Animal Therapists

Good Evening,

       Despite only teaching for three days, it has been a rather long week filled with a lot of information to ruminate and digest.  On Tuesday, after a relaxing day off, I returned to school for a full day of staff development sans my students.  These days are nestled into the calendar here and there to provide an opportunity for educators to glean important updated trends in education.  

       The day was chock full of possibilities.  At each session I signed in and listened carefully to various presentations.  The morning sessions addressed the new Common Core Learning Standards that we are currently adapting to.  (Kudos to our District for providing all of the essential training that we teachers have requested.)
       After a delicious lunch the entire staff attended a session titled School Violence; Active Shooter Incidents Awareness.  It was presented by two ex-law enforcement officers who now work for Homeland Security at the state level.  Although the training is in its infancy I am confident that a lot is taking place on both the federal and state level to make sure that protocols are in place should the unthinkable occur inside of our school building.  The facilitators were sympathetic to the new role that teachers must now assume.  Not only must we lead our students but, now we may have to protect their lives as well.  I was moved by the compassion the two men conveyed toward us as we began to comprehend the enormity of our new role.         

       The objective for the training was not to frighten us but rather to establish a perspective for how we might integrate our new role into what we already do as teachers.  How will we take control?  How will we keep our students calm and quiet during a lockdown?  Where might we hide our students to protect them from gunfire?  After the training I barely recognized the profession  that I had chosen to pursue more than 20 years ago.  Needless to say I left school on Tuesday weary from my anxiety.  

      Arriving home I changed quickly and reported to the barn.  There to greet me were my therapists.  Immediately, I felt my inner strength surge and my emotions come to calm.  The animals were all going about their day with the same mission they had the day before and the week before that.  I hugged my goats one at a time beginning with Lacey who greeted me at the barn door with a gentle, "Huaa, mmm".

       I ran my fingers through all of the goat's plush fur.  Their coats are working overtime this winter to insulate them from the extended cold weather.  Then I found the donkeys out behind the barn.  Bing's hoarse 'wuffle' greeted me as I bent down to kiss his irresistibly soft muzzle.  He stood perfectly still and relaxed as I fussed over him.  Behind Bing, Frankie waited patiently for his turn.  The aroma from the barn, manure and the animals themselves welcomed me home like a great big hug. 
    On Friday, the Adirondack Museum sent a 'hands on' presentation to school about trapping, hunting and fishing in the Adirondacks.  The program provided a superb opportunity for our students to learn about the history of the region we live in.  

       In a large pack basket was a pile of pelts once worn by many of our native species including a coyote, bobcat, fisher, deer, otter, beaver, bear and red fox.  They had all been expertly preserved.  No doubt the fur, which had been harvested during the animal’s peak condition, had once belonged to healthy robust specimens.

       I plunged my fingers into the coat of the bobcat and was taken by how soft and thick it was.  I pushed my fingers down to the skin and immediately became aware that something was missing.  Below the luxurious exterior there was no warmth.  No defined muscular structure pushed back against my fingers.  There was no moisture, oily residue or dander.  My fingers recoiled perfectly clean.  

      The irony and superficiality that beauty is skin deep is not lost here.  If what really matters is deep within us then why do we value these pelts?  Why do we still strip animals of their lives in order to possess their coats?  I understand the historical aspects of harvesting animals in the Adirondacks.  I accept the necessity for conservation which includes hunting to keep populations of various species healthy and I eat meat.  Trapping, however, is difficult for me to justify. 

      Later that afternoon I took to the woods with my goats, donkeys and dogs in tow.  In their company the cold crisp air and the promise of a carefree weekend lifted my mood.  I couldn't keep my hands off of them.  My fingers burrowed deep down through the lush pile of Lilly’s coat.  Ignoring the softness and texture my fingers sought the warm proof of her existence, still alive, still breathing and still bringing me great joy.  Lowering my face to her muzzle I was rewarded with warm puffs of her breath.  I held her close to me, my hands still seeking reassurance that her body was attached to her fur.  When she'd had enough of me, I grabbed big Liam and plunged my fingers down to his skin.  He too was still whole beneath his coat.  
       After repeating my grasp on the goats and donkeys, I performed a similar examination on my little dogs.  They sat in my lap smiling as I rubbed and scratched the skin at the base of their coats; each one so different from the others.  Huxley’s short hair was the warmest of all.  Its shiny smooth texture reminded me of the inert otter pelt from the pile in the pack basket.  

Frankie waits for his turn after Bing.

The Doctors will see me now.

I can't get enough of them.

Can't keep my hands off.

Liam's coat is thick with cashmere this winter.

In a few more weeks he will begin to shed in puffs of fluff.

Even Dr. Lowtchee provides therapy after a long week.

Her sense of humor reminds me to lighten up.

Nina's coat is classic wiry terrier.

Hayden's coat is silky fine...and greasy.

      

Animal Affection

       Good Evening,

    Celebrating Valentines Day this week got me thinking about how my animals demonstrate affection.  Arguments have ensued for centuries about whether or not animals are capable of love; either giving or receiving it.  One has only to live with a dog or cat to believe that indeed they do. 

     When our Dachshund, Huxley, wraps his entire wiggly body around my neck in the morning, he is clearly gesturing that he wants to be as close to me as possible.  No other reason exists for this behavior.  When our West Highland terrier, Nina is distressed by thunder, lightening and the power clicking on and off, she leaps into my lap.  There she seeks comfort from my reassuring words and arms that hold her until the scary noises stop.  Our first pig, Noah hoisted himself up on the sofa to sit in my lap even after his weight exceeded mine. Quietly, he snuggled against me for an hour or so until bedtime.  
       These are just a few examples of affection displayed by the animals in my book.  The behaviors compliment the love that humans are capable of giving.  It is not important to contemplate the scientific origins of these behaviors.  The euphoria that exists in the moment of our mutual affection is proof enough to believe it.  And I do!

 Happy Valentines Day with kisses....

...from Fiona...

(Photo by Michele deCamp)

...Lilly...

...and Frankie!

Daily Procession

       Good Evening,
       Its been another bitter cold week ending in a snowstorm that blanketed the entire Northeast.  10 inches of fresh snow has deposited a crisp layer of white frosting in our woods.  The clear blue sky overhead complimented the snowy landscape on our walk with the dogs and goats today.  For the last few weeks the donkeys have joined us on our daily hikes.  It appears that they too love our companionship.  So come along and enjoy the procession.

Lacey looks forward to our daily walk.

Recently, the donkeys have begun to tag along.

Reader's Turn

        Good Morning,

      Every time I publish a post on my blog, I wait with great anticipation for the pageview counter to begin up-ticking away!  Almost immediately after announcing the new post on Facebook, there is evidence that someone out there is reading the new entry.  It’s thrilling to share my writing with those who wish to know more about Fiona, Promise, the donkeys, the horses and Rosemary to name just a few of the main characters from previous posts.  The assumption that I make over and over again is that my readers love animals and completely empathize with the connections that I have made with my own.  Therefore readers, you have caught my attention.  This post is more or less an invitation for you to share the animals from your lives. 

       So, if you were writing a memoir, (and I strongly urge you to), about the animals in your life, who would some of the main characters be?  Do you have a dog, cat, horse, etc…who you rescued?  Perhaps they rescued you.  Is there a special animal who supported you through childhood, difficult times, or raising your family and, although he is gone now, you have never forgotten the impact he had during your years together?  Has a pet ever arrived at the most appropriate or extraordinary time?  Now its your turn to share these special 'tails' from past and present with other animal lovers and of course, with me!
       Use the comment option at the bottom of this page or post on Finding My Way to Moose River Farm's Facebook page.  Pictures can be posted on FB too.  Can't wait to read about the special animals in your life.

After visiting MRF for a class picnic, one of my student's illustrated the activities he engaged in that day.  Note: hot-dog lunch and hot-dog, Huxley, Fiona and a goat eating a bale of hay, Rosemary wrapped in his arms, and the Westies sitting on the back of our beloved Sandi, (Just a School Horse). 

      

36 Below

       Good Evening,
       It has been a long week.  Extended cold weather is providing challenging conditions to care for farm animals. The last four nights have dipped to either side of 30 degrees below 0 and the daily temperature has barely risen above 5 degrees. Visits to the barn must be brief; performing only essential chores.  Aside from a fleeting glimpse of each occupant's condition it is not possible for me to spend quality time with them.  I worry about my animals incessantly.  Concern for my baby donkeys wakes me in the middle of the night when I hear trees outside our window, crack and pop with the dropping temperatures. 
      The following poem is a description of my morning routine this week.  Read it quickly to get a sense of the urgency in feeding 11 horses, 3 goats and 2 donkeys before hypothermia sets in.  

36 Below

My eyes blink in disbelief

36.7 below?

Adrenalin pumping, Into snow pants I'm jumping

Bundle up 
then out to the barn I go!

First breath is tight in my chest

Crunchy snow under each hurried step

The lights moan and chug

too cold; they barely flicker

Think quickly, only essential chores

Extra hay, measured grain, thankful for heated water buckets

A frosty head appears 
at every stall door
Eyelashes, whiskers and ears
Each hair strung with icy beads
Between large nostrils 
I leave a melting kiss

Fingers numb but, I'm not quite done

In the heat of the tackroom I seek relief

allow warm water to flow

A dry pair of gloves

then back into the cold I go

Goaties' twisted bodies huddled;

faces buried in each other's thick cashmere
Onto their feet they rise and greet
then plunge mouths into grain with gusto

Off to the 'indoor' next

where another light fails 

Donkeys lie still

No welcoming 'wuffle'

In my panic they rise

Wipe the relief from my eyes

wrap an arm around each 
press my face against their tiny muzzles

gusts of their warm breath on my frozen cheek
ah, such an indulgence 

Windy's, (1983 to 2010), frosty complexion is the result of -30 degrees. circa; 1995. 

Despite the bitter cold, (36.7 degrees below 0), Lowtchee is in good spirits and ready to dig into her hay!

Getting Away

      Good Evening,
      “Do you ever get away?”

       It’s a question frequently asked by visitors as they calculate the number of animals who reside here.  11 horses, 4 dogs, 3 goats, 2 donkeys, a pig and an iguana are a lot to consider in the event that we want to leave home for a few days.  But, my answer is always a resounding;

       “Yes, from time to time we do get away.”

       Over the years we have been able to travel to Alaska, Bermuda, the Pocono’s and the Catskills to attend my family's periodic reunions.  Rod’s family resides in Florida which we have visited occasionally over the years as well.  The ability to leave home and the success of our journey directly correlates with the competency of care left behind at Moose River Farm.  To date our animals have never been disappointed and therefore, we have allowed ourselves to have a good time.

        So who in the world would want to step into my muck shoes by agreeing to take over the responsibility of 22 pets? 

        The best caregivers are those associated with MRF’s riding lesson program.  I employ a holistic approach to teaching horsemanship which encourages students to perform barn chores on either end of their actual ride.  This enables them to become proficient with the tasks that run the barn more smoothly, while keeping horses safe and healthy.  Students pick out stalls, fill water buckets, sweep the floor, haul and stack hay.  They measure and deliver grain rations, dispense supplements and decide to blanket or not to blanket. 

       During chores, it is not uncommon for Fiona, the goats and the donkeys to be foraging about freely in the barn.  As a result the students develop endearing relationships with these animals in addition to the horses. 

        Our four dogs, who bark a ruckus whenever anybody drives into the driveway, are difficult to ignore.  Students might visit with our canine pack in the back yard where it is not uncommon to also encounter our iguana, Rosemary sunbathing leisurely on the deck.  Before the students and their families know it, they are cast under a powerful spell .  All I have to do is pop the question.
       "Robyn, can you and your kids stay here while we go away for the weekend?"

       Before we leave there is a whole list of notes for Robyn to review.  The horses eat lunch around noon; make sure the dogs don't escape when Fiona opens the backyard gate; don't forget to cover the spigot in the barn or else it will freeze; and keep the goats out of the tackroom.  Robyn's head is now buzzing with instructions and she is praying that there are no emergencies on her watch.  
       Rod and I head off on our furlough.  For 24 hours I am officially off duty; away from mucking stalls, away from barking dogs, away from the goats who strewn hay about and poop all over the barn floor, away from the late night barn check and early morning feeding schedule.  For the rest of the day, night and tomorrow morning, these chores will be someone else’s responsibility while I bask in the glory of nothing to do that requires me to watch the clock or pull on my heavy barn coat.
       After a lovely afternoon wandering around Saratoga Springs together and an early dinner, we seek out our accommodations at the Brunswick, a warm and cozy B&B directly across from the racetrack.  Rod watches television while I interact with my i-pad.  Email, Facebook and of course this blog all need to be viewed.

      I search for as many pictures as I can find of the donkeys, horses, goats, and dogs.  The interior of our room is so quiet.  The bed seems huge minus four dogs sprawled out and leaving little room for us as we twist, stretch and contort ourselves to accommodate their comfort.  I am cold without Huxley pressed against me and miss the almost intelligible chatter of Hayden every time he changes position.  Niles is not sleeping above my head and Nina will squeeze under someone else's covers tonight. 
      Sunday afternoon, we drive up the driveway and are greeted by seven snowmen struggling to stand at attention in the unseasonably warm 45 degree weather.  Despite their drooping postures, it is evident that a good time was had while we were away.  That is not the only piece of supporting evidence of fun.  Our four dogs don't even bark at the sight of our car in the driveway.  They do wiggle around our legs a bit, but since they are exhausted from engaging in constant activity while we were away, they merely thump their tails to say hello.  Even Fiona, zoned out in her afternoon nap, doesn't stir upon our return. 

       The lack of emotional display to welcome us home leads me to wonder why we left in the first place.  Perhaps it would have been as much fun to stay with Haley, Robbie, Robyn and the animals. 

      So what happened while we were away?  Shortly after we returned home and unloaded the groceries from the car, I called Robyn.  Her son Robbie answered the phone and immediately began to tell me how he held Huxley in his lap under a blanket while the family watched TV all evening.  At bedtime, Niles curled up on his pillow and remained quietly close by all night.  He asked if we saw the snowmen and wondered if we liked them.  Then he handed the phone to his mom who assured me over and over that she and the kids had a blast keeping track of all the animals in our absence.  They had taken the dogs for a walk and were pleased that the goats followed along too.  The sweet baby donkeys enchanted Robyn and her children with their loving personalities.  Haley brushed them so that she could extend her time in their presence.

         Of course there was the ever popular pig report.  Apparently, Fiona couldn't make up her mind whether to stay outside or to curl up in bed for the afternoon.  Her actions required Robyn to be the 'doorman' so that Fiona could come in, go out, come in, go out; until she had made up her mind to stay out in the unseasonably warm winter weather. 

       Leaving, home from time to time, is not only essential, it is also healthy.  We make ourselves go and try not to turn down opportunities to do so.  Once the car is packed, notes are organized, and animals are secured, we drive out the driveway towards our escape destination with high expectations of having a good time.  However, returning home to the farm that we love so much is when real elation envelops us.  Once reunited with our four-legged family, we can honestly conclude that yes indeed… we had a wonderful time.                

Easau wanted to help build the snowmen...but, there was a fence in the way.

There is no place like home!
Photos by R. Craig.

Postscript:  Cindy and Haley recently stayed and took over while we got away after Christmas.  They did a marvelous job caring for the animals over a longer period of time.  We are so grateful to all who agree to take on the task of spending some time in our world.

       

Donkey Lessons

       Good Evening,
     The addition of our two baby donkeys, Bing and Frankie, has provided a welcome distraction this winter.  Their long eared presence around the barn is one more reason for me to smile through chores despite January's bitter cold dips in temperature. 
       Since stepping off the trailer onto our Adirondack farm one month ago, the donkeys have entertained many of us with their reserved antics and have endeared me with their cuddly dispositions.  Perhaps the biggest surprise however, is the contrast they display in comparison to the horses. 

        For over forty years I have been observing horses; either deliberately or through osmosis while working with them.  I can read a horse’s intentions fluently and am able to decipher between a lack of confidence and a lack of manners.  Of course for each one I must respond appropriately without over-reacting so that the horse continues to respect me as the leader of our herd. 

       Donkey behavior, on the other hand, has evolved quite differently.  Donkeys are more laid back than horses.  They will take as long as they need to weigh the pros and cons of complying with my training request.  The final decision is based on the likelihood of their survival.  

        Many of the donkeys' behaviors are similar to Fiona's, (No More Pigs).  With big dewy eyes they silently negotiate the terms of my training and before I know it, 'whoosh'; I am on my way back to the tackroom for more cinnamon horse treats!  After several more months of this routine, it will be unclear who is training who.

  

The more I learn about donkeys...the more I understand horses!
Zambi, Easau, Frankie and Bing.

Bing and Frankie follow along.