Say hello to Ted and Bill. |
On a working farm, every animal has a job to do. Just as we
think carefully before adding human staff, we also deliberate carefully before
adding to our animal “staff.”
But sometimes, we make exceptions.
Last week, the farm got an emergency call about farm animals
who needed a new home where they could immediately receive proper care and
attention.
Bill filling up on fresh hay |
Boo and Kris Young visited these animals and made an on-the-spot
hiring decision: Bill the goat and Ted the sheep were coming to Touchstone
Farm.
The two buddies now share a box stall in the outside barn
while they await some vet care and neutering. Eventually, they’ll join Morgan
the sheep and Kiwi the goat in the small animal barn and paddock.
The farm cannot usually take on rescue animals. But, like
Bill and Ted, they sometimes come our way. Kris once found 80 (80!) chickens abandoned by the side of the road. She found homes for 77, and kept three laying hens for
the farm.
This summer, Thundercat showed up one day and appointed himself Head
Greeter.
Thundercat supervising during the National Day of Service |
Thundercat, so named because his coat is the color of
thunderclouds, was a big hit with Pony Farm
campers and instructor training candidates of the Horse
Power Instructor Training School. He patrols the property, introduces
himself to everyone he meets, and escorts them to their destination.
For now, Bill and Ted are luxuriating in their deep bed of clean shavings
and are eating and drinking their fill. We’re looking forward to seeing them
put on weight and shed the traces of previous neglect.
Both are very friendly. We
think they’ll be excellent in their jobs on the small animal team and can’t
wait till they’re ready for “work.”
Ted is just as sweet as he looks. |