Calf Cuddles:

For Tanner and Macey Sorrell and their children, farming is more than work, it’s a lifestyle.

While most people bring their pets inside during harsh weather, the Sorrells say bringing livestock in isn’t uncommon to them.

“In our eyes, that’s just what you do. If you can save a life, you do it— even if it means having livestock in your house for the night. Farming isn’t just work to us, it’s a way of life. Tanner learned that from his papaw, Charlie Stephens, who continues to teach him the ropes of farming and guide him every step of the way.”

The Sorrells recently had a new house guest, a newborn calf. Macey told the Advocate it was the worst possible time for a calf to be born—during freezing temperatures in a winter storm that dumped snow and ice here. The Sorrells reside in Judy with their children, Gregory Reece (3) and Charlee Jo Paige (2).

“Tanner had been keeping a close eye on the mama cow, so when the calf was born, only a few hours old, he checked on them right away. What he found was a little concerning—the baby was already chilled to the bone, and her umbilical cord had frozen in the cold air. Knowing she wouldn’t make it through the night outside, we brought her into the house to warm up while her mama stayed behind to eat corn and hay and regain her strength,” Macey said.

Inside, the calf was warmed by blow dryer, wrapped up and received lots of cuddles.

“We fed her a bottle of colostrum to make sure she got the nutrients she needed. By morning, she was feeling much stronger. At first light, we carried her back out to the barn. As soon as her mama heard her moo, she came running. It was a sweet reunion—the calf went straight to nursing and hasn’t slowed down since,” Macey said.

Macey said she’s happy to report that both mama and baby are doing well.

“We set them up with their own cozy space filled with hay, straw, sweet feed and fresh water, and even placed a camera so we can keep a close watch.”

The calf has now affectionately been named Sally after one of the character’s in 3-year-old Gregory’s favorite movies, “Cars.”