Saturday, November 12, 2011

Meet Dexter

Dexter is our third bottle calf. He was born just before the great cow plague hit us and  seemed to be doing fine.

But then John found him one morning, stretched out stiff and cold and seemingly near death. Evidently, whether it was the disease, the vaccine, or the medicine, his mama had suddenly quit producing milk.

So John brought the baby to a warm stall and began the re-hydrating process  -- running a tube down the baby's throat and giving him a dextrose solution.  It took three or four days, with slow improvement and finally young Dexter was on the come back trail, standing and taking milk in a bottle.
Now he's one of the bottle babies gang. Xena and Clover could be weaned -- they're eating calf starter and hay but still want their bottles. And Dexter has two big girls to hang out with.
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24 comments:

Desiree said...

Dexter is such a beautiful baby. It must have been very upsetting to see him so weak and not knowing whether he'd pull through. He is looking so healthy now and with the companionship of Clover and Xena, he should grow into a big, strong boy. I do so love hearing about your wonderful animals.

Brian Miller said...

awww...isnt he a cutie...glad you were able to nurse him back to health....

Martin said...

Compassionate farming at its best. Go, Dexter!

June said...

Oh my goodness, look at little tiny Dexter in that second picture! What a sweet little baby! I'm so happy your husband found him and brought him back from the brink!

Ms. A said...

Dexter is a lucky little fellow!

Unknown said...

Memories of farm life for me! I've just ordered the third and fourth Goodweather books. My first two are doing the rounds of bookclub..and we all want more. Then of course I already have the new one! So they are being enjoyed in NZ!

Pat in east TN said...

What an adorable 'gang' you have there!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Dexter is adorable and for some reason, he looks like a Dexter. How do you come up with such creative names? Ah, yes, good writers instincts. Bless you both for saving such a cutie. He is blessed and so are you.
Sam

Carol Murdock said...

He is just beautiful Vicki! Thank goodness John found him and knew exactly what to do to save him! XO

Kath said...

Such a touching and beautiful way to begin the day!

Brenda said...

Oh my! I saw the headline and thought "Vicki got another dog!!" Glad little Dexter pulled through. What a beautiful shiny coat he has, looks like the picture of health now. And such good company he's in, with the older ones to show him the ropes!

Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...

Hello Vicki

Glad to know Dexter mader though his crisis and what a beautiful color of brown.

In the second picture Xena and Clover seems to be very protective of Dexter.

Take Care

Best
Tracy :)

Inger said...

Kindness and caring -- I'm sure all three know how blessed they are.

BB said...

What a sweet story Vicki. Lots of TLC.

Thérèse said...

What a gang!

Kathryn Magendie said...

Wow - Dexter is one handsome sweetie ... made me smile.

Deanna said...

Hi Dexter!

Those bottle babies are a lot of work! But it is worth it, isn't it.

NCmountainwoman said...

Warms my heart!

Stella Jones said...

What a little darling. I'm so glad he made it in the end. Lots of work for you'all though.

Vicki Lane said...

I can't take credit for any of these names. Claui (who rescued Xena) named her, Justin and Claui named Clover, and either John or Justin named Dexter for all the dextrose that saved his life.

I'm just back from an all day workshop and am headed for bed but will come visiting tomorrow...

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Dexter is certainly a GORGEOUS Baby....! I love that you have three Bottle Fed Calves...Clover and Xena and now Dexter....! You and yours are cerainly lovers of animals---it is very dear to see and read about...!

Tipper said...

Dexter is adorable : )

jennyfreckles said...

Ah, so glad you saved him. Little tube-fed creatures are close to my heart right now.. Though my tiny grand-daughter has had her feeding tube removed now, hooray!

Jill said...

Dexter is sooo cute. Such a beautiful color. Looks like he really fits in with Xena and Clover. It takes a lot of time and dedication to bottle feed. Lucky little guy.