Rescue Occurred During Extreme Cold Snap The Sorrell family discovered a newborn calf shivering in single‑digit temperatures on a Saturday winter storm in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The calf’s mother was pregnant, and the family acted quickly to bring the animal indoors [1][2]. Their farm typically houses about three dozen cattle, so moving livestock inside during severe weather is routine [2].

Calf Showed Severe Frost Damage The newborn’s umbilical cord was encased in ice, described as “like a popsicle,” and ice clung to its body, indicating acute exposure to the cold [1][2]. The afterbirth remained attached, requiring the family to clean the calf before warming it [1][2]. This condition prompted immediate intervention to prevent frostbite or death.

Family Warmed Calf Using Household Tools Macey Sorrell wiped off the ice, removed the afterbirth, and used a blow dryer to raise the calf’s temperature [1][2]. After warming, they placed the calf on their couch where two children crawled up beside it, treating it like a household pet [1][2]. The three‑year‑old son named the calf “Sally” after a character from the movie Cars [1][2].

Calf Reunited With Mother and Remained Healthy The following morning the family returned the calf to its mother, reporting that the animal was doing well after the brief indoor care [1][2]. The mother accepted the calf without incident, and the Sorrells noted its health remained stable [1][2]. This successful reunion highlighted the effectiveness of their rapid response.

Family Background and Public Reaction The Sorrells keep roughly three dozen cows and have previously lost a calf to frostbite, which motivated their swift action this time [2]. Macey posted photos of the rescued calf on social media, emphasizing that indoor rescues are a normal part of farm life [1][2]. The images attracted numerous comments about the calf’s cuteness, but the family treated the event as routine [1][2].