"All Creatures Great and Small . . . "

    My earliest memories are of dogs.  I don't remember much before we moved to Colorado Springs when I was 3.  But I remember most things that happened after we got here such as following two stray dogs down the street and a couple of blocks away to play with them in a drainage ditch.  I don't remember the spanking I got from wandering away from my mom, but I remember wanting to play with the dogs.  It seems that passion began quite young.
     Some of the most delightful books I have read were written by a British country veterinarian named James Herriot.  He spent most of his life (1916 - 1995) in North Yorkshire, England as a veterinarian surgeon for all of the local farms and nearby townships.  His books chronicle his extraordinary life working with animals "great and small."  His titles are from the opening lines of a well-known poem/hymn:  "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."
     When I retired from teaching French (after 32 years) about 10 years ago, I had no idea of what was in store for me.  I suppose no one does.  My dream, as you all know by now, was to move to France and enjoy retirement exploring the French countryside.  I was able to see that dream come true and those 7 months were amazing, and, as I reflect on that time I realize how much animals played a part during that time.  Besides the 3 resident cats and CoCo, of course, I found opportunities to visit 3 zoos.  One was incredibly sad, the other 2 were wonderful where the enclosures were welcoming and filled with enrichment opportunities for the animals.  The animals were healthy and seemed quite content.  I watched them playing with each other and with toys.  It made me quite content.  I had a "singing" contest with an African Grey Parrot and we both thoroughly enjoyed it!

My singing competitor

     I have had a membership at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for at least 30 years - since Andy was little, although I've been coming to the zoo since the 1950s.  When I retired I tried to go a couple of times a month and now I make it a point to go once a week.  It is so rewarding to see that the animals - especially the great apes - recognize me and come over to the glass to "greet" me.    The lions know me and respond when I call out their names.  I am totally enthralled with their beauty and majesty and intelligence.  From the 400+ lb silverback gorilla, Goma, and 500 lb male lion, Abuto, to the tiniest of reptiles, I love them all.  They are all fascinating and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of them with visitors.

Abuto and his girls

Goma

Tank, the plated lizard was a favorite at the zoo

     Our lion cubs will be four years old in June and are almost full-grown.  I was at the zoo almost every day when they were born.  They were just about the cutest little furry balls of feline I had ever seen!  I loved watching them grow and learn how to be lions.  I enjoy watching the little primates as they become beloved members of their family and troop and am entertained by them every time I go.

Elsa at 6 months

Elsa last week

Our newest orangutan, Kera

4 year old Ember being a ham

     I have had dogs my entire life.  I don't remember the dog we had when I was born and whom we lost just before we moved to Colorado Springs.  But when I was 7 we got a miniature poodle that I named Pom-Pom.  Let that be a lesson to parents - don't let your 7 year old name your pet!  Pom-Pom didn't know he was a dog.  He was well-trained, but certainly had a mind of his own.  He went everywhere with us and loved rock climbing on our camping trips.  I was in college when he died.
     As an adult I have had many dogs and I can't imagine life without one - or two - or . . . .   And now my retirement life is filled with many many dogs on an almost daily basis.  My two, who are both rescues, and all the dogs at National Mill Dog Rescue.  I never imagined being so in love with an organization that I would choose to go out there weekly with no pay to spend time with these dogs.  I won't spend the time here telling you all about NMDR, but if you are interested in our mission please do check out our website at milldogrescue.org.  I am so proud to be just a small part of this work of love.  We rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for these precious "discarded" dogs.

Bella as a puppy - notice her black face

Andy with Bella at Thanksgiving - notice her not black face!

My present loves

     We can learn a lot from dogs.  They are resilient, brave, forgiving, and they show unconditional love.  Once you have earned their trust they will do anything for you.  They want only to be loved and to give love.  What more could anyone ask for?  Here's a video I took of one of our rescues - a 3 legged Pomeranian -  with his first ever toy!  Enjoy!

     I know that wherever this path of life takes me, there will always be "creatures great and small."  Thank you, God, for making them all and letting us see a glimpse of You through them.