When “B” first came, he was a bit shy and uncertain. The animals took to him immediately, and so did we. But as the weeks went on, he got more comfortable, was a quick and eager learner, and we were delighted by how good he was with the animals, from the dogs to Zip to the donkeys and sheep.

He’s helped with larger tasks – stacking firewood – and today, helping Maria to cut the brush from the Apple tree, which fell to the ground in a storm. We were surprised by how much he got done in just a half hour.

________

Photo: Cutting the brush. We invited him to come to a fire burning when they were all cut up.

_____

_______

He brushes Zinnia every week, and now Zip does too, joining in the excitement, as he usually does. He brushes the donkeys too. Lulu loves him, so does Fanny. Bud busted out the front door to get to him, jumped into his arms, and was carried back into the house.

_______

“B” feeding the sheep some apples. They ate delicately out of his hand. He’s coming back next week to finish the rest. He isn’t shy anymore. He has a nice, dry sense of humor, too. He loves to work. He’s special. His touch with animals is impressive.