You may recall that when our old mule Roy recently lost his buddy, blind Scout, he mourned for quite a while. We began to let him just wander at will across the ranch, which made him happy and got his creaky joints moving. He also began to focus on his human servants as masseurs, ear scratchers and providers of other useful services.
But he also started spending time hanging out next to Luna and Hannah, two blind mares whose corral is at the south end of Beauty's Barn. When Roy parks himself in the barn aisle facing south, he looks right over their corral. We didn't realize to what extent he had bonded with them -- even if they hadn't really bonded with him -- until we started taking the horses out to pasture two weeks ago.
We had taken Luna and Hannah out to their pasture that first weekend, closed the gate, and then took blind Bridger and blind Madison out to the adjoining pasture, which is closer to Beauty's Barn. About ten minutes after we closed their gate, Roy walked up to it and started banging on it with his front hooves. He was looking past Bridger and Madison's pasture and out to the next one, where Luna and Hannah were.
We opened the gate and he walked all the way across the pasture to the next gate, leading to the girls' paddock. He patiently waited until we opened that gate, too, and then he walked through it and off to visit with the mares.
Ever since, Roy follows the girls out to pasture every morning and back to the barn in the evening. The funny thing is that he has free access to this pasture any other time he wants it, but he never goes out there unless Luna and Hannah are in it. He also doesn't actually get very close to them; he's content to simply be in the same pasture.
So yesterday morning I videotaped this mule-and-mare procession as Alayne led Luna and Hannah out to their paddock. Once they got there, I tried to shoot some additional video of all three equines, but as you'll see, I had an old mule who kept walking up to me, demanding some attention. This is a 30 second video clip:
Thanks for the great video of Roy out there in that beautiful setting! He looks so cute & content, I also liked your comment Steve about his ears!
Posted by: Mary Young | June 19, 2008 at 07:28 AM
You go Roy! I am so glad he has found some girlfriends AND can make his navigation wishes well known to all. Love ya longeared boy!
Posted by: Lisa | June 18, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I'm glad to see that Roy has made and effort to spend some time in the sunshine with others. Sure they may not pay attention to him, but at least they let him hang in the same pasture. Besides, with the attention his humans give him, who needs fickle girls to do that? Lots of hugs and ear scratches from our gang in Arlington, WA.
Posted by: Shelli Smith | June 17, 2008 at 07:26 PM
It's great to see that Roy has found a way to cope & two beautiful ladies to keep his eyes on. Thanks for allowing him to find his way through his grief & sorrow. He's a sweetheart.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | June 17, 2008 at 05:44 PM
What a cutie Roy is! I'm so glad he's feeling better and has his girlfriends and the run of the place! Lording it over the sighted guys! love it!
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | June 17, 2008 at 02:25 PM
LUV those mule ears, and Roy. SO warms my heart. :)
Posted by: Margaret | June 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Oh happy day!! Way to go Roy, sure hope the ladies bond with you too. I love to hear all the stories about the animals but have been thinking about Roy alot lately. Glad he is trying to move forward and find new happiness. He is adorable!
Posted by: Suzanne | June 17, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Roy is irresistible!
I'm so happy he's found a passion for pasture, new friends (even if they are a distance away) and life.
Thanks for clip; it made my day!
Posted by: Boundforglory | June 17, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Roy, I only just realized what a beautiful tail you have. You sure seem happier now. I kiss your soft, soft muzzle. I'm sure you smell just wonderful, too, in the warm sun.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | June 17, 2008 at 06:54 AM
I'm so happy he found someone
Posted by: gayle | June 17, 2008 at 06:45 AM
You go, Roy! And thanks to you guys for allowing him to grieve and recover in his own way!
Posted by: Debbie | June 17, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Oh, I love that mule!! I am so glad that Roy is happier; he just needs somebody to love, and it looks like he has his eye on a few somebodies (Luna, Hannah, and his people, of course!)
It really brightens my day to read this post and learn the good news about Roy!
Posted by: maggie | June 16, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Come on, Luna and Hannah, how can you not go for a guy with ears like that. :)
Posted by: Andrew, NZ | June 16, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Roy, you handsome ladies' man! They will eventually notice your charm and good looks!!!
Posted by: Nina | June 16, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Roy may be old but he still has game!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | June 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Thanks, Steve and Alayne. Six days ago I had to put my cat, JT, down due to complications from heart disease. His precious life was spared nine years ago along with his littermate from the King County Animal Shelter. It has been a rough week to say the least. The grief and sadness has been overwhelming. Still, I have looked forward to your posts since last Tuesday and they have brought a smile to my face. Perhaps I will actually laugh down the road, but for now I will take a smile. Highest regards to you and Alayne. I am now down to two cats and will stay that way for awhile. But you two have me seriously considering my next adoption to be a disabled or handicapped cat. You have shown me the incredibly fulfilling lives they can lead.
P.S. Please give Roy more scratches behind the ears from me. I don't think he has had enough and the thought makes me smile yet once again.
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | June 16, 2008 at 05:59 PM