EACH LIFE MATTERS: THE STORY OF ORION

We never know what each day at the Sanctuary might bring!

In the cold January month of 2025, 'Spotty Dogs Hiking' was walking dogs on a trail in Sherborn. She saw a golden rooster lingering there at the trailhead in the sub-freezing temperatures. I saw her social media post that evening, and neither she nor I slept well, knowing he was there. The next morning, Animal Caregiver Emma and I went to the trailhead with a little 'puppy pen' fencing to help corral him so we could catch him. It was not hard, he was wary but cold. He was lucky to have limited frostbite. He was a young rooster then, less than a year old based on the spurs. We named him Orion, and he has been a happy and friendly rooster here since that time, with some best human and animal best friends.

We get many daily calls or emails to accept a surrender rooster. Leaving them in the woods is not an acceptable option. Humane euthanasia is the kindest option if you cannot safely re-home a rooster and cannot keep one in your town. 5-10 percent of the female chicks purchased at hatcheries and feed stores will still be male.

Recently, Orion somehow broke his middle toe! He received pain relief (meloxidyl) and we tried wrapping this to his adjacent toe, but we were unable to keep it stable. Our avian veterinarians are at MSPCA - Angell West in Waltham, and Orion has visits there to ensure his best health. He still has foot issues, although he is able to move around pretty well.

Animal Caregiver Paula is pictured here giving him his "spa" treatments with topical medications for some secondary surface issues. His eyes were closed most of time in relaxation and trust.

Every rescue at the Sanctuary deserves our loving care and compassion.

Orion is someone, not something.

We hope gregarious Orion quickly regains full use of his toes!