wild cows [part 3]

Craigslist is a fantastic venue. One can always find something to buy. One can find other things, as well. Take cowboys, for instance. Do you realize how many actual, the-real-deal cowboys are still alive and kicking? After posting an ad for "Cowboys Needed" we had a flood of phone calls. Guys (aka cowboys) are just itching for an opportunity to tame the wild things.

These three riders came to our rescue. With all the confidence of a true-blue, done-it-before cowboy, they set out across the pasture. Don't miss the dogs in the photo. These critters were the ticket to getting the cows of out the trees. The dogs run them out and the cowboys rope them. Simple. Right?

Right. It was just that simple. In about 15 minutes, they called me [Paula]. Wow! That was so much quicker than I thought!! My job was to bring the trailer farther into the pasture so they wouldn't have to drag the cow all the way to gate. Piece of cake. Getting the cow into the trailer took was another matter, but these seasoned cowboys got it done.

Now to find the bull calf. Yeah. Three HOURS later there was still no sign of him. Did he freak out and jump the fence? Is he hiding in some deep crevice of the ravine? Did he climb a tree? It's anybody's guess. Searching every fenceline inside and out of the pasture (plus pastures adjacent), no tracks could be found. None. It was like he just flew away. That was February 18. We have yet to find him.

Meanwhile life goes on at MHf. And we continue to be surprised. Two weeks after her capture, the wild cow calved. We now have another little heifer in the mix. While the mama is Dexter, we have no idea what breed the papa is. Eric says the calf looks part deer because she's so tall and very, very skinny. The skinny may be due to the fact that mama lost so much weight over the winter. We're actually amazed that she calved so easily and birthed such a healthy calf. Both are doing well and gaining much-needed weight.

Here the calf is pictured with Baldie, the self-appointed babysitter. If you look closely, you can see the tip of mama's nose in the upper right corner of the picture. She is very protective. This photo was taken at maximum zoom.

[Click on any photo to enlarge.]