He is the best of both worlds. Fenton has the relationship orientation of a horse and the watchful dependability of a donkey….our first mule. Whether one is so inclined to call him an appaloosa or a spotted mule, it is an absolute that he would be quickly characterized as very dear, and most certainly precious. It is also most certain that his life has been arduous and difficult. Rescued from the impending threat of slaughter, his gaunt frame, wistful eyes and stoicism could not disguise a gentle kindness that percolated just beneath his polka dots. He has been settling in with the introspection of an elder, the introversion of a scholar, and the emerging (yet still suppressed) awakening of the falsely accused. He has been vaccinated, had his feet done, been dewormed, and had his teeth floated….or what was left of them. Clearly he has had very little, if any care or maintenance. His teeth had all but rotted, no surprising that we can slip our arm between his back legs with ample room to spare. While he is still offered hay (a guy needs dignity…and an equine needs to graze) he is enjoying “eating” for the first time in a very long while. The Red Riding Hoods are delivering buckets of soaked pellets four times a day, and Fenton is eating with the gusto of a favorite uncle at Thanksgiving. We are introducing him to other residents with the hope of matching him up with a buddy. Like all of the animals that we save and serve, he has landed on the tarmac of our magical ranch, and when his mind, body and soul are aligned and fully returned to him, he will take off for his final destination….home.