Hector is a HOOT!

This is a short video of Hector the Mule. I was trying to capture the little noise he makes at feeding time, but he REALLY hated the camera.

Everything but Flippy the CAT

Geeze!!! Seems like everything on my farm is on medication!! The two horses and the mule need medication for the hooves. I am battling wet weather and white line disease. Gertie Goose gets anti-inflammatory medication for her arthritis. Charlie Tarheel, the German Shepherd, is on antibiotics for an abscess. Baby Dawg the Maltese is on heart medication, allergy medication, and bronchial meds. My husband takes, well, everything.

My sweet, hard working Flippy the CAT is the only non-medicated critter on this farm!!!

But look at those two sweet faces!! Worth it!!!!

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Wear gloves or let go of the rope

My MULE, Hector, decided he did not want to get his feet trimmed. I needed to gently train him. Hector decided to teach me the lesson. Let go of the rope or wear gloves. OUCH!!

Hector was a very, very good boy today

Look at that sweet face!!! Today, the farrier was here to trim horse and mule hooves. Hector was such a very good boy today. He was sweet and friendly and stood so quietly for the farrier. He was even happy to enjoy a few scratches and hugs – but don’t ever touch those ears!!

Cold temperatures cannot stop pony love

Despite the six degree temperatures, the horses and Hector the Mule had to get some family love. There is nothing like a good pony smooch to warm you up on a cold day. And pony smooches are easy to come by if you have apples in your hands and granola bars in your pocket.

Guess who refused to go in his barn

Guess who doesn’t mind the cold. He also would not get caught so I could put on a blanket! Stubborn rascal.

The herd is finally bonding

I have been letting Hector the mule into the pasture with the mares for a few hours every day. I was so excited to see them all peacefully munching hay together!! OK, I know they are not best friends yet, but they are bonding!

Christmas breakfast with my furry family

It’s Christmas. So I lit a candle, got out my best cowboy china, and fixed breakfast for me and my dogs, Charlie Tarheel and Baby Dawg. We feasted together on hash and eggs. I even baked a birthday cake for Jesus – but no chocolate for the critters. Then I sang Christmas carols – sorry dogs. But hey, the Bible says make a JOYFUL noise unto the LORD. Doesn’t say it has to sound good – just JOYFUL. So I believe my nasally, flat, off key screechings are pleasing and acceptable unto the LORD. The horses and the mule had a feast too – carrots and apples and granola. Gertie Goose had sweet corn on the cob (hard to find this time of year) and butter bread. Flip Flop kitty had Friskies Shreds, hash, and warm milk.

Everyone got a hug and a scratch. I hung onto my horses neck’s and cried into their manes. I hugged Hector the mule and sobbed on his shoulder. I clutched the kitty and shared my pain. Gertie Goose bit me on the thumb – hey, she’s a goose.

My dogs curled up with me on the couch and absorbed my grief and gave me their love. It seems the more I give my love away – the more love comes right back to me. GOD truly sent me COMFORT and PEACE today. And I will be able to visit my husband at the hospital this afternoon.

Merry Christmas.

Bratty Boss Mare

WildFire is NOT happy with Hector the Mule.  So I created a small paddock for Hecter.  He can see the mares and they can “chat” across the fence.  But he is safely out of range of teeth and hooves.  He also has his very own run in shed and hay bale!  Hopefully, after a couple of weeks, this Bratty Boss Mare will let Hector join her herd.

Meet Hector!

We have a new family member, Hector the Mule! He is such a sweet boy who has been a hard working mule for many, many, many years. Now, it is his turn to relax and enjoy love and treats. My red mares are NOT thrilled with Hector, but hopefully, everyone will settle in soon. I have never had a mule before, so I welcome any helpful advice.