Close Encounters of the Bovine Kind

All -

I couldn't be prouder of our youth! Working hard in the kind of heat that makes you forget your own name, they have been vigorously and enthusiastically attacking our projects ( in the shade while drinking plenty of water, not to fear). They have completed two owl houses --no small feat, considering the plans we were working from were incomplete, so we had to improvise -- and their creativity was certainly up to the task. They have nearly finished an activity structure for a herd of goats. They have fed, cleaned, coddled and cuddled the many animals here. They have sung, danced, and made me laugh to the point of tears many times already. And they have once again completely blown me away with their insight, vision, and ability to share those abilities with us and with one another.

And now, a short story: Farm Sanctuary has a special pasture for a few gentle, giant, ancient bovines. They're three old patriarchs who would have normally been turned into hamburgers a decade ago. Instead they've been allowed to age gracefully (or rather, as gracefully as a 2000 pound arthritic cud-chewer can.)

We were given curry combs (hard rubber scrubbers that essentially massage the cow, with the help of human elbow grease), and we gave the old guys a good rub down. I could tell when I hit an especially itchy spot -- the old feller would grunt and sigh and lean into me.

When we were done and I went to walk away, I could tell I was being followed. I turned to find him looking me up close in the face with his huge, luminous brown eyes with their loooong eyelashes (see photo). He nosed me in the chest, and then leaned down and gave me a huge sloppy kiss, right on my knee, with his giant tongue. It was as clear a thank you as I've ever received.

I think many of us are having these kind of up close and personal experiences with these sweet beings that really let us know how much our hard work is appreciated. It makes it so worth while.

Julie (Greer) Llanillo