Retired life – a bit different

Having been fond of animals ever since childhood I, formerly a teacher of biology and English, have now, retired and ready for the last period of my life on this earth, made a long-term dream come true and set up a small paradise in the shape of a tiny little private zoo.

On this "Maedel-Hoefchen", still in the process of being renovated - and yet full of life already I have lived with my alpacas, "Nandus" (South American rhea birds) and several other animal species for the last four years.

To me my animals are therapists, companions, entertainers and, before all - creatures in my charge, as I see eye to eye with Antoine de Saint Exupéry who makes his Little Prince once say, "Throughout your life you remain responsible for what you have made familiar with you."
Thus my days are perfectly structured. Even though I do not wake up with the first cock's crow my approximately 50 animals still need to be fed and looked after on time, sheds and fields must be kept clean.

It is not really the kind of retirement the connotation suggested when I formerly thought about it.
Apart from the numerous duties there is lots of fresh air and physical exercise for free.

As for me – due to my somewhat extravagant hobby – I cannot afford to take lengthier time-outs at the moment. Up to now my body seems to have accepted that. –Thank God!

It goes without saying that I have taken precautions for my animals to be well taken care of in case I should no longer be alive or not in a position to look after them myself. It is part of the bargain, when you have taken on responsibility.

Because of the fact that I deeply enjoy sharing the love for and fun I have with my animals - without working too much on the nerves of my family members and friends - I have decided to start writing a blog thus giving soul mates the chance to follow it up, if and when they feel like doing so.
If you are one of them, - please enjoy reading my blog posts!

Details