Lady and Her Ups and Downs

Lady continues to explore Yards 1 and 5 and has become much more comfortable going into the barn for foot soaks than she was during the early days after Pocha and Guillermina’s arrival. When all of the other elephants are in Yard 4, out of the smaller yards, Lady will enter the barn for foot treatments. Though she can smell the two of them, she will watchfully come in. Once she’s certain that no one else is around, she relaxes and does well.

She can be seen some mornings in the yard neighboring Guille and Pocha, in relatively close proximity, for Lady. She seems curious about the two, but hasn’t tried to touch either of them again. Rather, she appears to be engaging with them in her way, which is always at a distance. Lady’s communications could be audible, but we can’t hear them; she does seem to be talking to them, however. When she does come near, her energy is very soft and light.

Many of you recently asked about Lady’s feet and, at the moment, they feet are on a down swing. They tend to get better, then worse, in a cyclical pattern. It is difficult to predict what will happen next, but we do our best to treat her in every way possible, including using traditional and herbal anti-inflammatory medicines to decrease her discomfort along with topical applications. The goal has always been to slow the progression of her degenerative condition and ensure she is as comfortable as possible, since her osteomyelitis cannot be cured. Up to this point, any soreness she’s experiencing has not lessened her desire to explore, or her inquisitive nature. No matter what, she’s our unique and special Lady who deserves the best that sanctuary has to offer.

Photo of the always charming Lady

Comments(14)

Kayle Luthey says
July 18, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Of all the items on Lady’s wishlist, what is the item you could use the most?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  July 18, 2022 at 2:45 pm
  We use all of them very regularly, so there’s really not one that we use the most. Thank you for asking.
Pam says
July 18, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Thank you for the update on dear Lady. It’s great to know how much she trusts her caregivers and willingly participates in the foot care regime. Is this a daily routine, or more periodic? I’m sure it’s frustrating to not be able to “cure” her foot problems, but bless you for your patient and loving management of these ups and downs.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  July 18, 2022 at 2:42 pm
  We try to give her foot treatments daily, but it depends on what she wants. If she doesn’t come near the barn or an area where the treatments can be done at the fence line, we wait until she comes back for treatments.
Sue says
July 18, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Love this brave soul with all my heart ❤️🐘❤️!
Kayle says
July 18, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Sara, which items on Lady’s wishlist are available in Brazil?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  July 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm
  The basic items – anything food related, etc. all can be found in Brazil. Any items that are specific to horses, we adapt for her and those can’t be found in the country.
Nancy says
July 18, 2022 at 4:13 pm
What Sue said……
Tammy says
July 18, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Beautiful Lady you are one strong yet gentle loving soul thank you for being such a shining example a beacon of hope proving that moving forward is possible with some days just baby steps yet other days leaps forward no matter which you’ve got this you go girl! 🐘👏😘 💞
Melinda says
July 18, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Love you so much Lady Bug! May Elephant Angels watch over and bless you every day and night.
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 18, 2022 at 7:07 pm
LadyBug! I’m not supposed to have favorites…..but……..
Charlotte Hansen says
July 19, 2022 at 2:27 am
Thank you for this update–every day I wonder how our little Lady is doing!
Patricia says
July 19, 2022 at 2:30 am
Lady, I think about you all the time. I love you so much and pray for foot miracles! Thank God you are at ESB.
Wim says
July 20, 2022 at 2:14 am
Long may you run precious Lady.

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