A Touch on the Nose...

From Jim: Yesterday was GREAT! As we worked our way through the watering and afternoon feeding, a couple of neat things happened. And, before that, Donna and I got away for a few hours to have a picnic at the Oroville Dam Visitors Center. Really nice folks there and a fun little museum and covered picnic area to boot. We even had a Snickers for dessert-Wowsers! Well, after that it was time to return to reality of sanctuary chores. My morning had started with a love-in with Juan. He's really a sweet mule and is very affectionate. Nice way to start the day. So, when the afternoon got underway, it was already a pretty good day. Donna was watering the Backyard Bunch when Cal decided he truly was in need of some attention. If you've never come to know Arabians, I hope you will. They can be the most people-oriented horses in the world. We sometimes call them "pocket Arabs" because they want to be so close to you. Donna would pet Cal, and pet Cal, and pet Cal, and then he'd want more pets. Every time she'd move, he would follow along with his nose on her shoulder. This was the guy that was described as hard to catch and not very friendly. Well, that was then and this is now. What a nice boy! I went to turn off the upper well, and there was Reba, one of our newest mules. She's a beautiful sorrel Q-horse mule. She came here absolutely not wanting to be caught or touched. The recent rains had fired up some new grass and I pulled a handful and offered it to Reba. She took it and then let me pet her nose. First time since she's been here that she's let me touch her. I've shared with you before that we believe animals should be at liberty when they decide that we're OK. If they're penned or tied or cornered you can't really say they made the choice. We think they need to have the option. It's part of forming their minds about us and usually really pays off as their training and education continues. The few months it takes to get there seem like a small price for the benefit of having animals that trust you. If forced, their anxiety gets in the way of what you're trying to teach them. If their mind is at peace, it's more open to learning. Besides that, we want to enjoy our time with them and that means they need to enjoy it too. So, a morning pet with Juan, a picnic with my wonderful wife, a chance to watch Cal get loved on, and a break through with Reba. Not a bad day, not bad at all!