No. 4 really likes her grass.

So we ventured over to the cow pasture today for a look-see on our way back to the dorms. Almost immediately the curious babies ran up to the gate for their own version of a look-see. Momma was close behind, and had a much more menacing look to her than the li’l peeps.

Cristin says this one's her favorite. I think it looks like the bovine version of a shar-pei dog.

Please may I play?

No you may not. Stay on 'our' side of the fence dear.

But I really really want to momma!

You get back here right now!

As we stood there admiring our fine bovines, more and more of the pack (gaggle, litter, group?) wandered over until it was a veritable ruminant fiesta. These guys have pretty distinct personalities: the overbearing mom, the inquisitive but mistrusting child, the adolescent boy who is into trying new things (and by new things I mean licking one cow’s butt and drinking another’s urine while it was peeing), and the laid back Holstein who enjoys some good grass.

Grass. It's the gateway drug. All it takes is a little taste.

She looks stoned even after just one bite.

She won't be smiling like that when we play with the other end. Neither of them, actually.

Next thing you know, No. 4's addicted. And so are we!

Of course, then I begin to philosophize about what constitutes a soul, if a cow can have a personality does that mean that they can formulate thoughts like we can, etc. Then my head starts to hurt.

Do they have a sense of humor?

Or a some sort of vanity? "Take one of my good side, please."

We couldn’t rip grass out of the ground fast enough for No. 4. She’s quite the photo ham, as well. And their tongues are interesting, very muscular and used almost like a tool to wrap around the food and take it from you (which makes sense for the ripping of grass to eat). It’s almost creepy.
Off to study more of what happens when No. 4 ingests her grass. I think you all know the end result. But it’s the journey that counts, and not the destination, right?

How can someone ever be afraid of an animal that looks at you with those eyes?

It's hard to imagine ever being unhappy working with cows. Despite the mess.