Welcoming Walt

We just welcomed a brave sheep to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary last week! Keep reading to meet Walt.

In mid June, we heard about a sheep who was running through the local town of Saugerties NY after escaping a slaughter operation. Walt had been running loose through Saugerties neighborhoods for days in a heatwave. We were deeply concerned that he might be hit by a car or suffer from heat stroke in the oppressive heat, so we knew we needed to help even though we were overwhelmed caring for all of the animal residents here in the heat and humidity.

Walt upon arriving to the rescue site.

Walt safe in the rescue van.

The Ulster County SPCA (UCSPCA) eventually found him seeking refuge and shade under a kind person’s deck. They managed to get him surrendered and held him safely, doing their best to keep him calm while we prepared a place for him.When we went to get him in our rescue van, we could tell that he was extremely stressed and overheated, especially with all that wool he was carrying. We needed to help him fast.

Upon his arrival at the Sanctuary property, our immediate concern was his health. He had several cuts and bruises, and his wool was dangerously overgrown, exacerbating his overheating. We sheared him right away to help cool him down, and his temperature, initially elevated, returned to normal by the second day. We are now awaiting the results of further tests and a formal vet examination, but we know Walt’s journey to recovery will take some time. For now, he’s settled in his isolation space, complete with an AC unit to keep him comfortable in the heat.

Walt upon arriving in the rescue van.

Walt relaxed after a much needed haircut.

Walt’s story is a testament to the resilience and will to live. Despite the horrors he’s endured, Walt has found safety and care at Woodstock Sanctuary, where he will be loved and respected for the individual he is for the rest of his days.

Welcome home, brave Walt.