Harvey Rainbow’s Story
On Friday, September 15th, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary received a call from Norman Tucker, a resident of the Bar X Ranch subdivision. He had found a baby calf that had taken up residence near the doorstep of a homestead in Angleton, TX. Norman mentioned that it appeared the calf had been in floodwaters since Hurricane Harvey swept through Angleton in late August. “There was 4-5 feet of water where she was found…I don’t know how she survived,” he said.
Norman asked area ranchers if the calf belonged to them, but no one claimed her. So, when he called back on Saturday, the team at Rowdy Girl was elated to retrieve the baby girl and bring her to the sanctuary, where she would live her life without the threat of ever being slaughtered. They named her Harvey “Rainbow.”
When the team arrived at the scene, baby Harvey was curled up right by the doorstep. The founder got on all fours and quietly approached her to gain her trust, while the rest of the team stayed behind, moving forward only when it was time. Harvey resisted a little, but it seemed she was ready for her next adventure, as the pictures below clearly show. Harvey was placed in the back seat with Kate, and they all went home.
Harvey had a skin condition called “River Rot” on all four of her tiny legs. She was thin and malnourished. A vet came out to treat her, explaining that River Rot is a skin disease caused by standing in toxic, chemical-laden waters for long periods of time. As a baby, Harvey needed lots of milk replacement formula and tender loving care. She received vet care for the River Rot and began drinking her milk formula from a bowl, up to three times a day.
The team was deeply encouraged by Harvey Rainbow’s progress. She was drinking her milk, and for the first time, she was able to take a bottle. The vet team returned to administer an injection for infection, medicine for her little legs, and a special shampoo to treat the bacteria that had infiltrated her body.
Kate, Stephen and Tommy worked together with beautiful compassion as they prepared her for a full body treatment, including a body scrub and medicated bath. Despite initial uncertainty about how receptive she would be, Harvey quickly settled and relaxed in their care, thanks to the love showered upon her. Spa day at Rowdy Girl is always fun, and it is a joy to witness animals, often considered nothing more than commodities or food, being pampered and doted on like family.
Harvey Rainbow was the first cow back home at Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, rescued at a time when the sanctuary itself had been overwhelmed by Hurricane Harvey.
The moment Harvey Rainbow stood up and we made eye contact. This is where she landed after getting stranded and washed up by Hurricane Harvey.
Renee approaching Harvey on ground level.
Norman and Tommy with Harvey
Harvey in the truck – she peed all over the back seat.
Kate riding with Harvey in the truck
River rot on all four of Harvey’s legs.
Harvey Rainbow takes a bottle for the very first time! Progress!
Bath time!
Kate carefully washing Harvey’s legs.
Harvey Rainbow is borrowing Gizmo, Penny and Roux’s Piggy Palace – keeping it warm for them!
Great teamwork as the vet, Dr. Kris Anderson along with her vet tech, Kate and Stephen caring for Harvey.
The “river rot” on her little legs is horrible – here, the vet is cutting off the dead skin.
These boots are made for walkin. Harvey Rainbow all fixed up with her first treatment.
Harvey Rainbow drinking milk replacer from a bowl – at this point she was unable to suck on a bottle.
Renee and Harvey cuddling.