Timmy The Lamb

On 13-6-2012, while working in the area, I found Timmy the lamb abandoned in a crop paddock in the remote WA wheatbelt approx 300km East of Perth. The location was 5-10km from the nearest farm holding sheep, so I was told it is likely that Timmy was born on a Livestock truck and fell out or was discarded at parking area along Great Eastern Highway. Timmy was extremely skinny, dirty and was sufferi

ng from the effects of the severe cold weather and rain that had lashed the area. The nearest country vet could / would not take him in their care - but I was able to buy some Milk replacer formula and get a little advice. On return to my accommodation, Timmy got a warm shower and a little milk and water to break his little stomach in gently. The next day Timmy rode on the front seat all the way back to Perth, and appeared to be improving in health. I was going to call him "Nugget", but my two boys (5 & 7) had already named him "Timmy" after the main character of the ABC kids TV show "Timmy Time" http://www.timmytime.tv/

However, on the Saturday morning Timmy's health took a severe turn. When lifted, Timmy's neck spasmed and he suffered a terrible seizure.

20 minutes later Timmy was admitted to the nearest 24hr Vet Emergency. Timmy was viewed, and immediately was given little-to-no hope of survival. Timmy had developed severe diarrhoea (Scouring) which stripped his little body of the only vitality it had - and it just shut down. As it is unlikely that Timmy received his vital dose of Colostrum from his mother, he is extremely vulnerable to infection. Timmy had an horrendous start to life - and I was not about to give up on him. So, despite some discouraging, yet realistic advice, I told the vets to do what they could. They then took Timmy in for emergency Intensive Care treatment - after a swift and very large assault on my Credit Card. I asked to view him and was admitted into the treatment room to find him surrounded by staff with sensors & tubes ready to be connected. As I left the room I heard another report that his temperature was still dropping (34C, when it should be around 39C), and was advised that Timmy's condition was very unlikely to recover from there. I walked out thinking it'd be the last time I'd see him alive........

I waited out the front devastated by the prognosis. Nearly 2 hours later I got a call ........ and miraculously, Timmy was responding to the Intravenous drip and other treatments. By 1pm that day I was able to pick Timmy up and start an intensive care regime, as Timmy's battle was to continue against the Scouring / Diarrhoea. This page was originally called "Save Timmy the Lamb", set up for donations just in case Timmy needed more expensive specialist treatment. Once he stabilised, the page was renamed and maintained so his humble following of friends could follow his recovery & progress. Since then, Timmy's story has spread all over the world via Facebook and other media, gaining 1000+ likes and making him quite a little celebrity :)

Clayton.

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UPDATE :
After the long period of Nursing Timmy back to health and seeing him grow strong & healthy, it was finally time for me to say goodbye and take him to his wonderful new home. It was one of the most bittersweet moments ever......
It's been such a great experience to be a part of the little guy's life. We'll be visiting him regularly ......

AS OF 13th AUGUST 2012, TIMMY's NEW FAMILY (Maree & Ric) HAVE ALSO BEEN POSTING TO PROVIDE UPDATES ON TIMMY's PROGRESS. Maree & Ric are wonderful people, and I'm so glad to have found them to give Timmy such a special home. Therefore I've made Maree a joint admin of Timmy's page so she can post Timmy's updates directly. She'll be "signing" all of her posts so you all know who's posting. :)

Thanks again for all the kind words & support - it's great to know Timmy's story has reached so many people :)

Clayton.

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UPDATE:

Hi folks, it's Maree - some of Timmy's fans have been (understandably) concerned about what kind of life he will have at a farm and will he be safe for the rest of his days. So I just wanted to clarify what our intentions are and describe the type of home Timmy has gone to:

My husband (Ric) and I have just purchased a house on 150 acres with the sole purpose to take on rescued farm animals and give them permanent sanctuary for the rest of their natural lives. It is our passion. We already have a small herd of 10 sheep, 2 goats, 2 mini ponies, ducks, chickens - almost all of them rescues. In the house we have a few more rescues - our beloved dogs and cats. One day we may be opening our private sanctuary doors to the public (that's the dream) so please stay tuned for more information. But I assure you - while we walk this Earth - sweet Timmy will NEVER know that slaughter-men and abattoirs exist. Maree ♥

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