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Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge farm has been a hive of activity over the past few months, especially with programs for our welcomed children and visits from students and friends from Swinburne University.

Swinburne students are eager to help us in as many ways as they possibly can. Grant submissions, working bees, photo shoots, volunteers and more are on their agenda. They're an enthusiastic, skilled, eager, happy group of wonderful people and we thank them ever so much. The completion of grants seems to come right when exams are just around the corner, so long days and sleepless nights of research, writing and never ending phone calls, together with smooth running team work is the norm.
 
We wish the students every success and will be thinking of them through this important time.

What busy, learning, fun days we have been having here at the farm. Sometimes adults feel life is extremely difficult, problems and troubles facing them at every corner; it takes a confident, capable, grounded adult to get through this difficult time swiss replica watches in one piece. Well imagine how our young children feel when life is dealing them blows they don’t understand and aren’t prepared for. Be it an illness, a death in the family or perhaps their parents are unable to stay together, whatever it be, children can find these times drain them of confidence, self worth, and importantly happiness.

Starting Gill’s program was perhaps a slightly selfish one as I wanted to keep what she was alive, keep that she was, living in others, particularly children. So for the last couple of months we've been busy doing that. I do say, we, as many people have been involved in our full day programs. It takes all our skills and energy as we want the best for these youngsters. Thank-you to all who have been involved.

Both the animals and the children are blossoming. Little Bridget Bow, named by some of the children, was a three week old dairy calf when she arrived. We had some concerns about her making it as she was one of twins-her sister sadly died, but with all the love and care the children have showered upon her she is now a cheeky, spritely, bouncing, fast growing calf that we all adore. Bridget is adorable and totally irresistible-we all love her so. The children have been learning how to feed her, preparing her bottle, making sure her bed is clean and ensuring she has fresh water as well as a shaded place to rest under. Many pats and hugs have come Bridget’s way.

One young man-aged 11-12- has been visiting the farm on weekends to help with the animals. Nat, our vet nurse, and myself, have noticed a huge change in him, just over the short period of time he has been coming to the farm he has changed. He now takes on responsibilities and is showing leadership with other children who are part of the program. Another young man had a fear for the animals now he is willing to put trust in the animals, feeding them and helping with other tasks. The touch of a three week old calf gives a lot of please to these visiting children.

Our Isa Brown hens are starting to feel like real chooks, running, flapping their wings and scratching around looking for treats hidden in the soil. The children found them the other day making deep dust beds and scratching in the compost heap. It has taken time for these rescued and confused hens to find their way-many of the children have empathy for caged hens, as well as other abused or neglected animals. Listening to the children as Nat asks them many questions about the care of animals, I am thrilled to hear the extent of their knowledge about how to look after their pets at home. Parents, schools and animals programs on the TV are doing a great job. We need to commend them for this and coming to the farm supports and extends this important knowledge.

Our latest arrival is another calf. We didn’t want Bridget Bow to be a lonely girl so was fortunate in finding another calf in need of our care. She is named Shelly Rainbow Chocolate, again named by the children and quite a mouth full, but I’m sure she doesn’t mind. Shelly, for short, is a strong, healthy, shy calf, loving all the attention she is receiving. Rosie, an old Welsh mountain pony has been a surrogate mother to both Bridget and Shelly, tolerating their baby antics. Unfortunately Bridget got a small health problem which kept her isolated from Shelly but it won’t be long before the two of them will spend their days together. We will keep you informed on how this goes.

Some of the sheep are very old and get special attention especially through these colder months. Mary, Betty, Iris and Charlotte love the children visiting as they get lots of treats and line up for these special occasions. Herby and Thomas, angora goats, love slices of carrots or apples carefully handed out by the children who are fascinated by this comical duo. Herby is a funny boy, after eating his meal from replica watches en a recycled ice-cream container, he holds it out for us to take. He shakes it around a bit making sure we know how clever he is. The children love seeing him do this. I think he is a bit of a showoff!

Animals are so beautiful rolex replica watches, with their different personalities, constantly giving us pleasure. The children that visit us are drawn to them like a magnet, all the love, given without question, all the understanding, given freely and all the patience and tolerance given without asking, no wonder children love animals.