It has been a year since Animal Control Officer Jessica Barrett removed Simon from a nearby farm where he was near death, starving, barely able to stand up, his hooves grown out six inches, his teeth grown into his jaws, his ribs protruding, his skin infested with lice and rot.

I think it is important for me to remember him, and the condition he was in, and the inhumane way in which he was treated. Thomas Aquinas said it was important to treat animals well because it was a measure of our humanity. I think this is so. In our country, the idea of helping people seems to be almost heretic, the idea of helping animals powerful and growing. I think these two things are linked.

I believe in treating animals well because it makes me more human, and more, not less, conscious of the plight of human beings, many of whom are in worse shape than Simon was. Animals are voiceless, dependent on our humanity, and whenever I see this photo of Simon, I am reminded to be a better human. More empathetic, more compassionate, more loving. We are grateful for Simon and for Jessica Barrett’s compassion and sense of duty. We have worked hard for two years to bring Simon back to health. Dental and veterinary care, grains and exercise, footwork and salves. He has responded by greeting us with joyous brays and returning our love and connection.

I remain committed to giving him the best possible life.