Making Friends
My work at the farm animal sanctuary is completely self-serving. I’m there for those sweet animals and there is no bigger thrill than when one of them initiates contact with me.
Photo Credit: J. Howeth
At first, they didn’t exactly ignore me, but regarded me with indifference. Then they started associating me with the apples I bring every week. And they aren’t persnickety. Gala, Red Delicious, Braeburn – they gobble-up whatever I manage to find on sale.
Indulging them with treats has really allowed me to get to know their personalities. Take for instance the goats; never having been around them before, I’ve gotten the impression that goats are happy, go-lucky little animals. These little guys always have curious expressions on their faces. Of the three who live at the sanctuary, Elmer seems to be the shyest and stands on the outside of the circle when I’m dishing out bites of fruit. Granite is a little less reserved than Elmer but stands aside for Boulder who is definitely the bossiest - and the piggiest! He will literally take the apple right out of Granite’s mouth if Granite doesn’t start chewing fast enough. It’s very hard to make sure everyone gets their fair share.
The horses are divine as well, but Thistle, the mini mule, has claimed my heart. I find his name adorable, but it’s a misnomer. He is not even remotely prickly. And the more I get to know him, the more he proves it to me. He gifted me with a cherished moment recently.
Photo Credit: J. Howeth
My days at the sanctuary can be a little challenging if I don’t get to work early enough in the morning. I know! I’m just scooping poop, but the sanctuary is in the full sun and as we’ve all experienced nationwide, temperatures this summer have been unforgiving. One day not long ago, I was a couple of hours into my stint - it was getting downright hot and there wasn’t a breeze to be had, so I found myself gravitating to the shade of a nearby tack trailer more than usual. (Poop scooping really is all about pacing.) I was sitting on the running board when Thistle ambled over to me. It was a casual approach. A slow saunter. A little bit aloof with no promises. He stopped in front of me and leaned close . . . and then closer . . . until his head touched my head. Now bear in mind - and this is important – I did not have any apples with me. This moment between us was not about food.
He stayed that way for a few minutes, nibbled at my shoulder (perhaps the apple lady tasted of apples?) and then returned to that first stance of leaning into me, forehead to forehead. I am not very accomplished at taking selfies, but I did manage to capture this moment. Thistle initiated this encounter. And he didn’t do it just once. He did it twice! It was a double blessing and made my day - my week actually because I couldn’t stop talking about it and showing “our” selfie to anyone and everyone who was willing to listen to me.
