A newborn calf was brought indoors by a Kentucky family to escape dangerous winter weather, resulting in heartwarming scenes that captured the attention of people across the country.
The calf was born early Saturday in Mount Sterling, a rural area in central Kentucky, during temperatures that dipped below zero. Macey Sorrell, a mother of two, said her husband Tanner discovered the newborn calf suffering in the extreme cold while checking on the pregnant mother cow. The infant animal was covered in ice, and its umbilical cord was frozen solid.
Quick Thinking Saves Newborn's Life
The Sorrell family made the quick decision to bring the calf inside their home. Once indoors, they cleaned off the ice and afterbirth that still covered the newborn. To warm the animal and dry its wet coat, Macey used a blow dryer, carefully working until the calf appeared comfortable and fluffy, according to the New York Post.
After being fed and warmed up, the calf found a comfortable spot on the family's couch next to the two children. The children accepted the farm animal as if it were a normal occurrence. Macey's 3-year-old son, Gregory, named the calf Sally after a character from the movie "Cars."
In one notable photo, Sally rests peacefully on the couch beside the toddler while Gregory's older sister is asleep on the other side. Another image shows the boy napping on the floor with his arm wrapped around the calf. Macey decided to share the photos on social media, where they quickly gained attention for their warmth and charm, CBS News reported.
Experienced Farm Family Knows the Risks
The Sorrell family operates a cattle farm with approximately thirty to thirty-six cows on their property and brings animals inside occasionally during severe weather.
This decision proved especially important after the family lost a calf to frostbite during the previous winter, making them acutely aware of the dangers extreme cold poses to newborn livestock.
The next morning, once the extreme cold had passed and temperatures improved, the family reunited Sally with her biological mother. According to Macey, the calf is doing well and thriving after her brief indoor stay.
She noted that bringing animals inside during emergencies is routine on working farms and something her family does as part of their regular care for the animals, as per the San Francisco Gate.
The viral photos have brought attention to the dedication of farming families who go to extraordinary lengths to protect their animals during harsh weather conditions.
