We often have the wonderful opportunity to share the joy of our animals with others and when we get to bring some fuzzy fun to local Grandpas and Grandmas, it's especially fulfilling. This time, rather than bringing in our spinning wheel, carders, and some of our fiber creations to demonstrate 'fiber to finished product'; their creative Activities Directors planned a Petting Zoo day, complete with a 20 lb cat, mini donkey, mini horse, a lizard, two different types of dogs and we brought a duckling and some bunnies! The weather was perfect and the smiles were broad! You cannot see them, as the photos were edited for their privacy, but we hope you can sense the warmth in these photos.
All the grandparents feel especially satisfied if they are able to have the rabbits fall asleep while they snuggle them close.
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Our Muscovy duckling was a last minute addition as their planned 'chicken sharer' was a late cancellation. He was happy to eat their grasshoppers and worms while 'tolerating' doting employees.
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While these Grandpas talked rabbits, 'Fat Cat' absorbed some sun rays and shyly stayed in her crate.
Sometimes folks are a bit hesitant to hold any rabbit and often ask, ''Do they bite?'' It's understandable, but we always assure them they do not, they're friendly rabbits. *smile* Once they get comfortable, they're soon snuggling them closer.
These guys are adorable! We have dreamed about our own donkey as a livestock guardian and boy, did this make us love them all the more! Did you know that donkeys have a black dorsal stripe on their backs in the shape of a cross? These boys are definitely chunky, but were both very well behaved.
 |  A happy snuggling bunny grateful for a warm lap! |
The rabbits get passed around and snuggled for a good hour or two, never getting irritated or aggressive. Every time we go, we pray for the Lord's work and believe that's why humans and animals always have so much peace during and after the experience!
Yes, this lizard has it's own harness and leash...but he stayed snuggled to her the entire time. He LOVED the sun and heat! It was exciting to see his colors deepen and enhance in the natural light.
We are so thankful to have the resources to bring even a little of God's joy to the hearts and minds of those who value and appreciate the beauty of the Lord's creation. He continues to richly bless us and we gratefully give in the way we can. Too often our seniors are far too undervalued in society but we come away learning several things every time we take a few moments to interact with our elder friends.
We are so thankful to have the resources to bring even a little of God's joy to the hearts and minds of those who value and appreciate the beauty of the Lord's creation. He continues to richly bless us and we gratefully give in the way we can. Too often our seniors are far too undervalued in society but we come away learning several things every time we take a few moments to interact with our elder friends.
...for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
