I feel like Riley, Petunia and I finally really bonded last night. Ever since they arrived I have felt like they have mostly just been tolerating my affection. I mean they did seem to enjoy the attention, at least sometimes, but it never seemed like they were especially fond of me in particular. It was like I was just the one who happened to be there. Last night was different though.
The last week or so, we have gotten into the routine of bedtime-belly-rubs. After they eat and I shut the barn door for the night, they will both lay down and I will sit on the floor between them and stretch my arms out as far as I can to try and reach both bellies at the same time. I have really appreciated this time with them. It has made all of the work (and all of the mess) completely worth it.
Last night was something even more special though. They came inside and laid down, as usual, and I sat on the floor and rubbed their bellies, as usual. Then, when they were done with their belly-rubs, they both stood up and stepped closer to me. Petunia just came over and stood right up against me, and Riley sort of hung his head over my lap. I reached over and put my arms around both of them and started petting their cheeks, Riley seems to especially enjoy this. I looked at their faces and they both looked right into my eyes. It felt like we were connecting more than we ever had before. Then they both put their noses down and started gently rooting at my legs and my back and rubbing their faces on my arms. I don't even know how to explain it, but it felt like a sign of love. It felt like they were accepting me as their family.
I am very grateful for this experience with them. Since I adopted Riley and Petunia, I have heard from so many people who knew them at Farm Sanctuary and, while I have greatly appreciated all of the encouragement these people have offered, I had started to wonder if I did the wrong thing by taking Riley and Petunia away from so many people who loved them so much. I had started to wonder if I could ever make them feel as loved as they did at the farm. After last night, I feel like I can.
