Home At Last

The sanctuary is a peaceful safe place-no matter what Skittles is saying to Brandie. Visitors are often surprised at the calm here. They comment on how well the herd gets along. They like the feeling they get by being here. Perhaps the land itself exudes the peace. We certainly felt it the first time we looked at the property.

Brian and Callie share moments that are not uncommon. Many of the critters beg for attention. Today Jim was petting Keecha dog when Dobbin donkey came up and started to bray. Jim said it was almost a cry. He wanted his turn. Jim sat for 45 minutes, rubbing his ears and neck, until Juan mule came along and ran Dobbin off. It was then Juan's turn.

These three are always glad to see people if they think food is nearby. Maggie B, Sugar and Posey do not like human interaction, though. We respect their fears and will always be available if they change their little mule and hinny minds.They have enjoyed having the calves in with them though. There are often 5 heads at the same flake of hay.

The beautiful rooster and guinea pose for a picture. They are not afraid when anyone goes in to their pen. They have to stay caged because of the less than friendly dog intentions.

Poe has settled in nicely and even asks for attention now. He is not head butting like he was before. The trauma of seeing his mother being killed by a mountain lion seems forgotten. Before he would not go into his house, but now shares with Zang, Gray and Mr. S. On cold and rainy days they are all in the house in a goat pile.

The Northern California foothills are beautiful. We have mostly oaks with some pine, manzanita, buckeye and madrone. The star thistle was thick when we moved here, but the nibblers have taken care of most of it. There are too many equines here to have pastureland, but there is plenty of good hay for them. The donkeys have finished off most of the poison oak.

Jim always has help when he gets ready to load the tractor. Here Dobbin and Gracie are encouraging him to leave plenty for them. Sometimes he has to move Jonathan, Callie and Sparkle before he can drop the bales. In the background Star and Dunny are watching carefully so they are not forgotten.

Gracie and Dobbin have become friends. They push each other around when grain time comes, but usually they are good buddies.

The last two days have been busy both on and off the ranch. Needed to be in Chico yesterday and had a great lunch of crepes ( 2 for the price of one) at Top Spot near Target. Today I helped a friend get a feral cat in for spaying in Oroville and we stopped in at the Feather River Kitchen Store. Jim got an early Christmas present of a Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp. We are going to be soooo healthy. Stop by both of these stores and tell them Home At Last sent you.
Thank you to Deb W and Hedy T for their generous donations in memory of Marti Langley.

Thank you Lisa A for your donation.

All of you make Home At Last a success.
PS The camera battery is not doing well and every store I go to to buy a new one sends me elsewhere
There will be a new battery soon. I promise.