A Kentucky farming family demonstrated remarkable compassion and quick thinking during a recent bout of extreme cold, rescuing a newborn calf that was struggling to survive in dangerously low temperatures. The Sorrell family, who operate a farm in Mount Sterling, opened their home to the vulnerable animal, providing life-saving warmth and care.
Dramatic Rescue in Single-Digit Temperatures
The incident occurred last Saturday when temperatures plunged into single digits across the region. Tanner Sorrell ventured outside to check on a pregnant cow and discovered the newborn calf suffering severely in the deep freeze. The animal was in immediate distress, with its umbilical cord frozen solid like a popsicle and ice covering its body.
Swift Action Saves Vulnerable Animal
Having tragically lost a calf to frostbite just last winter, the family moved with urgency. They brought the shivering newborn indoors, where Macey Sorrell carefully cleaned off the remaining afterbirth and used a blow dryer to warm the calf thoroughly. "When we brought her in, she had ice on her," Sorrell recalled. "I took out the blow dryer and warmed her up, and got her all fluffed out."
Unusual Houseguest Finds Comfort on Family Couch
Soon after the rescue, the calf—now named Sally by the family's three-year-old son Gregory—found herself in an unusual but heartwarming situation. The animal settled comfortably on the family couch, cuddling with the Sorrell children as if it were the most natural occurrence. "They crawled up next to her like it was just the most normal thing," Macey Sorrell noted.
Farm Life Meets Family Life
The Sorrells maintain approximately three dozen cows on their property and are accustomed to occasionally bringing farm animals indoors when necessary. While this practice is routine for them, the sight of a calf cozying up on their furniture prompted Macey to share photos on social media, where the images quickly gained attention for their undeniable cuteness.
"It's just part of what you do," Sorrell explained regarding their decision to bring the animal inside. Despite initial hesitation about sharing the photos—since such actions are normal in their farming life—the family's story has resonated with many. By Sunday morning, Sally had been successfully reunited with her mother and was reported to be doing well, a testament to the family's timely intervention and care.
