News Summary
Life with Pigs, a local sanctuary in Williamsburg, has become a beacon of compassion following the rescue of Huckleberry, a lamb saved from slaughter. After diagnosed with bladder stones, he requires extensive veterinary care, prompting sanctuary owners Ryan and Mallory Phillips to rally community support for his treatment, which exceeds $20,000 in annual veterinary expenses. This story highlights not only the challenges of providing care for rescued animals but also the vital role of community involvement in ensuring their recovery.
Williamsburg – The local animal sanctuary, Life with Pigs, has become a hub of community compassion after the rescue of Huckleberry, a lamb saved from a fate as a “meat lamb.” Huckleberry was found for sale on Craigslist just a week before Easter, destined for slaughter before sanctuary owners Ryan and Mallory Phillips successfully intervened, convincing the seller to relinquish the animal.
Upon arriving at Life with Pigs, Huckleberry quickly adapted to his new environment and formed a strong bond with Annie, the sanctuary’s blind dwarf cow. His gentle nature, however, was soon overshadowed by concerning behaviors that led the Phillips to seek medical attention. Huckleberry displayed unusual kicking motions that raised flags about his health, prompting a veterinary examination.
The diagnosis revealed that Huckleberry had developed bladder stones, a serious condition that necessitated surgical intervention and multiple extended stays at North Carolina State’s veterinary college. The Phillips discovered that Huckleberry’s lack of neutering was a contributing factor to his health issues. The veterinary bills accumulated rapidly, exceeding a staggering $5,000 for the surgery alone.
Currently recuperating, Huckleberry has returned to the sanctuary herd and is stable, but he requires ongoing medical attention. His condition demands meticulous management, including a specific diet of specialty hay to help prevent the recurrence of bladder stones. This dietary requirement has further increased the already significant feed costs for the sanctuary.
Ryan and Mallory Phillips also disclosed that their annual veterinary expenses have soared over $20,000 due to the collective health needs of their animals. In light of Huckleberry’s situation, they are actively reaching out to the Williamsburg community to help alleviate the financial strain imposed by these unexpected medical bills. The couple has set up a donation initiative through their website, allowing community members to contribute to Huckleberry’s ongoing care, with options for either one-time donations or monthly sponsorships.
Given the limited understanding of managing bladder stones in farm animals, the Phillips face a unique challenge in providing Huckleberry with the care he needs. The sanctuary seeks to not only support Huckleberry but also educate the community on the proper care and treatment of rescued farm animals.
This heartfelt story showcases not only the challenges faced by sanctuaries in caring for rescued animals but also the power of community support in ensuring their recovery and well-being. As Huckleberry continues his journey toward health, the efforts of the Phillips and the compassion of the Williamsburg community are essential in providing a brighter future for this lovable lamb.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Rallying to Support Rescued Lamb’s Care
Additional Resources
- Williamsburg Animal Sanctuary’s Rescue Lamb – WYDaily
- Wikipedia: Animal Sanctuary
- Blind Cow Becomes Mom to Orphaned Lamb – PetHelpful
- Google Search: Bladder Stones in Farm Animals
- Five Tips to Prevent Bladder Stones in Pets – Your Local Guardian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lamb
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
