Soule: What Does It Take?

Buttercup, a 4-month-old half-Scottish Highlander calf, had been a lively participant in our summer camp. For two weeks in July, kids had brushed, bathed, and snuggled with her. A feisty little brindle-colored calf, Buttercup enjoyed the attention, although occasionally she'd get tired of it and run off to her mom, dragging her camper behind.

But as summer ended, her health deteriorated. She'd stand over the tank, her nose inches from the water while the other weanlings gobbled down grain. After a while, Buttercup would wander to a nearby pan and lick up a few morsels of grain with her raspy tongue. Professional attention was called for.

"She's a good weight, and her coat is shiny and bright. How long has she been coughing up that white foam?" asked Dr. Lauren Polanik from the Pembroke Animal Hospital.

"About four weeks," I said.

"This is the darndest thing. She has no fever," Dr. Lauren said. "Maybe it's a mineral deficiency or an allergic reaction."

The vet prescribed vitamin and mineral shots and Banamine, a cow aspirin, to reduce swelling.
For 12 days, I doctored Buttercup. In the morning, I'd find her curled up with her half-sister Butterscotch. Once a day, after her shots, I'd gently squirt milk or electrolytes into her mouth and wait for her to swallow between squirts. At first, she followed me around, nudging me for more, but on the fourth day, she lost interest. She stopped eating, and I could feel her ribs.

I didn't want to give up on this once-lively little calf. I tried to will her to eat, to drink the milk I offered her. On the 12th day, she was dehydrated and could hardly walk. I could either watch her suffer or help her on her way. Filled with sadness, I chose to help her.

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Carole Soule is the co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H. She raises and sells beef and other local products. She can be reached at carolesoule60@gmail.com