WildCreatures

Horses are incredibly powerful and majestic animals that have the ability to bond with humans like few other animals can. Enormous and strong, yet gentle and affectionate, they inspire awe and love in all who are fortunate enough to know one. For so many reasons, they are perfect animals to help in the healing process as well. Recently, therapists and health professionals have begun to work with horses to help people in many areas of life. This beautiful herd lives at The Mane Intent in Indian River, near Peterborough, Ontario. The horses connect in a way to teach leadership, self awareness, and even to help victims of trauma move past the pain of their experiences. In a growing movement, horses are now being used to help treat first responders suffering from PTSD. These particular horses are especially skilled in this area. Some come to The Mane Intent for experiential learning, growth, and relaxation and some come for a deeper purpose. But all who leave after spending time with these great beasts take away something that is impossible to describe. The horse here live a wonderful life. They enjoy free time in the meadows and paddocks, the companionship of the herd, and the freedom to graze or run in the sunshine. They roll with joy or wander happily through the hills here. They also truly enjoy their work. Each has a unique personality and set of skills that helps them encourage and connect with people in various situations with very different needs. The horses are loving and responsive, seeming to benefit from the connections themselves. Some even have playful side with a well developed sense of humour. Whether you love horses from a distance or enjoy spending time close up, these horses enjoying the moment will warm your heart.

Benny is a five day old calf with a lot of curiosity. He has been discovering his new world on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. He roams freely across many acres of lush, green pasture and rolling hills. He plays in the ponds in the meadows and he romps through a forested area. But in his short life, he had never seen a backpack before and he was thoroughly curious. Benny found the backpack on the grass when it was left there by a visitor who was checking on the cows and recording some video of calves being born. His wide-eyed interest in anything new is simply adorable. He chewed at the backpack and, very impressively, eventually figured out that the zipper could be moved, but it was taken away before he got his head inside it. Benny's aunt Linda keeps a close eye on him and she came over to have a look at what he was doing. She was interested in what had him so fascinated. Benny will explore and he will drink a lot of milk, and he will grow quickly on this wonderful farm.

Hope is a five day old calf that was born on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. Her short life has been a good one as she roams a vast expanse of lush, green pasture with her mother, Fiona. Fiona is an exceptional cow with a beautiful personality and her affectionate nature has rubbed off on her new baby. The day Hope was born, Dave came to visit and Fiona walked up to Dave for a head scratch and some corn. Hope watched the interaction for a few minutes and then she decided that she wanted some affection too. From that day on, Hope eagerly approaches Dave when he walks into the meadow and she follows him as he walks around. Fiona has become very accustomed to the farmers here. They are so loving and kind that Fiona has become an incredibly trusting cow. She will often bring Hope to see Dave and then slowly walk away, leaving Hope asleep on the grass with him. It's just like she's dropping her baby off at childcare. Fiona, Hope, and the rest of the herd had grazed the grass enough in this meadow and it was time to move them to a greener pasture across the road. The gate was opened and the herd happily made their way through a long tunnel and out into the next pasture. For Hope, this was a completely new world and she was a little confused. She had never known anything but the meadow where she was just born. The following day, Dave showed up for a visit and Hope spotted him as he entered at the gate. She walked up to see him and had a sniff. As if reacting with joy that he had found her in the new meadow, she bounced and bellowed like a puppy greeting her owner after a day apart. Of course, Dave couldn't resist bouncing too. Hope is a very affectionate calf who loves to be petted but her bouncing and extreme happiness was a new reaction. It's possible that she did not think Dave would look for her on this side of the farm. It's very likely that Hope will grow into a 1,000 pound love sponge like her mother, Fiona. Newborn calves are simply adorable. Every calf should have a chance to live a long life on a farm where animals are treated this well.

Caramel is a wonderful cow who lives on a beautiful free range farm in Millbrook, Ontario. Her days here are happy as she wanders with her herd over lush, green meadows and grazes contentedly. She has ponds for water, a forested area to explore, and rolling hills that create a scene like a landscape painting. The farmers place the emphasis on herd health and happiness, refusing to cut corners for profit. They will not produce veal and they never separate calves from their mothers, which is a heart breaking part of the dairy industry. Every drop of the mother's milk goes to her new baby. This is no ordinary day for Caramel. She is about to give birth to a new calf. As instinct tells her to do, she finds a quiet spot away from the rest of the herd and she lies down on a slope, waiting as the contractions start. Her water has broken and her amniotic sac is bulging. She knows it is time. Within moments of lying down, the baby starts to emerge. It isn't moving and it is encased in the thick amniotic sac. Although calm at the beginning, Caramel begins to bellow loudly and she sniffs at her calf before it is even fully out. It's possible that this is a pain reaction, but it's also possible that she is trying to make the baby move so she is reassured that it is alright. With the baby almost all of the way out, Caramel shrieks and stands up abruptly, causing the baby to fully enter the world. This breaks the umbilical cord and the calf is truly born. In the wild, cows are prey animals and they know that predators will be attracted to the smell of the afterbirth. For the safety of both, she frantically tries to eat all of the amniotic sac as quickly as possible. While the calf is unable to stand, she must be sure to avoid attracting any attention. Licking the calf clean is also for protection, but it provides stimulation and helps the mother and calf bond and recognize the scent of the other. Within 15 minutes the calf is much more alert and it tries to stand. Caramel is eager to encourage the calf and she licks and nudges the calf repeatedly. It needs the first milk that she produces for antibodies and high protein. This colostrum is very important for the calf's immune system and future health. Within seconds of the birth, other cows in the meadow came running with bellows of their own. They had been quietly grazing as she gave birth but they clearly recognized the moment of importance and circled Caramel with concerned moos. They sniffed her calf and watched with excitement. Being highly social herd animals, some of their behaviour is protective. Some of it is curiosity and some of it may their way of congratulating Caramel, relieved that the bay is healthy. Once on her feet, little "Holly" found her way to the milk supply and nursed greedily. She stood back legs first with an adorable clumsiness that resembled a newborn deer. Caramel ate grass with a surprising appetite throughout this. Holly is one of more than 25 calves born in this herd this spring. She will grow quickly and have a wonderful life on this incredible farm.

Simon has been doing impressions for years, providing entertainment for friends and family. During the Covid 19 pandemic, he took to social media to provide uplifting messages and amusing narratives that brought laughter and joy in a very troubling time. Understandably, his fans asked for more. He received requests and feedback from those who loved his voice antics and sharp impressions. One fan from Canada took particular delight in the impressive resemblance to two of his favourite actors and he asked Simon what an argument between Jason Staham and Arnold Schwarzenegger would sound like. With a little pressure from Dave, Simon came up with this debate about the perils of boredom eating during lockdown. Simon blames the pressure from the isolation on the argument that he brings us, but the truth is that this is the product of a brilliant imagination and a positive outlook. Simon might be persuaded to take requests and he does very convincing voices of many famous people. Feel free to comment if there is something you would like to hear.

Tonga is one of the few places in the world that allows people to get into the water with humpback whales. To witness these majestic and beautiful animals up close is an unforgettable experience. These swimmers had traveled from all around the world to see humpbacks in the wild, in their own habitat, acting naturally. But what they did not expect to see was a large female humpback with a newborn calf. This baby whale is less than two weeks old. His mother came here, as all pregnant humpback whales do, to give birth to their young in an ocean free of predators such as great white sharks. These waters are safe for the mothers. As well as nursing their young until they are old enough to travel to colder feeding grounds on the opposite side of the planet, the females also come here to breed. Humpback whales are one of the most intelligent of all animal species and their communication may be the most complex in existence. To see a pair of whales from only a few metres away is life changing.

Donna is a very proud and loving mother of a beautiful little calf named Harvey. Harvey came into the world a few days ago and he is enjoying sunshine in the meadow, fresh milk, and loving licks and kisses from Donna. Harvey has known no other world but this one, on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. This farm is a family run operation where the health and well-being of the herd is more important than profit. The cows roam free over acres of lush, green pasture. The meadows have ponds full of clean water, forested areas, and rolling hills. The cows enjoy the breeze and the sunshine all day and then bed down in the grass at night. Only in the harshest winter months are they inside a barn. This farm also refuses to produce veal or use growth hormones. They provide a very natural life that is as close as possible to what nature intended. They are even kept company by Gus, a gigantic, but gentle bull who keeps watch over the herd protectively. He has a good life here too and he is well received by the ladies in his meadow. The cows are all very content and calm and they respond well to the presence and attention of the farmers who walk through them daily, checking on their babies and their overall health. Some of the cows are even affectionate, acting more like pets than cattle. In conditions like these, the cows live a long life. This is what is called an ethical farm, and although not all of the animals can live here forever, their life is nearly perfect. For those who will eat meat, avoid factory farms is easy. There are local, cruelty-free farms like this in most communities. Supporting the farmers who don't cut corners for the sake of profit is well worth it, especially for the benefit of the animals.

Fiona is an exceptional young mother. She's just had her first calf, Hope, who is only three days old. Normally, young cow mothers are not trusting enough of people to come close, even if they know them well. So it is very surprising to see that when Dave goes close to these two, Fiona watches casually as Hope trots right over to see Dave, just like a dog would greet someone they are familiar with. Fiona has known Dave for two summers now, seeing him occasionally in the meadow when he comes to video the calves or when he helps out with the fences and a few little jobs. Dave often brings a few handfuls of corn which is a favourite treat for Fiona. Even when the corn is gone, Fiona will follow Dave, looking for a head scratch or a face rub. Fiona acts more like a giant dog than a cow. The day Hope was born, Dave brought Fiona the usual corn snack and went to say hello. Knowing that mother cows can be fiercely protective of their newborns, Dave stood and waited to see what would happen. But just as usual, Fiona walked right up to greet him. Hope followed cautiously behind on shaky legs and watched how his mother was interacting with this strange creature. As Hope saw his mother gobbling up the corn happily, she became immediately curious and decided that she could trust the creature on two legs. Over the next few days, Dave visited several times and Fiona brought her baby over to see him each time. She grazed contentedly as Dave petted Hope and Hope playfully nudged and bounced around Dave. This meeting was more exceptional than ever though, as Fiona brought Hope over and then seemed to be dropping her off for babysitting. Watching Dave and Hope for a few minutes, it seems that she is acting like a person stopping at the daycare. She gives Hope a last kiss, lets out a moo that could very well mean "Have a good day, Hope" and then she slowly walks up and over the hill. What can't be seen by the camera is that several other new mothers have gone up and over the crest to lie in the sunshine and chew their cud. Gathered all in a large circle, it seems like a social time for the girls and a break from the toddlers. Fiona took a last look over her shoulder to see that Hope had settled in with Dave. Hope was falling asleep with her head in Dave's lap at this point and Fiona seemed to know that her child was in good hands. Off she went, leaving Dave and Hope on their own. This behaviour and trust between Fiona and Dave is very unusual. Anyone entering a meadow with newborn calves is very wise to keep their distance. Only with an extraordinarily good-natured cow like Fiona would it be possible to touch her three day old calf. This is obviously not a safe thing to try without understanding the cow well. Even then, no cow is completely predictable. These cows live on an ethical farm where the farms have always been exceptionally kind to their animals and the trust between them has been built over many years.

Helen is a three day old calf who is enjoying a beautiful life on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The farm has acres of lush, green pasture, ponds full of fresh water, a forested area and hills that stretch out over a peaceful landscape. Helen wanders freely in these meadows with her mother and the rest of the herd. There is even a giant, but gentle bull named Gus who watches over them. This is an ethical farm where they refuse to produce veal. They don't produce dairy products, so the babies get every drop of their mother's milk. The calves are not separated from their mothers. It's life as close to what nature intended for these gentle souls. Helen is enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on this warm morning in May. The sun has just come up on her third day in this new world and she looks like she has gotten used to it perfectly. Her eyes are closed contentedly as she chews away. She is likely just imitating her mother since she does not actually graze yet. She will rely on her mother's milk for a few more months until she matures and can digest grass properly. Helen has more than twenty little playmates on this farm. She runs and frolics with the other calves in the afternoons and evenings. She is a happy little calf who couldn't ask for anything more. Helen's mother is Pam, an enormous, but calm and contended cow. Pam grazes most of the day but she is always close by, keeping an eye on her new baby. Pam and the other cows sometimes share the maternal duties and they look after each others' calves for part of the day. Often, one cow can be seen grazing beside five or six babies, as if they are running a little cow daycare. Cows are surprisingly social animals and each has its place in the herd. They are lovable and gentle creatures and far more intelligent than we give them credit for. Ethical farms like these are not hard to find. It is important to support those farmers who are doing things right. Even if our food costs a little more, it is worth it for the reduction in cruelty that we see in factory farming.

This rescue story began with a nest that fell from a tree. The crows that were only about a week old remained in the nest, but their parents were no longer able to care for them. The homeowner who found them got a ladder and placed the nest back in the tree. He called a local veterinarian who suggested that the parents might come back and look after their young. But many hours later, they had not come back and the sun was setting. These babies would not make it through the night. Baby birds need food and moisture every few hours and these ones were long past that point. The veterinarian and her family took the nest of birds and began feeding them turkey mash, dog food and minced meat and vegetables, trying their best to mimic the nutrition that the parents would provide. The crows ate well and they grew rapidly. Their new family even took the nest of babies with them when they went to the cottage. The birds needed fed every few hours from sunrise to sunset. They had voracious appetites and a loud cry when they were hungry. After several weeks, the crows were able to fly. They spent their nights roosting in the trees but they were waiting on the porch railing every morning just after sunrise, screaming for more food. Knowing that crows and ravens are highly intelligent and possess the ability to mimic human speech, the family spoke to the crows and gave them names. They were called Russell Crow, Baby Fred, Adventure Fred, and Crow Magnon. Collectively, they were all named Fred, in the hope that they would learn to repeat the word Fred. The veterinarian's father was named Fred and it seemed like he would find it amusing if the birds could speak his name. Here, Cameron has gone out for the morning feeding. The crows have all lined up expectantly as he forks the food into their mouths as fast as he can. The chopsticks were the easiest way to deliver the food because the crows would swallow more easily if the food was actually placed at the back of their mouths. The crows never learned to say "Fred", but they did learn the word "hello" and amazingly, they even seemed to understand that this was a greeting. They would say hello several times after first arriving. Over the summer, they became more wild and they managed to integrate into a family of completely wild crows. That winter, the crows disappeared and their human family worried about them and whether they had survived. But to their surprise, at least two returned in the spring and sat in a tree in the backyard and said "hello". One even took food that was left on a tree branch. Crows have been found to be intelligent enough to solve complex problems. They have even demonstrated that they have a sense of humour. Believed to be as intelligent as chimpanzees, they are far more highly developed than we previously believed.

Fiona is an exceptional young mother. She's just had her first calf, Hope, who is only three days old. Normally, cow mothers are not trusting enough of people to come close, even if they know them well. So it is very surprising to see that when Dave goes close to these two, Fiona watches casually as Hope trots right over to see Dave, just like a dog would greet someone they are familiar with. Fiona has known Dave for two summers now, seeing him occasionally in the meadow when he comes to video the calves or when he helps out with the fences and a few little jobs. Dave often brings a few handfuls of corn which is a favourite treat for Fiona. Even when the corn is gone, Fiona will follow Dave, looking for a head scratch or a face rub. Fiona acts more like a giant dog than a cow. The day Hope was born, Dave brought Fiona the usual corn snack and went to say hello. Knowing that mother cows can be fiercely protective of their newborns, Dave stood and waited to see what would happen. But just as usual, Fiona walked right up to greet him. Hope followed cautiously behind on shaky legs and watched how his mother was interacting with this strange creature. As Hope saw his mother gobbling up the corn happily, she became immediately curious and decided that she could trust the creature on two legs. Over the next few days, Dave visited several times and Fiona brought her baby over to see him each time. She grazed contentedly as Dave petted Hope and Hope playfully nudged and bounced around Dave. This meeting was more exceptional than ever though, as Fiona brought Hope over and then seemed to be dropping her off for babysitting. Watching Dave and Hope for a few minutes, it seems that she is acting like a person stopping at the daycare. She gives Hope a last kiss, lets out a moo that could very well mean "Have a good day, Hope" and then she slowly walks up and over the hill. What can't be seen by the camera is that several other new mothers have gone up and over the crest to lie in the sunshine and chew their cud. Gathered all in a large circle, it seems like a social time for the girls and a break from the toddlers. Fiona took a last look over her shoulder to see that Hope had settled in with Dave. Hope was falling asleep with her head in Dave's lap at this point and Fiona seemed to know that her child was in good hands. Off she went, leaving Dave and Hope on their own. This behaviour and trust between Fiona and Dave is very unusual. Anyone entering a meadow with newborn calves is very wise to keep their distance. Only with an extraordinarily good-natured cow like Fiona would it be possible to touch her three day old calf. This is obviously not a safe thing to try without understanding the cow well. Even then, no cow is completely predictable. These cows live on an ethical farm where the farms have always been exceptionally kind to their animals and the trust between them has been built over many years.

Scuba diving takes the lucky few to a world of adventure and thrilling sights. Most of us think of diving as drifting along, exploring coral reefs or swimming through schools of fish. Often it involves swimming near a sea turtle or watching a shark cruise past. But there is another side to diving that is less common and less frequently imagined when we say the words "scuba diving". Cenotes are rivers of fresh water that are a popular diving destination, especially in Mexico. Limestone formation and erosion caused an enormous system of underground lakes and rivers, many of which are connected by tunnels and crevices. Scuba divers have been able to explore these beautiful and crystal clear cenotes for many years. The fish are unique and so is the animal life, because it is fresh water, not salt water that runs through them. Cenotes offer tunnels, ledges, overhangs, open areas, and even mangrove roots to explore. These scuba divers had reached the turnaround point in their open cenote dive near Akumal, Mexico. They surfaced in a large pool in the mangroves from a depth of 12m (36 feet). The limestone ledges and mangrove bushes around the opening were the perfect habitat for crocodiles. This large male is 2.5m (7.5 feet) long and has a head and jaws that are full of very impressive teeth. The divers approached cautiously for a close look and some video and photographs of the formidable looking beast. Well camouflaged and large enough that he does not have any true predators, this male was not worried about a few people in his pool. But as they became braver and closed the distance, the crocodile gave them a warning that they had entered his personal bubble. With a display of his hundreds of teeth, the divers quickly got the message to move back. Crocodiles are ambush predators that patrol the shores of the waters they inhabit. They recognize land animals that come to drink as prey. They will move silently and slowly until they are close enough for a lunge attack and they will snap their powerful jaws on the creature, dragging it into the water. Animals that are not killed quickly will be drowned and then eaten. But crocodiles are not used to hunting food in the water and they rarely see.

Humpbacks are beloved gentle giants that inspire awe and wonder in all those who see one. Very few are lucky enough to see one from a boat as they pass by and even a sight such as that will never be forgotten. But there are a few places where people can actually get in the water with these magnificent creatures. These swimmers have ventured to Tonga in the hope that they will catch a glimpse of a Humpback or two. They had no idea that their dream would me more than fulfilled as they met up close with a proud new mother and her two week old baby. The mother cradled the baby on her head protectively and she also rolled and swam in a playful manner, seeming to show off the baby for the thrilled spectators. She passed back and forth, allowing a perfect opportunity to see these great beasts in their own habitat. Humpback whales come to Tonga each year to breed and to give birth. Here, they are free of predation from killer whales and large sharks. The baby will nurse and grow rapidly, gaining hundreds of pounds each day until it is strong enough for the long journey north to the feeding grounds. The baby's mother has fed for months on krill and plankton in colder waters to store up enough fat so that she can produce milk and live off her fat for a few months. She will not need to feed in the warm waters of Tonga. Male humpbacks also come to Tonga and the surrounding ocean for a chance to breed with eligible females. They compete in magnificent displays of dominance to ward off rival males and to impress the females. The females will allow one male to breed with her. Sometimes a male will accompany a female while she cares for her young. They act as an escort and protector for the mother and baby, although they may be as motivated by the knowledge that she will soon breed again as they are by the gentlemanly concern for the wellbeing of the lady and her child. Having a close up look or interaction like this with a creature that is so enormous and yet, so gentle is a life changing moment.

Rose is the mother figure in this herd that lives on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The senior cow, she often acts motherly toward the younger cows and makes a point of checking on everything that is going on. When a young mother has a calf, Rose will often come to inspect the calf, licking it or seeming to give her approval. But when the behaviour is not to her liking, she is quick to express her disapproval as well. It was a spring day on this farm and the cows had been having their calves over the week that led up to this. There were 16 newborns in the meadow and the mothers were grazing happily and providing milk for the babies, just as new mother cows do. Things were peaceful and quiet, except for moos of contentment, or cries from the hungry babies who had lost track of their mothers and the milk supply. Two of the heifers began to squabble and something about the lighter coloured cow upset the tan cow. It put its head down low and rammed the blonde cow in the shoulder. Not to be bossed around, the blonde cow responded with some pushing back. Now the two cows were locked in a pushing match with head butting and rib bashing. Things were getting very physical and it was escalating quickly. Rose had been watching all of this and she was not happy about it. Her little calf is three days old and he is still tiny. The other calves in the herd were near hers and the two cows in the scuffle were inching closer to the babies. Rose knew that a calf could get trampled and she came trotting in with determination. As if she were the teacher refereeing a schoolyard fight, she picked the aggressor and the bully in the pair and she put her head right into its shoulder. She muscled the cow around and off towards the empty part of the meadow. The tan cow got the message after a few more moments of head butting and it trotted away from the skirmish. With a watchful eye and a warning moo, Rose seemed to be giving the word that the matter had been resolved and better not start up again. At least for now, things seemed to be calm again and Rose headed back to where she had been grazing among the other new mothers. Rose's calf stayed close as she played referee and it followed her back to the "nursery" where the calves were waiting.

Larry the calf was born just a few hours ago on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. He came into the world an hour or so after sunrise and was met by blue skies and warm sunshine. His mother, Pam had picked a nice spot in the grass, away from the rest of the herd and she lay down to give birth in the same way that mother cows have been giving birth for thousands of years. The cows here have large meadows full of lush, green grass. There are ponds with fresh water, and the meadow borders on a forested area with mature trees. It's life as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Larry took a few minutes to figure out his new surroundings and get his strength up and then he got to his feet. Pam licked him lovingly and cleaned him up. This also stimulates the calf to walk and begin to nurses. Larry wobbled around and then found his way to Pam's back end and her udders. With a little work, he latched on and got his breakfast. The first milk is the most important. It is colostrum, which is high protein and full of the perfect nourishment for a newborn calf. It also has a high concentration of white blood cells which will aid in the calf's development of its immune system. Without this first milk, the baby would be more prone to infection as it grows. Larry began to explore this beautiful new world and he quickly gained his balance and his leg strength. By the end of his first afternoon, he was walking and even trying to run and bounce on his new legs. As he played and explored, he found a small pine bough that had fallen to the ground. This made a very interesting toy for little Larry and he brushed his head against the pine needles, nibbling and sniffing them. He bounced and head butted the branch as if trying to invite it to play. The encounter was similar to the famous meeting between Bambi and a flower in the Disney classic. Larry will be very happy in his new home. He will wander with the herd and he will stay with his mother, learning how to graze and look after himself as he gets older. This is a farm where the health of the animals comes before profit. They refuse to produce veal and they don't separate newborn calves from their mothers. The animals have plenty of room and they only go indoors in the harshest winter months. For those who chose to eat meat, supporting farms like this one can be a great option. They don't cut costs in ways that reduce quality of care for the animals. It may be a little more expensive, but knowing that these wonderful creatures are treated so much better is worth it.

These beautiful horses enjoy their time in the fresh air and sunshine, even in the winter. They also enjoy a little companionship and attention from their human friends. But when one horse seems to be getting all the attention, the other horses can be prone to jealousy, just like people. It was a quiet, crisp winter day and these Clydesdales and other horses were in the paddock enjoying some fresh hay. Blue was nibbling away and getting some patting from Dave. Harry and Dave are usually pretty chummy so it appears that he didn't like the idea of being left out. Harry snuck up quietly and gave Blue a little bite on the back. Dave didn't see this, but he did notice that Blue was suddenly uncomfortable and that she was getting up. Dave moved away to avoid the giant hooves of this gentle, but very powerful animal. As she backed up and gave Harry a threatening display of massive legs and hooves angled toward him, Harry decided it was time to leave. Dave hadn't seen the bite and he assumed that Blue was just a little grumpy about Harry being behind her. But watching the video later, it was clear what really happened. Harry was the instigator and Blue wasn't backing down from his aggression. She generously let the matter go after Harry took off and she returned to eating her hay. Clydesdales are one of the most massive animals in North America. Second only to a bull moose, they can weigh over 2,000lbs and stand as high as a grown man at the shoulder. Powerful and fearless, they are awe inspiring creatures. No other animal, even a horse would escape without injury if one of these great beasts kicked and connected with the full force of a hind leg. Luckily for Harry, horses are social animals and although they have established pecking orders in their herds, it is not their nature to intentionally harm another creature. Perhaps it is the combination of their immense power and gentle nature that inspires such admiration and awe for these animals.

Oliver is a Golden Retriever with a friendly streak a mile wide, and a slight mischievous side to go with it. On this sunny spring day, he and his owner were enjoying a walk along the shore of Lake Ontario. Oliver was doing his usual routine, wading in the shallows, running on the beach, and trying to get every stranger to play with him. Oliver spotted Dave coming the other way and Dave spotted Oliver. The two instantly understood this age old game and they knew they were both powerless to resist. They were both drawn to the game of "throw the stick in the water". Oliver ran up and dropped the stick at Dave's feet, with an expectant look. Dave picked it up and Oliver wasn't even waiting to see if the game was on. He was already running for the water, as if begging Dave to throw it out there. Oliver pounced on the stick and brought it back, which was a completely predictable dog response, but what was funny about Oliver's part in this was that most of the times he brought the stick back, he ran up to his owner to put the stick down and shake the water off. Oliver's owner obviously understood that this was going to happen and she turned away to shield herself from the inevitable shower. Golden Retrievers are one of the least malicious animals on earth. They have what seems to be a perpetual smile and a fun-loving nature, but could Oliver be mischievous enough to enjoy spraying his owner as he shakes? Or could he simply think that he enjoys the water so his favourite person must also enjoy it, even just a little? Oliver's owner explained that she got his as a rescue when he was a puppy. It seems that whatever his background was, he's certainly found the right home and the perfect companion. He's a very happy dog who is obviously getting all the love and attention that a Golden Retriever can handle.

These nine beautiful little pups are as fluffy and adorable as puppies can be. Their mother, Stella is a beautiful Bernese Mountain dog with a lovely disposition. Her father, Dexter, is a strapping and handsome Maremma. They are the perfect parents to these nine gorgeous dogs with equally beautiful personalities. They are love children, born after Dexter and Stella found a quiet moment to run off into the woods and start a family. Their love tryst came just before they were scheduled for a little family planning surgery at the veterinary clinic. But their love could not wait and they managed to beat the clock. It was a blessing in disguise since their puppies are so adorably perfect. Dexter and Stella could not be more proud. They play with and care for them well. Stella nurses them daily and they are slowly being weaned off their mother's milk. In a few more weeks they will be brought to their carefully selected forever families. Until they leave, the puppies will continue to enjoy life on this wonderful farm. They have meadows to play in, a forest to explore, streams to traverse, and a few small animals to get acquainted with. Their life is as perfect as they are. On this sunny, summer day, a visitor has come to see them and he has brought them a stuffed toy that is as big as they are. He tosses it on the grass and the puppies instantly know what to do with it. One grabs it and runs. Another latches on and soon the puppies come from everywhere, all trying to get their teeth into it. The result is the most adorable tug-o-war imaginable. They pull and growl playfully, beautifully clumsy as they trip over each other in the struggle. These pups are living the best life possible.

Puppies are among the cutest animals on earth. Many resemble small, stuffed toys more than they do living creatures. Their perfect little faces and soft, furry coats make them irresistible to anyone. Even watching them try to walk or run on their adorably clumsy legs never gets tired. We could watch them for hours, or simply pick them up and snuggle with them. Puppies melt the hearts of even the most stoic individuals among us. These new puppies are just two weeks old. Born to a beautifully dispositioned mother, Charlotte, and a handsome father named Kevin, they are bound to be some of the most good-natured puppies possible. The breeder who cares for these dogs and their litters is a wonderful woman who treats all her animals like they were her own children. The dogs have free run of the house and a huge country property where they can explore and play. Frisbee and ball throwing is an everyday occurrence here and the dogs have no doubt that they are loved well. A separate room for new mothers and their litters allows them the peace and quiet they need to feed their babies and to get the extra sleep that they all need during the demanding weeks after birth. When the mothers return from a short break, the puppies swarm her, crying for milk and attention, and the mothers dutifully provide all that they need. Breeders like this one can be found with a little research and a few careful questions. Veterinarians are an excellent source of information as they have a very good idea which breeder is equally concerned with the health of the dogs as they are with their business. It is not difficult to find the breeders who will carefully match healthy adults to produce strong litters. The same breeders will make sure that their canine mothers are not overburdened with frequent breeding or chronic health problems that go untreated. A visit to the facility where the pups are raised will also answer a lot of questions for those wishing to buy a puppy. The dogs will have clean and roomy living quarters, lots of stimulation, quality food, and they will respond well to people. Watching how a breeder interacts with the animals will also provide a lot of information. Speaking to past clients will tell a new buyer how a breeder deals with problems and how they prioritize animal care and after purchase support. A good breeder will be committed to making sure their animals go to good homes and that hey receive excellent care. A proper breeder will also ask a lot of questions about the clients and their ability to care for the animals. If a breeder is sincerely concerned about their puppies, clients should expect to be interviewed and evaluated just as the breeder should be. These adorable little puppies already their forever families lined up and waiting for them. Most have already met their new parents and the children in the family. Part of the fun of getting a new dog is to watch it grow right from the first moments. A puppy is a commitment for life. It is also likely to be one of the most loyal and memorable friendships that a person can ever have.

Belle is a gigantic and beautiful Clydesdale who lives on an incredible farm near Peterborough, Ontario. She is part of a herd of incredible horses who help others in the most beautiful way. Specially selected for their personality and wonderful dispositions, the herd provides therapy and healing for first responders, victims of trauma, and people seeking to develop leadership skills and coping strategies. The horses interact with people through a variety of exercises, having a profound effect on them that has to be seen to be believed. Each horse has a unique personality and a unique set of skills that makes them perfect for each individual. The horses are introduced in a gentle way that allows a bond to develop, indicating which horse will be best suited for what lies ahead. Intuitively, animals have a way of sensing the emotional state of those that they interact with and they seem able to encourage sharing and connection that is often missing between people. Often that human/animal bond is as deep with horses as with any other animal. Belle is a massive, yet compassionate soul who is known for her ability to draw out those who are shy or emotionally fragile. With a slow and cautious approach, she gently nudges her way into the hearts of all who meet her. Within minutes, people can't help but respond to Belle and they soon find themselves sharing emotions and opening up about what troubles them. This connection and trust forms the building blocks for the therapy that follows. Belle has helped many heal, including those who didn't expect that they ever would. The Mane Intent farm is a beautiful place that inspires awe in those who come here. Rolling hills, green pastures, and blue skies paint a picture that is irresistible. Walking in the meadow, the arena, or the paddock with such incredible animals is soothing in itself. To see these horses, especially the Clydesdales, at a full gallop is breath-taking. On this summer day, Belle was enjoying some time in the meadow with her horse friends, and a police officer who had found this farm and had also benefited from time spent with the herd. He had come back for a visit but he didn't expect to witness such a perfect display of sheer joy. Belle ran around the meadow, trotted up the hill, and then flopped down in the grass to roll in the sunshine. There are few sights as beautiful as a horse like Belle sharing her happiness and sense of freedom.

This is Henrietta, a calf who was born in a meadow on a wonderful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. She is barely one day old and she has a belly full of milk from her mother, Bernice. Bernice is grazing nearby, keeping a careful watch over her new baby, but having been very well treated by the farmers who care for the cattle, she is quite content to let a human sit and pet Henrietta. The little calf also seems to enjoy being stroked and patted. She has just discovered the beauty of this new world around her. In the coming days, she will grow strong. She will drink milk, learn from her mother and she will play with the other calves who are being born during the spring. Life on this farm is a very natural one. There are lush, green pastures for grazing, ponds full of fresh water for drinking, and a forested area for wandering in. The cows roam free for most of the year, going inside only for the harsh, winter months when shelter is needed and extra food needs to be provided. There is even a giant bull named Gus who wanders freely with the herd, contributing his part in the old fashioned way. Gus watches his ladies protectively and provides peace of mind for the new mothers. This is an ethical beef farm where they refuse to produce veal. They do not separate calves from their mothers and they do not produce milk. It's a very traditional life and herd health is more important than profit. Most of the cows here will live a long and happy life. Farms like these are easy to find in most communities and those who chose to eat meat can consider purchasing directly from the farmers. They will be supporting local farmers who do things right. Buying in this manner will also help to reduce cruelty of animals that is such a big concern in factory farm operations.

This deer is one of a herd of wild deer that live in a protected area in Northern Ontario. There is no hunting allowed and the animals wander in a quiet and remote forest where there are few humans. But the people that they do see are respectful and non threatening and it is not uncommon to get a close look at a deer grazing in the distance. Sitting quietly, and almost motionless will sometimes tempt the deer to wander very close to have a curious look. Dave has learned that sitting patiently and munching on an apple or a carrot will even bring the deer close enough to share. He will often toss apple slices or corn to the deer that are brave enough to come close. But he decided to see if they like watermelon. He sliced one open and munched away, hoping the sweet smell of the melon would be a tempting treat. This deer caught the aroma and boldly walked toward him. As he sat still, the deer inched closer and closer until it was able to stick its face right in. It was soon munching away happily as Dave held the watermelon for her. The other deer in the herd were not so bold so Dave sliced up the melon and spread it around on the grass before walking away. He looked back to see that all the deer were gathered around, enjoying the watermelon just as much as the first. While it is inadvisable to make wild animals accustomed to humans, this location is a bit of an exception as the deer can never be harmed as a result of forming a trust in people. And if you could sit and watch a wild deer savoring such a tasty treat, would you pass up the opportunity?

Born on a sunny day in May, on this beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario, Fiona the calf has entered the world just a few moments ago. She is taking it all in and looking around in bewilderment. She has never seen the blue sky, the green grass, or her loving mother's face. These are all new sights and her eyes are wide. But instinct somehow tells her that the large animal that is hovering over her protectively is her mother and will take care of her. Instinct also tells her that her belly is empty and that her mother can provide her with milk to satisfy her hunger. This little calf's first steps are adorably clumsy. She can barely get her legs under her and hardly has the balance to stand on them once she does get to her feet. She wobbles like a drunken sailor and manages to keep her balance as her mother licks and cleans her. Fiona doesn't waste much time in finding Edna's udder and latching on for a big drink. The first milk is the most important, as it provides Fiona with colostrum, and an essential supply of antibodies that will later keep Fiona healthy and free from infections. Life for Fiona will be a good one. She lives on what is known as an ethical farm. This is a small, family run operation where they refuse to produce veal. They look after the cows properly and place a much higher emphasis on herd health than on profit. Calves are not separated from their mothers and they even use a real bull, named Gus, instead of artificial insemination. They don't produce milk, so the calves get every drop that the mothers produce. The calves roam free and graze on fresh grass, until the weather and the snow force them to be kept in a warmer shelter. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended. Fiona will live a long and happy life here, as will Edna. Farms like these are not hard to find and consumers will be doing the cows and their community a favor by supporting those farmers who are doing things right.

Raven is a nine month old Great Dane puppy who is angry and curious at the same time when she sees a strange cluster of leaves on her driveway. Stirred by the wind moments before, the leaves had moved in a way that alarmed Raven and made her start barking and jumping around the small cluster. She circles them, barking, pouncing, leaping back and trying to decide if the leaves are something to play with or something to chase away. It's a mixed reaction between anger and curiosity as she darts in as if to bite the leaves or pick them up. She can't decide why they don't run in fear when she lets out a "woof" in her Great Dane voice. One rustle of the leaves from a gust of wind and she would have tucked her tail and jumped back. Great Danes are a fiercely loyal breed, but as enormous as they are, they are know for being extreme chickens. Great Danes are notorious for being afraid of ridiculous things and cowering during thunder storms. But anyone who has ever loved a Great Dane will tell you that they are one of the best breeds imaginable and that they are noble and brave when it comes to protecting their family.

Felix is a three week old foal with an incredible personality. Outgoing and playful, he enjoys bouncing around his pasture on sunny days. He enjoys it even more if he has someone to play with. His mother, Fling is a beautiful mare with a disposition to match. She trusts people and shows this as few mares would, by letting Felix's new friend, Dave sit on the ground and pet him like he was a big dog. Felix rolls over on his back, asks for a belly rub, and even snores and grunts like he's loving the attention. He makes quiet sounds that resemble purring. When the petting stops, he paws at the dirt, nudges Dave and pushes up against him, clearly wanting all the attention that he can get. This behaviour is unusual for a foal and Dave is delighted to have a chance like this. He was invited by Ali, to this beautiful farm where Felix and Fling live. Ali is as surprised by Felix's antics as Dave is and she sent Felix's owner a picture of what was going on. Understandably, the owner was also surprised to see her foal so relaxed with Dave. The most surprising part of all of this was Fling's reaction. She wandered casually around, eating hay and grazing on grass. Although she seemed to be keeping an eye on the two, she was perfectly content to see all of this happening. Of course, Dave was thrilled with how accepting she was and how she trusted him to do her baby no harm. Mother horses can be protective and it would be understandable if she showed displeasure with Dave leaning over Felix. It was helpful that Felix and Dave had enjoyed some play time together before this and Fling could see how much fun the two of them were having. This is one of those moments that would be difficult to describe and it was very fortunate that the interaction was caught on camera. It is a day that Dave will never forget. Spending time like this with animals is one of the most enjoyable ways to pass the time on a sunny day.