On a cold December morning in 2024, a tiny lamb named Lillybelle entered the world on a vacant property in Redding, CA. Born with severely deformed front legs due to inbreeding, her first seven weeks were nothing short of agonizing. In a desperate and misguided attempt to “fix” what could not be corrected, her owners splinted her fragile legs with PVC piping and bandages—materials far too long for her small body. These crude splints cut into her delicate skin, making it nearly impossible for her to lay down or stand up without pain. She was in constant discomfort, unable to find relief.

And if that wasn’t enough, like the rest of the flock, Lilly was fitted with a shock collar, a cruel device meant to keep them from wandering off the vacant property where they were simply “installed” to graze down vegetation. Surviving, but not thriving nor sustainable, Lillybelle’s condition worsened. She struggled to nurse from her mother, unable to reach her properly because of the splints. Her future looked bleak.

But then—a community of compassionate hearts came together to change everything.

An Urgent Mission to Save Lillybelle

It started with concerned neighbors who noticed something was terribly wrong. They began providing extra hay and bottle feedings to ensure Lilly was getting enough nutrition. But they knew she needed far more than they could offer. That’s when Sarah, a dedicated cat rescuer, stepped in. She heard about Lillybelle’s suffering and knew action had to be taken.

Sarah posted about Lillybelle on social media, desperately seeking a sanctuary that could give her the life she deserved. That post reached one of our dedicated Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary board members, and from that moment on, we knew this was an urgent situation that needed immediate intervention.

We worked tirelessly to coordinate transport, but our heartbreak deepened when we attempted to rescue Lillybelle’s mother as well—twice—but were refused both times. Walking away without her was devastating, knowing she would never get the same second chance her baby was about to receive.

Still, we knew we had to focus on Lilly. With the help of Sarah, our friends at Goatlandia, and a network of dedicated volunteers, the mission to get her to safety was in full motion.

Lilly’s Journey to Sale Ranch

When Sarah arrived at the vacant property in Redding to pick up Lilly, she immediately removed the shock collar that had been strapped around the tiny lamb’s neck. Then, without hesitation, she gently removed the splints, finally giving Lilly relief after seven long weeks of pain and discomfort.

Sarah then helped us get Lillybelle to UC Davis, where veterinarians immediately began treatment for her leg and feet wounds. Their main concern was keeping the wounds clean and infection-free, as any deep internal infection could be life-threatening.

While assessing her overall health, they also discovered internal soft tissue damage—caused by her own father mounting her. So, not only was she in constant pain, unable to sit or stand without agony, but she was also subjected to her father’s weight on her fragile body—without the ability to run away. The cruelty she endured is unimaginable, yet despite everything, Lillybelle still had a fighting spirit.

Once she was stabilized at UC Davis, another volunteer, Harmony, transported her to Goatlandia, a fellow sanctuary that assisted in her long journey south. They drove her south the next day and met with Adam from Highway for Hooves, who was transporting rescue animals traveling up north. From there, Adam met with our board member, who completed the final leg of her trip to Sale Ranch.

It took a village of compassionate people, multiple transporters, and several stops to get her safely home, but finally—Lillybelle arrived.

Kindness Lives Here

Lillybelle finally arrived at Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary late at night, exhausted but safe. After a small snack and some water, she settled in for her very first peaceful sleep, no longer confined by crude splints or a shock collar.

Two days later, our founder, Jen Sale, along with our medical director, Dr. Martin, began her long-term care plan. The focus? Healing her wounds, reducing her pain, and preparing her for mobility assistance.

Just one week later, Lilly took her first steps in a wheelchair! It was an emotional moment—watching her move freely for the first time in her life. As she grows, she’ll need several wheelchairs, each one specially designed to support her changing body and mobility needs. But one thing is certain: this little lamb is unstoppable.

For now, Lillybelle is living inside Jen’s home, where she’s surrounded by love, comfort, and the safety she never knew existed. When she’s fully healed, she’ll join her new family in Beans Barn, where she’ll get to live the full, happy life she always deserved.

Lillybelle Needs You

Lillybelle’s rescue was only possible because of people like you—people who believe that every life matters. But her journey isn’t over.

She will need lifelong specialized care, including medical treatments, mobility support, and custom wheelchairs as she grows. This is where you come in.

By becoming a monthly donor, you can ensure that Lillybelle gets everything she needs—today, tomorrow, and for the rest of her life.

Sign up today and be a part of Lillybelle’s journey. Because at Sale Ranch, we know that Kindness Lives Here.