Roo arrived at our Sanctuary in August 2019, just three months old, alongside his best friend, Moo. They were inseparable—cuddling, playing, and exploring the Farm together.
Roo was full of personality and energy, always making us laugh. Mornings wouldn’t be the same without him jumping on our backs during feeding time—we even joked about getting hoofprint tattoos in his honor!
A Difficult Diagnosis
At the end of December, Roo began struggling to breathe. Texas A&M’s veterinary team discovered fluid buildup around his lungs, caused by a large mass—thymoma, a type of cancer.
There was hope: thymoma responds well to radiation. After just four treatments, the tumor shrank by 40%! After six total treatments, Roo came home to us.
A Sudden Turn
For three wonderful weeks, Roo was back to his old self—grazing, playing, and soaking up life with his farm family. But last Friday, his labored breathing returned. We rushed him back to the hospital, where we learned the fluid was rapidly increasing again.
The vets presented three options, but reality sank in when we realized that extending his time meant prolonging the inevitable. Surgery was too risky, and the recovery would be grueling. The hardest choice became the kindest one: to help him pass peacefully.
A Peaceful Goodbye
Our Sanctuary Manager, Elise, traveled to Texas A&M to bring Butters, his loyal hospital companion, home. Seeing Roo, we knew—he was tired. The brightness in his eyes had faded. As we sat by his side, he curled up just as he had countless times before, and with one last peaceful breath, he was gone.
Roo’s Lasting Legacy
Roo’s body will be studied at the teaching hospital, helping future animals facing thymoma. His story will live on, bringing knowledge, healing, and hope.
In honor of Roo: Take a walk with your best friend, jump on your caretaker’s back, and headbutt anyone in your way. Roo lived his life with joy and spirit—let’s all do the same.
Cue the Happy Tears
Ms. Carleton’s 4th grade students at Fernandina Beach Christian Academy in Florida hand-made us the most adorable art-filled book that consoled our entire company, after radiation treatments on our Sanctuary goat, Roo, were unsuccessful in saving his life. The sweet notes and drawings are pure magic! From the barn to the office, everyone here is feeling the love.
