Loving and Protective Mom Gives Joy to the Life of a Calf with Dwarfism

June 4, 2024 Doris de Luna

Getting bullied is painful.

It can break someone's heart when he cannot find friends and is avoided by everyone for being different. The experience makes you cringe deeper and deeper inside, even though you're not to blame for the imperfection that makes others shun you -- even sneer at you and say words intended to demean your character.

Photo: Tiktok/knucklebumpfarms

Getting bullied is painful even for animals like Watson. He's the oldest but smallest calf in the Knuckle Bump Farms. No, we humans have no idea what the other calves are gossiping about or saying to him. But they definitely don't include Watson in their games and get-togethers on the farm.

Because of it, Watson always feels sad and alone. And he has no understanding of the disorder that afflicted him since birth: Chondrodysplasia. But what he's certain of is that he's not a normal calf. Ouch! That hurts!

Photo: Tiktok/knucklebumpfarms

What is Chondrodysplasia? It's a genetic mutation that causes defective growth of the bones. Animals with this unique disorder appear large-bodied but with short legs; that's because affected chondrocytes (special cells in cartilage tissue) ossify to become bones. The dwarfism is not consistent, with some animals appearing proportionate and attractive while others suffer from disproportionate development and look like dwarves.

But, no defect in the world can keep this mom from loving Watson with all her heart! She makes sure to spend more time with the calf, making him warm, comfortable, and happy. She makes him feel as important and as normal as the others, no matter what those other calves are mooing about among themselves. And to Watson, it's the love, hugs, and kisses of his mom that matter the most.

https://www.tiktok.com/@knucklebumpfarms/video/7177094428677393706?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7177094428677393706

Watson never misses a meal of good hay, along with his mom's affection every day. And getting groomed by her is surely among those exciting activities he looks forward to.

And never mind the bullies, there are other animals on the farm who don't shy away from him, just like sweet pig Jolene.

Watson feels that he's actually the luckiest calf in the world for having a forever home that's full of cuddles and sweet love!

https://www.tiktok.com/@knucklebumpfarms/video/7177863801956519210?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7177863801956519210

Doris de Luna

For more than 20 years now, I’ve been devoting my heart, energy, and time to fulfilling my dream, which – many people may agree – is not among the easiest aspirations in life. Part of my happiness is having been able to lend a hand to many individuals, companies, and even governments as an investigative journalist, creative writer, TV director, and radio broadcaster.

At home, I spend my free time learning how to cook various cuisines. Tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and banoffee pie are my favorite desserts. Playing with our dogs, Mushu and Jerusalem, is also a special part of my day. And, of course, I read a lot – almost anything under the sun. But what really makes me feel alive is meeting people from various walks of life and writing about their stories, which echo with the tears and triumph of an unyielding spirit, humanity, and wisdom.

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