We got a rare treat this weekend. We went out to my favorite animal rescue on the planet, Hollow Creek Farm. Asherel was so excited, because we haven't been there in quite a while and she really missed the mean little pony, Bob. I love underdogs, even under-horses...but Bob is just not an endearing personality. I am not sure why Asherel loves him. He always has his ears back, and if you turn your back on him, he nips you. He has to be in a pasture all by himself because he picks on the horses, who are all much bigger than him. He kicks them, bites them, and terrorizes them.
Nonetheless, I went out to Bob's pasture with Asherel so I could "protect her." While she curried and brushed Bob, working out the myriad tangles in his long mane and tail, I enticed Sadie, the wild mustang to come close enough for me to pet her muzzle. I was leaning over the fence, when Bob came over and started nipping at my pants. I smacked him, but he was completely unaffected by that.
"He just wants to say 'Hi' ," said Asherel as I climbed on the fence, out of his reach. She kept brushing him. He began nibbling on my boots. Good thing I was there to "protect" Asherel.
"Why doesn't he bite you?" I asked.
"He likes the attention," she said wisely.
She has a good heart, my daughter, and I think she understands a key element not only of pony nature, but human nature as well. The grumpy ones in our midst more often than not are grumpy because they have sought love and not found it. I do believe that there is evil in the world, and no amount of love will change a heart bent on destruction. However, I think there are misunderstood "Bobs" of the world, and we have a chance with them.
I love my cousin's motto in the wake of the Newtown shootings- "Choose Love." That is a good motto. It is what Asherel did with Bob and the whole time we were with him, Bob never bit her. Not once.
Psalm 31:7-8,14-16 (NIV)
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. [8] You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. [14] But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” [15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. [16] Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
-save a dog- hollowcreekfarm.org
Isn't this a bit like when you were the only one who could ride Joe, the horse? ;-) I think your daughter Asherel has the same heart as you when you were younger :-) Jesus said he came for those you needed to be saved, the lost, the needy. Bob seems to be one of those who truly needs a lot of our love and Asherel is working wonders with him. Let her teach you how to reach to him. Blessings for you all.
ReplyDeleteyes Olga, very much so. I actually overstated the case. I do like Bob. He is a grumpy old soul, but he does like attention too. Don't we all!
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