Kiki was born with severe mobility challenges that made it difficult for her to stand or walk like other sheep. Shortly after birth, her mother rejected her, and the small farm where she was born lacked the resources needed to provide the specialized care she required.
Thankfully, an animal sanctuary took her in and gave her a second chance. Over the years, caregivers tried different therapies and treatments to improve her mobility, but the results remained limited.
Instead of focusing on what Kiki couldn’t do, her rescuers began discovering what she could do. They quickly realized she was remarkably curious and intelligent. She learned to operate toys using only her head and showed an impressive ability to understand cause and effect.
Then came an idea that changed her life.
Volunteers adapted a motorized wheelchair specifically for Kiki, placing a joystick close to her head so she could control it herself. When she first tried it, she quickly understood how the system worked.
Soon, Kiki was confidently moving around the sanctuary on her own. She could visit other animals, explore the outdoors, and experience a new sense of independence.
Kiki’s story is a beautiful reminder that limitations don’t define an individual. Sometimes, the right support and someone willing to believe in you can reveal abilities that were always there.
- Meet Kiki: The Little Lamb That Can!
Meet Kiki: The Little Lamb That Can!
Will Kiki Walk Again?
Though Kiki has overcome one of her roadblocks, there was still the uncertainty of her ever walking on her own. Kiki’s legs are badly contracted, leaving her unable to stretch her legs out to stand up. She has spent much of her young life lying down and only comfortably lay on one side of her body causing painful pressure sores to form. Even with the amazing medical care and physical therapy the sanctuary team knew they needed to find a way to help her stand and walk on her own.
Luckily, Walkin’ Pets discovered Kiki’s story and knew they had the resources to help Kiki find her freedom. Walkin’ Pets worked with Deb and Meghan to get Kiki a harness system and a Full Support wheelchair getting Kiki upright. Kiki’s new lifting harnesses and sheep wheelchair are vital tools for her rehabilitation.
The Walkin’ Pets team drove to the sanctuary to hand-deliver the equipment and get eyes on Kiki’s very first steps! It’s not every day they get to see farm animals get a second chance at life on wheels. So when they heard about Kiki they had to witness this incredibly loving moment for themselves.