We were at the ranch for the weekend with the intention of branding the calves. But the weather wasn't great and one of the cows had just had a calf that was too young to brand. But we weren't off the hook just yet.
The cow that had just had the latest calf had a huge impacted milk bag. She was even having trouble walking because she was in so much pain. We could tell that the new calf was nursing the front two teets but not the back... and we weren't even sure if she was letting the calf at the front because she was kicking dirt and soar. 
So we got her in the corral and into the chute. We decided to milk her out to relieve the pressure and hope the calf would begin sucking on all four. Mama cow was not happy to be in there, that's for sure. Casey had her back leg tied up so we could get to her and we rubbed some vasoline on the nipples to soften them and then milked her.
Trace and I took turns while Casey watched that we didn't get kicked in the head. Thanks Casey!
By the time we switched sides, she didn't even need to be restrained. she was so happy to have the help. She was practically purring. So I felt like a real country girl that weekend and I was happy to help the mama cow. Turns out the calf did take to all four and mom and baby are happy.
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