Christmas Pudding

By Chris R.

Boxing Day in the Valley was hot. The day was forecast to be a 43C maximum, and the volunteers were working hard to keep everyone as comfortable and cool as possible. When completing lunch time rounds of the southern paddocks, they noticed Rosemary, a ewe rescued earlier in the year, fussing over a small, black bundle. Unknown to us, Rosemary had been carrying a lamb, which had been well hidden under her woolly coat! Rosemary, ever calm, returned to her lunch after checking on her new arrival. The lamb found his feet quickly, despite the uneven terrain. He was soon suckling and curious of the humans who were watching him with great interest. 

Within two hours, it was noticed that the now named ‘Pudding’ was struggling with the heat. He was open mouthed breathing, a cause for concern in ovines as it signals serious heat stress. Once we were assured he had taken a drink of vital colostrum from his mother, little Pud was escorted into the cool to relax, returning at intervals to feed until the night breeze arrived.

The following day, both Rosemary and Pudding looked to be uncomfortable in the heat, so a plan was hatched and an area in the house with air conditioning organised. Mother and baby laid on the cool tiles, resting peacefully in between bouts of feeding. By evening, however, Pudding appeared listless. He was reluctant to suckle, despite encouragement, so the on call vet was contacted. Within an hour, Pudding was in clinic, and a drip line placed in his tiny leg. In the short time since birth, he appeared to be fighting an infection and possible heat stress. With antibiotics, fluids and electrolytes on board, Pudding was transported to ICU for monitoring.  

It was three days until little Pud was able to return to the Sanctuary. Unfortunately the time away interfered with his bond with Mum Rosemary. While she was happy to see Pudding, he was unable to suckle, so was introduced to formula which he took with great gusto. Pudding is now a month old, and while still tiny, loves his milk and is just beginning to nibble hay. He enjoys visits to see his mum, but also loves his new adopted lamb family in the house, where it is cool and comfortable despite the ongoing hot conditions. Welcome tiny Pud – such a lovely Christmas surprise you are!