We are so sorry to tell you all that Derek was put to sleep yesterday. This has been the hardest decision we have ever had to make but it was all becoming too much for him, and so we decided that it was the right time. We are completely devastated.
Derek had scarring on his lungs and was at risk of developing pneumonia, which due to his increasing size was becoming an issue as he wasn't able to take in enough oxygen. He has also been dealing with an abscess since before he arrived here, which appeared to be healing well, but unfortunately in the space of a few days it grew considerably in size. It would need another long course of antibiotics to clear with no guarantee that it would completely heal. These were all secondary issues to his spinal fracture.
In his wheelchair
Derek’s progress with his spine issues and physio was truly amazing, and he went from just being able to only partially use one front leg, to having full use of both front legs and loving his freedom in his wheelchair. We simply ran out of options and the vets refused to provide any further treatment, so there was nothing more we could do to help him fight these problems. We fought so hard to help him even after being told to put him to sleep on many occasions, as he wouldn't be able to live a 'normal' life. He was bright and happy - but a long, good quality of life was just not possible. In the end it was just all too much for Derek's little body to cope with and with no options medically, he would only be going downhill, so we made the heart breaking decision yesterday morning.
Derek loved all the attention he received, and got to spend his days doing his physiotherapy, getting attention from our amazing volunteers and relaxing with his friend, Rupert.
Derek & Rupert
We would like to thank all our volunteers who gave Derek so much love and attention over the last few months and to everyone who has followed his story. Thank you so much to those who donated to his care – we wouldn’t have been able to get him the medical treatment he needed and give him those extra few months if it wasn’t for you. Your generous donations will be going towards his outstanding medical bills as they amounted to over £5000.
Gary & Derek
Derek only ever knew love and was never scared or afraid. He was brave and happy and loved life. He had medical care far beyond what other sheep get, and we want to thank our local vets and the team at the RVC for giving him a chance. Derek was treated as a someone, not a something and this was all possible because of everyone that supports us.
Derek, we are so grateful that you were in our lives and we hope you knew how much you are loved. We’re so sorry you couldn’t be with us longer. You will forever be in our hearts.
Derek, be free now little one
We will keep fighting for and saving more individuals like Derek because they deserve to know love. Derek died because a farmer docked his tail (a standard practice in the industry), which caused a spinal infection and fracture and an abscess that we have been trying to save him from for months. His disability and ultimate death was all completely preventable... please go vegan.
Derek is home from the Royal Veterinary College and sadly it wasn’t the week we had hoped for.
He reacted badly to sedation during his CT scan. His temperature and heart rate dropped as well as his glucose levels. He was placed on a drip and antibiotics. However, he slowly came back around and perked up over the week. His CT also showed pneumonia in his lungs. This is a shock to us as he isn’t showing any symptoms of pneumonia and has always been a happy lamb. Derek also received physiotherapy at the vets and he did well, especially considering the circumstances.
Derek in the hospital under a heat lamp with a catheter in his neck for his glucose drip
We had a meeting with the vets about what we could do - and we were given the option of putting Derek to sleep as his prognosis is poor. This is incredibly tough for everyone who cares so much about him as he seems to be doing well on the outside. After much discussion, we came to the decision that Derek should come home with a 2 week antibiotic course to try and clear this pneumonia. However, it might not clear up, and he will always be at risk as he can’t stand up and spends a lot of time on the floor. We’ve moved him inside of our family house and out of the barn with the other animals, so that he’s not near any of the dust that naturally circulates inside. He has to be given the chance to clear this.
We will do anything to help him on his journey. He is the most positive, strong willed, determined sheep we’ve ever met and he deserves every chance to get better and live a full and happy life of freedom. Derek is so high-spirited, so we will carry on and we hope with everything in us that he can continue with his physiotherapy, and have a quality of life that we can provide him at the sanctuary. He is bright, happy, eating and moving around. If any of this changes and he shows us he is not happy anymore, we will listen. Not once has his little face said he wants to quit, so we won’t quit on him.
Thank you to everyone who supports us, donates and directly donated to the fundraiser to help Derek. It’s because of you that we can try our best to help these beautiful sentient animals. And to all the vets at the RVC that are treating Derek. All sheep should be given a chance, and we hope one day everyone cares for sheep the same way we care for other species of animals.
See our Instagram for more daily updates and videos of Derek.
Derek has been back at the sanctuary for 9 weeks now!
He has been doing his physio three times a day, everyday and has been making promising progress. His temperature is down to a normal range, his bloods have also been coming back normal and he has a great appetite. He's a growing boy and has put on almost 10kgs since being back, which has definitely made physio sessions more challenging and now requires three people to help instead of two as he has gotten heavier and much stronger too.
Derek is due to go back to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London very soon to stay with the equine team again and for a 5-day physiotherapy boot camp with the small animal rehabilitation team.
During his stay, Derek will also be going in for a CT Scan again to have another look at his spine. We're hoping the antibiotics have done their job to clear the infection, so that his body can focus on mending his fractured vertebrae and we can continue teaching him to walk. The team will evaluate him and plan the next stages of his physio and recovery for when he comes back home.
Derek's ongoing treatment is costly and his vet bills so far are over £5,000 and he's still only at the beginning of his recovery - we wouldn't be able to get him this treatment without the kind donations from our supporters.
Despite his disability, Derek is a very happy little lamb. He adores all of the attention he gets and is so patient, sweet and determined - even when he's constantly being moved during physio and having his jabs.
He's still got a way to go yet, but we are hopeful that he is making progress and has come a long way already - we want more than anything for him to be healthy and one day be able to walk again.
Thank you to everyone who supports us so that we can help animals like Derek
