Mama Says: Moo Blues

Mama Says: Moo Blues

I sit here tonight barely able to function. I have only slept about 1-2 hours since Friday night. Once again, from one of my daughter’s projects. She brought home baby calves, who became sick and we have spent several days nursing them. I became involved on Thursday. But last night Rheba had to work. Thank goodness, her friend Nichole came over to help. It kept both of us busy throughout the night. Between keeping them warm because of the extremely cold weather, keeping them still so they kept their blankets on, keeping them hydrated, and keeping them medicated was more than I bargained for. As I have said on many occasions, I was not called to be a nurse or veterinarian. So why do I keep finding myself in all these situations?

I have not been an animal person. I grew up with dogs, actually, hunting dogs. I would occasionally pet them but wasn’t really attached to them. We never had cats when I was growing up. And I didn’t like cats, especially when they came up, rubbed up against your legs, tripping you up. Now people would think that I’m the crazy cat lady. I have discovered that cats can be very loving, but can also be very irritating. And, all have their very different personalities.

Back to the calves. There were several moments when we didn’t think they were going to make it. However, after you work so hard to save an animal, you do have a certain attachment to them. And like cats, they each have different personalities. One of them, even when she was so sick, was so spunky and curious. So, she was named Spunky. My personal favorite, because I like her color, and because she was so close to death’s door, has been named Miracle. The third one looks a lot like Spunky, but is so sluggish in comparison, I called her Sloth. I’m sure Rheba is going to rename her.

Tonight I’m planning to become reacquainted with my bed. They are doing much better today, but Rheba doesn’t have to work tonight and she will be on night watch. Thank goodness.