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Lady’s Feet Are On an Upswing

As you may know, Lady’s feet tend to go through cyclical phases where some weeks she’s doing well and other weeks she seems to have more discomfort. At the moment, her feet are on the upswing. We adjust our treatments accordingly, based on what we can observe, since her illness is systemic and resides deep within her feet. So, it’s always a relief to witness those moments when she is once again moving in a positive direction, since we have no large-scale control over the issue – only the ability to mitigate discomfort and slow down the advancement of her osteomyelitis, as much as possible. 

Lady is walking more quickly again and seems to feel increasingly comfortable. Her right front foot, which was most problematic this time around, is looking much better. Of course, this doesn’t mean that her feet are fixed, as they never will be – but it does mean that she’s made it to the other side of another downswing. She seems to be feeling better in general and is very rumbly; she’s very soft and light during her foot treatments. 

One of the amazing things about Lady, and about elephants in general, is their ability to compartmentalize during times when they’re going through intense emotions. In Lady’s case, she doesn’t seem to allow ongoing hardships with her feet to influence her ability to experience the wonder of sanctuary. In many aspects of life, elephants have the ability to express themselves in deep and empathetic ways, while also focusing on certain issues and setting other things aside in a manner that humans sometimes cannot – and they do so with much grace. Lady likely knows that there’s no guarantee that her feet will improve significantly, but she still approaches life with a sense of exploration and finds joy in the small things around her.

Photo of Lady

Comments(22)

  1. REPLY
    Pam says
    October 20, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    This is good news! Thanks for keeping us posted on all the girls … It’s a wonderful service that you provide, helping us feel connected even though most of us are on a different continent!

  2. REPLY
    CAROL says
    October 20, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    Sooooo thrilled for our precious Lady! Every day of relative comfort she experiences, is a fantastic day! Hope it continues indefinitely. That would be a blessing!
    Prayers going up! Sending hugs.

  3. REPLY
    Patricia Richardson says
    October 20, 2022 at 2:43 pm

    So wonderful to hear that Lady is free, at least for a time, of chronic discomfort! Thank you for describing and sharing her complex approach to her situation and life, and her appreciation of her foot treatments and Sanctuary!💜🌺💜

  4. REPLY
    Beth says
    October 20, 2022 at 2:57 pm

    I ❤️ Lady. God bless her.

  5. REPLY
    Deb says
    October 20, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    Oh this is good news! Bless her heart 😍. I hope this upswing lasts & lasts!
    She’s so fortunate to have ESB!
    Love you all 💝🐘

  6. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says
    October 20, 2022 at 3:33 pm

    Oh, Sweet sweet Lady Bug! You are an inspiration for us all. We humans can learn so much from elephants and
    Lady is a perfect example. Just keep going no matter what and enjoy the small things in life. Love you Lady Bug.
    Thank you GSE for this beautifully written piece about our special girl.

  7. REPLY
    Julie says
    October 20, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    Lovely Lady, you are such an inspiration to me, and I love you dearly!

  8. REPLY
    Carole Kramer says
    October 20, 2022 at 4:51 pm

    Many thanks for this update on Lady’s feet and for all you do for the girls everyday! It is always a pleasure to know they are happily enjoying the good life finally in Sanctuary. It mus be blessed relief for them after their many years of tortuous conditions. 🐘💜☮️

  9. REPLY
    Wim says
    October 20, 2022 at 5:28 pm

    She loves living in her own magical garden.
    The Oscar for outstanding performance at sanctuary Brasil goes to Lady.

  10. REPLY
    Elizabeth says
    October 20, 2022 at 5:29 pm

    A lovely update with Ms. Lady.

  11. REPLY
    Alana says
    October 20, 2022 at 5:31 pm

    Great news & I know she knows you care, with is good medicine too.

  12. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    October 20, 2022 at 6:05 pm

    It is always wonderful to hear there is an upswing regarding Lady’s feet, because we all know how debilitating problem feet can be for an elephant. She is in the best of care, and for that I am so thankful. LadyBug certainly is her own person, and thanks to GSE she is able to make her own choices. LOVE THAT GIRL.

  13. REPLY
    Julie says
    October 20, 2022 at 7:33 pm

    I especially enjoy your comments, Wim! Thank you!

  14. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    October 20, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Wow! We can learn a lot by studying elephants for sure! I’m so glad our Lady’s troubles are a little lighter at the moment–here’s hoping they stay that way for awhile!

  15. REPLY
    Deanna Young says
    October 20, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    So great to hear LadyB is on an upswing , less pain and discomfort for her and I hope it lasts ! Thank you for the good news .Always love to @GSE ❤️🐘✨🎉Lady ❤️🐘

  16. REPLY
    Susy says
    October 20, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    Una vez más tus explicaciones me hacen ver y sentir lo que viven en el santuario. Bravo por la bella lady y por sus piecitos aliviados. Que continúe así y nunca abandone sus ganas de moverse y recorrer ese bello lugar en libertad. Gracias gente del santuario por acercarnos el día a día de las chicas.

  17. REPLY
    Pierrette Walraevens says
    October 20, 2022 at 11:23 pm

    Great news to hear Lady’s foot is doing much better thanks you you all hwho are doing so much for the Elephants ❤️ Thank you so much for this update about Lady.❤️🥰🐘🥰❤️

  18. REPLY
    Patricia says
    October 21, 2022 at 1:09 am

    I love you, Lady. I am so happy you’re feeling good. xoxoxo

  19. REPLY
    Tammy says
    October 21, 2022 at 7:54 am

    The best news ever Ladybug you deserve to feel good for a change to be able to walk without being in excruciating pain to be able to fully enjoy your life! So very happy for you you’re always finding sunshine through the clouds so caring loving helpful with your sisters while learning to navigate through everything your past keeps dumping on you yet somehow you always come back to your happy place which in turn does the very same thing for all of us too we thank you for that! Love you beautiful girl keep on a roamin’ and keep on a smilin’ 😊🙏🐘💞

  20. REPLY
    Christine says
    October 21, 2022 at 8:32 am

    God bless you Lady 🐞and all those around you who care and love you
    Soooooooo much,🙏🥰

  21. REPLY
    John says
    October 21, 2022 at 11:06 am

    This is great news to hear. It’s funny, but I feel like I know you Lady. Keep moving! What a great job the staff at GSE is doing to help these beautiful, amazing, wonderful creatures.

  22. REPLY
    Rachel says
    October 24, 2022 at 5:26 pm

    Wonderful news!!! I Love the Lady…💕

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