An Everlasting Bond

by Leanne

Because farm animals are routinely exploited by a profit-minded industry that does not value bonds between animal mothers and their children (and thinks nothing of severing these important ties in the interest of producing meat, milk and eggs), rescuing families before they are torn apart is a rare occurrence in our work. Fortunately, this past year, we welcomed several parent/child pairs to our California Shelter — including Loretta and Harrison and Tanya and Raposal, whose bonds are as strong today as they were when they first arrived. But when I think of family, the bond between Molly and her daughter Morgan really comes to the fore of my mind, as it has truly withstood the test of time.

Molly and Morgan were rescued together more than seven years ago from a farm where dogs continually broke in and attacked the animals who lived there. Both goats suffered severe injuries to their ears and bodies at the time that required daily treatments to heal. Besides the fact that Molly’s ripped ear bears the permanent scar of her attack, after meeting the goats today, you'd never know that they had such a rough beginning.

Molly is the unspoken leader of our sheep and goat herd. But unlike many of the male goats who flaunt their power, Molly likes to rule with a silent hoof. She scarcely bows her head to any goat who tries to take over her favorite spot or block the path to a choice pile of hay, respectively sending the potential usurper on his way. Molly maintains her role as head of the herd when humans enter the mix too – playfully butting us like she would another goat. Due to her age and poor teeth condition, she receives special feeds to keep her healthy, and she never fails to ensure that she is given the attention she deserves. At feeding time, in fact, she waits at the pasture gate, staring us down as we prepare her food and making sure that the order is correct: namely, that she’s served first! (And, of course, we are always happy to oblige our special girl.)

Despite the fact that she is Molly’s daughter, Morgan is quite the opposite of her mother. She happily runs outside each morning with the rest of the herd to graze on the green grass, leaving her mom behind to receive her daily senior meal. Being the shy one, Morgan is happy to let her mom have the limelight, but in quieter moments she will sneak up to us for a well-deserved back scratch too. She easily makes friends with the other sheep and goats in the herd, relaxing with the older animals and playing with the energetic younger ones. Morgan is a very sweet and humble goat who can mix and mingle harmoniously and graciously with any crowd.

Molly and Morgan’s contrasting personalities have no effect, however, on their strong bond with one another, because even after so many years together, they still always sleep snuggly next to each other in the barn while Morgan snores noisily – obviously comfortable and content enough by her mother’s side to really let go. The absolute picture of familial love and affection, these special girls accept each other unconditionally, relishing in their similarities as flesh and blood, as well as embracing their endearing differences.

Comments

[zhenskayaobuv]

Excellent:)

[Becky Walters]

This story reminds me of two of my horses. I have 8 horse - all rescued at sometime in their life. 4 by me and 4 by others whom I adopted them from. All of the ones I rescued came from the PMU industry. Two were supposed to be in foal but only one had a foal. We named them Cinnamon(Mom) and Nutmeg(filly). They were pretty inseparable and I felt so bad when it came time to send Nutmeg for training. She was gone for four months. Mom was OK but sad for the first few weeks. She was 5 years old when we got her, so I am sure that loosing a baby had happened to her before. Anyway after the four months we brought Nutmeg and her pal Shadow back. They(Mom and daughter) knew each other immediately. Now they are back to sleeping together in the stall. Cinnamon is also the leader of our herd. No other horse is allowed in the stall with her but Nutmeg. I am so glad that she(Cinnamon) is getting the chance to keep a baby and grow old with her.

[Melinda]

I am so glad these wonderful goats survived the neglect and fear they were made to endure. One day I hope all these sweet creatures can live the lives they deserve. Keep on with your lifesaving work!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for sharing this story! It is heartbreaking that families and friends are torn apart in factory farms. I'm glad you've given families like Molly and Morgan a home. There's a special place in my heart for goats--one day I plan to move from the city and buy a place with land to give some goats like these a good home and lots of love.