Article July 16, 2012 ISSUE

Creature comforts

Kelly White

I walked out to the bird yard of our farm one morning in need of comfort and reassurance. My husband had recently left the family. I was worried about how my children were coping with the sudden change, and about how I should proceed with my life as well. The feelings of loss, grief, and turmoil had been all-consuming at times. Yet, as I saw the numerous chickens and turkeys milling about and the family Labrador joyously bounding at my heels, I had to smile. They were all so busy, happy, and productive, doing what they naturally do. The phrase “creature comforts” sprang to mind, and I realized this was a unique twist on the term’s original meaning.

Living on a farm, I have never been one to spend energy getting attached to the animals that would of necessity come and go. And given the presence of coyotes, pack dogs, owls, and hawks in our area, it had never been wise for any of us to name or become overly attached to the flocks and herds. And yet that morning I realized that over time the animals had influenced our lives significantly.