Benji Critical Care

Benji: From House Goat to Emergency Rescue

Benji came to us after his elderly guardian fell ill and could no longer care for him. He had been living inside a house—wearing a diaper—and eating all the wrong foods. His diet included table scraps and alfalfa, which is especially dangerous for male goats because it can cause life-threatening urinary blockages. After the other goat in the home passed away and Benji's health started declining, the family reached out for help.

When Benji arrived, it was clear something was very wrong. He was severely dehydrated and his digestive system—specifically his rumen (the part of a goat's stomach that breaks down food)—had stopped functioning properly. Everything inside him had dried up and formed a painful blockage. If we can’t get it moving with fluids, Benji will need emergency surgery to open his rumen and remove the contents manually.

Just hours after arriving, his condition worsened. He refused food and water, was clearly in pain, and spiked a fever of 104°F. We rushed him to UGA, where veterinarians had to insert a tube through his nose to relieve pressure and remove fluids—he was so backed up, he was sneezing stomach contents.

 Benji is now in intensive, 24-hour veterinary care. His treatment is estimated at $1,500–$2,500. If he needs surgery, that number could climb to $5,000.

To secure overnight care, we had no choice but to borrow $1,250 from our Summer Fund—money that was meant for critical sanctuary improvements. It was a heartbreaking decision, but without it, Benji wouldn’t have survived the night.

Benji is still fighting. And we’re fighting for him.
If you’re able to help us cover the cost of his care—and help us restore the funds we had to use—we would be endlessly grateful.

Any amount makes a difference.Venmo: outsidersfarm (check spelling, lots of scammers on venmo)
Zelle: 706-498-5677 (Daniel Baker)