Random Rambles from the Teachout Ranch: Miss Ellie Mae

I've always loved animals. Ask anyone who knows me and they'll confirm that's true. I've had pets for as long as I can remember and I don't want to imagine my life without them. To an extent, they make up a big part of who I am. Animals teach us SO much about life - they teach us about unconditional love, friendship, commitment, and even life and death. They teach us about responsibility and discipline. And, if we let them, they can even teach us about ourselves...

I've always been a huge proponent of animal therapy - I just wish more people would wake up to the fact that animals CAN and DO change people's lives.

Since moving out to our farm, we've slowly been adding critters to our crew. We started with our dog, Zip, and then our cats, Johnathan and Jedidiah. Next we got all new fencing put up around our property and were able to bring our beautiful horses home. Lastly, but certainly not least, came our sweet sheep, Rosie. I've been wanting to add a miniature pig as well as a Jersey cow to our Ranch for quite some time, but Brian has been hesitant to let me bring another "hay burner" home (i.e., another mouth to feed). For fun, though, I always keep a close eye on Craig's List and the classifieds in our bi-weekly Farm Bureau Spokesman magazine for anything of interest.

It was during my "just for fun" internet cruising today that I came across a "Wanted" ad on Craig's List. It was posted by the parents of an autistic child who had had what they called a "therapy pig" for their 4 year old boy, Dakoda. Dakoda suffers with Aspberger's Syndrome and, long story short, his parents got him Peach as a means of helping him deal with the challenges of day to day life. (You can read all about Dakoda and Peach here: http://peachthetherapypig.wordpress.com/). Sadly, Peach passed away unexpectedly and they were looking for a new pig to be a forever friend for Dakoda.

After reading the "wanted" ad, and devouring the contents of their entire blog, I was SO moved that I decided to go on a mission to try to help find this little boy a new miniature pot-bellied pig. I really believe that it wasn't just coincidence that I came across this ad and the blog, but a Divine Appointment instead. Why would I think that? Well - not only was a reading a story about something so near and dear to my heart, but this family had JUST relocated from Florida to, where?? Pella (actually, Peoria - about 10 minutes east of Pella)!!

I responded to their Craig's List ad just to offer some encouragement and an offer for the family to come visit our farm so they could meet some "neighbors" (when you live in the country, "neighbors" encompass anyone living in a 20+ mile radius - it's just how it works out here!) and so their boys could interact with our animals.

Next, I starting scouring Craig's List looking for a miniature pot bellied pig. Interestingly enough, it didn't take me long. Within just a few minutes, I came across an ad that had been posted just yesterday (October 13, 2012) that said this:

"I have a 4 month old female miniature pig needing a new good home. She is so smart and loves to have her belly rubbed. Only asking a small re homing fee. Will send pictures to very interested persons. Please email to post. Thanks for looking."

I quickly sent an email asking if the pig was still available, how much the re-homing fee was, and for some photos. Within 8 MINUTES I had an email back letting me know Miss Ellie Mae was still available and that they were only asking $75 OBO re-homing fee for her. I immediately responded with an offer of $50 and said I could pick her up right away. Forty-five minutes later, I had a response, a phone number, and a meeting place - and Brian, Madeline and I were out the door to go pick up Miss Ellie Mae.

With the way the events of the afternoon took place, I didn't NEED any further "writing on the wall." I KNEW God had orchestrated this whole ordeal SO perfectly and I am SO excited to be a part of it.

Just in the last hour, I've heard back from the family. Craig, Crystal, and their 2 sons, Dakoda and Landon, we will be coming out to our farm this coming Tuesday to visit and meet Miss Ellie Mae. They are VERY interested in making her part of their family and we couldn't be more excited for them!

So, for now, Miss Ellie Mae will be gracing our home with her presence. I will continue to work on potty training, get her on a proper diet/exercise regimen and, most importantly, revel in the utter joy of being used by Jehovah/Yahweh, using the gifts He's given me, and even, just maybe, the opportunity to bless a total stranger.