Meet the Heart and Soul of My Farm: My Beloved Pets
Posted by Catalina Obando on
When you think of a farm, your mind might go straight to rows of plants, fresh herbs, and the joy of a bountiful harvest. But for me, this farm is so much more—it’s also home to six incredible companions who have each left their unique pawprints on my life. Let me introduce you to the furry, lovable chaos that makes my farm feel complete.
Oliver: The First and Forever Heart
Oliver was my first pet—the one who taught me how deeply you can bond with an animal. I rescued him in New Jersey, and for nine wonderful years, he filled my life with his stubborn, demanding, and loving personality.
During the pandemic, I decided to let Oliver explore the farm, where he became a skilled hunter, bringing me daily “gifts” of birds and lizards. Tragically, Oliver’s life was cut short two years ago when a pack of stray dogs took him from me. Losing him was devastating, but his memory inspires everything I do here. He will always be the heart of this farm.
Eclair and Crème Brûlée: The Dynamic Duo
Eclair, my alpha, is the smartest of all my pets. She’s deaf, so I learned basic American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with her. Now, all my pets respond to ASL commands, but Eclair is the one who leads the pack with her quiet strength and a bit of stubbornness.
When Crème Brûlée arrived, it was love at first sight. Eclair and Crème Brûlée became inseparable—a duo that balanced independence and connection. Crème Brûlée, my princess, doesn’t like being petted, but she loves to curl up on my chest or beside me at night. Together, they created a bond that brought so much harmony to my home.
Brie: The Sweet Caregiver
Brie joined us after a tough start in life. I found her near my farm after she’d been hit by a car. Despite her injuries, she showed incredible resilience and quickly became my shadow.
Brie has a special bond with Eclair, acting as her ears and her calm in stressful situations. She has a knack for sensing when someone needs help—once, she alerted me when my sister was experiencing heat stress. Brie brought a nurturing energy to the trio of Eclair and Crème Brûlée, completing their family in the most beautiful way.
Gratin: The Mischievous Orange Cat
Gratin came into my life in the most dramatic way. A friend’s car brought him to the farm, quite literally—he had been hiding in the engine! Tiny and covered in burns, he needed immediate care.
Gratin quickly grew into his personality: mischievous, playful, and endlessly curious. He’s always up to something—opening drawers, stealing food, and even hiding a loaf of bread in his room! Though he often annoys Crème Brûlée with his antics, he keeps life exciting and brings plenty of laughs.
Mr. Stray (Solovino): The Trust-Building Hunter
Mr. Stray, or Solovino, appeared on my porch on July 5th, right after the fireworks. He was scared and distrustful, and it took over a month to earn his trust.
Now, Solovino is the most obedient of all my pets. With his strength, energy, and natural hunting instincts, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Training transformed him into an amazing companion, though he still can’t resist chasing the cats. Despite his challenges, he’s a loyal and loving part of our family.
Croque Madame: The Silly Troublemaker
Croque Madame is the latest addition to our family, and she’s as funny as she is destructive! She arrived in May and immediately brought chaos and charm to the farm.
Croque Madame loves chewing anything she can find, and she treats every moment like a game. She’s Solovino’s best friend, and together, they’ve mastered escaping to bother the neighbors’ dogs or horses. Despite her antics, Croque Madame makes me laugh every single day.
The Bigger Picture: Abandoned Pets in Redland
While my pets have brought so much joy and love into my life, they’re also a reminder of a growing issue in our community. The Redland area faces a heartbreaking problem with abandoned pets. Every day, I see at least one stray dog near my farm, and local shelters are overwhelmed.
I’ve done what I can, but I can’t take in every animal. That’s why I want to raise awareness. Adopting a pet, supporting shelters, or simply sharing the message can make a big difference. Together, we can create a better future for these animals.
Why My Pets Are My Inspiration
Each of my pets has a story of resilience, second chances, and love. They’re not just companions; they’re family. They’ve taught me patience, care, and the power of connection. This farm wouldn’t be the same without them, and I’m so grateful to share their stories with you.
If you’d like to help support abandoned pets in Redland, consider reaching out to local shelters or sharing this post to spread the word.
What an amazing story of love and loyalty between human and animal. The love you give is the love you receive is so obvious in your relationship with your pets.
Each pet has their own unique qualities and personalities to entertain, inspire and touch your heart every day.
How lucky your pets are to be rescued by you. But the problem remains of the many animals who have been abandoned by their owners to survive on their own and roam the streets where the danger of being struck by automobiles is constantly there.
I hope others read your story and are inspired to adopt one of the many stray animals off the street or in the animal shelter.