When I was a young adult, I loved the idea of an extended family sitting around a Thanksgiving table, calmly and respectfully listening to each person in turn say one thing they’re thankful for before everyone shares in the feast. It took me a few decades, but eventually, I realized that I was not born into such a family. My family immigrated from Italy ~ half from Sicily, half from Naples ~ and brought with them a penchant for loudly talking over each other in two languages, Italian and English, while using animated arm gestures as emphasis. Add to the mix multiple children and dogs, and our Thanksgiving dinners, while filled with love, were more chaotic than measured. 

I know that I’m blessed with my memories of this chaos; however, as we all grow older and the dynamics of our family change year to year, I find myself wishing less for that one meal’s connections and enjoying more many calm moments throughout the year with both human and non-human friends. I thought I’d share a few snapshots of some of these moments with our residents as a celebration of connections on this Thanksgiving weekend. 

Sheep Stories

Bella is our independent, acrobatic girl who is usually much more interested in hay than in humans.  All summer long, if I sat in the play area of the Little Barn cuddling Mary, Cricket and Duchess, she’d stare at us from the doorway before she slowly made her way to the inside hay rack, there to munch the time away until I left.  I expected nothing else a few days ago when I sat down on the chair I keep in the barn just for cuddle time, but Bella surprised me. 

As soon as I sat down, Cricket came up to my right side to rest his head on my arm. Mary followed him, resting her head on my right knee. Duchess moved in next, on my left, resting her head on my shoulder. And then Bella came forward, pushing her way right between Mary and Duchess to lay her head on my left knee.  All four sheep looked at me with their big soft eyes, and my heart melted. I started running my hands over their heads and backs, and their tails started wagging ~ Bella’s too! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bella’s tail wag because she was cuddling.  We sat there for a long time, the sheep content and loving, me giving thanks for the moment.

Cat Tails

Mittens has been with us for many months now, and she’s taken a long time to come to terms with this new chapter in her life. She’s the oldest cat we’ve rescued, and spent the first 5 or 6 years of her life with only humans and the ability to go inside the house and outside as she wanted. Then she came here and became a barn cat with four other permanent cat residents. Because she was familiar with being outside, I wasn’t worried about her staying safe and warm ~ until the weather turned. Then I desperately wanted her to come into the Little Barn, at least at night, for warmth and safety.  For a while, she had other ideas.

It’s amazing what a snow storm will do, though. The morning after our Halloween snow (we had between 4 and 5 inches!), I walked into the Little Barn, counting cat heads as I did so, and found Mittens curled up in one of the straw beds I’d made for the cats! She was warm and sound asleep.  Two days later, I found her and Echo together, curled up, sleeping, safe and warm. I snapped a quick picture and walked away smiling and so grateful. 

Aussie Antics

When Sara came to us at the end of August, she was twenty-five pounds overweight, hooked on Milk Bones as her dog food, almost unable to walk because of her joint pain, and completely non-vocal.  With the help of our wonderful vet, we’ve managed to help Sara lose 10 pounds, become hooked on real dog food, and move so much more freely because of new medicine that’s working. She and I take slow walks every day where she says hello to the chickens and sniffs at whatever animal scat is on the path. She is also talking to us frequently throughout the day. 

My greatest joy with Sara, though, is watching her move confidently down our front stairs and out into the fenced yard as a pack member, Riley behind her, Vega in front. The three of them will quickly assess where the nearest cat is and make a beeline for the fence, usually sending whatever cat is on the other side running.  Vega will sit and try to stare down the feline intruder, Riley’s ears will perk up as he stands perfectly still, not quite sure what to do next, and Sara will bark and bark, her cropped tail wagging and her posture as straight as she can get it.  I’ll just stand on the porch, so thankful for watching Sara reclaim being a dog. 

Connections

Finding these moments of connection is my favorite part of the work we do here. Every day brings at least one moment. I’ve watched Duchess gently lick Tiger’s ears ~ this 120 pound sheep being so very gentle with a small seven pound cat! I’ve watched Steve bound over hills towards me when he hears me call his name. I’ve looked back over my shoulder as I’m walking through the pastures to see all the sheep trailing behind as if I were playing a magic flute. I will always cherish my memories of the chaos of our family meals, but I find that, today, I want to create and live in a place where all creatures can connect with each other every day, all year long.  

May you and everyone you love thrive in connectedness today and always. Happy Thanksgiving!