Pigs are Stubborn Animals

Today we had to move the 6 pigs out to the corral, where it's easier to load them.  On Monday they are going to market.  Animals are funny.  The pigs were so excited to go outside, but they were so afraid of the grass.  There is a little grass patch between the concrete pad that runs outside of the barn and the corral.  You would think they'd be all happy to walk around on something soft.  But nope.  They'd much rather stay with what they know.  We tried patiently to push the pigs out, the crew and I standing behind the pigs with boards, moving up as they moved closer to the grass.  But they were not having it.  We knew we'd just have to wait them out, until one brave little pig was curious enough to step on the grass. One finally was, but the others were still a little slow to follow.  About 30 minutes later they all came on to the grass and we were able to close the gates behind them.  Soon enough they went into the corral.  They were very happy to sprint back and forth - they haven't had that much space to run in ever (unfortunately)!  

Some very sad news today.  One of my favorite dogs passed away last night.  I was told of the news this morning.  Ava was a dog of my close friends, and I was able to become very close to her.  She was a beautiful German Shepherd, and we formed quite a bond.  Her owners would tell me stories about how she would suddenly start whining, jumping around, barking a little and they couldn't figure out why.  Then about one or two minutes later I would appear.  Whenever I went over to walk her, she would be so excited her teeth would chatter!  Even after not seeing her for about 5 months in April and I went to walk her, it was like I had never left - she still remembered me.  We had some wonderful adventures in the woods at the Farm and good, hard runs on the three mile loop around her house.  I remember one time someone else had been watching her while her owners where away.  One morning about three people came running to me to tell me that she was out.  I ran outside and saw her immediately, walking up into the woods outside of the Main House.  "Ava, come!" I yelled.  She looked right at me and came running, so happy to see me, so happy to be roaming around.  She followed me back to the house, where her dog sitter was a little surprised by her escape.  I'm so grateful for the trust her owners had in me to let me take her out, and so grateful for Ava's trust in me.  Shepherds are one loyal dog.  I'm so sad about her death, I have been crying on and off for most of the day.  I knew I loved her, but I guess I'm a little surprised by my emotion of her death.  I suppose I felt in some little way she was my dog too.  Now, more than ever, I know I need to get a dog of my own.  I did talk to my roommate tonight who knew my bond with Ava.  She's supportive of me getting a dog - woo woo!  I just hope I can find one where my connection will be as strong as the one I had with Ava.

RIP sweet Ava.