Clifford

Sponsored By
Terisa Namy

Clifford was born at a farm just down the road from our sanctuary. Clifford and his best friend, Grizzly, weren’t growing, and the farmer couldn’t sell them as a result. Knowing that we help farmed animals in need, they drove the boys over and dopped them off. We quickly recognized that Clifford wasn’t feeling well, so we rushed the deeply bonded pair to the hospital, Grizzly dutifully tagging along as emotional support.

While we knew Clifford needed medical attention, we were not prepared to learn that he was gravely ill. We were heartbroken by the news that Clifford had been fighting pneumonia for months without treatment and was losing his battle against the illness. Clifford’s condition was further complicated by the fact that he had been “banded” shortly before he was surrendered. Banding is a non-surgical method of castration in which tight bands are used to restrict blood flow to the testicles until they fall from the body. The terrible pain caused by the banding caused Clifford’s immune system to crash, and the pneumonia showered infection throughout his body, leaving him totally septic.

We were told that Clifford probably wouldn’t survive the night, so we prepared for the worst—but Clifford surprised everyone and quickly began responding to treatment. Tragically, while Clifford improved, Grizzly suddenly fell ill and passed away. Grizzly’s body had been so overrun with parasites that the necessary deworming treatment sent his organs into shock, and not even emergency surgery could save him. We’re so thankful that Clifford was able to say goodbye to his best friend, but it breaks our hearts that we couldn’t give both boys the life that they deserved.

Clifford is an incredibly dear and cautious little soul. He wasn’t sure where he fit in when he first arrived at the sanctuary, but we love that he’s been adopted by Gennie, one of our senior sheep residents. Clifford is like her little shadow, following her everywhere she goes. Gennie is no stranger to heartache, having said goodbye to her beloved mother, Millie, a year after their rescue. We’re so thankful that this unlikely pair found each other—they needed each other so very much.