Minis - horses that is

This is Nutmeg on the left and Luca on the right - a pair of lovely, shaggy-in-winter miniature horses that belong to a friend of mine who lives nearby.

My friend also has a number of goats, some ducks that live near this barn during the winter and on the pond all spring, summer and fall and a full size horse which she rides often.

In winter I sometimes take care of all these creatures (and the chickens when she had them as well) when my friend and her husband travel.

It was interesting on Christmas bird count day to visit this hobby farm again and go over to the fence where the minis were enjoying some fresh hay in their pasture. Luca and Nutmeg came immediately looking for carrots which I always carried in my pocket when I cleaned the barn and fed them. It reminds me that animals have long memories and will remember a person who is kind for much longer than we think - specially if food is involved. You have no idea how many dogs when they hear my voice in a shop, at their door or on the street, immediately come to me, and sit, looking up with delighted eyes. They know I carry dog biscuits in my pocket. One dog isn't allowed biscuits because they upset his tummy but he knows when I visit that I'm good for a game of catch...yes I am a sucker when it comes to animals...

And speaking of animals and animal welfare - Air Canada transports primates for research. It is one of the few airlines that continues this abominable practice with 48 chimps being brought into Canada and held over in crates in a drafty hangar in Toronto on Sunday January 23.

If you don't believe in animals being used alive for research ( I don't happen to support this though I know the medical community feels they are essential) - or if you have issues with their ethical and humane care  please visit 

 

http://www.buav.org/take-action/send-a-letter/cargo-for-cruelty and make your voice heard. 

Thank you for thinking of the animals, not the profit of big pharmaceutical companies.