10/03/2026
When Courtney and I decided to take Walter into our sanctuary we made him a promise that he would be safe, fed, sheltered, loved and cared for ❤️
We saved Walter from a horrible fate when he was just two weeks old. Since then we have spent countless nights bottle feeding him, weaning him and helping him find his place with the rest of the crew especially his best buddies the goat boys.
Walter means so much to us and he means so much to our community.
He comes to fundraising events, loves meeting people and is truly one of the kindest and smartest animals you will ever meet. If you have ever spent even five minutes with Walter you know exactly what I mean. You just fall in love with him. 🐑❤️
But right now Walter needs us.
Walter has a major problem with his eye but we have a very real chance of saving it.
This all began back in June shortly after Walter was castrated. We noticed that 3 days later his eye was bulging. We immediately brought him back to the veterinarian and treated him preventatively for infection. He remained totally fine but part of his sclera was exposed. We were told that this is just his new normals. Unfortunately months later his eye began protruding more severely. Eventually it became so swollen that Walter could no longer blink.
We called every veterinarian we could find within a 100 mile radius. We took Walter to an ophthalmologist in Orlando who told us he needed more invasive treatment as soon as possible.
That ultimately brought us to UF Large Animal Hospital where Walter is now receiving care from an incredible team.
UF was able to drain an abscess located in Walter’s orbital socket. However an ultrasound showed another area behind his eye that they cannot fully evaluate without a CT scan. This is called retrobulbar abscesses. There is a minimal possibility that this could be neoplasia (cancer) but thankfully that is not the only possibility. It cannot be determined without further diagnostics. The second area is also not connected to the abscess they were able to drain.
The abscess they drained was sent out for pathology and then came the phone call several days later. The pathology results were extremely unusual.
Walter has two different strains of bacteria that the veterinarians have never seen in a sheep before. These bacteria are more commonly associated with dogs and cats. Walter has never been punctured or attacked by another animal while he has been in our care so none of this makes sense. Even more concerning the bacteria are anaerobic and are resistant to many antibiotics.
After receiving the results Dr. Jimmerson consulted with specialists throughout UF. No one had ever seen anything like this in a sheep. Dr. Jimmerson even told us that this case has kept him up at night because he continues to wonder how Walter developed this infection. Quite honestly, we are all losing sleep over it.
Walter could potentially become a case study at UF in the future because of how unusual this case is.
After consulting with his team they determined that there was one specific form of penicillin that could potentially treat these bacteria.
Unfortunately, UF only had one dose available and the medication is currently on back order.
Dr. Jimmerson asked us which veterinarians we work with locally. I gave him the information for our sanctuary veterinarians but I also gave him the information for the veterinarian who cares for Courtney and my personal animals.He called Dr. Mimi at Integrative Animal Hospital and she had the medication Walter needed!!
Not only did she have enough to treat Walter for the entire prescribed course she also has additional medication set aside in case Walter needs another round.
Then her office called me and told me that Dr. Mimi would come to our farm herself to help administer Walter’s medication.
Courtney and I were in tears.
The compassion she showed Walter was absolutely overwhelming. ❤️
She brought two veterinary technicians with her,
and they didn’t just come to treat Walter but they loved on all of our animals while they were here.
Going forward Dr. Mimi has offered to help Walter and our sanctuary however she can.
She is a small animal and exotic veterinarian but Walter’s life mattered to her. We simply cannot thank her enough.
She will be back today to teach Courtney and myself another easier way to administer his injectable medication. She was genuinely excited to be part of Walter’s journey and help give him the chance he deserves.
Right now we have some good news. Walter’s swelling has gone down tremendously, and HE CAN BLINK AGAIN! 🙏❤️
We are lubricating his eye around the clock, and he is receiving antibiotic eye ointment six times a day to protect his cornea from abrasions and prevent additional infections.
If we can get these infections under control and address the other mass behind his eye whether that means draining it or removing it then Walter may be able to keep his eye and retain his full vision. His eye could potentially return to its normal position in the socket.
But we need your help.
UF gave us an estimate yesterday of approximately $1800- $2,000 for Walter’s CT scan. That is not including additional pathology/meds.
I know some people may wonder why we are even considering spending that much. The answer is simple. Because we made Walter a promise. We promised him that he matters. We promised him that we would do everything we reasonably can to save his eye.
We promised him that no matter what happens he will always have a safe place here with us.
We know $2,000 is a lot to ask, especially for a small sanctuary but we cannot do this alone.
If you can find it in your heart to make a donation toward Walter’s continued care we would be incredibly grateful. Every dollar will go toward his CT and medical treatment.
Unfortunately, UF Large Animal Hospital does not accept donations over the phone. We wish they did because we know that would make donating easier but they are an extremely busy hospital and are unable to process donations by phone. They also do not work with nonprofits.
If you cannot donate, PLEASE SHARE.
Sharing our posts helps more than you know. It can put Walter’s story in front of the one person who may be able to help.
Walter has fought so hard. He has given us so much love. Now it’s our turn to fight for him.
Please help our little lamb see tomorrow. 🙏❤️🐑
Hand & Hoof Farm Sanctuary INC.
Ways to Donate:
• Square: https://square.link/u/K3pdtVrk?src=sheet
• PayPal: [email protected]
• Zelle: hand-hoof-farm or 845-849-4099
• Cash App: https://cash.app/$handhooffarm
