Life + Love

The Animal Whisperers

Did you know there are places in Vancouver where you can go hang out with horses? There’s a little area called Southlands, down by SW Marine Drive and Blenheim, where you’ll find all these private horse-riding clubs. And go any direction, you’ll come across clippity cloppity horse hooves and their student riders, sharing the road with you.

It seems like everyone that lives down at Southlands owns a horse or two. There were so many palatial homes and wide expanses of backyard/frontyard with posh golf courses and driving range facilities nearby.

I didn’t even know this place existed, but Sean used to bike here and since we wanted to hang out with animals that day, he decided to bring me here. Much better than my idea of a day at the aquarium. And it’s something I’ve never done before.

There were so many horses just hanging out in their own backyards that all you have to do is walk up to them at the fence and hope that they’re in the mood for some human company.

Most of the horses we came across were friendly and docile, but there was one that absolutely loved us. He was an older horse and he couldn’t get enough of Sean and I petting its nose and neck. We just hung out with him for almost half an hour. It was a wonder the owner didn’t come out and chase us away. Aww. Horses are such wonderful creatures.

To continue our day of animal therapy and being that there’s a limited amount of sunny and warm days before the rainy season sets in, we thought it would be nice to take Jonesy to the park.

Jonesy’s been outdoors a few times since we got her the harnass, but she’s still very bewildered at the world at large. She was glued to Sean on the walk there and when we found a spot to sit on. Get Jonesy outdoors and all of a sudden, she’s no longer the kitty who tears up and down Sean’s hallway, meowing to be played with and making a ruckus with her jingle balls.

Jonesy probably enjoyed the sun on her back, but the little peanut could not get close enough to Sean. At one point, she tucked herself inside his jacket and tried to crawl up his armhole. We don’t think she’s afraid cuz she wasn’t meowing at all. I think she’s still kinda shy and unsure of being outside. It’s cute seeing her try to make herself the smallest she can be.

We didn’t stay out too much longer and as soon as Sean scooped Jonesy up onto his shoulder, she was the cuddle bear again. Safe and secure in her human’s arms. Still taking in the world at large.