The sick calf lay alone on the ground until a dog appeared that changed everything, illustrating the healing power of unexpected friendships and companionship

Sky the therapy dog was one of the keys to Lewis’ quick healing.

In 2020, the Gentle Barn, founded by Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner, adopted a calf, who had just become an orphan. They rescued orphaned calf from a slaughterhouse where his mother died. He was only a week old. They named him John Lewis Thunderheart because he was also a fighter.

When Lewis arrived at The Gentle Barn, he wasn’t in the best of health. “He had severe pneumonia. He had loud, raspy breathing. He had a deep cough. He had an extremely high temperature,” Ellie said.

And because of the stressful environment he was born in, Lewis did not get enough colostrum to build a stronger immune system. That’s why when he contracted pneumonia, he fought for his life.

They knew he wouldn’t be able to survive living in the barn so they brought him inside their air-conditioned home. He needed a clean and cool environment and this way, they’ll be able to look after him 24/7.

There was also another animal who lived inside the house who would turn out to be such a big blessing for Lewis.
His name is Sky.