Check out this mamma pig with her 10 baby piglets who are all maneuvering for Mom’s attention. . . and nourishment.  (We saw them at the Durham Fair yesterday and were just mezmorized!)

Do you think she ever just wants to call a babysitter–or pigletsitter?

Not only is Duke a “farm dog,” he also goes to work every day with my DH on our construction site jobs.  He LOVES visiting with the guys during coffee breaks and at lunch time, and during that time, I guess he’s refined some more of his talents .

Just watch . . .

Seems that Duke can unscrew the top off any bottle.  Even though he has a big fresh bowl of water on the job at all times, he prefers the “social-ability” of joining the guys in cold water breaks in a more human fashion.  I told you he thinks he’s a person!

Oh, yes, he can also open the door at home to let himself out.  The only problem (especially in winter) is that he doesn’t CLOSE it after himself.  More on that another time . . .

Do tell about your animals that think they’re humans, too.  I’d love to hear your stories!

Our Golden Retriever, Duke, has become somewhat of a corn connoisseur.

He used to chomp down the corn, cob and all, but recently has perfected his technique to just nibbling off the tender kernels.

Take a look . . .

So, when we enjoy nature’s bounty of fresh corn-on-the-cob, so does Duke!

Do your animals have human-like qualities, too?

As we were sitting on the deck last night, my very observant son (with MUCH better eyesight than me!) saw something interesting, up in a tree.

Do you see it?

Do you see it now?

It was the most adorable, young raccoon (probably this years) resting peacefully in a crook of the tree.

Every so often, the little bandit readjusted itself and continued sleeping soundly . . .

. . . seemingly oblivious to the four people and two dogs on the deck below it.  It must have known it was safe, high up in the tree.

Of course, our younger son tried to lure it down with a small ear of corn, but that only caused it to wake and go further up the tree.  Raccoons are usually big fans of corn-on-the-cob and have been known to visit our corn fields nightly.  He was probably resting up from a raucous night with his friends gorging on the sweet corn and getting prepared for another night of the same.

And this morning, he was gone.  He probably departed during the night when the coast was clear when the dogs and meddlesome boys were inside and asleep.  Farewell, little friend.  Eat well . . .

Another photo in the “cute” department . . .

Our baby filly, Isabelle, is now officially taller than our 18-year-old miniature horse, Whinny.  Although, actually, I think Baby Belle was actually already bigger than Whinny on the day she was born!

Although “petite,” (can you say that for an animal that’s as big around as she is tall?  I guess so b/c we do for people!), Whinny has the BIGGEST attitude and has been known to boss the huge workhorses around!

Do you have animals with an attitude?  Do share . . .

My guy and “our baby” Isabelle, now four weeks old.  She just LOVES to have her neck scratched . . .

Obviously, they’re still “bonding,” aka “imprinting.”

“Are you taking pictures, again?” they both seem to say.

Isabelle’s main source of nutrition is still her mother, Annabelle, but as she ventures into new tastes, like grass in the pasture, or grain, she is so cute . . .

Baby Belle’s legs are still disproportionately long to her growing body and neck and she has to do this weird stance, bending her legs, to reach the ground.  She reminds me of a giraffe!

Do you have animals in your life who give you joy?

Even our Golden, “Duke,” shows his preference in tractors.  He’ll take a BIG GREEN TRACTOR anytime.

To take a spin on Jason Aldean’s BIG GREEN TRACTOR, click here.

Here’s just another reason I really love my guy . . .

Can you see it?

How about now?

Okay, here it is . . . this guy of mine can handle two tons of workhorses like they’re nothing.  He’s so much braver than me.  I’m pretty sure they respect him. . . or perhaps they think he’s one of them.  See how nicely this team walks together?

On the other hand, he can be the most gentle, soft-spoken guy around new babies, whether it’s a newborn filly . .

or a new puppy. . .

 How a man treats animals says a lot about him, don’t you think?

Our family of animals clearly adore my dear hubby, as do I.  After celebrating 32 years of marriage with him recently, I’m so happy that I still find new reasons to love him more every day!  (Oh, did I mention that I was a child bride?)

Friday is coming again, so that means it’s time for . . .

My “Aloha Friday” question this week is: 

IF YOU HAD A BABY SHIRE WORKHORSE THIS CUTE,

WHAT WOULD YOU NAME HER?

Here’s a little background . . . her Mom is a Shire Workhorse named Annabelle and the baby filly (girl) is black & white and a week old.  She’s more than 150 lbs. already with long, spindly legs, who loves to run!

Here are some of the names in the running, but our family is having trouble coming to consensus on the perfect name:

• Belle
• Bella
• Isabelle
• Shiloh
• Shania
• Beauty
• Cinderella/”Ella”

(Thanks so much for your ideas!!!)

If you’d like to participate in more Aloha Friday questions, click on over to  An Island Life for Kailani’s  “Aloha Friday.”

Annabelle & Baby (3 days old) out in the pasture for the first time.

I just couldn’t resist snapping these pix when a relative stopped by to visit with a new puppy recently.  How CUTE is he?  (He also may have a footwear fetish!)