As reported in early September (see the story here), Albie the goat came to us in terrible shape.
The good news is that his horrible mouth sores have completely cleared up and he's gained a little weight. He's also gotten very accustomed to people and seems to really enjoy the attention. But after a month of working with our local vet trying to heal a leg that had lost nearly all its circulation, we knew we needed an expert. We transported Albie to the Large Animal Hospital at Cornell University, the premiere hospital for farm animals in the Northeast.
"Albie was likely "hog-tied" (all four legs were tied together) which is often how small goats are transported. Nothing else would explain the indentions on his legs which resulted in poor circulation. This essentially caused his front left leg to begin to die"
--Jenny Brown
Sanctuary Director
The Cornell doctors suggested that Albie have his front left leg amputated at the shoulder because the necrotic (dead) tissue was too severe. After much discussion, they decided to first attempt a procedure less severe--a partial amputation of his lateral digit or "toe" with the hope that the remaining digit will re-grow a hoof and that he will be able to walk comfortably with what he has remaining. They have told us that there is no guarantee that this surgery will be the last and that more of his leg might have to be removed at a later date.
Back from Cornell, Albie seems to be pain-free but is not putting weight on his leg. Our hope is that over time this operation will restore enough circulation that Albie can keep his leg and live the most normal life he can live.
By day a book publisher, Martin Rowe is challenging himself in his very first New York City Marathon to help an abused goat facing a possible amputation.
Help cover Albie's substantial vet bills by pledging $1 a mile or more, and your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor -- up to a cumulative total of $5000! That's $10,000 for Albie and the many others like him who find their way to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Martin wrote us, "This is my first marathon, and I'm sure of two things: first, that I'm going to be very relieved when it's over, and, second, that I wanted to run for a charity, and for that charity to be the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. There's something poetic about running for an organization that advocates for those who cannot walk, let alone run, anywhere. I will be fed and watered en route and am willingly putting myself through pain; those whom Jenny and Doug look after belong to species that are often denied food and water, or fed too much, and are in constant pain. It takes a lot of heart, work, and money to run a sanctuary, and I hope you'll support me by making a contribution. Of course, I'd love to hear from you if you're also running, or you'll be cheering on the runners on November 4."
Challenge Martin even more: if he can run his very first marathon in under 4 hours, you can pledge to make an automatic 10 mile bonus! Your "supersized" pledge is also eligible for the matching grant.
