We had lots of animals on the farm, including pigs, chickens, cats and dogs. Dad had a Water Spaniel named “Pup” – all our animals were never named for some reason, except the calves and they had to be named for 4-H purposes. When “Pup” got old he was renamed “Old Pup.”

Dad and Uncle Guy had coon dogs for a while, they all came with names. Uncle Guys expensive coon dog was afraid of guns and ended up hiding under the fender of the pickup one night. After looking and calling all night – they gave up and walking back to the truck where they found dog cowering up under the fender. Nope!!! Uncle Guy was NOT happy. Do not know what happened to the dog – nor do I want to know!

Our cats were wild barn cats and once in a while we could hold one after chasing them around the hay loft. We had scars from those escapade. When a wild barn cat does not want to be held – you better watch out!

Our chickens were taken care of by Ginger. Our pigs got out once in a while and Old Pup would herd them back to the pen.

When Dad started farming in the late 1930’s. He had three beautiful work horses named Barney, Babe and Dan. I rode them from the field most days. That is an experience I will never forget and wish all kids could have that thrill.

Dad also had a wonderful cutting horse named “Trigger” I rode him occasionally – until he stopped at an irrigation ditch and bounced me over his head and I landed on my back facing the horse looking down at me. That hurt me pretty badly and I suffered for years because of that fall. Dad scolded me – “You weren’t hanging ON!”

The picture below is a picture of me age 2 yrs in 1939, with puppies in front of our barn. My Mom had a new Brownie “box” camera. It was just a big box with film that you wound each time you took a picture. She took first prize in the Denver Post contest. This story is according to my Dad’s tales.

The clothes I am wearing are hand me downs from my cousin Shirley Hoffman . I loved her clothes and especially her shoes. Dad wanted to know what was the matter with my feet one day and asked Mom. Mom replied in a tone of voice that always made everyone pay attention, “Those are Shirley’s shoes and they are too small on Ann’s feet, she won’t take them off. She puts them on every morning to wear all day.” Dad said to Mom, take them off of her – and my Mom said (I remember this conversation) “YOU TAKE THEM OFF!! “SHE WON’T LET ME!” Some how they disappeared during the night and a brand new pair of shoes appeared in their place. I wore them until they were too small also. Is that why I walk like a duck today???

Picture of me with Puppies…1939 in front of the barn.

Next week – names of pets and animals.