Sometimes you just have to take a break from the aggravation of politics and the misery the world so mercilessly provides. With that in mind, I present you with the story of a 10 year old goat named Mr. G and his pal Jellybean the burro.
Mr. G and Jellybean were rescued along with dozens of dogs and other animals from deplorable conditions at the home of an animal hoarder in Southern California. Two animal sanctuaries offered to take the animals. Not fully realizing how deeply the bond went between Mr. G and Jellybean, the two were separated.
Mr. G was sent north to live at the Animal Place’s Rescue Ranch adoption center in Vacaville. Even though his new home was quite luxurious compared to where he had been living, Mr. G went into a tailspin, barely moving and refusing to eat.
Mr. G arrived stressed from his eight hour transport. Rescue Ranch staff allowed him his solitude.
Mr. G refused to eat. He spent his days lying in a corner of his stall, barely lifting his head. Staff tried every treat – molasses, sweet grain, apples, wetting down food…nothing worked.
Staff physically moved Mr. G to ensure he didn’t spend too long lying down.
After health exams revealed nothing physically, it became evident Mr. G was in mourning, assuming his friend Jellybean had disappeared forever. He was inconsolable. After four days of starving himself, drastic actions were taken to help Mr. G.
Arrangements were made to bring the burro to Animal Place and a volunteer drove 14 hours to reunite Mr. G and Jellybean. The moment when Mr. G realized that his lifelong friend had rejoined him was captured on video.
Lifting his head up tentatively at first, Mr. G clearly catches the burro's scent and races out of his stall to greet him. Mr. G's restored joy is palpable. We leave our best friends as Mr. G has his first meal in six days, sharing it with his dear Jellybean.
Animal Place Rescue Ranch has decided to keep both animals on the 600 acre site rather than place them up for adoption. The two will be free to live out the remainder of their lives together.
Never doubt the depth of emotions other animals possess. Mr. G’s grief was as deep and mysterious as a human’s. His joy at reuniting with Jellybean was as beautiful and inspiring as a human’s.