Rainbow Bridge
Billy The Goat
Our dear Boer goat, Billy, lost his relentless battle with urinary tract infections. Billy was one of several goats rescued from slaughter by a compassionate lady who eventually had to bring all of them to MFS. Before coming here Billy got into some chicken feed and was also fed a diet high in grain. For a neutered male goat this can be deadly.

On February 1, 2005 Billy was brought to Tufts Veterinary Clinic with a high heart rate and difficulty urinating. He was treated and released on February 4th. On February 7th Billy was returned to Tufts for the same problem. This time he was treated and released the same day. Then, on November 11, 2005 he was admitted to Tufts for surgery that would ultimately cure his urinary retention but it would also cause a lifetime of infections, skin problems and discomfort.

When Billy and his buddy Lucky arrived at MFS he was in fair health. We clipped and cleaned his "dirty butt". As he improved he made so many friends....the llamas, other goats, pigs, and he enjoyed good hay and loved his new human friends.

We did have to keep a close eye on Billy for behavior changes. As every infection set in you could see his attitude change and reluctance to eat. Treating him quickly was always our key to success. Despite having to endure the occasional course of shots, most of Billy's days were spent as a happy goat surrounded by friends and love.

On February 5, 2010, Billy's age and infections caught up with him along with arthritis in his hind legs. His quality of life was now severely compromised. Giving him every chance with more antibiotics and inflammatory therapy we finally had to come to grips with Billy's life. We consulted with our wonderful vet and she agreed with our painful decision, humane euthanasia. I held Billy in my arms and, as I've done with so many others, told him what a good goat is his and how much he is loved. Billy peacefully passed over the rainbow bridge as is missed by all of us.

Piggy Wiggy the Pot Bellied Pig

 Piggy Wiggy was as Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pig who came to us from the Hopedale Police Department several years ago. Some High School students had planned a prank for their prom and purchased this pig from a local farm that did "custom slaughtering". The students got a dog carrier that the pig couldn't even turn around in and had him confined in it for two or three days. Pigs are very clean when it comes to bathroom habits so you can imagine poor Piggy-Wiggy in this situation. The students were caught smuggling this little pig into the prom and the next day police, with students caught and pig in crate, arrived on our doorstep. The police were relieved to be free of the "stinky" pig and Piggy-Wiggy was relieved to be free from the dog crate and the people.

As for Piggy-Wiggy, we began to see his emotional issues emerge when we attempted to approach him. It was obvious he had been kicked before from the reactions he had if we tried walking close to him or if we had to step up and our foot was raised, he'd panic and scream (yes, scream). He came a long way and loved having Lucky (the miniature horse) as a friend. He snuggled with Jonathan for comfort. Peace and quiet were his motto. I know, I know...it's quite a face!

Uta, Claus and Dieter the Turkeys

Uta (pictured) came to Maple Farm Sanctuary with two other turkeys, Claus and Dieter.  A friend of ours was at a local fair and observed the harsh and inhumane treatment of these three turkeys by a poultry breeder who was trying to sell them.  Our friend asked the breeder if she would give her the turkeys instead of having them go to slaughter.  With some negotiating, the turkeys began their journey to Maple Farm Sanctuary.

These sweet birds are the same type who end up on Thanksgiving tables.  They have been bred to grow as big as they can, as fast as they can.  Because of this, we’ll always needed to feed them a low fat diet with fruits and vegetables.  

Uta was a very social and inquisitive girl who enjoyed the company of all the other animals. She loved having her feathers stroked and eating grapes!  Thank you for helping us care for her as she enjoyed her peaceful life on the farm.
 
Willie The Goat

 Willie, the goat, arrived at the farm in mid February 2009. Before coming to Maple Farm Sanctuary Willie had been off his feet for a month in a dark, dirty stall and was in need of some serious help. He had a prior serious hoof infection that had been spreading quickly to the rest of his body. His hoof infection had healed but he had urine burns on his back leg and belly. Willie had been down so long that his nerves were damaged and his tendons contracted. It was the hope that given a clean stall, proper food, physical therapy and lots of love that Willie would persevere.  Founders Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis and Jim Vandersluis quickly went to work caring for the sick goat and working on getting him back up on his feet. It soon became clear that Willie responded very well to contact with others and he made fast friends. Willie’s new home became a warm, comfortable barn and he shared the space with two goat roommates. The interaction between the three goats provided Jim and Cheri, as well as many volunteers, hope that the ailing goat was making improvements. 

One of the most powerful lessons learned through Willie’s stay at the farm was that of spirit. His feistiness and perseverance showed through when Jim and Cheri would bring him treats but it was his ability to connect with many of the volunteers that truly left a permanent mark.  When stepping into his barn, a sense of warmth came through the door. He responded best to human compassion and love.  Willie connected instantly to volunteers, visitors and the sanctuary founders, Jim and Cheri. The irony is that one of the key factors that allowed us to see this loving animal come alive in his last days, also put him is this predicament.

As the days passed Willie’s soul was strong but his health was not improving. Jim and Cheri exhausted all possible remedies and made the very tough decision to euthanize Willie. This decision was a result of respecting the quality of life for the amazing creature and knowing that he would soon not be suffering anymore. 

The magnitude of saying goodbye to a dear friend that touched many lives is palpable. The frustration of knowing that this could be prevented is even more obvious. But what is most important is to move forward with the knowledge of the past. Willie’s strength, courage, and love is a testament to how special these creatures truly are, and how we have a duty to respect and love them unconditionally, as they do to us. 

Willie, you have touched many lives with your peaceful eyes and your amazing heart, and your message will live on.

 


Maple Farm Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with tax-exempt status.  
 Donations are always appreciated! 

Maple Farm Sanctuary  ~  101 North Avenue  ~  Mendon, MA  01756