Because All Dogs and Cows go to Heaven

My favorite picture of the nice clean barn at Cindy and Ray's

Yesterday, I cried, hard, all day long, in the tractor, in the pickup, in the shop, everywhere. When I woke up, my mom had texted my fiancé and I for me to call her as soon as I got up. I knew something was wrong, but what had happened was never what I had imagined.

            “Hey Mom, what’s up?” I could hear the sadness in her voice as she said, “Cindy and Ray’s barn started on fire and they lost all the cows.” It didn’t sink in for a few minutes because that is what nightmares are made of. I wanted to sit and cry, but the cows out here in McLaughlin needed to be fed, so I got up and headed to the tractor. About half way through feeding, I got to thinking about all of the good times, good cows, and great memories I had in that place. I stopped the tractor and sat there sobbing.

            That barn, those cows, and Cindy and Ray are the reason I was sitting in the tractor.

            I had always loved cows, but when I started there at 17, Cindy taught me how to truly care for and love those ladies as if they were a part of your own family. Ray taught me to pay great attention to detail to ensure the best outcome for the cows and the farm, as well as how to be rational when it came to the cows. That barn taught me that calluses are your best friend when working a wheel barrel, to not put all your weight into a broom when your boots no longer have any grip left (I have a scar to prove this one,) and that no time in the barn with your sister is ever wasted (especially when you're creating parodies). Rudy taught me that there is nothing more precious than a good old farm dog. And those beautiful, amazing cows taught me that nothing worth having comes easy, that getting up early for cows is way easier than getting up for school, and that I want to spend the rest of my life working for and with these great beasts.

A cute baby calf and myself.

My sister, Laura, with one of our favorite cows, 106.

           
             I thank God every day that Cheryl referred me to work for Cindy and Ray. I would not be the person I am today had they not taken the time to teach and mentor me. I pray that all in the barn went quickly and that they are all waiting for us on the other side (because all dogs and cows go to heaven).

Do You Have Any Pets?

I have the most amazing little puppy in the whole world. Diesel is almost nine months old and she is a Black Lab/Australian Shepherd mix. Ever since I left for college, I have wanted to get a dog, you know to have on late nights studying, early mornings studying, and to snuggle with at night. However, the right situation never came up and I did not want to spend a lot of money on one. Then one day, one of my friends came across an adorable little puppy at his work. The owner of this cute little guy was trying to get the word out that these people had three more puppies for free and were going to kill them by the end of the week if no one took them.

A very scared baby Diesel when we brought her home.

As soon as I heard this, I started to make plans to get a puppy. I then immediately called the original owners and set up a time and place to meet them. When they arrived, they handed me this adorable puppy who was shaking, she was so scared of people and had ringworm on her head. They had not taken very good care of her, but she has been in the best of hands ever since.

Diesel and I after a good run!

She is now a very spoiled, cuddlable, bundle of joy and energy. I could not imagine my life without my little girl. Coming home would not be the same without my happy greeter. I am so blessed to have an amazing buddy and companion.