09/13/2025
Happy Saturday Y'all! We hope everyone has some fun plans for the weekend; it's going to a gorgeous one, so get on out there and enjoy it! Parker had some big plans lined up, but unfortunately, he stepped in this feeding bowl and now he's stuck, so ... 🤦♀️
In all seriousness, even the simplest of situations like this one can be a bit challenging for our boy Parker. You see, Parker was born with cerebellar hyperplasia which is a neurological condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the cerebellum, leading to various motor and cognitive challenges. This condition can often be found in dogs, but in some rare cases like Parker, it presents in bovine as well. Unfortunately, some cases are so severe that the effects on the animal itself are far too great for them to have a good quality of life. But... of course, not for Parker!
The farm at which Parker was born noticed his condition immediately as they watched his wide eyes flutter back and forth (a symptom of his condition). Knowing this prognosis can be challenging, Parker was immediately vet checked. They confirmed the diagnosis but were hopeful for Parker as he was proving his ability to do things like stand and suckle... next steps would be his mobility and continued ability to eat independently. And as the good Lord would have it, the days progressed, and so did Parker! Our charismatic little man continued to hit each milestone (all while stealing a few hearts with his goofy personality), proving his strength and determination despite his diagnosis.
That's when we were contacted... we had gotten Junie B from the same farm just a year prior, so we knew Parker was in good hands and his health was of utmost priority. And so, they kept Parker until he was weaned from milk, and they were able to determine that he was indeed healthy and could be independent at The Wish (surrounded by his friends, of course).
Let me tell ya... Parker's condition doesn't slow him down one bit! Unless he gets his foot "stuck" in a feed bowl ... that can be quite the conundrum for him! Other than that, he is your standard goofy calf who loves treats, chin scratches and giving kisses!
Does he run like Phoebe from Friends? Yup, sure does.
Does he have issues stopping sometimes? Well, yeah.
Does he walk a bit stiff legged as if he's wearing knee braces at times? Eh, maybe.
But, most importantly, does he love his life and live it to the fullest each day? Without a doubt.
Parker is just one of the many special animals that call The Wish home. Everyone here has a story and a past... but that doesn't define who they are. What defines them is their resilience and their tenacity to live life. They are all a part of a bigger story and a brighter future here at ...
☮️🩵 The Wish 🩵☮️
