One of the positive aspects of having to hand feed Pino, and Matilda and Stella, is it means I have no choice but to stop and sit amongst them while they finish their food. It takes about 20 minutes and on a very hot morning like today, being in the shade of the old barn and looking out at Donkey Hill and the lush yellows and greens is a nice break.
And let's not forget to take time to rub our butts and get those itchies out–as Paco demonstrates below.
I get a lot of people-some friends, some strangers or people who just send a nice note of caring- that say they wish they had a place like this, to help animals and be on a farm. I understand that passion, after all I followed it for years into my mid forties before I attained this spot in life. I don't know how long I'll have the privilege of doing this, but I do often stop amongst a busy day, or a day not falling into order, and breathe it in.
"Pinch me" moments, they call them. I had a lot of pinch me moments in my city life too, when I was following the path that was right for me at the time, but I do feel my spot here is helping me produce and do my optimal work, at this moment.
When I was young, I wanted to be a vet. I was not good with science, good at math but just didn't have a head for science and biology. The vet school in Minnesota is one of the best, I never would have made it. But I was thinking today how it all worked out-getting to practice my gift of art and words, and help animals and vet them as I can. And I get to do hands on procedures with my vets when appropriate, but as an assistant. I am mid wife, doctor journeyman, shepherd, trainer of sorts, communicator, groomer and hospice worker, And I am an artist observing and feeling it all.
So this is how I started this very hot day. With my good morning donkeys. Pino's swelling is still there, but really good. No further test results are back yet.
