Rocky is not really the same pony I met two years ago out in his freezing pasture. He listens for Maria, for me. When he hears our cars or voices, he tilts his head, whinnies, makes his way into the stall in the barn, where he goes to escape the sun and the flies. He loves being brushed, being touches, being talked to. Every day, Maria brushes him, talks to him, sings to him, picks the burrs out of his hair, scratches his favorite spot on his neck, presses against him.

What is it that makes it so satisfying, so rewarding, so enriching to love an animal with patience, care and perspective. Rocky is like a cat or a donkey – he is independent, has his own  life, does not want to be in your lap or face all day. But as he needs food and care, he needs attention and contact, I have seen him come to life, attach to me, to Maria, get more animated, responsive. A pleasure. It does not get old. Every time I bring a photo I see something new in this pony and his relationship to the world. An inspiration for me, a lesson.