“BABY” – The Beautiful Brazilian Bull

He was born on a warm October night in rural, northeast Brazil. His coat was all black except for three places – a white spot on his tummy, one on his forehead and a white stocking. Testing out his wobbly legs (which kept growing stronger) and nursing his mama made up his day. Security came partly through having family in the small herd. His mother, Mona Indi, and Big Mama, his gramma, were never far away in those first days.

Beeby and a pretty, younger lady came out to see Baby when he was born. Beeby was not used to being around cows but she had wonderful childhood memories of visiting her grandpa’s farm. Watching the little black calf romping in the beautiful sunshine became a special moment almost every day. And Baby was growing! He grew by leaps and bounds!

Soon his mother stopped nursing him and he was on his own. He tried tagging along beside his gramma but she wasn’t very patient. Nevertheless, his need for security kept him following along, several steps behind.

One night Beeby heard some men talking. They wanted to tie Baby up and take him away. Beeby had never known a calf before but she was beginning to be very fond of the sleek, black, bundle of mischief and sunshine.

“Let’s take some scraps up for him,” Grandpa coaxed. Beeby chose the nicest apple and carrot peels. She mixed in some mango peels – leaving little pieces of fruit on all of it so that it would taste extra good!

Baby was sad to be tied up but he liked Beeby’s voice as she talked to him. He put his soft mouth in her hand and ate the scraps all up. “He is really nice,” said Beeby and she took more fruit up for Baby the next day…and the next day and the next…….

Time went by. Beeby was surprised and happy when the men let Baby loose again.

To be continued…