A Funny Thing About Cows

When calves have the runs their backside needs to be washed. Especially their tails which could fall off when the feces hardens. Cutting off the circulation.

But no matter how gentle a calf is, chances are they don't appreciate someone grabbing them by the tail. So to accomplish tail washing, I rub the animals head and neck first. Some animals love being touched. Others strain on their collar to give them a greater distance. Not letting up, I gently speak to them, and rub them until they relax, then one hand with the warm wet cloth on the tail and the other still on their head, I wash. (Both hands wearing gloves.)

The funny thing about calves happens when you move down the line to wash the next tail, with a fresh and clean warm cloth. For while trying to calm and reassure the next washing victim, who is trying to be at a greater distance, the previously hesitant but now clean calf is butting in, looking for more of that good rubbing.

It's a good thing we don't have calves here at the house. For I would be out there with them, day and night. Treating them like oversized lap dogs. Now that's an image that will stay with you quite a long time.