Our Animals

This page showcases our domestic and farm animals by picture and prose. It is hoped you will treasure our resident feathered and furry friends as we do. They help to provide the continuous opportunities to actively witness God's ever-present care.

Zeke is more than a just a dog. He is clear that his purpose is to make others happy. He is gentle and patient with puppies, goat kids, chickens, cats and children. His favorite job, though, is visiting the local nursing home wagging his tail in acceptance of various forms of attention and nuzzling those hands unable to touch him

Big Bertha was a large white chicken that never bothered anyone. She walked around with the other hens talking to one another about the weather and finding delicious bugs. Then, for no apparent reason, the other chickens began pecking at her neck until it was cut and unfeathered. So she was placed in a cage for protection until we could decide what to do while allowing time for her neck to heal.

We checked her three to four times a day making sure she had food and fresh water and a clean nesting area. For about two weeks, she quietly watched all the other animals from her cage. After finding her neck healed, we let her out in the barn area to rejoin the others. Within one day, the other chickens were again picking on her and pecking at her neck. While trying to get away from those mean hens, one of the horses accidentally stepped on Big Bertha's foot. It swelled very large and she limped considerably. It again became necessary to return her to the protected life within a cage.

We talked to her, petted her, and took good care of her as she continued to watch the other animals. However, we knew she could not be happy if she was always surrounded by metal. She was a free hen. So, after a little more time, when her neck was fully healed with the feathers growing back and she no longer limped, we cautiously opened the cage door and stood back to observe.

She strutted differently. She eyed the others. She wasn't at all cautious around the other hens or the horses and goats. She was determined to never be bullied and also to teach others in the barnyard not to bully. If another chicken came near her, Big Bertha squawked and charged at them. She made enough noise to drive the horses away from her little feet, too. If the rooster dared to bother her, she pecked at him and flapped her wings until he left not only herself, but also the other hens alone.

When grain was put out for the horses, Big Bertha wanted some, too. She tried to graciously share what was in their feed pans, but their long noses were much bigger than hers and took up most of the space. So, she pecked at their legs and flew up at their faces until they learned to share. One of the horses decided that it was easier to wait until she completed her meager portion of his meal before he dared to finish.

For two months, Big Bertha "ruled the roost" around that barnyard. She talked to the cat in charge of the rest of the chickens and she communicated with the turkeys. She stayed in that barnyard to be sure no one else was treated badly like she had been. She taught them to care and to share.

Then one day, confident she had accomplished her goal, she walked alone out of the barnyard to the fields and never returned.