Bottle-feeding A Calf

Summary

The author recounts a childhood memory of bottle-feeding and caring for an orphaned calf at their home in the city.

Abstract

The author shares a personal story from their childhood about the unique experience of bottle-feeding an orphaned calf. This cherished memory stems from a time when their grandparents, who had a ranch, went on vacation and needed someone to care for the calf whose mother had no interest in it. The author's family took on the responsibility, despite living in the city where keeping livestock was prohibited. The author fondly remembers the bond formed with the calf, the secrecy of hiding it in their backyard, and the joy of nurturing it. This encounter left a lasting impression on the author, reinforcing their love for animals and the reciprocal blessings that come from caring for them. The memory is shared in response to a writing prompt about loving creatures, and the author expresses a desire to continue interacting with and photographing wildlife.

Opinions

The author believes that animals, including those on farms, appreciate and benefit from the extra care provided by humans.
They express a deep emotional connection with the calf, describing an instant bond and a desire to nurture it as a mother would.
The author values the peace and happiness that interactions with animals and nature bring to their life.
They feel that each animal has unique qualities to offer and that these interactions are enriching and bring blessings.
The author is enthusiastic about wildlife encounters and is keen on capturing these moments through photography.
They invite others to share their own special memories of caring for animals, indicating a community spirit and shared appreciation for animal care.

A cherished childhood memory

Wild animals need our help and care, but other animals need extra help too sometimes. I was probably 10 years old when my dad agreed that we would take care of a calf. My grandparents were going on vacation. After my grandpa retired they went on a yearly vacation. Anyway, they had a calf that the mother had no interest in. If they couldn’t find someone to bottle feed him then they would have to take him to the next livestock auction.

My dad said that we would take care of the calf. He was a little fellow. It wasn’t too hard to hide him in our backyard. Hide we did because we lived in the city and were not supposed to have livestock. I have fond memories and pictures of bottle-feeding him and petting him. I had never been this close to a calf before. I was the youngest grandchild and perhaps overprotected! At my grandparents' ranch, when they were with their mothers in the field, I had given them distance.

I did tell one of my friends and she came down and helped bottle-feed and pet the calf too. Other than that, I don’t think anyone else in our neighborhood knew about the calf. He was a quiet fellow with big brown eyes. I fell in love with him instantly. I‘ve always had a soft spot for animals. My big heart connected with his with the first bottle. I don’t know how old he was, but he seemed a bit clumsy. I marveled at his little legs. I had graduated from taking care of kittens and baby dolls to taking care of a calf. The maternal instincts kicked in. I wanted to be his mother.

We only took care of the calf for a few days, but it left a big impression on me. I know that animals appreciate it when we show them extra care. We can do something simple like leaving a bowl of food and water out. However, the animals also bless us in return. They share with us their playful, gentle, loving spirits. I have gratitude for wildlife, especially when they wish to share their magnificence with me. Nothing raises my vibration like being out in nature. It always brings me peace and happiness.

Each animal is unique and has something special to share with the humans around them. I’ve had many wildlife and animal encounters over the years. I am blessed by every one of them. I smile and get all excited when a hummingbird flies close to where I’m sitting or if a duck proudly poses for a picture. I want to try to interact more with the environment and wildlife in 2022. I have gotten more into photography, so maybe I will capture some of these special moments. These interactions bring many blessings into my life.

This memory is in response to this week’s writing prompt #41 your loving creatures. I look forward to reading more stories, poems, and articles relating to the love and care for animals. Do you have a special farm or ranch memory? If so, please comment. I would love to hear from you.