Help Thema's Sheep After Dog Attack

Aloha, my name is Brittany Anderson. I'm a farmer on the Big Island of Hawaii, but my story isn't as important as the story I will tell you about Thema, her sheep, and the incomprehensible tragedy that has befallen them. This fundraiser aims at helping Thema pay for emergency veterinary services and medication for her injured sheep.

I first met Thema in 2019 when I was looking for sheep. Our paths crossed several times at Hawaii Sheep & Goat Association, where Thema was an instrumental member. Her kind, humble, and steadfast nature is impressive– her dedication to her animals is second to none.

The morning of July 28, Thema called me. A dog had gotten into the pastures she's leased and attacked her herd. She asked me if I knew of anyone that could suture wounds, there were still sheep out in the field, but many, many sheep were injured. She called the local livestock veterinarian; they said they couldn't help as they were short-staffed. In an act of benevolent resistance, she dropped 2 severely injured sheep off at the vet anyway. They couldn't ignore bloodied sheep, agreeing to evaluate them when they had time. Police were called to the leased property, but the dog's owner is unknown at this time.

I arrived at the pastures just as Thema returned with a few others to assist in rounding up the rest of the sheep that had scattered during the attack. Nothing could have prepared me for the mass casualty situation of Thema's herd.

Thema turned to me and said, " I don't know where to start." She was overwhelmed, rightfully so. Some 70 sheep were huddled under a high tunnel set up on the property. Blood flowed from noses; most had ears ripped off down to the skull, some were in shock, others just lay in the dirt waiting for their time to come. Only a handful of sheep were physically untouched.

We all worked to get the stray sheep, varying in severity, into the holding area to triage. Thema and I then went sheep-by-sheep to assess her herd. Six sheep were immediately put down due to the severity of trauma. Thema administered antibiotics as I held and marked the sheep. One line meant antibiotics; an X meant they were too far to save. As we went one-by-one, Thema called the sheep by name, hugging her favorites, one that managed to avoid the attack, another a former bottle lamb. My heart ached for the days ahead when more would succumb to their wounds.

Thema has lost approximately 10 sheep so far, in the prime of their life, to this dog attack. After pressures on the local livestock veterinarians, she has been prescribed antibiotics and pain medication to administer to the wounded. The situation for half the herd is touch-and-go. This is Thema's business, her passion, her kuleana.

It wasn't but a few years ago that someone entered another property Thema was leasing and shot arrows into some of her sheep, killing some and leaving a few others to die. No one was ever held accountable for that tragedy either. But Thema and her sheep persevered.

Thema and her sheep have been through so much, and the herd will need continued care until they are well. Veterinary bills, medication, and time aren't ever in a farmer's favor. Would you mind helping support Thema and her sheep in this time if need?

I value the opportunity to share Thema's story with you. All donations will be used for the care of the sheep including veterinary bills, medication, and supplies for treatment.