maystone / The story of Saffron (Reply)

Dee Saffron_0139, originally uploaded by maystone1.

This is our friend, Dee, and Saffron, a premature cria born on her farm. Saffron was found near frozen to death in a puddle of mud on a very rainy, cold day late last week. Her mother had already given her up for dead and wandered away. Dee and her daughter Adria rushed the cria into the house, soaked her in hot water to raise her body temperature, and started the many procedures that you do to keep a fragile cria alive. They've tried to reintroduce the baby to her mama, but each time mom just kicks her away. Saffron now stays in the house with Dee and Adria.

She's still weak; her blood sugar crashes rapidly and repeatedly. She has to be fed every few hours, so Dee sleeps on the couch, and Saffron sleeps on a blanket on the floor propped up with pillows. Dee and Adria had to be in the area today, so Dee wanted Dar to check Saffron out for her. They bundled her into the car, and this afternoon we had the pleasure of visiting with them all for a little bit. She's a beautiful cria - I mean exceptional. I'm a newcomer to huacayas, but even I could see that her fleece is just extraordinary. She's bonded with Dee and vice versa.

It's 50/50 whether or not she'll survive. If she can make it through the next 72 hours, she has a very good chance. Keep fighting, Saffron!