Just after we got back from Massachusetts, Scott Carrino from Pompanuck Farms (and the Round House Cafe) arrived with a dozen boys from the St. John’s Boys Home in New York City. They were visiting the area on a two day summer retreat and when Scott told me about I thought Bedlam Farm would be a perfect place to visit. I think it was, at least for us. These kids had never seen a donkey before and they came armed with carrots and curiosity. They spent several hours here, gave the donkeys a ton of carrots, peppered me with questions about the farm, writing, Red, Lenore and Simon, Lulu and Fanny.

Maria gave them a studio tour and talked about her art work and the sheep, and then we went into the big pasture for full-bore herding demo. None of these kids or staff members had seen a dog quite like Red before and he put on one of his great Red shows, his sweeping come-byes, moving the sheep around, his great responsiveness and professionalism. Maria and I both love having a place that people like to visit, even if we can’t handle visitors all of the time.  Next week is the first open house at the new farm, July 21, noon to four p.m. and visitors will get to see what the kids from St. Joseph’s got to see – the donkeys, Red working and Maria and her art.

Maria was wonderful, I loved listening to her talk about her art and the sheep.

The donkeys are quite amazing, they allowed themselves to be petted and touched and fed, they were calm and friendly, they are great animals. The boys left with armloads of books and stuff from Maria’s studio, they say had a great time, and I hope so, we sure did. This is something we plan to do a lot more of. Donkeys are fascinating creatures, and healing ones. I take Red a bit for granted until I see how amazed people are by seeing him work. What a privilege to have him, we love our new home.