The Diary

26 June 2010

Hello to you all

The weather has been truly fantastic for the last 6 weeks. Sun and blue skies.

I want to report that Bláithín is doing really well. Wee Paddy has taken a shine to her. He follows her everywhere. Even though Paddy is a tiny Shetland Pony he thinks he is a Big Lad and so he hangs out with Blackie and Bláithín. Blackie has finally realised thart Paddy is actually an equine and not a canine. Paddy grazes with Blackie and Bláithín.

Scruffy and Pixie are as one. They adore Blackie but they have a terrible habit of wandering off as a duo forgetting that they will upset Blackie.

I have opened up the farm so the Big Lads can roam anywhere they like around the 66 acres. At this time of year the Big Lads love to go up the hill in the evening sun. Well that is all fine but Blackie has a terrible habit of losing sight of Scruffy and Pixie.

I hear him 'calling'. He is frantic thinking someone has taken away his mates, Scruffy and Pixie. Blackie is so attached to Scruffy and Pixie and I cannot bear to hear him 'calling' in distress.

So when I hear Blackie 'calling', no matter what time it is I go out and help him find Scruffy and Pixie.

I am to be seen at 5am in my pyjamas wandering around the farm looking for Scruffy and Pixie. No I am not mad. I am trying to calm Blackie down. I always find Scruffy and Pixie wherever they have managed to hide and I bring Blackie over to them and...instant calm. I go back to bed feeling content.

Blackie is an intelligent horse but he does have a habit of losing sight of Scruffy and Pixie and he lets me know when this has happened by 'calling' non stop. This happens about 3 times a week and so I always have one ear listening outside to the familiar sound of Blackie 'calling'.

Scruffy and Pixie are so funny. They go on exploration trails, walking all around the farm. When they go up the hill they can go out of view and so I have to contstantly check that Sruffy and Pixie are safe and present. Funny that, each time I go out with apples and carrots they are right there at the gate waiting for me.

Scruffy and Pixie usually go on walkabout around 4am. I know this because this is when Blackie starts 'calling'. It is like he is telling me to get out of bed and come and help NOW! Once he sees me appear he stops 'calling' as he knows I will find Scruffy and Pixie for him. Blackie follows me as I walk around looking for Scruffy and Pixie and once I find them he immediately runs to them and stands close to them. Scruffy and Pixie are so cool. They are wondering what all the fuss is about. However, poor Blackie needs to know his donkey mates are still with him so I always go out when I hear Blackie 'calling' as I know, yet again, Scruffy and Pixie have gone on walkabout.

Poor Blackie. He is so bonded to his donkey mates. Just goes to show that horses and donkeys bond. They should never be left alone in a field as they desperately need a companion.

I can't bear to see a horse or donkey alone in a field. I see it all the time. Do their owners not understand that these animals need companionship? No. They don't care as if they did they would know what makes a horse and donkey content - a  companion.

I can't save all animals in distress. All I can do is make sure my crew are safe and content. This is my small contribution to Animal Welfare.

Lucky the animal that lands here at Horn Head Pet Sanctuary. It is a lottery of luck.

Any animal in my care is truly cared for as... I care.

Talk soon

Annette