Category Archives: entertaining animals

the grizzly experience

Posted on 28/02/2011 by admin

Within days of arriving in town I am standing outside the cage of Tonka, a captive Grizzly who lives on grain and marshmallows. The first time I see him, Tonka and his owner are inside the cage together… it is … Continue reading →

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the bunny derby

Posted on 19/04/2011 by admin

After the serious business of judging was over, the fun began. As light relief from trying to reach perfection, the bunnies raced each other in heats of two, aided by the delicate breath and eager hands of their owners. And … Continue reading →

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Dale Evans and the coyote

Posted on 25/05/2011 by admin

On a cold day in downtown Billings I am browsing in a thrift store and uncover this book, first published in 1956. A western morality tale where Dale Evans, wife of Roy Rogers and Queen of the West, teaches little … Continue reading →

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Roy Rogers and Trigger

Posted on 13/07/2011 by admin

Last night as I was leaving the rodeo, the cowboy raised his hat and called out after me ‘Happy Trails’… the catchphrase of Roy Rogers. Throughout the 1940s and 50s Roy Rogers presented a highly romanticised ideal of the West … Continue reading →

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it’s a goat rope

Posted on 23/01/2012 by admin

Its Saturday afternoon and we’re at the women’s rodeo where ladies are competing against passive goats instead of bucking bulls. We watch them goat tying, and as ever there are a list of exacting rules. It is a test of … Continue reading →

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