The Critters of Lolo Pond

I think I could turn and live with the animals, they are so placid 

and self-contain'd,

I stand and look at them long and long.

Walt Whitman

I spent my morning feeding, rounding up, petting, and quietly observing the animals at my parent's house, wild and domestic alike. My folks are out of town this weekend, and while I was dreading waking up early on my first free weekend in two months (self pity is so counterproductive, isn't it?), I couldn't have been happier once I found myself surrounded by ducks and geese, dogs, miniature horses, a goat, cats, and rats (yes, rats...they are truly quite lovely animals who, like so many misunderstood animals, deserve more respect as a species..."Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf," said Aldo Leopold). I won't begin a rant about the wrongs of hating an animal just because of the connotations and reputations that precede them, but I will say that spending time with those animals that are demonized by so many humans is an important lesson in impartiality. To be able to remove our preconceived notions and simply observe the traits and dispositions of misunderstood animals is an action of love that can be spread throughout our relationships with all beings.

The intimate relationships I have with the animals in my life I believe is what has made me as compassionate as I am as a human being. So, I thought I'd share some pictures today to introduce my readers to Lolo Pond and the critters that live here and that I love so dearly.

It is an absolutely beautiful autumn morning here in Lolo, Montana. On the walk to the pond from my house, the frigid fall air made my cheeks pink, but the warmth of the sun was already beginning to thaw the frost off of the rocks. 

 Long-legs, our sweet outdoor kitty.

 Eiger, our amazing dog (you'll inevitably hear more about him in future posts), and Wylie, his very best friend.

 Wylie is very special. He was a feral dog and was terrified of humans when we first found him. He started to hang around my parents house when the other dogs were out. After three months or so, my mom tricked him inside on a negative five degree day two years ago. He has been a happy member of the Leach family "motley crew" every since!

 Lucy the goose.

 Sadie gazing at the ducks.

Ali, our spirited and incredibly sweet mini.

Gimpy (so politically incorrect, I know), our three-legged rescue goat.

Lovely Lila!

And Kola, our wonderful head-case-of-a-dog. We got her when I was 15.

There are more critters that you will get to know (many more, actually). I'll post more pictures soon. In the meantime, I'm going to go enjoy this gorgeous fall day outside!