By Chris R.
Last month we received an urgent message regarding a young steer
named Dexter. This adorably playful Jersey calf had formed a habit of
escaping his agistment and wandering onto a busy highway near his property. Fearing
for Dexter's safety, his owner was desperate to take the calf to a safe place and he was
soon on his way to the Valley.
Walking happily on his lead rope to his
new quarantine paddock, Dexter was curious about this new home, full of many new
sights, sounds and smells. His eyes were wide and he appeared a little
uncertain, looking constantly at his handler. Dexter was saddened by the departure of his
human friends and there was much mooing and unrest, which we found only cuddles
and food could placate. Of course, we were happy to provide both.
By
nightfall, Dex had started to enjoy the company of his ovine paddock
mates – Eric, Prancer and Norman. Dexter and his sheep friends soon
formed a close bond, grazing, resting and playing together. Dexter enjoys bouts of play with his wool buddies.
Once settled, Dexter was
visited by our farm animal vets for a health check. He liked meeting
the veterinary students in training and made the most of the attention while he
was examined, vaccinated and cuddled.
We hope our young bovine buddy loves his
new home and we look forward to sharing many of his adventures during his time
in the Valley of Hope.
