Phoebe, along with six others, belonged to a man who was struggling with cancer. He was at the end stage of his life and worried about his pet chickens, his best companions. They had always been together and lived inside his house, keeping him company at his bedside while he was bedridden. His nephew reached out to a volunteer of ours who asked if we could provide the hens with a forever home, keeping them safe forever and allowing their dad to pass in peace. Of course, we said yes! When they arrived, even though Phoebe was eating and exploring along with the others, we noticed right away that Phoebe was walking differently. When we examined her, we saw that her abdominal area was inflamed and she was having reproductive issues. We took her to our world-renowned avian expert immediately. After x-rays, an ultrasound, and blood work, our veterinarian said that she was egg-bound and needed surgery right away. The doctor removed 12 necrotic eggs that were stuck inside her. He said that it was like a human who was pregnant, the fetus died, and the person had them inside of her for months. No human would survive that and he marveled at the fact that Phoebe was still eating and enjoying her life in that condition.

Phoebe went into surgery on a Tuesday morning, was under anesthesia for two hours, and the doctor said it was the hardest surgery he had ever performed. He said that he almost gave up but knew how badly Phoebe wanted to live, so he kept trying until he had cleared everything out of her uterus and sutured her up. Phoebe needed another two surgeries over the next few weeks but finally healed, recovered, and returned home to The Gentle Barn. She is recovering in our office and is full of life. Phoebe is curious, strong, brave, and sparkly, delighting in everything and everyone around her. She acts as if nothing ever happened and has so much to teach the rest of us about resilience and gratitude!

Phoebe and her sisters will live together happily ever after at The Gentle Barn for the rest of their lives in their former father's honor. We are thankful to have, care for, know, and love them!