“All right,” Silas said. “When is he getting picked up?”
Margot hesitated.
Silas closed his eyes. “There’s a problem.”
“Yes.”
“Of course there is.”
“Northern Lights has been placed under temporary quarantine. Respiratory illness in part of their cattle population. State veterinarian says no new animals for at least six weeks.”
Silas looked at the ceiling.
“Whitmore won’t take him back,” Margot continued. “They donated him because of liability concerns. They legally transferred him out of their operation. The refuge can accept him after quarantine, but until then, we need temporary placement.”
“You mean me.”
“I know that isn’t fair to ask.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“I can arrange feed reimbursement. Temporary custody paperwork. Liability waivers. Veterinary support. Whatever is necessary.”
Silas rubbed his forehead. “Margot, I run horseback tours and summer photo rides. I’m not equipped for a champion breeding bull with a record of attacking handlers.”
This story touched a part of me that has hurt underneath several careers and 65 years of life. I'm 71 now. My family is a long established name there. My memories of ranching, accidents, rodeo stock, flash floods and family loss are different than the way life is lived today. This story is magnificent, thank you for sharing it. And maybe there's hope for some of us humans that just need space and understanding. It's been 40 years since I became a civilian after 11 years as a
U.S. Marine. This story and that bull have more meaning than some will ever know. Thank you once again. Job well done.