Ill Calf's Life Takes A Turn When A Dog Makes An Unexpected Appearance

The beautiful part is that, regardless of their growing age or size, their love for each other persists."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• July 26, 2023

Sky, the dedicated therapy dog, played a pivotal role in the rapid recovery of a young calf named Lewis. In the year 2020, The Gentle Barn, a compassionate sanctuary created by Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner, welcomed a new member, an orphaned calf.

Rescued from a slaughterhouse that had taken the life of his mother, this week-old fighter was brought into their care. Reflecting his resilient spirit, they gave him the name John Lewis Thunderheart.

Lewis arrived at The Gentle Barn in a frail state. His health had been severely compromised; as Ellie explained, "He was battling acute pneumonia. His breath was raspy and labored, accompanied by a deep, relentless cough. His body temperature had soared dangerously high."

Adding to his physical woes, Lewis had been deprived of a crucial early life nutrient - colostrum. Colostrum is the mother's first milk that equips a newborn with essential antibodies, fortifying their immune system.

Unfortunately, due to the distressing circumstances surrounding his birth, Lewis hadn't received enough of this vital sustenance. As a result, when pneumonia struck, it became a life-threatening battle for him.

The initial stages of his life were marked by a harsh struggle for survival. But then...

The Gentle Barn, a compassionate sanctuary created by Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner, welcomed an orphaned calf in 2020.

Understanding the precarious condition of Lewis, they decided the barn was not the most suitable environment for his recovery. So, they brought him inside their air-conditioned home to provide a sterile and cool surrounding.

This strategic shift in his living conditions allowed them to monitor his health round-the-clock and ensure his needs were met promptly. Inside the comforts of their home lived another member of their animal family, who would prove to be a tremendous boon to Lewis.

He was a lively dog named Sky. Sky was welcomed into The Gentle Barn after being surrendered by his previous owner, who found his exuberant energy too challenging to manage.

Initially, they didn't plan on adopting him, but soon they noticed an unexpected trait in Sky – he had a natural aptitude for therapy. Sky had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to people's lives, melting the hearts of even those with deep-seated anger issues.

His calming presence was particularly comforting to individuals dealing with anxiety. As such, he became an integral part of The Gentle Barn, serving as a therapy dog for visitors.

His health had been severely compromised

Sky was welcomed into The Gentle Barn after being surrendered by his previous owner. And the dog formed a wonderful bond with the calf

Sky's empathetic nature made him the ideal partner for Lewis during his recovery. "Sky shielded him, comforted him, and would nestle close to him, curling up beside him," Ellie detailed. "We continually showered him with love and solace until he gradually began to recuperate."

When Lewis regained enough strength to venture outdoors, it became evident that a profound bond had formed between him and Sky.

"They frolic around the yard, playfully wrestling. Sky is very playful, much like a pup, and Lewis is clumsy like a cow, but they have a remarkable understanding of each other and make their unique dynamic work," Ellie conveyed.

"Sky shielded him, comforted him, and would nestle close to him, curling up beside him."

Whenever Ellie would take Lewis for strolls around the farm or introduce him to other cows, Sky was always by their side, assisting Lewis in adapting to his new farm life.

At the time of his rescue, Lewis was just a week old and weighed a mere 50 lbs. Fast forward two years, and he now weighs over a thousand pounds - a significant size difference compared to Sky.

They are no longer as physically playful with one another due to the notable difference in their sizes. However, this doesn't deter them from expressing their deep affection for each other.

At the time of his rescue, Lewis was just a week old and weighed a mere 50 lbs. Fast forward two years, and he now weighs over a thousand pounds - a significant size difference compared to Sky.

When Lewis settles down on the ground, Sky showers him with attention, licking him and nestling next to him.

Observing the bond between Lewis and Sky, Ellie remarked, "Their companionship is something to truly appreciate. The beautiful part is that, regardless of their growing age or size, their love for each other persists."

She further added, "From our perspective, we see a dog and a cow. But in the eyes of John Lewis and Sky, they perceive nothing but friends, family, and love."

Damjan