18 July

Chatting By The Fence: What Do They Say?

by Jon Katz

It was nearly 100 degrees today, but that didn’t stop Zinnia and Fanny from having their now daily chat by the pasture fence. Zinnia comes and lies down and Fanny stands by the gate and the two seem to be chatting if such a thing is possible.

I sometimes try to imagine what they say:

Fanny: “Listen, if you want to stay cool, stop running around, stand still, save your energy. It’s not a time to chase balls around, no wonder you’re panting all the time. Us donkeys can handle the desert, we know how to conserve energy..”

Zinnia: “Thanks for the advice, it is hot. Say, what did you get from Jon today?”

Fanny: “Oh, I did okay. I got some fresh still-warm corn cobs, I got two alfalfa wafers and Maria didn’t see what Jon gave me, so I did the bray thing and she brought out some corn husks..Pretty good day, Lulu got some of the husks. I hate to take advantage of the guy, but…you know how it is..You got to take it when you can get it.

How about you?”

Zinnia: “I did really. Jon brought me a fresh and bloody marrow bone from the supermarket, I got a cow’s ear early this morning and two of those think “digestible” rawhide rolls. Not much too it, but feels good to chew. He also pulled another toy out of somewhere, a frisbee ball made just for labs..”

Zinnia lowered her voice to a whisper. “I heard they’re going out tonight, he always throws something in the crate for me when he goes out. He doesn’t know I’ll go in anyway”

Fanny: “Don’t tell him. He’s a treat machine. Boy, do you have the life”

Zinnia: “You should talk, I see you braying at Jon every time he comes out of the house, he comes running like a puppy chasing her mama..”

Fanny: “We are doing okay. If Jon doesn’t cave, I can usually get Maria to come up with something. I see she’s putting some of my stuff into the Composter now..”

Zinnia: “I hate that thing. One day the wind will blow it over and I’ll have a good time with it..See you later, sis..stay cool.”

Fanny: “You too, girl..”

2 Comments

  1. This was anamusing read from beginning to end. I’m always wondering too what animals are thinking. I came to one proven conclusion; animals are, without a doubt, opportunists! They will take full advantage when they know what’s in it for them. They are experts at manipulation. Fanny and Zinnia’s imaginary (or not) conversation captured this perfectly.

  2. I think its horrible that you, your home and animals have been threatened.
    I may not agree with your outlook on everything but I do enjoy looking at things in a different perspective.
    Through your opinions of Trump I came away feeling a bit sorry for him. Not enough to vote for him but in the sense that as an adult he has made no effort to better himself as a human being. I can’t imagine my life without the ability to show empathy. He has no idea to care about anyone but himself. Even thats questionable.
    Continue doing what you do. You don’t write maliciously. You write from your heart. There is a difference.

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