Losing one cow is devastating, and losing a herd to a disaster is a farmer's ultimate nightmare. I can hardly see the words I'm typing through the tears. As I searched the internet for information on relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, I was encouraged by the herculean effort that the federal government is making for the hurricane victims, including farmers.
After 22 years raising cattle, you'd think I'd be unaffected by June, the friendly cow who walks over looking for scratches, or Tazzy, the grumpy mini-pig, grunting for dinner. But despite the years, the critters still pull on my heartstrings. I melt when Owen B, a yearling Scottish Highland steer, regards me with those big eyes, and Curious Bleu, our riding steer, lets me sit on his back.
A sense of adventure eases the sadness of leaving. I’ve always wanted to live where I can watch the sunrise over the sea. Our first choice would be Martha’s Vineyard, but without millions to spend on a waterfront property, Bruce and I chose Nova Scotia. I’ve always wanted to live in a foreign country that isn’t too foreign.
With their leashes in one hand, both dogs will run alongside me as I pedal my sky-blue bike. Dog owners have said that's crazy. "What if they see a squirrel or run after a bird?" My answer is that my dogs are trained NOT to. They will walk or run on a leash without being distracted, running off, or pulling against it.
Training was going well until after I removed his muzzle. Cody got into it with my dog Flora. She started it, but Cody escalated it to a battle to the death. Husband Bruce and I separated them, but that attack made me realize that Cody was a killer.
Why does my frightening pit bull want to attack my cattle?
