MOUNT STERLING, Ky. – When frigid temperatures, snow and ice take aim we’re often reminded to make sure our pets are safe inside. But what about a farmer’s livestock? What then?

Late last month, a newborn calf in Kentucky found itself in a bone-chilling predicament during a recent winter storm.

Tanner Sorrell, of Montgomery County, Ky., had been keeping a close eye on his cow, knowing she was going to give birth at any time. When he last checked on the cow he found her newborn, which was just a few hours old. Tanner and his wife, Macey, wasted no time.

“The baby was already chilled to the bone, and her umbilical cord had frozen in the cold air,” Macey said. “It looked like a frozen popsicle. 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 to regain her strength.”

Tanner added, “When we brought her in, she had ice on her. The afterbirth was still on her. I used a blow dryer and warmed her up, and got her all fluffed out.”

The family keeps about three dozen cows on their land and are used to bringing farm animals indoors from time to time. After losing a calf last winter to frostbite, the family moved quickly to bring the baby calf inside to clean her off and warm her up.

“People laugh when they hear we had a cow in the house, but honestly it’s pretty common for farm families,” Macey said. “Sometimes you’ve got bottles on the counter and a calf on the couch. It’s just part of life here. And bringing that little calf inside and watching the kids cuddle her gave us something to focus on. We wrapped her up and gave her plenty of cuddles.”

Their children, Gregory, 3, and Charlee, 2, cuddled the chilly calf until all three fell asleep on the sofa.

Tanner just couldn’t resist, so he took photos of the children cuddling with Sally. Macey took it a step further and posted the photos on their Facebook page.

One of Tanner’s HVAC customers shared the post with WKYT in Lexington. To the surprise of the family, the story was then picked up by the Associated Press and a host of other media outlets.

“It was a small, sweet moment we really needed,” Macey said. “It reminded us that even in hard weeks, there’s still good moments. We work hard, take care of our animals, and we take care of each other. If something needs help, we help it. That’s how we were raised.”

The Sorrells fed the calf a bottle of colostrum to make sure it received the nutrients it needed. By morning, the calf was feeling much stronger, Macey said.

“At first light, we carried her back out to the barn. As soon as her mama heard her moo, she came running,” Macey said. “It was a sweet reunion. The calf went straight to nursing and hasn’t slowed down since.”

The family has provided the mother and baby their own cozy space filled with hay, straw, sweet feed and fresh water. In addition, there’s a camera in place so the family can keep a close watch on happenings in the barn.

“Thankfully, both mama and baby are doing great and thriving,” Macey said.

Tanner’s father died the week before this incident. Macey said the calf brought a much-needed diversion to the family during such a difficult time.

“Tanner learned a lot from his papaw Charlie,” Macey said. “He taught him how to farm and always said if you can save a life, you do it, no matter what it takes. These animals depend on us. They’re not just livestock, they’re lives we’re responsible for.”