Bunnies and Sheep and Cows...Oh My!

I'm currently blessed to be spending some time in Wexford, Ireland where I'll be living come the end of August. Not only is this trip wonderful for me because I'm learning about my duties and responsibilities, but it's also my first time ever visiting Ireland! Although I'm sure I will find many things to love about this country, I can already say after roughly 36 hours that the animals are  definitely at the top of my list. Here are the reasons why, sorted by animal:

1. BUNNIES!!
Rabbits are my all-time favorite animal. I have wanted one for as long as I can remember, but have had to settle for the brightly colored stuffed alternatives every Easter. (I grew up with a beagle, so I suppose my mother was justified in saying no to a live one.) When the plane was landing, I looked out of my window to several green patches of grass among the airstrips. In the first grassy patch were four bunny rabbits hopping merrily around chasing one another. I see this as a sign of welcoming from St. Brigid herself!

2. Sheep
I've been told numerous times that I must get myself an "Irish sweater" while I'm here. These wonderfully warm-looking articles of clothing can only be made from the finest wool, of course. So, I was not at all surprised to find numerous sheep grazing in fields as I looked out my window on the bus ride to Wexford. They looked recently-shaven, so perhaps one of them will be the provider of my soon-to-be sweater!

3. Dogs
On our excursion into town today, we stopped into a silver shop that sells handmade jewelry. Upon entry, a very large and fluffy Scotty dog greeted us warmly. Although he initially seemed rather friendly, he was much more interested in grabbing ahold of anything on us he could chew. Namely, Molly's pants and my jacket. I gave him his lion stuffed animal, which resulted in a short-lived game of tug-of-war, and we went on our way.

4. Cats
There are plenty of cats around Cluain Dara (our neighborhood) that should keep me content with not having animals around the house. There's one in particular who came to our back door during the first family dinner that only has one eye. (Apparently he's a regular visitor!) I saw another one walking across the top of a neighbor's garden wall. I'm sure I will start feeding them before long... :)

5. Cows
I'm pretty sure the only interaction I've ever had with a cow was in second grade when we visited a farm and got to pet one standing in her stall while hooked up to the milking machine.  It never dawned on me that American cows must be completely unhappy until I saw my first herd of Irish cows on the bus to Wexford. I'm not kidding you, these cows were actually frolicking through the fields. I didn't even know cows could run! They are by far the happiest things I've seen since being here.

I will, without a doubt, find more furry creatures to befriend. After all, I will have two years here! Now, the biggest question is whether or not there are squirrels in Ireland...

--Joy.