Thursday, April 22, 2010

Sara's home

To recap: Two summers ago I spent ten days with a friend in Idaho and Wyoming, and one of the highlights of the trip was the time spent with a mule named Sara. She and I just clicked, we were pals, I adored her. Fast forward two years, and due to some pretty unfortunate circumstances, Sara had to be sold. That was heart-wrenching news, and I decided that if it came down to it I'd raise the money to get her to California... she meant that much to me... but that would have been *really* difficult for me to take on another big critter.

And then I sent a letter to some family friends I've known for 20+ years, people who are big time into mules, thinking on a whim they might have connections who might be interested. And in the coolest twist of fate ever, it turned out they themselves had just started looking for a new mule.

Phone calls, planning, photos....

Sara no longer lives 900 miles away. Now she's a half mile away, in a great home with a family of wonderful kind-hearted people. I know she'll do well with them, and she's already good at the things they like to do (mountain trail rides, pack trips). I can't believe how amazingly well things work out sometimes. :-) *sniff*

Did she recognize me? Probably not, but she perked up and looked at me and brayed when I walked in their barn and called her name today. I can't take it too personally though, I had pockets full of treats! It was just so good to see her.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think Sara deserves a good home near you just for the greeting she gave upon your arrival! Maybe it is magic? or fate? or destiny? But now you can go visit her on your walks with Angus! -BMc.

Sharon said...

That is so great! For Sara to be near you, not that your friend couldn't keep her, that had to be a sad time.

Now you can enjoy visiting her any time, what luck!

Jan Blawat said...

That mule has put a great smile on your face.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't be so sure Sara doesn't remember you- I know my pony (OK, horse-sized pony) remembers all sorts of people he has met.
ALS

Katherine Plumer said...

I'm just happy she's in such a great home, and that her future is secure. I'm sure I'll see her from time to time, but it won't be a frequent thing. I know my friend is very sad that he wasn't able to keep her, but also relieved that she's in good hands. It blows my mind the way that things turn out sometimes... that a friendship that bloomed from an email conversation about chicken coops took me on the adventure of a lifetime, and later resulted in a mule moving 900 miles across the country into the hands of people who just happened to be looking... all because a few people happened to get to know each other. That's wild!

Nekkid Chicken said...

I think it was fate as well and she remembered. Animals have long memories. WAY TO GO!