Follow Lilly's Rescue and Recovery Story

Miss Lilly Dilema.. Any Answers?

2009-10-21T08:47:00.006-05:00

Hi All,
Thank-you for all of your kind words of support and encouragement over the last few weeks and months. I have been caught up with trying to get the farm ready with the early burst of snow.. :(

Lilly is hanging in there. It has been daily a struggle to try to help her gain strength to walk lately. She gets herself up and down and still goes out short distances from the barn to graze. She is not as adventurous as she was post-op.. I'm not sure why.. She may have twisted or sprained her leg out in the pasture or gotten spooked by something other than Mrs. Wiggins. For the last 8 weeks or so her back leg, the tendons and muscles are having difficulty supporting her weight.

It has been hard to watch her trying to walk over the past few weeks. She is in great spirits. She is eating well although she has lost weight. She is getting special supplements. Her back leg that has to support her weight is just not doing what it's suppose to be doing. It gives out on her when she tries to walk. She can stand well, tall and strong. When moving however, her back leg slowly gives out and her knee touches the ground.

I had a visitor come through the farm yesterday. A local guy from down the road. He did not know Lilly's story at all and just gave her a quick glance. As he watched Lilly get up and scoot out of the barn, he said, "huh?" Then he said, "Oh, you know what you're going to have to do with that one don't you?" I looked at him and took a deep breath...

Where in the heck do I start, in trying to explain the whole story to him? So I didn't say much and said, "Well, we're still trying to help her get stronger"... He shook his head and looked to the ground..

I have been sick to my stomach ever since.. I guess I have known in my heart that this might be a possibility.. Especially since our winters are brutal here..

I really thought she would be stronger and would be getting around better by this stage in her recovery..
I feel somewhat betrayed by the University and their recommendation to amputate telling me they know of 2 other llamas that are happy and healthy..I knew going into this that there were no promises and no guarantees. I would say Lilly at this point is "surviving" but not thriving.

I am struggling personally with the thought of keeping an animal alive just to say I "saved" her.. I refuse to do that, even as a "rescuer". If I do not think an animal is living a full and happy life, I've had to make those tough decisions.. I will not prolong suffering..

I love Lilly very much. She loves to snuggle and gets scratches and rubs and will lay next to me for hours letting me scratch her everywhere... when I am with her she is happy... When she has to try to walk and graze... I wonder... How she feels.. She is definitely struggling.

I know it is hard to understand this spiritual dilemma if you've never been in it. And each situation is so different and each animal spirit is unique.. Those of you that have animals in those difficult situations know how difficult it is to have to try to transcend our bodies into the spirit of these lovely creatures. It is a different realm. A place where spirits are made to roam wild and be free. When the animal spirit is hindered by pain and suffering, it is restricted, it starts to die and leave this world.. The eyes go vacant. Even though they are still with us, warm and breathing, their spirit is moving beyond all that we know here. Some people can't see it or sense it.. Some of us can.

Lilly is still here in spirit, strong and bright eyed.. She is present.. By nature, animals don't give up. They fight until they take their last breath.. The question I have been asking myself a thousand times a day since the minute I set eyes on Lilly is, "As her human guardian, how do I really know what is really the "right" thing here?"

I am committed to helping Lilly in every way that I can..I have also promised her and all the animals I come in contact with to never ever prolong suffering or pain.

If you have suggestions please offer them.. as I don't have answers and I am hoping for some llama angles to give her a little boost of strength to be strong through the winter..

If you post on this blog, please copy it to me in an e-mail also as I don't see the comments on here unless someone tells me to look :) ckimmes@hotmail.com

This has been a wild and emotional personal journey for me, into the wonderful spirit and soul of an amazing Miss Lilly :)

Peace
Candy

Lilly is Up! Go Lilly!

2009-08-13T09:38:00.004-05:00

Lilly has healed herself once again! She is up!
Patience, rest and relaxation and she's UP!

As you all know, after the surgery, once Lilly got her new footing she was tearing up the pasture and running around like a crazy wild llama! Then, suddenly she slowed way down and was spending most of her days resting in the barn, not walking much, and her back leg was collapsing if she tried to walk on it for more than a few steps. Over the last few weeks, she has continued to rest most of the time.

Her spirits remain bright and she has been eating the fresh alfalfa, apple, raspberry, and birch leaves I pick for her. She also has been occasionally munching on the pine branches I put in her pen.

Last night, I mowed paths through her pasture and she came out and ran around them! She seemed excited to have new, freshly mowed areas and she spent about 20 minutes out there smelling the evening breeze, munching on the edges of the paths.

Her back leg seems to be slowly getting stronger. I think Lilly may have sprained it when she was sowing her oats a few weeks back. She was wise enough to know that she had to rest it to stay out of pain and to heal it.

She has also gotten more tolerant of the pigs and the baby kittens. The baby kittens has no fear of Lilly and they now sit next to her bowl while she eats.

I haven't heard her alarm calls in several days so I guess she has even accepted the new piggy Mrs Wiggins into her pack. I know I called her alarm calls "orgling" but I have also read that the llamas orgle when mating.. so I was a little confused..
I researched orgling on-line before I labeled it that.. I know I'm confused. Lilly might be too after all that she has gone through, and who knows how long it has been since she has seen another llama..
hmmm.. maybe she did like the new spotted pig Mrs Wiggins after all..?? I know llamas sometimes "hum" when they are concerned about something new in the yard or are stressed, but the sound she made sounded like a repetitive call from a wild turkey.. I looked up a video on U-tube of llamas orgling... Well, the video I found was of llamas mating so I'm not going to link it to the blog, I'm sure you can find it yourself if you really want to see it.. but that was the sound Lilly was making!.. So.. yes, we run a funny farm here and most days, we don't know if we're coming or going, or mating or something else.. :)

okay..Candy, focus..

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and kind words of support and encouragement for Lilly. I still hope in my heart that the surgery was the right thing to do. It has been spiritually hard for me to see her struggling to walk for the last few weeks, and I guess I have re-newed hope after seeing her up and exploring last night. I think the "old" strong willed spunky Lilly is coming back!! YEA!

I want to thank Theresa Holmes, the Editor of "The Llama Letter" the newsletter for the Pennsylvania Llama and Alpaca Association. They have featured Lilly's story in their newsletter for Aug 09! http://www.plaa-net.org/

Thank-you also the the Southeast Llama Rescue Association (SELR) for featuring Lilly's story on their website! http://www.leftofcentercreative.com/index.html

and Lilly's special friend and supporter Ethel, and to all of Lilly's secret admirers!

Thank-you all!!
C

Slow Days... No New Aliens!

2009-07-28T16:49:00.004-05:00

Hi All, it's been a few weeks since I last updated you on our famous orgling guard llama Miss Lilly.

I've been watching Lilly closely everyday, with my fingers crossed, hoping and praying that she continues to progress and that we don't have any major incidents.

A few weeks ago, I noticed that she became remarkably weaker on her hind leg. Prior to that, she was literally running around to the far corners of the pasture and I couldn't get near her!

Every time I go out to the barn now, I check for any swelling, and haven't found any in her surgical site or in her other back leg. I thought maybe she was harboring an infection from the surgery. No signs of that. There is also no signs of injury to her back leg.

I have been horribly afraid of the dreaded meningeal worm. Lilly hadn't been wormed in at least 2 years before coming to us. The owner had never wormed her and she knows the previous owner never wormed her either. Meningeal worm is something to read about if you've never heard of it. It is a horrible parasite that llamas are susceptible to, that is carried by deer ticks in this area. It attacks the meninges of their brain, causes stumbling and neurological deficits and often death if not caught quickly and treated aggressively. So far, she has been on a regular worming schedule here, but she remains at very high risk...

Okay, I'm not talking about that anymore... it's not an option for Lilly, after all that she's gone through, some stupid little parasite is not going to get her down!

I have started her back on mash supplements twice a day to give her any extra nutrients she needs. She has refused all of the selections of treats and grains I have tried, so we'll stick to the secret mash :)

I am trying to keep the barn quiet, other than the 6 pesky kittens who have just recovered from their "it" surgeries and are now free to roam through the barn! Lilly hates cats, but even when the kittens walk next to her, she doesn't spit. She just pins her ears back, which of course means nothing to the oblivious kittens! She is extremely tolerant!

I wanted to show you a video of Lilly standing and trying to walk so that you can see how she is doing. She is very alert, and knows exactly when I am coming out of the house, who's in the yard, which cat is walking through her pen and which pig is taking a mud bath!

She is holding her body weight well. The incision is completely healed.

She gets up quickly, and stands fine, when trying to walk, it is more like a hop and her back leg gets tired. She is doing a great job on her own, alternating periods of rest and activity. Hopefully in a few more weeks, she'll be up tearing around the pasture again!

Sorry about my goofy voice and commentary.. I guess I get into my own world when I'm in the barn talking to the critters.. You may want to turn your sound down :)

Alarm! Alarm!

2009-07-16T11:03:00.008-05:00

It was a calm, cool, clear night last night. There were millions of stars, no chance of rain, a great night to sleep with the windows open. All the animals were quietly snuggled in their beds, resting comfortably. A beautiful, peaceful night on the farm..

AH! Alarm! What? At 0430 am when the sun just started creeping above the horizon, I heard a horrible noise from outside! As I cleared my brain and my eyes from a night of deep sleep, I stumbled to the deck, and I realized it was Lilly! Orgling like crazy!! Oh NO!

I ran outside bare footed and in my pj's worried that there was a predator in the barn or near it.

We have been seeing coyotes running along the perimeter of the fields during the day lately and in my heart of hearts, my biggest fear is that one will come in to the barn to get Lilly or the pigs at night!

The thoughts racing through my mind were horrible!

As I ran towards the barn tears were welling up in my eyes and my stomach was in a knot!

Lilly continued with her alarm calls!

Cocco our dog was running next to me, but she seemed calm and her usual joyful self.. She is usually the one to first let me know when something is wrong..

As I ran up to where Lilly was standing, struggling to catch my breath, she continued to orgle. My eyes scanned the area, all the other animals seemed calm, quietly resting. Cocco was sitting by my side, looking at me, simply asking me why I was up so early!

Leggo was fine, the goats were fine, it was totally silent in the yard and the barn, except Lilly was going absolutely crazy!

I was frantically trying to find what she was so alarmed by!

Oh..Oh...Oh...

Then I looked in the pig pen...

oops..

I forgot to introduce Lilly to our newest arrival. She came late yesterday. Her given name is Mrs.H Wiggins (from the Carol Burnett show)

Umm.. Mrs H Wiggins is a spotted potbelly pig, who just happened to be up, waiting for her breakfast at 0430am! I know Lilly has never seen a spotted pig, and has never met this particular pig. I think Mrs Wiggins scared the beegeeeses out of Lilly! Mrs Wiggins went to bed early last night, so Lilly didn't see her when she went out to graze.

Mrs. Wiggins sleeps in the little playschool house that she came in. Mrs. Wiggins knows how to open the door to her schoolhouse and lets herself in and out. When she came out for breakfast this morning, Lilly must have been standing there grazing. I think seeing all of this for the first time in the middle of the night must have almost thrown Lilly over the edge, into an orgling panic attack!

Lilly was standing there looking at this pig and the school house like she was about to eaten by a 6 headed dragon!

I went into Mrs Wiggins' pen, gave her a scratch and introduced her to Lilly. Once Lilly saw that I wasn't devoured instantly she stopped orgling and just stood there and stared at us.

Then Lilly looked specifically at me and threw her ears back.

Okay, Lilly..

"I know, I totally deserve the cold shoulder for this one! Sorry!"

Who knew Lilly would make such a great guard llama?! If only the pigs appreciated all that she does for them :)

Everyone, let me formally introduce you to Mrs H Wiggins.. She really doesn't look like a 6 headed dragon to me, but who knows exactly how a llama would interpret the site of this, coming out of a plastic school house in the dim light of dawn! WOW! I guess I would orgle too!

On a serious note, Mrs Wiggins was surrendered to the rescue yesterday because her family is being evicted from their rental apartment and going to live in a "semi truck" until they can find another place to live. I'm glad Mrs. Wiggins ended up here, I can't let my mind think about where she may have ended up. (not sure yet how Lilly feels about her)

and of course...

Meet GUARD llama Lilly!

Whew! What a morning!

Can I have my coffee now?

Alien Llama..??

2009-07-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

Ummm...

I've been keeping the barn quiet, and not going out there very often to bug the critters. Mainly because I've been trying to encourage Lilly to rest. Every time I go out there she gets up. Her back leg has been so weak she has hardly been able to walk. So I figured she needed rest.

This morning when I went out to do chores, I think there was an alien llama in the pen, not Lilly...
It looked like Lilly..
But didn't act like Lilly...

She got up and stood by the panel where I usually enter her pen.
As i walked through the barn, she didn't move.
I stopped and approached slowly, and reached in to try to pet her.
I expected at that point that she would do her usual maneuver, and scram out of the barn.
She stood there and let me scratch her neck!!!! WOW!

hmmmm.
Then I got some of Leggo's grain and put some in a bowl and slid it in to her..
She ate it!!...
??
Who is this llama and where is wild Lilly??
:)

I left the barn..
I wanted to leave with a success in my pocket..
I think I got a big one!
YEA!!!

Thank-you all for your continued support!

We are still also trying to place 16 llamas and have a new potbelly coming in to the rescue tomorrow due to a home foreclosure. Your help in spreading the word about MFAR is always appreciated!

Thanks!
Candy

Lazy Friday.. Hoping for a Quiet Weekend..

2009-07-10T23:01:00.005-05:00

Lilly stayed in the the barn most of the day today relaxing in the shade.
It was quite humid so all the animals were moving slow and just hanging out.
There was a cool breeze tonight as the sun was setting and all the animals were out grazing in their pastures. Lilly was up. She wasn't running around like last week, just taking things slow.. Still weak in her back leg, but up enough to get out to graze and get back to the barn when she needs to.

We are all looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend.

Wishing all of you the same!
C

Oh, I almost forgot!

We are still in the Shelter Challenge through July 26th. It would be great if you would all be willing to give us a vote daily!~
Directions: Once you click on the site below, click to donate food.
Then you will see a red vote banner on the top of the page.
Click it to vote in the Shelter Challenge ~
then search for: Midwest Farm Animal Rescue, Wisconsin and vote! YEA!!!!

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Thank-you!

Lilly Is Up Again!

2009-07-09T21:34:00.016-05:00

Lilly is up again!! It seems like she is almost back to where she was last week when she would run away from me to the far corner of the pasture! Today she shot up and out of the barn. She doesn't go far, but remained standing for quite a while. It still seems like walking puts stress on her leg, but she is much better and stronger today than she has been over the past three days! YEA!!

Here she is watching looking at Claire and me.. making sure we are where we are suppose to be in our designated areas! :) Go watch llama Lilly!

Lilly watching me do the rest of the chores.

It was a gorgeous summer day, low humidity, nice breeze! Just has to snap a pic in admiration and thanks!

Now.... Who can get any work done with these little "once wild" critters climbing all over the place! Their new favorite spot to nap and hang out is on my chair in my office!

Other MFAR Updates:
While Lilly's rescue and recovery has been going on, MFAR has also been involved in trying to place 10 llamas and 9 alpacas from a woman in a desperate financial situation.

Here are some of the gang. They have just been shorn and are ready to go to their new home. We did not bring them here to MFAR because they need to be quarantined and we didn't want to put any additional stress on Lilly.

Meet Tootsie Roll

Meet Bandit

Meet Dusty...(actually I think Lilly might fall in love with him...hmmmm

He almost looks like her twin! He is on the left, Lilly our love is on the right)

If you are interested in finding out more about the animals available for adoption, they are all listed on http://www.petfinder.com/ search barnyard, category llama, zip 54755

They are also linked in to our website at http://www.mfar1.org/

Thank-you all for your continued support, and words of encouragement...

Candy

ckimmes@hotmail.com

2009-07-09T21:32:00.001-05:00

Resting...Still....Resting...

2009-07-08T22:52:00.002-05:00

Well.. I think we are in a holding pattern while Lilly recovers again.

She progressed so quickly in the beginning, everyone including myself was in complete awe!

Now, it seems like she may have taken a few steps backwards and she may have over did it on that leg.

When I go out to the barn she is lying down, comfortably in cush position. When she sees me, she gets up and walks out of the barn. The last few days though when she tries to walk, her back leg gives out on her pretty quickly. She can stand for several minutes, but walking seems to me more difficult for her.

I have been trying to keep it quiet around here, and I haven't been making my 100 trips out to the barn to bug the critters. I want her to rest so that her good leg can heal. I am sure it is a stress and use strain and she just needs to rebuild and repair..

She looks great otherwise, her spirits are fantastic and she is very alert to everything going on.

I am still searching for the perfect treat. I think she gave up on the carrots.

Thanks to Ethel, we will be trying peppermints :) and someone else recommended peanut butter sandwiches.. but I was worried they might cause cavities :) I did know a llama once that liked orange slices.. I guess I could try those..

I have never met an animal (until now) that turns down every type of grain I put in front of it. So far she seems to prefer fresh grass. She isn't even going for the freshly baled alfalfa.

We'll keep searching.

I bought more treats today..

There has to be one she absolutely goes crazy for!

I am also being over run by four wild barn kittens in my house! They were wild, but I trapped them so that I could tame them and get them spayed and neutered.. Well, now of course they are couch potatoes, who lay around and watch Oprah.. that's all fine and good except I am allergic to cats! I am trying to grow big kitties! They have to weigh 2 pounds for our veterinarian to do their surgeries so you can bet they are being fed extremely well!

Eat Kitties Eat!

C

C

New Fundraiser..Contest.. Maybe we could win!

2009-07-06T02:56:00.004-05:00

I found a fundraiser that is happening only through July 26th.
People click on the site and vote for Midwest Farm Animal Rescue and we can win a grant for the animals!

It is through the "Shelter Challenge" on the animalrescue site.org
You have to select Midwest Farm Animal Rescue and select Wisconsin, and vote.. It takes a few minutes, but it is free!!!

Vote away!! :) If we all vote like crazy through July 26th maybe we could win!?? It's worth a try :)

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces#shelterVoteSection_header

Thanks!
C

4th of July Weekend...

2009-07-05T12:31:00.002-05:00

All is quiet this weekend on the farm..
No fireworks here...
They're way to loud for all of our sensitive ears! Luckily our Amish neighbors agree..
I did see a falling star last night under the full moon at about 2am~ Awesome!

Lilly is resting more this weekend, I have found her her in cush position relaxing in the barn. I see that when she gets up, her back leg is weaker, not as straight, bending more at the knee when she tries to walk.

I think we may have over done it last week. I am sure that back leg has stress injuries and that she most likely has to repair and rebuild the muscles and tendons in that leg. There is no swelling that I could find.

We'll try to keep her quiet.. Let her rest.. I am guessing in a few days she will be up again, good as new.. There were a few days last week when she was really up grazing most of the day and was running away from me quite a bit..

Now we'll give her a little recovery time :)
....as far as treats go.. I am still searching.....
I think Lilly might like carrots.
I have been cutting a few for her and putting them in her bowl every morning, and a few are gone each night..
It's either her, or an over-night guest..

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Be safe!

Candy and the gang

Bugs and Flies...Biting! Ouch!

2009-07-03T13:38:00.002-05:00

Lilly actually came to see me in the barn today while I was doing chores. First time ever!

She wouldn't stay in the barn if I opened her gate to go in, but she watched me from inside today rather than from the corner of her pasture!

I noticed the flies and gnats are biting today more than usual from the moisture and the summer heat.
I got out our trusty tea tree oil out and corralled her in to barn. It wasn't a 10 minute chase today, she gave up fairly easy. Her back leg seems weaker today. She went into the barn in only about 1 minute. Once I had my hand on her back, she gave up quickly and went into cush position in the barn.

Thank-you Lilly!

I massaged her neck and face. At first she was very skittish, pulling away from me and wincing her eyes like she was afraid I was going to hurt her... then she realized that the rubs weren't so bad after all..

I rubbed her ears with oil and she leaned into me and actually seemed to enjoy it!
Yea! Yea!!

I got some llamas snuggles!!!!!!
Thank-you Lilly!

ah :)
reward :)
C

Hay is made, now we can relax!

2009-07-01T19:43:00.003-05:00

Miss Lilly was elusive today and spent most of her day out in the pasture again. She peeked into the barn when she heard the goats and Leggo begging for treats but she was not interested in anything I had for treats. Off she went.

We were able to get the first crop of hay made before the rain came!

Now we can all relax! The cats had the right idea!

Ookie (grey cat) watching Reeter (white cat) taking a nap on the deck!

Me To!

Lilly goes for a Run!

2009-06-30T20:27:00.002-05:00

It was a nice cool day today with a light breeze. Lilly spent the day out in her pasture. Late this evening I decided I needed a little "Lilly time".

Of course she knew I was coming and took off to the back corner of the pasture as always. I usually just ignore her and let her do her thing and don't go back there. Today, I walked back there, saying her name. She took off full speed ahead and was doing loops around the pasture.
I kept walking, trying to tell her to walk towards the barn because it is a smaller space and I can usually get close to her. She ran around her pasture for almost 10 minutes until she exhausted herself! I kept walking slowly, finally I think she tired herself out and she walked up by the barn and let me put my hand on her back.

I didn't put the halter on her. She stood there while I massaged her neck, rubbed the sides of her face and the bottoms of her ears. Exactly how I used to do everyday when she couldn't run away from me.

I told her it was still me and that I didn't have anything planned for tonight other than a few good scratches. I gave her about 5 minutes of rubs and then turned my back on her and ignored her. She stood there for a few minutes and then decided she was free and wild and took off running to the far corner of the pasture, looking at me as though I had 6 heads.....

Silly girl!

I'll try this routine again tomorrow...

C

Movin' and Rakin'!

2009-06-29T22:32:00.003-05:00

Lots of activity today on the farm. It was a dry day with low humidity so the tractors were out in full force trying to get the first crop of hay in. It has been so wet and humid that we are behind this year with cutting hay and should actually almost be on the second cutting.

So far today, the hay is cut and raked and if the weather holds we can bale tomorrow!

Lilly's pen was re-arranged to make room for some of the hay. She was checking out her new area in the barn. She is still next to the goats and Leggo of course, we just had to add in some extra panels to keep the critters from eating all the fresh hay. It's always interesting trying to plan ahead trying to figure out strategically how and where to stack the hay, and trying to plan 6-10 months in advance for who might be here on the farm and how much they might eat! We always try to store extra of course.

Lilly is still on her hunger strike from all the treats and grain that I set out for her. She has been grazing in her pasture most of the day today due to the nice cool weather. She is also holding her weight, her strength and her energy level well so I am not concerned from a nutritional stand point of her lack of interest in what I provide. What ever she needs or wants must be out there in her pasture because she sure doesn't give anything I put out, a second glance.

I would really like the emotional satisfaction of seeing her eat the special treats I set out for her, but I guess I'll have to keep waiting for that..

We also got Big Red, our farm truck back today. We pulled the trailer home with it and we're checking it out to see how it does under "farm work" conditions. So far so good! Thank-you Eric!

Everyone keep your fingers, toes and hooves crossed hoping for another nice dry day tomorrow so we can get some beautiful hay made!

C

It's My Pasture!

2009-06-28T17:10:00.003-05:00

Lilly must have been bored today, I watched her standing close to her fence giving the potbellied pigs on the other side evil glances. Usually Lilly totally ignores them and grazes across the back side of her pen. Today, she was out in full force as "guard" Lilly and was walking back and forth trying to tell the pigs to "step away from her fence!" She even orgled a few times and of course the pigs could care less. They just spread themselves out in the sun and took their naps.

I really don't think she cares about the pigs because she sees them every day. I think she was truly just bored trying to entertain herself..

Oh Lilly!
I think you need a friend or two eh?

Quiet Day Today!

2009-06-27T17:25:00.003-05:00

Lilly is her usual elusive self today.. Running at full speed around her pasture, peeking at me while I do chores.

All is well, everyone seems to be in their positions begging for food in full force..
Lilly still isn't showing any interest in the treats and grain I'm offering her these days. I guess she must be finding more tasty things out in her pasture..
I will keep searching for an irresistible treat!

Thank-you all again for helping to share Lilly's story.
The e-mails I receive in with your words of support and encouragement and your generous donations help keep me going.

Sometimes I feel like I am worlds away from civilization when I'm stuck out in the barn trying to have conversations with our wild llama friend!

It's nice to know I'm not alone :)

C

Need an Irresistible Treat..

2009-06-26T11:12:00.003-05:00

Lilly was her usual crafty self this morning, keeping her distance yet watching every move we made in the barn.. Leggo was yelling his head off trying to convince me he is starving, Allie the goat also calling me in the loudest possible voice she had. Allie is good at throwing in a few blood curdling whines, that almost sound like she's being choked.. Those usually get my attention.
I stop and look at her suddenly, and find her standing there silently, looking up at the sky, as if it wasn't her making all that fuss..

It's quite the gang!

Leggo got special treats of apples and carrots, the goats got carrots and strawberries, and Lilly turned down everything this morning. No strawberries, no carrots, no apples, not even grain! I put three different types of grain in her area in small amounts and she smelled them all and walked away..

It would be really helpful if I had a treat she couldn't resist so that I could at least call her in the barn if I needed to.

She did let me give her a little scratch on her neck and on the sides of her face and ears today. I cut the scratch time a little short. Just before I sensed she was going to be done and walk away, I stopped and walked away, to keep her wondering...
She followed me with her eyes..
There's more where that came from Lilly..

Supposedly that's a training technique... ?? We'll see :)

In search of llama treats... (bribes)

Maybe Cinnamon Rolls??? Just kidding.. I guess I need breakfast :)

C

Too Smart!

2009-06-25T15:21:00.008-05:00

Lilly is too smart for her own good!

I went out there today with my camera wanting to get updated pictures of our beautiful Miss Lilly. The minute she saw me with the camera, off she ran! As I walked behind her slowly trying to focus my camera, she would stay just far enough way so that I couldn't get a good shot..

I gave up and started scooping and cleaning her pen.

The minute I gave up trying to get the picture, she came and stood in the entryway of the barn and watched me. As I was carrying a pitchfork full of dirty hay and beans, I walked within 6 inches of her. Somehow she new that both my hands were occupied so I didn't have a chance of touching her!

I walked by her 3 times, very close with hands busy with the full pitch fork.

Then I set the pitch fork down and was pretending to walk out the same way towards the poop pile and off she ran!

She is fast!

We picked Lilly up one month ago today! May 25th is when we went and met Lilly for the first time. Wow have we been on quite a journey in only 4 short weeks! Unbelievable!

Geezz...Lilly... I just wanted to give you a little scratch!

I also wanted to thank all of you who helped share Lilly's story with your friends and a big thank-you to all who donated!

Your words of encouragement and support and your donations helped me get through a very trying 4 weeks. It sure feels a lot longer than that!

If any of you have ideas about how to continue sharing Lilly's story, or about fundraisers I would love to hear from you!

Many have asked how we are doing with fundraising.

Here are the totals:

Vet bills from the U of MN and Follow up From Hoof and Paw to get Lilly's stitches out totalled $4606. As of June25th, with all of your great help and support, we have raised $3323!! Pretty cool!! Amazing!

I want to also give special thanks to very generous donations of $500 from Anita, $500 from Ethel, $253 from United Animal Nations, and $350 from Lama Lifeline!

Just a little more to go!

Feeling Comfortable...

2009-06-24T16:53:00.004-05:00

I left the large doors to the barn open last night hoping that there would be a breeze or that the temperature would cool down a bit.

This morning I quietly walked into the barn to see what everyone was up to..I didn't announce myself and didn't make any noise as all the doors were wide open.

I was shocked to find Lilly laid out flat, not in cush position, but on her side with her legs out straight! She looked dead and bloated..

but.. I guess that's how llamas rest and sleep when they are totally comfortable?
The minute the said, "good morning Lilly" she shot up and out of the barn as if someone had lit a fire cracker!

She must provide herself with hours of entertainment pretending like I am hunting her or something.. It wasn't long before she poked her head back into the barn to watch and see if Leggo's loud and non-stop begs and pleads for grain were going to pay off..

Of course I gave in and sprinkled a little in his bowl as Lilly watched.. Then I walked over to her bowl and sprinkled a little in hers. She wouldn't think of entering the barn with me in there. She also would never act like she was going to eat the grain I put in her bowl. Her latest game has been to wait until I walk away and have my back to her for her to come in and eat.. I always seem to find the empty bowl... maybe a ghost is eating it :)

Lilly, can't you just give me one snuggle?

C

Scorcher...Angels..Mechanic..Nurse...Universe...What?

2009-06-23T22:49:00.006-05:00

It was a scorcher today but Miss Lilly spent half of the day out in the pasture grazing.. I can't quite figure it out. She didn't seemed bothered by the heat at all and was walking around as though it were a nice 70 degree day.. It was 95!

I would guess by her behavior and her activity level that she is amazingly almost back to about 90% functioning. The only area that still shows and deficiencies is her back leg, which gets tired as she is walking around. She can still get up from cush position and take off out of the barn before I get through the gate.. So she's well on her way!

I told her she would be getting some friends today. We prepared a huge pen next to hers for 9 alpacas and I thought everything was set for their arrival.

I ended up on a big adventure today. I had the truck and trailer ready to go, packed with supplies, extra water, hay, grain, halters and thought I was going to pick up 9 alpacas that needed rescue. I drove for over an hour on the interstate thinking every thing was on schedule. Suddenly my truck started spraying fluid everywhere as I was cruising at 65 miles per hour!

AH! I quickly grabbed the very next exit, pulled over and shut the truck off.. I knew I had to get out, but I sure did not want to see what was happening under the truck! I got out and crouched down and there were drips of fluid from the front axle dripping all the way back along the muffler, to the back axle and even the front of the trailer was dripping! I am not a mechanic..but I know, even as a nurse, that much fluid can't be good! It was everywhere!... What kind of fluid? Who knows! I only know what comes from a body, not a truck!

I called and canceled the alpaca pickup and made other arrangements for the animals. I prayed that my brother in law would answer his phone because I wasn't sure that my truck was not going to start on fire! AH, He answered! :) He happens to be a diesel mechanic!! YEA!

We decided that I would try to get the truck to his house which was closer than going back home... I called on all the angels I've ever known, to help me get the truck there...

We inched along, but I made it safely to my brother in law's house who saves me every time!

Thank-you Eric and thank-you angels.. We still are not sure how the truck made it pulling the trailer, because there really wasn't much fluid left in the engine... hmmm..

Well, the trusty red rescue truck has a leaky transmission, needs a new seal, and it is fixable... So I guess I am out of the rescue business for a few days :) The alpacas will be going to a new home tomorrow, transported by their new owners while trusty red is being worked on...

It turns out, the angels actually were working with me all along.. Even in possibly creating the leak ? If that could ever happen??

Here is another piece to this crazy day... I was parked in Eric's driveway, he was under the truck, with drips of fluid dropping on his forehead. A stranger pulled into his yard to look at a car he had for sale. The stranger quietly walked over to the car and looked at it for several minutes, then he walked up next to me and looked at the truck and trailer.. He examined it, asked me what I was hauling. I went into this elaborate story about the leak, the truck, the alpacas.. He listened quietly, with a few nods, letting me vent as he continued to look over the truck and trailer. As he stood there, he said, "did you know that you trailer is almost unhooked? "

My mouth dropped open and tears came to my eyes.

I looked at the ball that the trailer was hooked onto, and it was loose! The nut that keeps the ball and the hitch tight was ready to fall off. I went up to turn the nut with my fingers and it fell to the ground with the washer! I think if I would have driven 50 more feet, I would have lost the whole trailer from the truck!!

My mind began racing, and I was figuring out the miles driven and the timing of where I would have been in route and what would have happened if I would have kept going to get the alpacas!

I realized, that if I wouldn't have had the leak, I would have loaded 9 alpacas and would have been racing down the interstate at 65 miles per hour, in 95 degree heat, and the trailer would have become detached from the truck and probably rolled! There are so many steep hills and valleys along that stretch of interstate!

In an instant, I realized that this leak, and this man, saved a huge disaster, and possibly saved the lives of the alpacas, and possibly other humans if the trailer would have let loose and hit other cars.. !

I think my eyes were filled with tears and bugging out of my head and I thanked the man several times for saving me and the animals! I was in shock! He just shrugged, Eric calmly got his tools out of the garage and tightened it, and they both went about their conversations as if it were no big deal.

I stood their with my stomach churning in shock!

I can't even wrap my mind around this day yet... and I probably didn't explain it well enough to share it's power and magnitude...

I know there are a lot of ways to try to explain the events of today, some might just say it was all "coincidence".

I just want to send out a million huge thank-you's to god, the angles and anyone listening in the universe tonight!

WOW!

I Found A Wild Llama...

2009-06-22T13:25:00.005-05:00

Wild Llama Game...

She only looks at me when I am talking to and giving attention to a pig..

Lilly and I have called a truce..

Upon my quick evaluations from afar, she is healed :)

Her back leg appears to get tired from her running around all the time, but she seems to be adapting very quickly to her new body and her surrounding!

Since it is so hot, we will be playing "wild llama" this week. We are pretending that she has never been touched by humans, like a wild mustang.. When I come close, she prances off into the wilderness for safety. Curious, yet afraid, she sends me glances, only when she thinks I am not looking....

Next week, I get to pick the game... It's called, "Take my favorite, friendly, pet llama named Lilly for nice walks through the yard" :)

We had a long heart to heart talk under the stars, in the cool breeze last night at about 1am.

It went something like this... "Lilly dear, you get a week of vacation.. I will not pester or bother you, it's way too hot... just get ready, because next week when it's cooler, we have lots of activities planned. So rest up " :)

Wild Llama... No need For Prosthetic!

2009-06-21T13:45:00.004-05:00

Hi All,

Well, I walked into the barn this morning and found a wild llama.. One who seems to act like she has never seen me before... Not sure what her name is...

I am new to this whole computer and technology thing, but I found a cool button on my camera that takes video!

It is short, just a few seconds.. then I think I accidentally hit the off button :(

I promise I will try to get more videos this week!

I just wanted to let everyone know, that any plans we had of even thinking about a prosthetic has been thrown out the window... As it is now, I can't catch her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully you will be able to see how quickly she can move when she wants to..

Now, of course when she herd me step out of the pen and lock the gate she came strolling back in as though nothing had just happened... this is her new typical routine..

I figure it's a way to make sure she's getting in her physical therapy :) We wouldn't want her to stiffen up or loose mobility or anything :)

Sorry the barn is nothing fancy.. It is functional.. Someday, maybe I'll have a dream barn :)

Leapfrogs and Lilypads...

2009-06-20T13:35:00.004-05:00

90 degree heat index planned for the next week!! Wasn't I just saying we were shivering and 45 degrees 2 weeks ago?!?!

I went to go through my morning routine of filling mud holes and water bowls and I wasn't quite awake.. I had the beegeezzes (not sure how to spell that) scared out of me by the biggest leopard frog I have ever seen, lounging in the water bowl by the hydrant! I didn't see him until he jump out and right over my arm.

OKAY.. re-group, have another cup if iced coffee and try this again..

All mud holes and water pans filled. Everybody got their scratches and bug spray..

My dilemma this week will be trying to figure out if Lilly needs a pool. I know some llamas keep cool by standing in a shallow wading pool... I know the regular lid pools are going to be too high for her to navigate..

I sprayed an area of longer grass today and she stopped, turned her head and watched.. So maybe she will stand or roll in that?

I will have to keep thinking about more water options..??

Any ideas anyone??

Of course the frogs and pigs are in their glory around here!

Hope Lilly isn't afraid of frogs :) she may be sharing her pool with one!

Stay Cool!
C

Someone Left the Oven On...

2009-06-19T11:46:00.002-05:00

GEEZZ.. I opened the front door today and I felt like I was walking into an oven! It is hot and humid! Not a lot of activity with the animals today.

Lilly, Leggo and the goats have their spots in the barn, both large doors are wide open and there is a hot breeze coming through.

Lilly is doing well! Her leg is healed enough to keep the dressing off!
WHAT A GREAT GIFT! AH! RELIEF!
I will keep cleaning the leg to prevent any little critters from sneaking in there, but it actually sealed up a lot quicker than I thought it would. Last week it was still draining quite a bit.. I used a secret ingredient in her dressings... A large tablespoon of raw honey applied to the oozing wound... I have used raw honey on myself and it has pulled infection out very well. So, I thought I would try some on Miss Lil.. at first she wasn't sure why she smelled like a chewy fruit snack, but she tolerated me once again :)

Whatever is in the honey, helped! She is healed! I will watch it closely in this heat to make sure it doesn't re-open, but so far so good!

All the pigs have found their positions in their mud holes and I don't expect to see them move until supper time.

Thank-you all for donating to help support Lilly. Thank-you also for sharing this story with your friends. Since I started doing animal rescue in 1999, I have always put the emphasis on the animals and not so much on the networking and fundraising, and begging people for money. In my heart of hearts, I do what I do with the animals, because my soul drives me to do it. As far as raising money, I have always believed, that if it is meant to be, people will be touched my the animals and their souls will motivate them to give and support the rescue efforts. I don't send out newsletters or sell candy bars or hold be fancy fundraising galas.. I will help the animals share their stories and I keep praying that people will provide the rest. ? maybe not the best business plan... but I'm not Bill Gates either..

You have all been a great help with that. I would appreciate you continuing to share Lilly's story as we need all the help and support we can get around here! Thank-you!

and there's more...
The other reason to help spread the word about what's going on here, is because I just received an e-mail from a local woman here that is having major health problems and financial problems. IF, we choose to get involved, this case will involve 11 alpacas and 9 llamas!!! OH BOY! They have not been shorn yet this year, or handled in quite some time. It is 90 degrees and I guess they are quite over crowded.. I need to gather my thoughts on this one! Can anyone send me a shot of reality, and strap me to a pole to keep me out of trouble before I get in over my head???

I am not sure yet if I can take on such a major task... I wonder if Lilly has been praying all along, not for healing, but for some FRIENDS!! Oh geez Lilly.. this is not funny!!

I have to go have a talk with her...right...now :)

C

ckimmes@hotmail.com

Soggy Llama, Floating Pigs, Cats that Look Like Wet Rats!

2009-06-18T10:28:00.007-05:00

Rain, Rain and More Rain.. The cats don't seem to mind it, and the frogs and potbellies are in pond heaven!

I am not complaining, because so far it has been just rain, no high winds, hail, or the other stuff! Next door in Austin , MN they were not so lucky last night and they ended up with nasty damaging tornadoes! The weather report says more rain on the way.. We have already gotten almost 3 inches in the last 2 days! and... it's pouring again at 10am it is dark and gloomy :(

Lilly was out grazing last night at midnight when the rain started. I went out there in the middle of the lightening and thunder, in my trusty rain boots carrying my little flashlight. I thought Lilly would enjoy the lighted escort back to the barn. Not so fast! Off she ran in the other direction from the barn.. I tried sweet talking her in the middle of the rain, and she seemed like she was somewhat enjoying her little shower..

Okay fine Lilly, I realize you weren't born yesterday and you know what a rain storm is.. I guess you'll find your way back to the barn when you're good and ready and not a minute before... I get it...

She was in the barn, soggy, but her bright eyed self this morning, standing by her feed pan..

Thoughts.....

I have been waiting to show any pics of the wounds or Lilly's leg on the blog because I know it can be somewhat shocking to look at.

Often times when I am doing the dressing change, my stomach turns as I look at the disfigured leg, and I have 12 years experience in working with patient limb amputations and dressing changes! I know Lilly's leg and soul are healing. She hasn't trembled in fear, pain or with muscle spasms in over two weeks. She seems to be settling in very nicely here with our odd critters.

I know her leg looks more dramatic now because she was completely shaved for the surgery. It is healing, I know she will grow her wool back over the site so it isn't so traumatic to look at. In some ways the wool will "conceal" her history of neglect to a certain extent.

But even with all of that, I know that I made the decision to put her through all of this. I guess in some ways I feel responsible for her disfigurement. I realize the circumstances she was in gave me only two options and that she is alive today because of the surgery. In my heart of hearts and in my soul I jut pray to the universe that I made the right decision. My biggest hope everyday is that she will recover and have a happy pain-free life.

In the end, isn't that what any of us want?

Chores Take Extra Long Today!

2009-06-17T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am trying to get everyone taken care of before I go to work..

Now, How can I pass up a face like this?

OH Claire!!!

I guess I'm a softy!!

Tea Tree Oil....Gnats!... Don't touch my EARS!!

2009-06-17T12:04:00.003-05:00

Lilly is hanging out in the barn again today. We had large thunder storms throughout the night and it is hot and muggy today. No breeze, sticky.. The gnats are out in full force. They tend to go right for Lilly's big juicy ears.

I have been rubbing tea tree oil in her ears the last few days. At first she would act as though I was running her through a torture chamber. He hated her ears touched at all!
Today, she stood there smelling the oil. She fought me a little at first, wheeling that long neck around, then I think she realized how soothing the oil is on her gnats bits.

Ah.. see Lilly.. I am on your side :)

The dressing change was another story :0 but we got through it!
The wound is healing well now. I have been scrubbing her entire leg with betadine to clean off any contaminates she picks up on her adventures..
both of us are usually covered in it and orange from head to toe by the time we are done, but, there is not one germ left on either of us!

p.s. Since I am somewhat new to the whole blog,website thing, I have had 2 friends say that they tried to use the paypal donate button on this blog to donate and it kicked them off.

Please e-mail if you have problems with this button. (we need all the help we can get and I don't want my illiteracy standing in the way)

ckimmes@hotmail.com
You can also donate through the website at www.mfar1.org that button works for sure :)

I can deal with the ups and downs of a three legged llama... but the whole computer thing... that's another story!

Oh, the fundable site only as a few more hours to go, before it closes down.. Can you send this to anyone that might be able to give $10 or $20 bucks.. If we don't meet our goal, fundable as so graciously informed me that I need to contribute the rest or they will not disperse the funds...

Needless to say, I will not be using them again.. They will not change their policies for non-profit orgs..

grrrrrr..

:)

Okay.. back outside I go, to finish chores before I head off to work!
Yippee!

C

Lilly's First ORGLE!!

2009-06-16T11:27:00.003-05:00

I know I am suppose to be out doing chores...bla bla..

I thought at first I heard sand hill cranes in the distance...silly me..

Then, I heard it again, came around the corner of the barn, and one of the black potbellies had decided to take his morning nap a little too close to Lilly's fence! She was standing there orgling at him! Of course, he could care less.. his snoring continued...

I'm not sure why today.. I guess Lilly usually spends her days in the barn and goes out to graze after the pigs are asleep. Today the weather is mild and breezy so it is a perfect day to graze.. IF, there isn't a big fat ugly potbelly by your fence!

I went out to save Lilly from the pig, and she took off almost in a full run towards Leggo...

Oh boy... Wild llama on my hands..

Out I go, for more adventures!
C

p.s. is orgling a word?

06:30 am Tues...I really think Lilly reads this blog!

2009-06-16T07:52:00.003-05:00

I stumbled out to the barn at 06:30 just to see if everyone was ok, and I guess I miss them when I leave them for the night.. I have thought about dragging my sleeping bag out there, but I figured Lilly needs her space.

Lilly and Leggo were in their usual spots next to each other in the barn.

Leggo immediately greeted me loudly and acted as though he had been standing there all night starving, waiting for me.

I gave him his equine senior feed. It is the same morning routine we have gone through for several years. Over the last 2 weeks Lilly has watched it, and basically ignored it.

I have been pondering this in my mind because grain is a helpful motivator for catching a wild llama. Without that incentive, I was trying to think of something else I could use to lure her into the barn if need be. So far my song and dance routine hasn't worked either.
As I mentioned last night, since I have known Lilly, she has shown no interest in any of the 5 different types of grain I have been offering her..

UNTIL THIS MORNING! WHOA!

I threw the scoop of grain in Leggo's dish, he said "thank-you" in his horse language and began devouring it as usual. Lilly got up, walked over the the coral panel separating her from Leggo and his bowl and she tried to steal his bowl! Leggo was in shock and threw his ears back and threw his head at her in compete disgust! (sibling rivalry)

I again had my poker face on to Lilly, and I calmly walked over to the grain bins and scooped up Lilly's feed. I shook the scoop and said, "yes Lilly your grain is coming, just a minute" (in the same exasperated tone that I use with Leggo). I said it as though this was our boring everyday day, every morning routine..

I threw the scoop of feed in her pan, turned my back on her and walked back to the grain bins, completely ignoring her.

She ate all of it!! Every last crumb! WOW!

So you tell me, she has to be reading the blog, or my mind!!!
in either case...I am a little freaked out right now!

Happy.. but freaked out!

:)

C

I'm just a Pooper Scooper....

2009-06-15T21:27:00.002-05:00

I've been demoted and I feel unwanted today :0 which is actually great news! Lilly only took one bite of mash then got up and walked away from me. I offered the mash to her several times through out the day and she eventually just went out to "her" pasture to laugh at me from afar.

Her leg is healing well. She tolerated me cleaning the wound this morning. The open area is still draining but the edges of it are healing and the tissue looks healthy. I re-dressed it and then she stood there expecting her fresh grass! I gave her a pile of hay, and she looked at it, followed me with her eyes and acted like I had just set a dead bug in front of her! She continued to watch me until I stopped what I was doing and went and picked her fresh pile of grass. Now keep in mind, this is 20 feet from where she was standing, but she has yet to go out and eat it herself in the morning! As soon as I set it in front of her, she turned her back to me and began eating.. A creature of habit I quess.. (who? her or me?) :)

She cracks me up and makes me laugh out loud.. Mainly at the whole concept of how quickly she has trained me!

Very interesting critter she is!

And where did she come from?
eeee!

Tonight we have rain coming, so hopefully Lilly will know enough to come in the barn.. Otherwise I will be out there with a flashlight again telling her to go in :)

Nice Mellow Sunday...

2009-06-14T22:42:00.004-05:00

Lilly was back in the barn this morning after a late night out in the pasture. She seems to be bright eyed and ready for her next adventure!

Look like she might have some things to say!

Caught eating grass!

Lilly spent the day in the barn next to Leggo. It was too hot for them to go out and graze during the day. She actually ate some hay today which is the first time I've really seen her take more than just a nibble! YEA!

I am cutting back on the mash, although this morning she seemed like she was waiting for it, so I gave her some.

She is not interested in grain, which is okay since it may throw the pH in her rumen off to much at this point.

I picked her a pile of long grass which she gobbled up.

7pm rolled around and off they all went to graze... Leggo, Lilly and the three goats, Oh and of course Big Andy came out for his evening dip...

For some reason, Lilly chooses to go to the far corner of the pasture where the weeds are tall. I mowed the front part and left part of it long so she could pick and choose.. I really don't know why she sits in there.. although she is kind of camouflaged..??

Hot summer Saturday!

2009-06-13T21:48:00.002-05:00

Whew.. we started the day out early.

The sun was shining and it was heating up fast, there was not a cloud in the sky.. Lilly was still out in the pasture last night at 11pm. I walked her to the barn door and she took off back out to the pasture, so I let her stay out there. The barn door was wide open, with a nice soft light and a pile of fresh hay. I figured she would wander in when she was good and ready.
Well I have a feeling instead of wander, she ran full speed ahead, just as the sun was coming up!

That's usually when the potbellies get up! I had separated them from Lilly by a small fence, but for some reason they must have startled her because she was back inside the barn trying to climb into Leggo's pen! Leggo of course just stood there sleeping, took a few sniffs of her, tried scratching on the corral panel between them, but otherwise ignored her.

I closed the barn door and reassured Lilly those big mean potbellies would not eat her. I fed her a little mash, scratched her neck and sat with her. She calmed down.

She wasn't very interested in the mash today, most likely because her belly was full of grass from eating all night. AWESOME!

The dressing was a another interesting situation this morning.
In Lilly's frantic dash for the barn, her dressing was left in the grass somewhere out there in pasture heaven.. I'll have to find it later.

I was so proud of myself yesterday, the dressing stayed on all day and I even remember thinking to myself, "wow I think I have this dressing thing down!".

WRONG.

This morning Lilly was in no mood to stay still for me.. I had bandages and tape and ointment strewn from one end of the barn to the other. Each time I would start applying the bandages, she would take off again. I really don''t want have to tie her for the dressings, I was hoping I could teach her to stand.. It's not working yet, not today anyway.

Three dressing changes later, I think I finally have one that will stay on.. We'll see.

Lilly and Leggo hung out most of the day in the barn.. At about 7 pm, when it started to cool down, they both went outside to graze. In separate pastures at this point but they can still see each other.. Lilly also has gotten used to Big Andy the 800# farm pig that is in the pen next to her. Every night about this time he gets up, has some supper, takes a dip in his mud hole and goes for a walk. Lilly watched him intensely last night, tonight she hardly looking up from her gobbling of grass.. Once again acting as though they have known each other forever..

Seems like she is recovering well I would say..??

C

Friday..

2009-06-12T12:14:00.002-05:00

Whew!
It's hot and sunny today.. Instant summer. It's quite a change from last weekend when we were all shivering at a rainy 45 degrees! All the animals are hanging in the barn, including Lilly. I figured the minute I opened the back door today she would zoom out.. I guess she's more of an evening, late night llama.

She is up, standing in the barn, next to Leggo. Leggo sleeps all day standing next to his water tank. Lilly keeps passing glances towards the goats who are having a party in the fresh hay I gave them. Lilly still turns her nose up at hay and seems to continue to expect me to pick her fresh greens.. Which of course I do!

Thank-you all for your continued support!
C

12am Friday

2009-06-12T00:07:00.000-05:00

I went out to check on Lilly one more time before bed.
She was camped out in cush position, in the middle of the potbelly pen, under the stars..

I'm not sure why she didn't go back int the barn, which to me looked so inviting with the fresh hay and soft light. I helped her back in for the night. I thought sleeping out there would be too much for her on her first day out to pasture! Geez Lilly!
By the way she kept turning away from the barn, one would think she had never been in there before.
I tucked her in, and promised her that is it's not raining tomorrow, she can go right back out there!

All is well.
C

10pm Thurs.. Game is On, Lilly!

2009-06-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

Lilly stood in the barn most of the day watching me clean out the goat and horse pen. She took a few swallows of mash, but wouldn't eat any hay. I changed her dressing, and the wound is still draining quite a bit. The inscison is completely healed.

At about 7 pm, helped Lilly walk to the back of the barn where it opens to a large grassy area. I told her she could feed herself tonight because I couldn't quite possibly keep hand picking enough grass to sustain her.

She stood there for about thirty minutes then decided to take a walk!

I went out at 9pm to help her back into the barn, and she ran away from me! Twice! Ran!!

Now it's 10pm and she is still out there grazing! She is eating like crazy! I will check on her later. The barn is open, the light is on. I guess she will only come in when she is good and ready!

Hmm. Wasn't it me, just this morning who was thinking she was weak.

HA!

Now I can't catch her!

She is in a very large pen outside. What she doesn't know, is that I have a secret weapon to get her back in the barn.. She is actually inside the potbelly pig pen. They are all sleeping in the other barn now, so she can't see or hear them.. but I guarantee, tomorrow morning, if she is still out there sowing her wild oats... her little butt will be scooting back into her barn as fast as she possibly can when they wake up for their morning walk!

heee.. heee.. heee :)

Game is on Lilly ...

This is as close as I could get tonight!

Thurs AM

2009-06-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

Lilly seems to be about the same today.

At first she had a difficult time getting up today. She struggled and crawled my heart sank as I suddenly went into a panic inside thinking that something had taken a turn for the worse overnight. I immediately examined her leg, her wound, her poop pile, and everything seemed fine.

I took a deep breath, gave her some scratches. Told her everything will be alright. She seemed a little frustrated by her walk clumsy attempts too.

I fed her the mash. Picked her some fresh greens, and more scratches.

After about 30 minutes, she was able to stand up by herself! Whew!

She stood for about 45 minutes calm, cool and collected while I did chores. She listened to me grunting and groaning dragging water tanks, scrub brushes, tripping on hoses etc..

She seemed quite comfortable standing there munching on her greens, ears up, watching me drag hoses, pitch fork, and wheelbarrow back and forth across the barn.

I almost wonder if she was laughing at me again today.. I guess I am quite a sight to watch sometimes as I face planted myself in the manure pile when my foot got caught on the hose.. ah.. typical day..

but.. the sun is shining!!

YEA!

C

Wed Am..

2009-06-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

Lilly was standing up in the barn went I went out this morning!

Her dressing was still on!

Success!

She took a little mash for me but I could tell she had other things on her mind. I opened the back of the barn, but she wasn't quite ready to go out.

I went out and picked a pail full of goodies and away she went. Sticking her hole face in the pile and selecting the leaves she wanted..

I place them just a few inches out of the goats reach so that she has a little competition. They of course get hay, and have a 10 acre pasture to themselves, but they always want what she has.

So far so good today!

Gotta run, going to scoop more you know what!

It has gotten out of control in the rainy weeks we've had!

Few Words Today.. JUST PICS!!

2009-06-09T12:54:00.001-05:00

Hi All,
It's Tues afternoon already! I have been trying to get this update out all day!

Let's just say.. I am on dressing change number 3 with Lilly. She is amazingly active today.

I squished my finger yesterday wrestling with the potbellies and their vaccinations.. Dr. J was a real trooper! I have decided to do a photo essay today since typing is challenging with the bad finger :)

Meet Wigget... culprit that squished finger..

Okay, I had to include a picture of Dr. J's lovely blue boot..

Lilly with her goatie friends the three musketeers, as she watches me get the dressing supplies ready for her. YES.. LILLY IS STANDING!!!!!! BY HERSELF!! Unbelievable!! Hipp Hipp Horray!

Me... with dressing supplies... Pretty talented to take this picture of myself and Lilly watching me eh? Ready for dressing number three.. Eventually I will figure this out.

Lilly munching on her snacks.. standing with her pal Leggo.. still watching me, trying to get myself organized. I think she is actually laughing at me today... hmmm...

Okay.. dressing is on... more tape please!!!

Lilly decides today is the day is is going to walk towards the back of the barn and check out what's behind door #2 :) She walked back there by herself!! What is going on around here! Funny stuff!

Allie takes this opportunity to sneak all of Lilly's treats! Yummm. Yummm..

and.. I got a treat of my own, the strawberries are starting to ripen! Yeah!!

and now.. time to clean out Leggo's soggy stall, and probably dressing change #4 on Lilly... I am digging around here for all the tape I can find!

Thank-you all for your support, encouragement, prayers and donations! You are all very much needed and appreciated by Lilly and myself!

Lilly got an A+ on the Veterinarian Visit!

2009-06-08T22:22:00.001-05:00

4pm

We were anxiously awaiting Dr. J's arrival today mainly because I had concerns about Lilly's progress and the tough weekend she had. I was worried about nutritional or hydrational deficiencies or infection in the wound because of all the drainage.

When Dr. J arrived, he was shocked by Lilly and her strong attempts to jump up and get away from him. She had super llama strength today and he said "whatever you're feeding her is working!" He commented on her remarkable improvement! I guess maybe it's hard for me to see since I spend so many waking hours out there with her.

I was so proud of Lilly. I did admit to him that I have not seen Lilly ever drink water or pee since the day I picked her up on May 29th... Ummm that was 17 days ago.. We agreed that she must just pee in private and that the mash is providing enough hydration so far.. Whew! I passed test #1!

Okay, then the dressing came off. The incision was healing well. Dr. J took all the stitches out and Lilly was very tolerant. It took us about 30 minutes to clean her wound and take the stitches out and she didn't spit once! Amazing!

The tear is about 2 inches away from her stump incision, towards the front of her stump. That's where she tore it on the sling a the University. It is still draining moderate amounts but it appeared to be healing well. The decision was to keep dressing the wound, to keep an eye on it and hold off on more antibiotics for now! Yea!!

Dr. J wrapped Lilly's leg in a nice new light blue bandage. The goal will be to keep a bandage on her to keep the wound as clean as possible as she is starting to move around more through the hay.

Her strength was amazing today. She was able to stand and hold her balance for a few minutes without any support! That is the best she has ever done!

A+ Lilly... WOW!

10pm..
Update:

I just went out to feed Lilly more mash, give her fresh hay and turn the lights on in the barn for the night. Her dressing was off..

So Lilly and I had another physical therapy session tonight as she scooted around in a circle as I tried to clean and re-dress her wound... I am reluctant to halter and tie her because that's how her injury occurred and I want to approach ropes very cautiously and in small steps with her so that she doesn't have a trauma response.

So off in circles we went. Her front legs are getting strong enough to almost pull me along with her! I usually have my cotton, tape, and other dressing supplies in one arm and my other arm and body snuggled up close and wrapped around her incision leg to keep it clean and out of the dirt. It would be a very strange site to anyone observing. It seems to be one of our rituals.

I guess you could call it one of those "bonding" moments.. maybe? We both survived, I didn't get spit on, she wasn't shaking, her ears were up listening to things in the barn, and she just relaxed and let me finish. By the end, the dressing was back on, not nearly as neat or cute as the one Dr. J put on, but I think she realized two things:

The first: Is that I do not give up.
The second: Is that I only want to help her.

I kissed her good night, gave her a scratch on the side of her neck, she leaned in towards me with her shoulder for more scratches until she had enough, then off to sleep we went.

Oh please .... let that dressing stay on tonight!

C

Monday Morning..

2009-06-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

Lilly was wide awake this morning. Bright eyed, she even wanted to get up when I went out there so I helped her up and she stood for several minutes! Amazing! Her balance was fantastic! There were no signs of shivering although her legs started to tremble as her muscles got tied from standing and she laid back down.

She wasn't very interested in her mash today. She turned her head, pinned her ears. That was a first. So I went out into the pouring rain, and picked her a basket full of goodies. I held up a handful of the wet grass and dandelions, she grabbed the whole thing from me! She looked at me while she chewed frantically, saying with her eyes, "well it's about darn time! I've been waiting all night for you to bring me a tasty snack!"

WELL!

No one ever said llamas were the easiest critters to love.. In fact, I'm finding that her personality and mine have some similarities :)
It has been a steep learning curve as to when and how to behave with her!

Oh Boy..

I picked out the dirty hay in her pen, gave her fresh hay, she continued to eat the grass, and look at me as though this was her normal, everyday routine. I just pretended that is was, and ignored her.

Hmmm.

Her dressing needs to be changed but I didn't dare stress her out now. Not with a mouth full of grass for goodness sake!
I am waiting until the vet arrives so we can examine the wound and wash it out if needed. We have discussed another round of antibiotics which I would like to avoid at all costs because I think her digestive tract is just finally starting to work!

It is still cold, dark and rainy, but wow what an improvement!
It is suppose to stop raining later today and maybe warm up a little tomorrow?
I still want to get Lilly outside!

C

Sun Night 11:30 pm

2009-06-08T08:26:00.000-05:00

Lilly seemed to be doing better tonight..
It was a huge surprise to me because the temperature was only 44 degrees. She wasn't shivering and she wanted to try to stand up. She seemed to have more energy.. She did stand and take a few steps, her legs weren't shaking as much when she was up. This girl is taking all of us on an emotional roller coaster! I will take the good news though. I put the blanket on her and fed her more warm mash to get her through the night. She has learned to tell me when she's full by putting her head down on the hay. She also discovered that chin scratches are pretty cool. Lilly still flinches when I touch the left side of her face but she has gotten much more comfortable with me scratching and massaging the right side of her face and head and the base of her ears.

For tonight, all is well..
C

I am hoping to get more pics today. It was been so dark and rainy for the past 3 days that the camera wasn't able to get clear pics in the barn.

Sun afternoon...

2009-06-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

Lilly still had her blanket on when I went out to feed her this afternoon. She also had a piece of hay sticking out of her mouth and was not shivering. hmmm.. maybe she is eating a little? Still a mystery. I wonder about a video camera..
She hasn't been moving around as much today, but I think it's a good sign that she is still alert, and not shivering!
Oh, I'm hoping for the sun and warmth tomorrow!
C

Sunday am

2009-06-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

Lilly made it through the night, still hanging in there. She was shivering again this morning though so I went through the routine of massaging her, covering her with a blanket and fed her the warm mash. She remains bright eyed and very alert and seems to enjoy the mash, almost expecting it. Hmmm.. She did have one piece of hay hanging from her mouth so I think she is munching a little, but not enough to sustain her energy and her body heat.

She was weaker this morning when she tried to get up, she was unable. She did tolerate the blanket on her for about an hour while I was feeding her. I think she is realizing that it does make her feel a little better.

I have noticed over the last week of feeding her, that she seems to be digesting more normally. She swallows and now it comes back up as cud so I think things are working in there maybe a little better? If you're not familiar with llamas, they do digest by chewing cud to move food from the first to the second rumen. For the first week, Lilly wasn't showing signs of that, now it is becoming more regular. So there is still hope.

Tomorrow is suppose to be less cloudy, maybe even some sun, and hopefully we will get above 50 degrees! BURR!

We will keep plugging along today..in a holding pattern I guess.

C

Late Sat Night.. 01:00am

2009-06-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

I went out last night to give Lilly another dose of her mash at 0100 am. I heard on the news that it was the coldest June 6th ever on record so I figured she could use something warm to get her through the night. When I got out there she was shivering again. She tolerated the blanket on her a short time, then was trying to get up so I helped her move around a little. I fed her the mash, and I changed the dressing. Her wound is still draining a lot from the tear on the front of her amputation site. The vet is coming on Monday and it will be interesting to see what he thinks. the incision is healing well, I'm not sure why there is so much drainage from the other area on the leg. I have been persistent with the mash since Lilly came home because I know that she needs the calories for energy and healing and because she is losing so much fluid from the wound.

After she was all tucked in for the night she was warm and resting comfortably.

It's suppose to warm up a little by Monday so we need to just make it through the weekend.
C

Cold Rainy Morning..

2009-06-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

I had high hopes of trying to get Lilly outside in the grass today. Instead, it is cold and rainy, and Lilly is shivering, not eating. It's cold enough to see Leggo's hot steamy breath as he stands next to Lilly with a worried look on his face.

I covered Lilly with a blanket, which at first she refused, then accepted once she felt it's warmth. I made her mash today with warm water and a little more dextrose to fight any hypothermia that might be setting in. She is not showing any interest in grass or hay today. I will have to keep her going with the mash and hope it warms up again soon. I think it's suppose to rain all day.

I am worried that I am not getting enough calories in her to keep her warm and to promote healing. So far she doesn't seem to have lost too much weight over the last 2 weeks. I'm realizing that this whole process would not have worked if we were in the fall or winter seasons. There is no way Lilly would have survived this long eating only my mash if her body would have also needed extra calories to stay warm.

Her eyes were weary today. She seemed to perk up a little after her mash. Her shivering slowed and then disappeared. I will dose her again with the warm mash in 2 hours and probably through out the day if she still is not eating. She has never shown interest in any type of grain. The fresh grass and alfalfa has been a great treat for her, although today, no interest in anything I selected for her.

Oh boy...
C

See Guys I Get Treats!

2009-06-05T09:51:00.000-05:00

Lilly seems to be resisting me more with the mash this morning so I think she is munching on stuff when I'm not looking. I tried to help her walk outside today. She took several strong steps with my help but turned herself around and went the opposite way of the open door. Still not ready for that adventure yet, although the long grass and sunshine out there looks inviting..even to me!

I picked her a bucket full of goodies this am, and she watched me and seemed to almost expect her goodies this morning. I think she is also taking delight in the fact that only she gets the goodies and the goats, even with them stretching their entire bodies to the last inch, can't quite reach them..

All seems to be on track today. Lilly appears well, no shaking, bright eyed, alert, watching everyone's every move.

and ..eating the goodies I picked! YEAH!!!

Quick ways to spread the word about Lilly and MFAR

2009-06-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

Hi all, a few people have e-mailed for suggestions on how to help.
Here is a quick summary that you can pass on to those that might be interested.

I wanted to give a quick summary of ways to help Lilly and MFAR.

Shop and MFAR gets $5 and a percentage of your total! Sign in under Midwest Farm Animal Rescue and Shop Shop Shop!

http://www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=19903&m=513665

MFAR website to donate directly through paypal

http://www.mfar1.org/

The funable site will expire in 15 days.

http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-05-24.4169187704

MFAR address

W2081 County Road T

Mondovi, WI 54755

715-672-3874

We are also open to anyone organizing and holding their own fundraiser for Lilly!

As I've said before.. we are run by volunteers.. like you! :)

The biggest way you can help, is to send this to 10 friends :)

It's free!

Thanks!
Candy

p.s. I caught Lilly today with a piece of hay in hanging from her mouth.. I think she is starting to secretly eat :)

Yeah!

This is a pic from last summer. Claire, a potbelly pig came in to the rescue and we realized she was not alone in her arrival. She had 3 babies, all of whom have found new adoptive homes. This is Snubbley, who was litter box trained, and trained to sit before he left :)
If only they stayed this size!

Small Bites...

2009-06-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

Miss Lilly Chows!

Update:

I changed Lily's dressing this morning. The wound is still draining but the amount is less and still no signs of infection. So all is well there.

She is definitely scooting around more today. She turned herself around in her area several times while I was out there. I offered to help her scoot outside but she turned her body back inside the barn and didn't seem quite ready for an adventure that big quite yet.

I offered her some fresh picked grass and alfalfa again this am. She took a few bites then I supplemented her with the mash so that she doesn't get dehydrated..

I still wonder everyday if we made the right decision about the surgery and I keep hoping and praying that she will recover enough to have a great quality of life.

In doing animal rescue for almost 10 years now, this has been one of the toughest decisions I have made. I never ever want to prolong or create animal suffering in any situation. Without their being able to speak words, I try my best to understand their glances, their grimaces, their vocalizations, and their movements, but I often second guess myself.

We need your thoughts and prayers to keep us going strong!

Thanks!

Candy

3pm

2009-06-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

I went out to the barn to give Lilly her afternoon physical therapy by getting her up to take a few steps. She did great! Front legs are strong, she took about 10 steps.. She tends to try to run, then looses her balance, but it is great progress. I was then going to feed her the mash I made for her. I decided to try picking some warm grass that was in the heat of the afternoon sun. She ate it! Several mouthfuls of it! I skipped the mash this afternoon and will giver her some later today to keep her hydrated.
I'll try to get pics of her eating grass..
That might be tricky :)
Yea!
A great afternoon!

C

Early am 0645

2009-06-03T06:51:00.000-05:00

I have to run in to town today so I did chores early. Lilly left a large pile of beans. Still does not look to be eating much, so I made more alfalfa mash and probiotics and fed her again today. I did also have a talk with, that it is time to start eating..The interesting thing is that Lilly is holding her weight well which is amazing!

I opened the East barn door so the sun could shine in on her. The goats are loyal and hang out with her all night too. I really haven't seen them go out to graze much since Lilly arrived.. I think they are enjoying all the attention and special treats too..

I think there is a conspiracy by them to get me to continue spoiling all of them..
I get it now :)
Oh well :)

C

Small Steps..

2009-06-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

I have continued to feed Lilly her mash today. Her appetite seems poor. Very few beans today.
I changed her dressing. There is still a moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage from the tear in her leg. The surgical site looks good, the sutures are all intact and the edges of the wound are coming together nicely! Yea!

The tear occurred form the sling at the University, I think because there may have been fluid building up in there post-surgery and it may have been like a blister? I'm not sure because I only saw the wound after it happened. No signs of infection. Lilly continues on the antibiotics, so I am countering the effects of those on her stomach with the probiotics in her mash.

I did help her take a few steps today after her pain shot. She seemed more motivated this afternoon.

We have to keep the momentum going!
Come on Lilly!

Candy

Slow day...

2009-06-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, yesterday evening and this morning was pretty quiet and slow as far as progress goes with Lilly. She seemed more tired, probably after the big workout she had in the am. This morning she is back to her crawl..I tried to get her up a few times and she scooted away from me. No spitting though..

AH!

I will try again later in the day.

Her appetite is not as good today, she is still hanging out with the goats watching them eat all of the goodies. I have the back of the barn wide open so if she really wants to be in the sunshine, she can get back there by scooting. She moves quite a bit through her large pen throughout the day. The area she is in is about 25x50 feet and is open to the outside grassy area. I am hoping her spirits stay strong. I have picked lots of fresh grass, alfalfa and other goodies. She is not showing much interest this morning. I fed her more goo to keep her hydrated. There a pile of beans today so far :)

Next to Lilly's pen, outside, we have the 5 potbellies and Big Andy. Claire is the white potbelly Big Andy is the 14 yr old farm pig.

Patches is one of the once wild kittens we found in the barn. She was the first in the group of 4 to purr. They have been in the house for 2 days and have litter box trained themselves already! 2 boys and 2 girls. Their mother is wild, probably goes from one farm to the next with the Tom cats. When ever we can, we try to catch the cats and get them spayed and neutered. They babies will be available for adoption once they are spayed and neutered also.

Then we have Bindy Lou hanging out and lounging with Lilly in the soft bed of hay.

Everyone please please keep your fingers crossed..

We need all the help we can get!

Thanks!

Candy

Llama angels please?

2009-06-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

Mon June 1st

Yesterday was a slow day with not a lot of progress that I could see. My heart was quietly sinking. Lilly was still not eating, I waited all day for my reward of the pile of beans and none came, I couldn't confidently determine that she was passing urine. I tried to help her stand yesterday afternoon and she spit at me. I think she thought that I was the one holding her down (one the surgical leg side). We both had a rough day. I prayed to everyone I could think of..angels, God, spirits, anyone.. and went to bed asking for some signs of progress or even a miracle. I had been syringe feeding Lilly steadily for 4 days and she had been off food for at least 8 days. I was worried.

I was almost afraid to go out to the barn this morning.

Lilly was her bright eyed self as usual so that was a relief. Then I started my search for beans…

WOW! 2 piles! Thanks Lilly!!! YEA!! She was still digesting the special mash I had been making. I was worried that my combinations of things might constipate her, or not be balanced enough and hurt her stomach ulcers. There was hope again!

I woke up thinking about the dynamics of a missing leg and the balance and coordination issues that must accompany it. I work as a nurse with many patients that are going through physical therapy for strokes, car accidents or surgeries. I have been distraught since I the day I brought Lilly home frustrated my inadequacies of getting a sling made here that worked for her. We would try to stand her and she would get frustrated and cush (lay back down and give up).

I woke up realizing that she did not yet know the leg was gone. Her pain was gone so she probably thought the leg was there. She would try to use it (the missing leg) and fall over. I went out to the barn today with the intention of trying to support her hind surgical leg only, not her whole body. I was worried that her front tendons would be stiffening and shortening over the last week because she was crawling and not straightening her legs.

I got next to her, fed her some mash, let her digest a little as I cleaned up my bean rewards, then I told Lilly we were going to try something new today. I wrapped my arms around her back surgical leg, she put her ears back but didn’t spit, and I said “GO LILLY”. SHE GOT UP AND TOOK 4 STEPS!!! OKAY!!! We figured it out! Of course she was tired, breathing hard and out of breath, but her front legs were great! We were renewed and hopeful!

While she was recovering, I went through my daily ritual of picking her fresh grass, herbs, alfalfa and other goodies. I brought back in an arm load, and she took a mouth full and ate it!! I stood there in disbelief silently as to not startle her, but screaming to myself inside “OH MY GOD!! IT IS A MIRCLE TODAY!” Then is wondered .. hmmm .. is she going to take another bite?
YES!!

OH! I needed that today! I think Lilly’s spirit did too!

Thank-you Llama Angles, and all of you for your thoughts and prayers! Lilly and I are refreshed and ready for round 16 :)

Candy

Candy and Lilly after a great morning!

quick update Sun AM

2009-05-31T13:03:00.001-05:00

Lilly is bright eyed this am, appetite fair, I spent time giving her a massage on her neck and back and she blinked her eyes slowly.. I think in llama language that means she is relaxed?

I checked the dressing, she is draining a fair amount which is normal, still no signs of infection. I was just me out there today and Lilly was so sweet, she roll on her side a little to I could check her dressing.. She is a very tolerate, sweet, forgiving, and patient girl! WOW!

She is still not eating as far as I can tell. Who really knows what goes on in the middle of the night. She is still strong and hanging out with her new family, watching them all munch on fresh grass and alfalfa.... soon she will eat ... maybe??

2009-05-30T20:13:00.000-05:00

Sat May 30th Dr. J Gives Lilly a THUMBS UP!!!!

Lilly was still bright eyed this morning, looking around and listening to all the critters around her that have now become her family. She was shaking a little this am, which we weren’t sure if it was fear, pain, dehydration, or something else.. I gave Lilly her pain medication, more mash, put a blanket over her back where she had been shaved and kept the barn quiet. I sat with her, massaging her neck and shoulders. She seemed to stop shaking after about 20 minutes of me sitting with her. The pain medication did not seem to affect her shaking so I think she is still having fear and trauma memories. Not sure, that’s new territory for me with llamas. Anyone?

As of this morning, Lilly was still refusing most food and water. She did take a small mouth full of fresh grass after she watch the goats stealing it from her pile. I am continuing to give her the special mash very 3-4 hours. The competition the goaties seems to be stimulating her and motivating her to at least try food. Again today, she moved herself over by Leggo and when he went out to graze she moved back by the goats. She uses her back leg to scoot and crawls on her front legs across the hay. She is getting stronger each day. She is not quite strong enough to up to standing position on her own but continues to try.

When the veterinarian (Dr. J) arrived today he agreed that Lilly was bright eyed and alert. He said she looks great and seems to be progressing well!!!!! YEA!! I thought we were going to run in a bag of IV fluids, but we had difficulty gaining IV access because her neck is so scarred from her IV lines at the University. While we were trying to start the IV, Leggo (the horse) stood within 6 inches of Lilly trying to comfort her. We were unable to gain access and did not want to put Lilly through a painful procedure unless absolutely necessary. We are very fortunate to have met Dr. J, he was available on the Saturday over Memorial weekend to take the initial emergency x-rays of Lilly and he gave the referral and encouragement to take her to the University. He works very well with Lilly and calms her. Yea Dr. J!!

We held off on the IV and decided try to stand Lilly to stretch her tendons. She was a trooper and did okay with several of us holding her up. She took a few steps and seemed to be excited to have her feet on the ground! She got tired very quickly so she laid back down but over all she did very well.

Next was the dressing change. Lilly was very calm with all of us helping her hold still. She tolerated it very well. The incision is healing well per the veterinarians report! No signs of infection.

Lilly peed and pooped while we were working with her which is also a great sign!

For tonight, we will continue giving her our special mash, and picking lots of fresh things for her to try. If she starts to show signs of dehydration we will run the fluids immediately.

Thank-you for all of your encouraging words and donations. It's going to be a long recovery process!

Thank-you Jan, Jim, Noreen, Mary and Dr. J for all of your help today!

Thank-you everyone for helping to spread the word about Lilly!
Yea!!!
Candy

MFAR

W2081 County Road T

Mondovi, WI 54755

Leggo helps comfort Lilly while Dr. J. checks for an acceptable IV site.

New faces found in the barn today!

BEANS!! Friday May 29th

2009-05-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

Lilly's Biggest competitior!! Go Allie!!

Below: Lilly moves herself around her pen to be next to her new buddy horse Leggo and back to the goats Allie, Daisy and Zeke.

I found a pile of beans in Lilly's pen today!! Now, I'm not sure how strong your stomachs are, I did take a pic.. just not sure if I should post it...hmmm. Ok.. I have too, I'm sorry if I offend anyone but the beans are a true celebration for us! It means maybe things are starting to move!!!! WOOOOWOOOO! Don't peak at the last pic if you don't want to see them.

Lilly only took a few bites of fresh grass today and is still being syringe fed about every 4 hours. Our special drink has probiotics, fresh alfalfa, and electrolytes which includes some dextrose. She seems to tolerate it, Allie aka Trouble bites at me and the syringe trying to steal it! She loves it! Lilly is starting to get competitive with her which is great!

Lilly also appears to be bonding with Leggo, our 34 yr old quarter horse, who also seems to enjoy her. He has been inside, standing in his pen next to her all day! Lilly was able to move herself over to him, using her front legs, in kind of a crawl. Then when Leggo went out to graze, Lilly moved herself back over to the goats! She has been moving more today! She is still not strong enough to make it to standing position by herself but she is making many more attempts.

I have our veterinarian coming tomorrow to help assess and make sure she is not dehydrated. We may run in a bag of fluids just to give her a boost. I also want him to help me assess the wound and make sure we are on track. Her stitches will come out in about 4-5 days.

I brushed Lilly out today, she seemed to tolerate it, I'm not sure if I could say she enjoyed it.. None of the green goo I've been feeding her came back at me though so I guess we could say enjoyed it and maybe she is settling in??

guys

beans

are

coming

right

now!!!

Lilly is Loose!!! Thurs May 28th

2009-05-28T19:55:00.000-05:00

Lilly was not progressing well at the University after her surgery, she was not losing ground but she hadn't eaten since at least Friday and all were very concerned.. We needed to make a change to see if we could get Lilly to eat!

So, off we went with the trailer this afternoon to pickup Lily!

Her IV was discontinued, she is still on injections of pain medication (banamine) and an antibiotic (Naxcel). We consulted the team as to how to get Lilly in the trailer because we don't have a ramp.. We put Lilly on one of their big emergency sleds and the minute we rounded the corner and she saw the sun light she tried to lead off the sled! We had to hold her on there until we were right up to the trailer. she tried again to get up, and with help, she was able to walk up onto the trailer and lay in the soft bed of hay! Yea! At least one success for today!

I was worried about the long trip for her in the trailer but she appeared comfortable the entire trip and was able to keep her balance in cush position in the trailer. That must have been quite the workout for her!

I backed the trailer into the shed and opened the door so she could see the new world around her! Her pen is right up against the goat pen.. They were poking their curious little heads through the panel separating them, munching on the hay I had put in Lillys pen. Lilly's ears were going crazy as she looked all around the barn from inside the trailer. She did not appear to be the least bit weary! Her eyes were bright. I offered her water in the trailer and she showed no interest. There was fresh hay there that she also was not interested in. I went and picked so fresh alfalfa from the field, and BINGO!!!!! SHE TOOK A BITE!! WOW!! Within 7 minutes of opening the trailer door, she was chowing!!!

Now, she only took a few bites, but that's more than I have seen her eat since Friday! YEA!

So here is a pic of Lilly with a mouth full of my blended drink for her, fresh alfalfa, probiotics, some electrolytes, and dandelions. hmmm.. the goats were licking the bowl.. She doesn't seem so excited!

The picture below is Lilly examining her new goatie friends... This is Allie, aka TROUBLE! She must have heard through the grapevine that Lilly needed some excitement.. All the goats were dancing around their stall, Allie tried to show Lillie how to climb the panel between them, and of course they are enjoying all of Lilly's fresh hay.

Well, Lilly, you are home.. You have been through a horrible ordeal. I hope we made the right decisions along the way.

I am sewing a sling for Lilly that we will be using in the morning to help her stand.

Oh..and Lilly does spit...

Wed Eve May 27th

2009-05-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

Lilly had a quiet, uneventful day. She did get up in the sling twice and went outside and walked around. Still no signs of any interest in food. She is getting supplimental nutrition through her IV through the night tonight. She will be discharged tomorrow and set-up in a stall around other animals and a new environment to see if she is more stimulated to eat. She did almost try to get up on her own today in the hospital when 2 potbellied pigs walked by! That's a great thing if she is motivated by piggies because we have 5 of them here at the rescue!

Her labs still all look good, her eyes are bright.
I am hoping for a miracle in the morning.. maybe a phone call that says she ate a huge pile of hay or something...anything??

Candy

Wed May 27th 0730am

2009-05-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Wow! The vet called me early this am! Lilly is up in her roller durby cart outside wheeling herself across the parking lot..Running! I think she is trying to find her way back to the farm! The techs had a hard time keeping up with her!

The bummer, is that she is still not interested in eating.. I am consulting more vets this am to get a plan together.

I'll keep you posted.
C

Tues May 26...Lilly up in the sling!

2009-05-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

Lilly up in the sling! They are woking on the dressing on her leg, she wasnts to run, so she is not happy!

Tues May 26th

I packed my bag of goodies for Lilly and headed off to the University to see our gal. I was hoping with all my heart that she would be up and eating.

Lilly was out in the sling today when I arrived! She did okay with it, she tried to run on her front feet, not sure what to do yet in the back end.. She looks troubled by all the people are around her and looked like she just wanted to take off and be free. She threw her ears back when they started wheeling her towards the door to go in to her stall so I think she loved being outside!

Lilly had a rough day today with the eating side of things. She is not eating anything. We have offered her fresh grass, alfalfa, dandelions, maple and birch leaves, raspberry and blackberry leaves, grain, alfalfa cubes, grass hay and alfalfa hay.. and still nothing.. any other llama would think they had died and gone to heaven with such a buffet set out in front of them.. Not Lilly..

We opted for a procedure where she had some rumen contents put into her rumen from a cow through a tube (called transfaunation). The process should add good bugs back into Lilly’s rumen and help her start eating again. I also gave her some probiotics and yogurt through a syringe later in the afternoon.

She is still on IV amino acids, vitamins and fluids, IV antibiotics, and pain meds. For the most part she does not seem to be in pain. Her eyes are bright. She has quite the personality and is quick to threaten with a spit… but as of tonight she has not followed through and has been very tolerant of all of us.

Later in the afternoon, as we were talking about getting Lilly up in the sling, Lilly suddenly jumped up on her front legs. We quickly jumped in to help support her back leg and she stood for a short amount of time and actually tried to squat, and peed!! I see that as huge progress!! GO LILLY!!!

I also decided to give her a hospital hair cut because the burrs and her fiber were so matted and tangled she was getting skin irritation... So there is a pic too of her new haircut… sorry guys… It’s definitely not a show quality cut J Lilly seemed much more comfortable afterwards, her breathing was slower and deeper, I think she was very hot.

So, everyone, keep your fingers crossed that Lilly starts eating tonight!!!

Thank-you all for your kind words of encouragement, for your advice in things to try with her, and for your donations!

I hope we did the right thing and she can pull though this!

Candy

Lilly's Update for Monday 5/25/09

2009-05-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

Monday May 25th… Memorial Day

Lilly is 2 hours away at the University, so it is hard trying to be patient with this whole process... I want her here with us!

At 11:30am I called to see how Lilly was doing and I was told by a tech that the vet was in an emergency case. That Lilly was still not eating but was bright eyed and that they were going to get her up in the sling again and take her outside. I was told the vet would call me when she was done with her emergency case.

I packed my great list of things that everyone has suggested to help Lilly's appetite.. yogurt, fresh alfalfa, catnip, comfrey, lavender, raspberry leaves, blackberry leaves, I even grabbed some dandelions, some spearmint, and yarrow for the smell. I grabbed some carrots, the food processor, and everything else I could think of and headed towards the U.

When I walked in, Lilly was lying in her stall, on a sling, she had stress lines under her eyes and seemed disturbed. She had IV's running and 2 water bowls and stacks of hay propped around the front of her chest. I climbed into her stall, I sat down next to her and waited silently.

I waited for one of the staff members to come by. There have been three veterinarians running all the large animal cases as a team this weekend. One lead Dr. S and 2 others, they have not introduced themselves yet. Anyway, one of the vets on the case came by and saw me in with Lilly. She seemed shocked, looked at the floor turned away and I said "Can I speak with Dr. S".
She said "yes" as she was walking away.

About 5 minutes later, Dr. S came in and sat down next to Lilly's dressing on her leg. She looked down at it and said, "well, there has been a complication. As we were getting Lilly in the sling, she tore her leg open at the joint."

AHH!!!

I listened quietly.... she says "well now of course, she has to be on more antibiotics and there is a larger chance of infection in that joint. but she did great in the sling, she ate a few maple leaves outside and seems alert. and oh and the business office will be calling you tomorrow because the bill has gone up by about $1000 now and they will want to secure payment".

AH!!!

In my mind I’m screaming “I can’t believe what poor Lilly is going through!”

I was so angry! I looked at the leg and they had put a new nice pretty dressing on there so what was there to say? Then she points to the white cream smeared all over her hip area and says, “oh her skin is starting to breakdown where the sling rubs on her”…. Okay guys… I am a nurse and this is where I might just LOOSE MY COOL!

Anyway, I change the whole subject because I had just driven 2 hours with my arsenal of fresh herbs and goodies and I said, “I have been getting advice from people who are very knowledgeable in the llama community and we have to get some oral nutrition in her to stimulate her rumen.” Dr. S says, “well… that’s fine, I am concerned she might aspirate though so we have to limit what we do.”

Hmm..

Basically, when I was left alone with Lilly again… we had a party…

I had the food processor going, singing, neck massage, lavender essence, which she seemed to really enjoy! By the time the crew came back, Lilly looked like a drunken sailor with alfalfa, comfrey and yogurt drink dripping down her chin..
The vet tech grimaced and said “what is that !”

The minute the vet stepped back into the stall, Lilly threw her ears back, snapped her neck back, turned her head towards the vet and I said, “Oh look out you might get a head full of yogurt!”

Lilly held back, but the vet stepped slowly out of the stall and we resumed our party…

She even passed a few (only about 10) beans!

The vet came back after about 45 minutes, sat down next to us again and said, “can you call next time before you come visit so we can have someone with you”.

GRRR… I said, “when are visiting hours?”
She said, “Monday through Friday 9-5”.
I said, “so I guess this makes it hard for you since it’s a holiday weekend then.”
She said, “yes”.
I packed my bags..

I had a private talk with Lilly and told her I was busting her out of this joint ASAP…
I said, “Lilly, you have to eat and get up to get out of here”… she threw her ears back..
I said, “you like to be treated like a princess?” Her ears came right back up… so, I guess we have a llama that knows what she wants!

I will be packed and back to the U in the am (during the appropriate visiting hours)…

Sunday Night Lilly Update

2009-05-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

10 pm Sunday night: 5/24/09

Lilly is still bright eyed, vital signs are stable, she has IV fluids and amino acids running and is getting Morphine through her IV. She does not appear to be in pain, appears calm. She was up in a sling today, not attempting to stand on her back leg yet. The troubling issue is that she will not eat or drink yet. We all have our fingers crossed that something will look good to eat.. If not we will get some food in her tomorrow am.

Lilly's Rescue Story

2009-05-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

Sunday May 24th, 2009
Lilly's Rescue Story
There are many e-mails that come to me through the rescue that in the end, seem to be people that are just tired of their animals and want them “gone”. This one was different.

I received an e-mail Memorial Weekend from a young girl named Shelly about her injured llama named Lilly. Shelly lived in a very poor and remote part of Wisconsin. The email turned my stomach and brought tears to my eyes and I knew after 10 years in the world of animal rescue that this was a situation that needed immediate action. My gut told me that Lilly’s life was in danger and that she was suffering more pain and trauma than any animal should ever have to endure.

The e-mail was from a young girl in rural WI that said she had a llama that had gotten injured, by getting tangled in a rope, and that she had lost her job and couldn’t afford veterinary care. As I received more information about Lilly’s situation, there was a lot more to the story than I first thought. Shelly ultimately wanted to do everything “right” for her llama, but her knowledge and resources were very limited. Calling us for help or having her friend “shoot Lilly” she said were her only options. I just wish she would have called us sooner.

Lilly had been injured 10 days ago! She was tied to a fence post in the yard with no shelter and was not able to stand on her back leg because it was so badly injured. Shelly said she had not been eating or drinking water for “a few days” and had been tied there for the entire 10 days since injury.

The e-mails, loaded with disturbing information kept coming from Shelly. Miss Lilly had been in a “home down the road last summer where the people had gotten her in trade at an animal swap for a saddle”. The people said they “never wanted the llama” and gave her to Shelly last fall. Lilly was kept with two horses over the winter in a small stall inside a barn.

As the weather improved this spring Shelly said she moved Lilly outside because “the horses were chasing Lilly”. Lilly was tied out in the yard to a fence post next to the horses on a lead rope. Shelly said the injury occurred when her St Bernard ran at Lilly trying to chase her. Lilly tried to escape from the dog and got caught up in her rope, it wrapped around her leg and she flipped over and was trapped in the rope. Lilly was untangled but left to stand there with serious injuries and no shelter in the hot sun for 10 days. Shelly said Lilly has not stood on her leg since the injury occurred.

When we arrived, Lilly was still tied in the yard to a fence post. She was trembling and holding her back leg up. It was severely swollen in the hock (knee) joint. She winced her eyes and tried to pull away as Shelly walked towards her. Shelly laughed and said, “Oh, she is a wild one! I have been sick so I couldn’t spend a lot of time with her. She gets about a lot. My brother chases her and tackles her when she gets tired enough to slow down. She doesn’t lead on the rope very well and she hates being touched.”

There was no shelter, she had not been shorn in at least two years and this week the thermometer hit 90 degrees 2 days in a row. At this point we are in shock about how Lilly still has the strength and the spirit to keep standing!

Lilly was carefully loaded into a trailer bedded with hay. Lilly used every last ounce of energy she had to get up into the trailer. I quickly shoved the surrender forms to Shelly for her signature and off we roared to find help for Lilly!

My gut was right and I wanted to pull the truck over and vomit after we were out of the driveway. Lilly was in shock and severe pain. She was trembling and ready to collapse. She had been standing on guard, tied to the fence post afraid that the dogs would come near her again. She seemed relieved to be in the enclosed trailer with the bed of hay and laid down. She rested the entire trip in her new bed of hay.

I knew from the swelling and the disfigured leg that the x-rays and veterinarian reports would not be good. I knew that Lilly may be too far gone to save, but whatever the outcome was, Lilly needed help. We stopped at our local veterinarian that gave her pain medication and did portable x-rays on Lilly’s injured leg while she laid in the trailer. I sat with Lilly in the trailer with her big blue eyes and long lashes blinking at me. My heart apologized a million times over to her for all of the pain and injustices she had to endure in her short life. When I talked to her, she would turn her head, and her eyes would focus in on me, almost as if she could understand this wild stranger sitting next to her! Maybe she could trust me? How? Who knows after what she had been through! I promised her I would get her help, and get her pain under control!

The initial results of the x-rays were in after what seemed like days. The veterinarian came out from the back office with an emotionless face and quietly said, come into the back I want to show you the results. He looked down at the floor. I asked if it was bad news and he didn’t respond. My eyes welled up with tears and I saw the pictures of the leg up on the wall in the dark room. The veterinarian said “these bones are supposed to connect here at a 90 degree angle, they are 2 inches off and it looks like several of the small bones of the joint are severely fractured.” He said, “you have two options, put her down or take her to the University for a consultation to see if there is anything they could do.” Then he turned to me and said, “she is a young llama with bright eyes and a strong spirit, she might make it through this.”

OKAY!!! That answered it… We were off to the University !!

Poor Lilly had already traveled 3 hours in a trailer and was now going for another 2 more. It was a Holiday weekend and we weren’t even sure if she could see a llama expert this weekend! We had to take the chance. Lilly was still very alert and was listening to everything around her, watching everyone, was very docile and seemed like she was not ready to give up!

Lilly was more comfortable now with her pain medications but I knew in my heart the prognosis was not good because she had been injured so long ago and because we was not eating or drinking..

I told myself I would not give up as long as Lilly seemed like she was not suffering. At this point, she was bright eyed, lying in the trailer looking around, and seemed comfortable.

When we arrived at the U, the emergency vets got a brief history and said they were concerned about her liver and kidneys since she was off of food and water for so long. They put in an IV, drew labs, gave her more pain medicine then took several sets of x-rays. They consulted the orthopedic surgeon on-call and we waited for all the results to come back.. We waited and waited..

The results were disheartening. The orthopedic surgeon said, “it isn’t good, there are multiple fractures in the small bones of the joint and we cannot repair the joint mainly because the injury happened several days ago. We are recommending amputation of the leg.” He said it was unusual but that the damage was well beyond what plates and screws could fix.

WHAT!?!?!

Now what!??!? We consulted as many people as possible and decided that we would try the amputation. Llamas have great difficulty with anesthesia and recovery but Lilly’s age was determined to be about 5, and her liver and kidneys were still functioning normally. So, surgery was arranged.

By Sat evening Lilly was out of surgery, she was awake, she had an epidural with pain medications running. She made it through the first part of what will now be a day by day recovery process!!

Sunday morning. Lilly has not tried to stand yet. She is still not eating or drinking, but she remains alert, on IV fluids. The goals for the day are to get her standing

We need your help.
Lilly’s circumstances are extraordinary. The costs of care are rising by the hour at the University. The current bill is $3250. It was a very difficult decision to make, to take her there and to agree to the surgery. During these difficult economic times, I realize that the costs of Lilly’s care could be the mortgage payment on a house for a family for 3 or 4 months. I wasn’t sure how to justify this. All I can say is that I was mesmerized by Lilly’s beautiful blue eyes, her strong spirit and her willingness to trust me, a stranger after she had been hurt and neglected for so long. I told Lilly I won’t give up on her, as long as she is willing to keep fighting.

If you would like daily updates, I will try to send pics and updates to your e-mails.
Just drop me a line.
Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you so much for your love of animals!
Candy Kimmes
Midwest Farm Animal Rescue
ckimmes@hotmail.com
715-672-3874

W2081 County Road T
Mondovi, WI 54755