Critters on the Layne

A little about the inhabitants of the Ark on the Layne we call home.

All creatures big and small

Clyde – A big, beautiful Thoroughbred without a day job.

Clyde, Mr Personality

Clyde, Mr Personality

He’s retired and just likes to read the Sunday paper and have coffee. He enjoyed pasture time very much with his best buddy Waco. As you can see, he’s got quite the personality and exhibits it regularly.

Eli – We welcomed Eli to the menagerie just one year ago.

Meet Eli - he's a bottle of shaken Dr. Pepper!

Eli – he’s a bottle of shaken Dr. Pepper!

When you know, you know. Since my return, I’ve been missing Waco and looking for another mane and tail to brighten my days. Eli popped into my world one night and 48 hours later he was here. He’s quite the explosion and the rest of the ranch thinks I’ve lost my mind. We may need to keep 911 on speed dial until he and I get to know each other better 🙂 Good times!

Jake – This guy was in search of a forever home and found his way to our place.

And Jake makes three!

He actually arrived before Eli, we just didn’t know he was staying 🙂 He’s calm and easy going, solid and stout. I think he’s going to be my traveling sidekick as not much seems to bother Mr. Muscles. Happy to have a full barn!

All things wise and wonderful

Who needs guard dogs when you have these two? Thunder and Lightening were given to me as a special gift.

Lightening and Thunder on patrol

The fastest way to a girls heart is through a furry animal and the fastest way to their heart is through peppermint treats! They were easy to name because they pack a punch and they are every bit my miniature guard donkeys. I’ve wanted donkeys as long as I can remember, they are humble and unassuming, they are truly God’s creatures and the Bible tells us they carried Christ.

All things bright and beautiful

Pistol Annie is our newest addition to the Layne!

Pistol Annie coming in hot!

It just wasn’t the same without a Corgi running around. She is packed full of confidence and blazes her own trail. She got acquainted with Mickey and Minnie on Day 2 with a brisk swat from Mickey’s paw, I’d say they haven’t quite built up a loving relationship yet. We can’t wait to see how she grows and the story she creates for herself.

Mickey Mouse is one of the barn cats and has endured the curiosity of children of all shapes and sizes.

Mickey Mouse – working hard

He gets carried upside down, right side up, in a basket and on the golf cart and generally enjoys all of the attention. While Uncle Henry and I were away, he learned to talk……and hasn’t stopped to take a breath since our return. He was very much  Uncle Henry’s best buddy.

The Lord God made them all

In loving memory of three that have completed their mission here on earth…

Minnie Mouse taking the day off 

Minnie Mouse was the only one gainfully employed at the ranch. She actually performed her duties well and thoughtfully left me remnants of her daily “catch”. She wasn’t much on being social, but she worked hard and proved that cats do provide some use.

Uncle Henry qualified for Swiss residency and plans to tour Europe for the foreseeable future.

Uncle Henry qualified for Swiss residency and conquered Alps, trains, trams, boats and gondolas.

Uncle Henry – We all know Dorothy had an Auntie Em, but you may not recall she also had an Uncle Henry. His only job, and the thing he was best at, CRC – Chief Ranch Cuddler. And with a face like that, you really couldn’t resist. Uncle Henry spent 5 years  traversing Europe with me. He had a passport and indeed, more frequent flier miles than any of my family members. I asked the Lord that he bring him back home before he passed, and He granted me that; he passed in 2017. He made friends around the world and is greatly missed.

Waco's last official performance

Waco’s last official performance

Waco – An American Paint Horse. Retired from fame and, well, no fortune. He was a Catalena Cowgirl star performer with the Sammy Catalena Rodeo Company. In his final days, he was just happy to hang out with his wingman Clyde. He passed on to greener pastures in 2015 while I was away in Switzerland. He was in the loving care of my good friend Tara.

Auntie Em, you are missed

Auntie Em, you are missed

Auntie Em – The alpha ranch dog was at her best chasing the unemployed neighborhood cats, diving in the pool and the only expert mouser on the ranch. She was a faithful companion to Uncle Henry. We laid Auntie Em to rest at the end of 2011 just close enough for her to keep a watchful eye on Uncle Henry.

what do you think??