Help Mick get his Magic Legs!

Mick is a bright spirit who needs your help. This little goat has been through a lot, but we know that with love, proper care, and time, he'll be just fine.


Mick arrived at New Moon Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary two days after having been mauled by his own family's dogs.  Not wanting to take on a vet bill, they surrendered him to a local animal control agency.   Unfortunately, animal control did not provide treatment, so his wounds were left uncleaned and without antibiotics for over 36 hours. 

As soon as Mick arrived at the rescue, we headed out to see our veterinarian, Dr. Krystal Grant of Arlington Veterinary Hospital.  At the clinic she started with xrays, to be sure there were no broken bones.  Then we began the process of inspecting him for injuries, cleaning and medicating.  We discovered that he had 27 bite wounds; many deep punctures, as well as significant damage to both hind legs. Sadly, we also found older scars - this was not the first time the dogs had attacked Mick. 


Throughout his exam and treatment, Mick stayed calm and trusting.  We started him on a regimen of antibiotics, pain medication and frequent bandage changes.  Because is was very cold, we decided that Mick would be best in the house, and so he took up residency in the bathroom.   He settled right in, and set about the job of healing.  


We knew there was a high likelihood that Mick would lose much of the skin on his hind legs, due to the extent of the damage.  After a week of careful cleaning and bandaging, though many of the wounds were healing, the damage to his Achille's tendons was too much.   Despite our best efforts, both ruptured.  We were now faced with open wounds, exposed bone and a loss of the tendons needed to support his hind legs.  But through it all, Mick had a great attitude, and truly seemed to know we were trying to help.  As long as he wasn't suffering, we knew we had to keep on trying.

Dr. Grant fitted splints to Mick's hind legs, to support the joints and allow him to move.  This amazing little guy figured it out in minutes, and was soon cruising around the office like he was on an adventure.


We now know that Mick will need some sort of braces for the rest of his life.   Now that his major wounds are healing well, Mick has moved back out to the barn.  He spends nice days in a pen where he can see and interact with the other goats, and loves it.  There is still a long road ahead of this little guy, but with his positive attitude, we know anything is possible. 

The most recent consultation with the surgeon confirmed what we expected.  There is no surgical option for repairing MIck's legs.  We have ordered custom orthopedic braces that will essentially replace the missing tendons, and allow him to be fully mobile.  The braces will be heat fitted, and have an articulated joint, to provide the most comfort and functionality.  As Mick is not even a year old, we know that he will need a second pair of braces in about a year, when he is full grown. 

We anticipate that the vet bills for Mick will be between $3 and $5000.    New Moon Farm is run 100% on private donations, by a team of dedicated volunteers.  There are no city, county or state funds to support farm animal rescue, and we have no paid staff.  It is the generosity of animal lovers like you that makes our work possible. 


Please consider donating what you can to support Mick's care.  Every bit helps!  Your contribution will allow us to give Mick everything he needs, while still caring for the rest of the animals in our facility.