#31: Animal Farm Lessons

Things I've Learned From Four-Legged Friends

Meet Mr. Noodles.

I’ve only known Mr. Noodles for a couple of weeks. Still, I feel confident suggesting that if you are given the opportunity to grab the bull by the horns, do NOT do so.

Since Mr. Noodles has arrived, we have attached numerous cushiony items to his horns to reduce their impact. He has managed to remove each one. For now, the rule is never turn your back on Mr. Noodles!

Mr. Noodles is not a big bull. He’s still quite young, and growing. Much like my energetic 3-year-old staffy mix dog, Mr. Noodles views attempts to redirect his head to steer (rimshot!) him away as an invitation to play.

That is an invitation you should decline.

Mr. Noodles is the latest of many animals to teach me something. When I started volunteering at Save the Horses in 2023, and then added Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary in early 2025, I knew nothing about horses,…