Just when we thought the scare had passed… Lolly told us otherwise.
After returning home from Texas A&M and giving us that huge sigh of relief (and a very on-brand hay gobble), something still didn’t feel quite right. Then came the moment that stopped us in our tracks—labored breathing, low appetite, and that gut feeling you can’t ignore.
We knew it was time to act, again.
The Morning That Changed Everything
This time, it wasn’t subtle.
Lolly wasn’t interested in food, and his breathing was noticeably strained. While he still had enough spark in him to put up a fight (it took three of us just to take his temperature), we could tell—this wasn’t just a passing slump.
We got him to Dr. Avery right away.
Connecting the Dots
With Lolly’s recent visit to Texas A&M still fresh, Dr. Avery connected with Dr. Washburn to piece everything together in real time. After a full exam, chest ultrasound, and bloodwork, we finally had an answer: viral pneumonia—secondary to CAE.
Lolly was diagnosed with CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) over five years ago, and while he’s handled it like the resilient little fighter he is, it can make him more vulnerable to things like this.
Suddenly, last week made more sense. The quiet. The not eating. The subtle signs that something deeper was brewing.
A Plan in Place
Lolly received an antibiotic injection and is now starting a course of steroids to help reduce inflammation and support his breathing.
And for the first time in days, we felt something we’d been missing: relief with clarity.
Why This One Hit Hard
It’s always scary when something feels “off.” But it’s even harder when the answers don’t come right away.
Last week, we were told he was “completely fine.” And technically, in that moment, he was. But sometimes illness takes time to fully reveal itself—especially in animals who are incredibly good at masking discomfort.
Lolly kept showing up as himself… until he couldn’t.
Grateful for Fast Action (and Teamwork)
This experience reminded us just how critical it is to:
-
Trust the small changes
-
Act quickly
-
And lean on a team that truly collaborates
From our ranch crew noticing the first signs, to Dr. Avery jumping in immediately, to consulting with Texas A&M—Lolly has an entire circle looking out for him.
And that makes all the difference.
Where He Is Now
Tonight, Lolly is resting comfortably, with a treatment plan in place and a whole lot of love surrounding him.
We’re hopeful. We’re watchful. And we’re incredibly grateful to finally understand what he’s been trying to tell us.
Our Special Boy
If you know Lolly, you know he’s not one to slow down easily. He’s the banana-peel-stealing, trouble-making, personality-packed heart of this herd.
And right now, he’s reminding us of something important: Even the strongest need extra care sometimes. We’ve got you, Lolly!
