A Hee-Haw Halloween

Have you ever wanted to get up real close to one of those adorable little miniature donkeys that look like they just stepped out of the a children's fairytale?

On October 29th Cottonwood Community Library made that dream come true for a library full of children, moms, dads, grandparents and volunteers when "Wee Willy", a five year old miniature, came to the library's Halloween story time, all dressed up in his scarecrow costume.

Dot Lanham and her husband Ray are the proud owners of Oak Ridge Miniatures, and have been raising miniature donkeys for the past six and a half years and enjoying every minute of it.

When you talk with Dot about her animals you can understand why. "They are such an intelligent and affectionate animal. As long as you love them, they will just stand there and love you back, (no strings attached just unconditional love). It is so relaxing to own miniature donkeys for the fact of them being so docile and they seem to have a calming effect not only on people but also on other animals. You can put a miniature donkey with a high strung animal and it will calm it down." The Lanham family's interest in miniatures goes far beyond the simple pleasure of enjoying their presence though. "We raise, breed, train and show them. Wee-Willy is one of our main breeding jacks for a number of reasons. First his personality is such a plus and so important because he passes it on the offspring. Second is his size. He is 30 and a half inches tall full grown at five years."

Visitors are always welcome at Oak Ridge Miniatures in Cottonwood. Wee Willy has done many other costume events from being dressed as Santa Clause for a Christmas event or as a bull and clown in the Cottonwood Rodeo Parade.

Dot provided the children with a pumpkin full of carrots to feed to Wee Willy. He got a bellyful and the children had an experience they really enjoyed and won't forget for a long time!

On May 21st Donna Sills and Della Dunham, representing Shasta County Cattlewoman's Association, made a presentation to the children.
(Thank you Ladies!)

Farm books were read to the children.

Farming life is explained.

Stick horse "Barrel racing".

Happy children enjoying the fun.

On September 17th the Cottonwood Community Library had two very special guest presenters. Laurie Loomis and Taylor Renihan, Cottonwood's own Beef Princess and Junior Beef Princess. They read stories to the chidlren and showed the equipment they use to train and groom their horses. Also pictured is Paul Fisher. Paul volunteers every week to play music and sing with the children.