Leilah came to Serenity Farm Virginia in 2023 when she was just five weeks old. We knew she had suffered frostbite at birth and could see the injury to her ears, but her tiny back legs were wrapped in heavy bandages, and we didn’t yet realize the full extent of her injuries.
When asked to take Leilah, we also requested that a bonded companion come along so she wouldn’t face this journey alone. That’s how her sister, Chocolate, arrived with her. Both babies were terrified. Leilah, unable to run, hid her face in fear, while Chocolate frantically tried to escape, more like a wild deer than a pet goat. Whatever they had endured in those first few weeks had left them deeply afraid of people.
That first night, we began to carefully remove the bandage from one of Leilah’s legs. I held her gently in my arms, whispering reassurance. When we discovered that part of her leg was being held together by the wrapping itself, we decided to wait for the vet to arrive the next morning. When our vet removed the bandages, we saw that the lower portion of both back legs had already detached. Miraculously, there was no infection, and Leilah was not in pain.
Over the weeks that followed, Leilah and Chocolate slowly learned to trust. Leilah, who received daily care and gentle massages, was the first to open her heart to us. Chocolate watched from a distance until she, too, discovered that people could be kind. Today, Chocolate is a joyful, social girl, and Leilah has shown an incredible spirit, refusing to let the loss of her legs keep her from enjoying life.
Leilah first used a wheelchair, then we tried prosthetics. Unfortunately, the prosthetics were unsuccessful, and she has since outgrown her original wheelchair.
Now, we have a plan: a custom adjustable cart and front leg braces that will allow her to once again run alongside her sister.
The total cost is $2,760, and we’ve already raised $895. With your help, we can reach our goal and give Leilah the freedom and mobility she deserves.
At Serenity Farm Virginia, every animal has a story of resilience, and Leilah’s is one of the most inspiring. Together, we can give her the mobility she needs to thrive. Thank you for being part of her journey.
Wishing you serenity and peace,
Jo Bighouse, Founder