August Already and Anthropomorphism

We love our volunteers and try to keep them happy. Jim, Helen and Tina share a laugh. Helen has worked with Amira and is now getting Chance ready to ride. Tina, Leah and Carly worked with the horses in the heat and with the flies.There is always a reward in for doing for others. Sometimes it's the deep down good feeling you get. And sometimes it's a HUGE zucchini. Thanks, everyone.

Laura, Sue and Emily worked with horses, too. The horses got groomed, sprayed and even had treats.
Stuart especially enjoyed the brushing.

Will Emily get Gracie to take a treat from her hand? Gracie had been abused and really doesn't care too much for people.

Way to go , Emily. Your patience and kindness (and your sugar cube) won over Gracie.

Laura and Emily gave Rosie extra love. Even with double pain meds, Rosie hurts. Poor little girl. Her feet are so tender.
It was a big day for Leeso. He came into the stall and before long Sue was rubbing him with a cloth and petting him all over. He was soon asking for loves and pets from everyone. We are going to keep him in a few days so we can halter and lead him. He is such a good boy. He's in with Lexi and Gracie.
He even wanted a close-up.

This morning when I tried to change our sheets I had a helper.

Patches knew I was doing it all for him.
Where's the cat?

Finally, Princess got into the act and we had a free for all. Cats 2 Laundry 1
Did I mention I hate flies? Flies, flies, flies even in the dog food.

Come on fly traps. Catch those nasty critters.

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to non human animals or things.

It is something we try very hard to avoid at Home At Last (except when we are having fun). It is not fair to the animal. It is not right to try to make them something they are not. We respect them for what they are.

Some behaviors and qualities are not specific to humans. You can see them in other species. Some of these behaviors and qualities are intelligence, love and affection, courage, fear, respect, kindness, joy and mournfullness.

It's not enough for us to take care of their physical needs. We must take care of their emotional, social and psychological needs.

They should not be kept in a stall alone (unless recovering) without other critters. They need to be a part of the herd, no matter how small that herd may be. They need a friend. The donkeys search out one another and stay together. Jenny was with Quincy until Jessie came. They met and have been together ever since.

Jonathan and Dobbin hang out together now. Jonathan did not stay near Gracie when she was out. They recognize their own kind.
The love and affection they show one another is apparent when two good friends are separated. While Chance was being worked with, Harmony waited. When they were reunited there were nickers and genuine happy greetings. Moon Dancer stood near Frankie while he had his surgery, then stood with her head on his hip when it was all over. Jake and Pico are seldom apart. Babe and Lacy are inseparable.

They mourn. When Cajun died Aurora stood at the last place he had been for several days. She stood alone. When we put Tawny down Jonathan stood at the gate and then by the barn for days. He kept looking for Tawny until Dobbin came. If we allow the good friends to say good-bye then accept the death more easily.

They certainly show respect, fear, kindness and joy. Anyone who has witnessed a wild rumpus or a race around the pasture knows they express joy.

We believe if we listen and watch carefully we will learn all the horses have to teach us. We must listen and see with an open mind so we can be attuned to their lessons. We want to do what is right for them, not just what we think is right.

Rosie needs our best thoughts as she is not comfortable. Dr D will be here soon to help us make the right decision for her.

Thank you, Helen, Tina, Leah, Carly, Emily, Sue, Laura and Amalia for the time and caring you give to Home At Last.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about horses, donkeys and mules. homeatlastsanctuary@gmail.com