Special Bonds - Heather and Richard
/Heather, a volunteer with HEEFS since 2017, has formed a very special bond with head rooster and all-around goodwill ambassador for HEEFS, Richard. She remembers her first volunteer days when she would always have a little visitor by her side. “Since it was summer, I was working in the gardens and Richard was very interested in what I was doing. He would wander over with Shelly to see what I had unearthed in the soil and amuse me with his pirouettes and constant chatter,” recalls Heather. “I instantly fell in love with him. I had no idea that chickens had such distinct personalities, and he has taught me a lot! Now, when I work in the garden, I’ll always make sure to let Richard have a little taste test of the lettuce, just so he knows how special he is to me.”
It seems that Heather and Richard share a mutual love for each other. “Although Richard loves to chat with everyone, it’s hard not to feel special having this tiny fluffy rooster run up to you like he hasn’t seen you in a month.”
As one of our regular volunteers, Heather is with us year around. “During the winter months I help with barn chores, so I often clean out the coop and spend some time snuggling with Richard inside. He loves hugs and cuddles! Sometimes, I’ll scoop him up and carry him around the property to visit other areas. We call it ‘Sightseeing with Richard’!”
Heather loves spending as much time as she can with her special friend. She recalls one very special day when Richard showed her just how much he loves and trusts her. “One summer I was working in a flower bed and Richard came to visit me by himself. I scooped him up and sat with him in my arms on a nearby bench in the shade. It was a quiet day at the Sanctuary, and in no time, he had tucked his head under my chin and fell asleep purring. It’s pretty amazing when an animal trusts you like that, and I will never forget that day!”
