Gary was born with the intention of enlarging profits in the meat industry, but fortunately for him, his congenital disability saved his life. Gary’s legs were malformed on his right side; for weeks he was unable to stand or walk. Still, it was clear to the farmer who owned Gary that he passionately wanted to live. The farmer decided to spare his life and not to starve him to death—which is a common practice for saving anesthesia costs in cases of deformity. Instead, he dropped the lamb at the petting zoo of a nearby agricultural school in Tiberius.
Yuval, a student at the school noticed Gary and tried to help him to stand. Despite Gary’s great effort, the situation seemed hopeless. Eventually, Yuval approached FFS and asked us to take Gary, since the petting zoo owner no longer wished to care for Gary due to his disability.
Even before he was transferred to our care, we started an intensive rehabilitation process. An acupuncturist arrived to Yuval’s home in order to help Gary, and fortunately the treatment helped him to stand.
The Freedom Farm Sanctuary property had not yet been established, therefore the next stop in Gary’s life was to the home of FFS Co-Founder, Meital Ben-Ari.
Medically, Gary received constant care and therapeutic treatments including acupuncture, healing oil treatments, massage and physiotherapy. Meital took Gary on daily walks in the open plains to build his muscle tissue and promote proper posture.
Emotionally, Gary received love and compassion, and was given the chance of having a “mother”, something animals in the meat industry are denied. Gary follows Meital everywhere, insisting upon her constant attention. He will cry if Meital isn’t the one to give him a hug goodnight!
Gary’s rehabilitation was successful due to human kindness and his own strength and will to succeed. By learning on a support structure, he invented a unique way to of standing independently, and enjoys walking and running around the farm with all of his friends. Recently, Gary was fitted for a special device designed for horses which attaches to his hoof, allowing him to walk more comfortably.
Our incredibly sweet and smart little lamb was named for Gary Yourofsky, an animal rights activist and lecturer.
March 2017
