since that means miracle.

I do hope she makes it. Keep us posted. NOW---take a minute and enjoy your snow!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Sharon said...

Oh Peggy what a story and what a miracle that the little baby is still alive! I pray for critters too and I'll be praying for this baby girl. They're all adorable in their sweaters :)

Have a good night :)
Sharon

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

How wonderful!! What a little blessing and if she is so strong and willing to live let's hope she makes it..Bless you for all the help that you gave to her. Anyone that loves animals as much as you do is a very great lady!! No wonder I like you so much..Sandy
Glad you got your snow!! Keep it okay???

Jennifer said...

I am so glad you found her, these does can surprise us sometimes no matter how closely we watch them. Now that I know your husband drives through KS sometimes I will keep an eye on the sales page of your website...just in case! All the kids are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Hi Peggy,
I know just how you felt. I didn't know about the coffee part though.
What a good surprise, and I really hope and pray she makes it just fine.
Pam

Dandelionmom said...

What an amazing story!! I say call her Serendipity!! (Sarah)--Or even Providence It was certainly both serendipitous AND providential that you arrived outside in time! (and NO luck had nothing to do with it!)

I KNEW it would be good-I am glad you take so much time out to let us all live vicariously through you!!

Tracy Bruring said...

Holy cow peggy!!! My goodness. Ok I have a question. if this goat was already pregnant would she still accept a buck? Just wondering. My gosh what a day!!!!

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

Oh wow!! That is an amazing story:) I'll pray for that little one; sooo cute! You are amazing too Peggy!!!

Noelle*

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful miracle and glad you found the baby when you did!

Christy said...

How amazing! I hope she manages to hang in there.

Unknown said...

What a day you have had!
I love to hear about you babies and mothers! They have all been blessed to have you for a "Mom".

Mom said...

I vote for naming her "Precious".

She looks absolutely precious in her sweater.

Tonia said...

So glad you found her!! What a little Miracle!!

rebel said...

Awwww, I so hope she makes it.

Anonymous said...

Hello Peggy, Another wonderful story. I suggest the name Hope as your remind us to never give up hope and to always do what ever you can having hope that all will be alright. Also that this all happened on a day when so many of us feel that Hope has been restored in America.

TEAM HALL said...

Wow!!! You are one amazing woman! You're like the Florence Nightingale of goats!
Sweeeeet face on that little miracle!

Marci said...

What a little miracle. I pray that she makes it. You are so good to your animals!!!

Iowa Gal said...

I have a question...........You gave her a shot of strong coffee to jump start her system. Would that work for any animal? This is the first I had heard about it. Thank the Lord you went out when you did.

Baba said...

OHooo.. Peggy, what a true miracle !! I would name her " grace", because it was by the grace of God that you found her in time to save her...I pray she will live a long life... Hugs, Baba

Dana said...

Wow!! I am amazed with you Peggy:) You saved that little baby. Im glad all are well. Was that the last pregnant mom? Do they show anger towards you after you sell their babies? Thank God you went outside when you did:)

Stephanie Appleton said...

What a story. We had a similar surprise this week, though the story is not nearly as dramatic. I'm glad to hear though that surprises happen even those who are much more experienced. I was feeling quite incompetent at our surprise goats this week.

DayPhoto said...

Oh, my goodness! What an amazing story! What an amazing vet you are...you know just the right stuff to do and never even stop to wonder what you should do next. You are my hero and the new little babies hero!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

amelia said...

What a time you are having! It's a miracle to me that you ever sleep! Do you have any help yet?

I vote to name this little girl "Hope'

Rosa said...

Aw, I'm praying for the miracle baby!

Carole Burant said...

Oh sis, her name should be Miracle, as that's exactly what she is! Thank God you went out and saw her when you did. I can well imagine your shock, not thinking that Bridie was due to give birth for a few months yet! I got goose bumps reading this post...I pray that she survives!! Love ya! xoxox