08/26/2026
Just when I thought the hot, exhausting weather had finally broken, we were hit square in the face with another blow. 💔
These last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster here at Runway Farm.
Recently, we had Star Noelle and Shortcake spayed. Because of their small size, and because we love these girls so incredibly much, we made the decision to spay them to help prevent potential birthing complications in the future.
After two weeks of stall rest, medications, and constant watchful eyes, we noticed that Shortcake’s surgery site was becoming increasingly swollen. A dear friend came over to give us a second set of eyes, and we discovered that she had developed a post-surgical abscess. After draining it and beginning more daily, tedious treatments, she continued to recover.
While our friends were here, I asked them to take a look at our sweet new baby, Sebastian, too. Even with FOUR fans running on him and Momma, the heat was simply more than his tiny body could tolerate. We started a frantic scavenger hunt for a thermometer—and when we found one, his temperature was 107 degrees. 😳
We immediately loaded Momma and baby into the trailer and rushed them to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Hospital. The team there immediately took them back, shaved Sebastian, and began treatment.
Thankfully, this little guy made a quick turnaround, and we were able to bring him home Monday. 🙌🏻❤️
We thought we were finally getting a little breathing room…
Then yesterday, I decided Shortcake could benefit from some sunshine and lush green grass. As she walked toward the field, she suddenly began limping.
My immediate thought was, “OH NO. The infection has gone into her bloodstream and is affecting the nearest joint.”
We immediately consulted with UT Veterinary Medical Hospital, and they recommended bringing her back for further evaluation.
Thankfully, the infection is improving, and her surgery site is healing beautifully. 🙏🏻
But then came another blow.
Further diagnostic testing revealed that Shortcake has a torn meniscus and will most likely require surgery.
And now we’ve received the latest update: she is no longer able to stand, and her pain has become visibly intolerable. Pain medication has been given, and the veterinary team is continuing with additional imaging to determine whether she is a candidate for surgery.
We are praying with everything we have that surgery is an option. The alternative would be absolutely devastating for our farm and, most importantly, for this precious little girl. 💔
Shortcake is our sweet little teddy bear cow. She has fought through so much already, and we are not ready to give up on her.
Please, please pray for Shortcake. 🙏🏻❤️
Pray for pain relief.
Pray for wisdom for her veterinary team.
Pray that the imaging gives us a path forward.
And pray that this little girl has another miracle left in her.
If you believe in the power of prayer, please lift our sweet Shortcake up today. She needs it more than ever. 🐮🤎🙏🏻
Runway Farm has been through a lot lately, and tonight our hearts are simply asking for a miracle.
