Day 1209

My love of animals started years ago…I believe I was actually born with a need for beasties close at hand! As a child, I was the one always holding the family dog…anyone’s family dog!

When our high school music department chose a theme of “Under the Big Top” for the annual Pop Concert, my hand was one of the first ones raised to volunteer for a photo opportunity with a baby elephant at a local zoo! When sharing this memory with others, many have been skeptical that there ever WAS a baby elephant at Como Zoo!

We headed down to St. Paul to the zoo grounds, we were directed to a doorway leading to a basement area. At that point, even I began to wonder if there really was a baby elephant!

Down in the dungeon-like atmosphere, below the lion cage, a small trunk found its way through the bars of a large cage. It wound that trunk around our waiting hands and we all fell in love! We were informed that Sapphire had a small cold, but her runny nose and teary eyes did not deter us in the least!

When the zoo keeper asked us if we would like to take her for a walk outside, we jumped at the chance! A collar was snapped in place, a leash placed in our hands, and we headed up the dark, dingy stairwell. Once outside, we created quite a stir, but that 300-pound baby was a delight!

Now, I have downsized to my beloved Goldens, but would certainly welcome a gray sibling with a trunk if offered. Sam would be delighted!