When Janelle Jensen began to care for her first differently-abled pet in 2015, she never anticipated forming a lasting connection with such creatures. However, she did, and a Chihuahua named Paddy and a special needs lamb named Lilly were forever thankful.
Paddy was discovered by Janelle’s neighbor on a busy roadway. He weighed a mere three pounds and was critically undernourished. Janelle and her spouse David welcomed him into their home, but soon they realized there was more to Paddy’s condition than just his weight.
Paddy appeared to constantly tumble over. Naturally, the couple feared he had been struck by a vehicle. However, a visit to the veterinarian revealed otherwise. X-rays of Paddy indicated a spinal disc problem and malformed joints in his legs.
With a nutritious diet and plenty of affection from Janelle, Paddy started regaining his strength.
Soon after Paddy improved, Janelle received a call from her veterinarian, inviting her to care for a special needs lamb. Lilly was the tiniest of the rare triplets. Due to lack of space in the womb, her legs did not develop normally. Her mother rejected her in favor of her siblings.
Janelle’s veterinarian attempted to care for the lamb to prevent its euthanasia. However, the lamb required constant care and regular bottle feeding, which was beyond what the vet could provide, leading him to contact Janelle. She quickly accepted the lamb and began caring for Lilly.
From the moment Lilly arrived at his home, Paddy greeted her warmly. After all, they shared a similar challenge.
“When we adopted Lilly, Paddy instantly took her under his wing and became her official face washer after each and every bottle of lamb’s milk, which at first was every hour,” said Janelle. “He snuggled with her to provide companionship. She was HIS baby lamb. Lilly would also approach Paddy and cuddle next to him…they adored each other…they were VERY close.”
Four months later, Lilly matured, but her legs did not keep pace with her growth. She was required to use a specially designed pink wheelchair for mobility. Once she became too heavy to lift, they constructed a lift for her.
Despite round-the-clock care, Lilly lost the ability to control her legs at 15 months old. She became unable to stand for diaper changes or maneuver in her wheelchair anymore. Lilly became confined to her bed.
Unable to bear watching her in pain, Janelle made the heartbreaking choice to have Lilly peacefully euthanized.
The Jensens were not the only ones grieving the loss. Paddy was in distress as well. His closest friend was gone. Paddy ached for his friend so deeply that Janelle’s aunt Carrol crafted a plush stuffed Lilly for him to cuddle with.
Upon discovering the lamb toy within the box, Paddy eagerly seized it and retreated to his “man cave,” as they fondly refer to his crate.
Paddy is not alone. He is also accompanied by two canine brothers, Whiffers and Scruffy, along with a crate filled with toys. Nevertheless, Lilly remains a special toy that resides permanently in Paddy’s crate. Whenever he begins to miss Lilly, he knows exactly where to seek solace.
Janelle and David Jensen presently have 14 horses – 4 Standards, 5 Minis, and 5 Dwarf Minis – a miniature Hereford cow, 2 goats, 2 alpacas, a sheep, 4 bantam hens, and 3 dogs. Many of their animals have special requirements.
Even though Lilly experienced just 15 months of life, Janelle made certain that each day was filled with joy for her. She ensured Lilly felt cherished. This is just a glimpse of the numerous good deeds Janelle has accomplished throughout her life.
Moreover, Janelle fabricates corrective horseshoes for equines with leg challenges. Little Bit’s Magic Shoes was named in tribute to a mini horse Janelle cared for.
Though her enterprise has since closed, it stands as evidence of just how immense Janelle’s heart truly is.