Work at a sanctuary includes joy but also heartache. Sanctuary work is grief work.
Eleven years ago, a frail black and white calf arrived. His mom had been confiscated by animal control. She was seventeen years old and dying. When she saw her son drink his first bottle, she took her last breath. 💔
We named him Panda Bob.
He is one of the lucky few who have only known sanctuary. From adorable calf to rambunctious teenager to the gentle (albeit pushy) giant he is today, Panda Bob has been a charismatic, much-loved moo person.
I am so sad to share that Panda Bob is reaching the end of his life. He has been diagnosed with progressive, metastatic cancer that has infiltrated his muscles, bones, and lymph nodes. There is no treatment.
To provide Panda Bob the palliative care he deserves is an immense honor to all of us who know him. Our promise is to keep him comfortable until it is time.
I invite you to be part of Panda Bob’s hospice team. I may be biased, but I can think of no greater honor!
Here are Panda Bob’s current needs:
💊 Pain management: $37 per day
In consultation with his veterinarian, Panda Bob is on the highest (safe) doses of the pain medications meloxicam and tramadol. ❣️Your $37 donation covers Panda Bob’s daily administration. ❣️
🌾 Hay: $12 per day
Because this disease is terminal and he does not have much time left, Panda Bob receives as much hay as his heart desires. ❣️Your $12 gift provides Panda Bob with a day’s worth of hay.❣️
❤️🩹A look to the future: Panda Bob’s legacy
Panda Bob is fenced off with temporary panels in a portion of his existing pasture. His friend, Murphy, is staying with him for companionship. But we would like to make this temporary arrangement a permanent one, not just for Panda Bob but for any of our cows who need a flat area for isolation.
❣️Your donation of ANY amount will go toward installing permanent fencing.❣️ This pasture features even terrain, ample shade, is irrigated year-round, and is conveniently located for easy caregiver observation. It would enable us to safely isolate cows who have mobility issues or require closer monitoring.
I know it can be hard to hear that a sanctuary resident has a terminal illness. It is a reality our caregiving team faces daily. We are ever mindful that this is sad news in an already sad world. But I hope you can appreciate that the lows are as much a part of the sanctuary as the highs.
This morning, I visited Panda Bob. He “raced” over to say hi and to receive some love and attention. Because the cancer is affecting his bones and muscles, he is not steady on his feet. It reminds me of how unsure on his feet he once was, as a baby. 😢
Thank you for supporting Panda Bob and all the animals at the sanctuary. Without you, there is no us. With you, Panda Bob receives pain management, hay, and a safe place to rest.
With compassion,
Marji Beach
Development Director
President of Panda Bob’s Fan Club
PS: Your $12 donation feeds Panda Bob hay for a day!
