News Summary
Life with Pigs sanctuary in Williamsburg is seeking community assistance for Huckleberry, a rescued lamb facing serious medical issues. After being saved from a life of butchery, Huckleberry developed bladder stones requiring costly surgery and ongoing care. The sanctuary’s founders aim to raise funds to cover his medical expenses while highlighting the financial challenges faced by animal sanctuaries. Contributions can be made via their website to help ensure Huckleberry’s health and well-being.
Williamsburg, VA – Life with Pigs, a local animal sanctuary, is appealing for assistance from the community to support the ongoing medical care of Huckleberry, a recently rescued lamb. Huckleberry was found just a week before Easter, initially listed for sale on Craigslist where he was deemed a “meat lamb,” ready for butchering due to his ideal age.
Ryan and Mallory Phillips, the founders of the sanctuary, intervened and negotiated with Huckleberry’s previous owner to rescue him. After recently settling into his new environment, Huckleberry displayed a calm temperament and created a special bond with Annie, a blind dwarf cow residing at the sanctuary.
However, the Phillips soon noticed Huckleberry was experiencing medical issues. A veterinarian’s examination revealed Huckleberry had developed bladder stones, a serious condition requiring immediate attention. Surgery was necessary, leading to two significant stays at North Carolina State’s veterinary college. The Phillips recognized that while kicking behavior is common in sheep, it was particularly alarming for Huckleberry considering his age and the fact that he wasn’t neutered.
The bladder stones presented a severe risk to Huckleberry’s health; if blocked, his bladder could rupture within 24 hours, which could be fatal. The couple invested over $5,000 in Huckleberry’s treatment to ensure his survival. Following surgery, Huckleberry has stabilized and has rejoined the sanctuary’s herd but will require long-term monitoring to maintain his health.
To manage his condition, Huckleberry has been placed on a specialized blend of hay, which has resulted in a doubling of the sanctuary’s feed costs. Currently, the total veterinary expenses for the year have exceeded $20,000 for the sanctuary, prompting the Phillips to seek financial support from the Williamsburg community. They are encouraging local residents to help offset Huckleberry’s medical bills through donations made via the Life with Pigs website, with options to sponsor his care on a monthly basis.
The sanctuary operates with a family-centered approach, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of the animals they care for. Huckleberry’s situation highlights the realities faced by animal sanctuaries and the significant financial burden involved in providing medical care for rescued animals.
The outreach campaign aims not only to provide immediate financial assistance for Huckleberry’s care but also to raise awareness about the challenges sanctuaries face in sustaining operations and caring for animals in need. Helping Huckleberry represents a chance for the community to come together in support of animal welfare and the continuation of the work done by Life with Pigs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Wydaily: Williamsburg Animal Sanctuary’s Rescue Lamb in Need of Community’s Help
- Wikipedia: Animal Sanctuary
- PetHelpful: Blind Cow Becomes Mom to Orphaned Little Lamb
- Google Search: Animal Shelter Care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lamb
- Google News: Animal Sanctuary
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.
