A little about the inhabitants of the Ark on the Layne we call home.

All creatures big and small

Jake – This guy was in search of a forever home and found his way to our place. He actually arrived before Eli, we just didn’t know he was staying 🙂 He’s calm and easy going, solid and stout. I think he’s going to be my traveling sidekick as not much seems to bother Mr. Muscles. Happy to have a full barn!

AnnaBelle – A gift, from a neighbor whose Alzheimer’s meant she wasn’t able to be loved on every day. But needed to be close to her home in the event that Alzheimer’s left the building…Sadly, it didn’t and we will care for Beverly’s horse as long as AnnaBelle will have us.

All things wise and wonderful

Thunder and Lightening were given to me as a special gift. BBGITW (Best boyfriend gift in the world!)  Who needs guard dogs when you have these two? The fastest way to a girls heart is through a furry animal and the fastest way to their heart is through peppermint treats! They were easy to name because they pack a punch and they are every bit my miniature guard donkeys. I’ve wanted donkeys as long as I can remember, they are humble and unassuming, they are truly God’s creatures and the Bible tells us they carried Christ.

 All things bright and beautiful

Pistol Annie It just wasn’t the same without a Corgi running around so we brought this fireball to the Layne. She is packed full of confidence and blazes her own trail. She got acquainted with Mickey and Minnie on Day 2 with a brisk swat from Mickey’s paw, I’d say they haven’t quite built up a loving relationship yet. We can’t wait to see how she grows and the story she creates for herself.

Mickey Mouse is one of the barn cats and has endured the curiosity of children of all shapes and sizes. He gets carried upside down, right side up, in a basket and on the golf cart and generally enjoys all of the attention. While Uncle Henry and I were away, he learned to talk……and hasn’t stopped to take a breath since our return. He was very much  Uncle Henry’s best buddy and now Pistol Annie has to endure.

Russell – And then there was the rescue – he must have been a day or two when we found him. We were able to raise him for about a year before he was ready to find his own way. What a ride that was!

Eli – After my return from Switzerland, I had been missing Waco and looking for another mane and tail to brighten my days. Eli popped into my world one night and 48 hours later he was here. He was quite the explosion and the rest of the ranch new I had lost my mind. We needed to keep 911 on speed dial – Good times! He had a short stint here at the Ark. We loved him, but he needed things that we weren’t able to provide, like a daily job. Eli need to work every day to be happy. Now, he and Aunt Robbie play all day.

The Lord God made them all

In loving memory of three that have completed their mission here on earth…

Clyde – A big, beautiful Thoroughbred without a day job. He left us in December of 2023. . He enjoyed pasture time very much with his best buddy Waco. He had quite the personality and exhibited regularly and we miss him dearly.

Minnie Mouse was the only one gainfully employed at the ranch. She actually performed her duties well and thoughtfully left me remnants of her daily “catch”. She wasn’t much on being social, but she worked hard and proved that cats do provide some use.

Uncle Henry – We all know Dorothy had an Auntie Em, but you may not recall she also had an Uncle Henry. His only job, and the thing he was best at, CRC – Chief Ranch Cuddler. And with a face like that, you really couldn’t resist. Uncle Henry spent 5 years  traversing Europe with me. He had a passport and indeed, more frequent flier miles than any of my family members. I asked the Lord that he bring him back home before he passed, and He granted me that; he passed in 2017. He made friends around the world and is greatly missed.

Waco – An American Paint Horse. Retired from fame and, well, no fortune. He was a Catalena Cowgirl star performer with the Sammy Catalena Rodeo Company. In his final days, he was just happy to hang out with his wingman Clyde. He passed on to greener pastures in 2015 while I was away in Switzerland. He was in the loving care of my good friend Tara.

Auntie Em – The alpha ranch dog was at her best chasing the unemployed neighborhood cats, diving in the pool and the only expert mouser on the ranch. She was a faithful companion to Uncle Henry. We laid Auntie Em to rest at the end of 2011 just close enough for her to keep a watchful eye on Uncle Henry.