Country Notebook
By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Journal columnist
Digger does not typically look out the window, see movement and do nothing other than lay down at my feet. As an avid animal lover, I strive to reason like a dog. According to my intuition, he was processing his good fortune. His existence does not depend upon foraging through six inches of snow for food in zero degree weather like the deer had done for most of the daylight hours in my front yard.
If my heart could weep, I know it would have as I was quietly contemplating the suffering outdoor animals must endure during the bitter temperatures. Earlier in the winter, I was seriously planning how to convert my garage into a stable for my fox-trotter and miniature donkey. The details became too enormous and I finally gave in to common sense. With a pole barn, a de-icer for water, hay inside the barn, thick coats of hair and assurance from others that they would be okay, I quit worrying. Etsy and Midnight remain in their pasture. I only wish they could signal their pain level as in 1, my feet are frost bitten, to 10, no pain anywhere – just like we are asked to report during doctor visits.
Maybe it is just as well. What if Etsy used his hoof to draw a long line in the hay suggesting a number 1. What could I do about the cold? I had already ruled out relocating to my house garage and have increased how often I give them grain, hoping the extra calories will be beneficial.
It doesn’t make me feel any better when there are reminders on television to call 311 if a dog is running the streets of Kansas City, appearing to be abandoned in the extreme cold. By the time I get through one of these commercials, I’m nearly in tears and especially so as I think about the many other creatures without assistance. Feedlot animals without barns, trees or other windbreaks come to mind.
Already an emotional mess, I received a phone call from a friend wondering if I might know of someone willing to take one or more horses and/or mules. Plan A worked until other life commitments interfered and a Plan B became necessary.
Horses and equine in general are social animals and do better when they remain in pairs. I found out a year ago it is difficult to give away a relatively young, well-trained horse. Instead, I bought Etsy the Donkey and it has been a perfect solution. Thus, I can only imagine the difficulty in giving away older animals. The good news is that it may not be a long-term ownership. The bad news is the pain when the inevitable departure happens.
No matter the circumstances, I won’t let an animal suffer if I can find viable options. I am disgusted with myself that I didn’t purchase several bags of corn for the deer knowing a big snowstorm was on its way. Mommas expecting a fawn need nutrients.
Plan B is finding forever homes for the three mules and seven horses. I am hopeful readers will be interested or spread the word. I am praying not only for the animals, but my decision to take a mule/horse pair. I won’t even write about Plan C.
With trepidation, I told my son about my predicament thinking he would tell me I cannot save everyone, but instead he said, “Mom, what if you could give one of these animals a few more years to live?” I am proud of him and a little humbled. I won’t win the Nurturing Mother of the Year Award, but I must have set a good example of kindness at least once or twice.
Digger is a smart dog, but not as intelligent as I portrayed in the first paragraph. Empathy is reserved for humans who can do something to improve the situation. I am hoping there are a few rural families willing to give the mules and horses a forever home.
If you are one of them, just call or text Roger or Charlene at the Linn County Journal, 913-259-2546 and a message can be forwarded to me.
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