I have not seen many animals in worse shape than Simon, and his gentle spirit just highlights the cruelty reflected. Thomas Aquinas said the reason we need to treat animals well is that it is a measure of our humanity. These are hard times in rural areas, and while I have never seen a farmer mistreat his animals, I know that many farms are struggling and so are many animals. It is tempting to look at Simon, and cease at his condition and join in the general chorus of laments about how the world is going to hell and human beings are just worthless. It isn’t what I see. Many more people are involved in the rescue and treatment of Simon than in his mistreatment, from Jessica, the animal control officer, to Ken the farmer, to various vets, friends and farmers. That is what I will focus on, that and the sad state of somebody brought down to this level.

Until yesterday, Simon’s hooves were so long and curved he had to walk on his ankles.