From a young age, my mom instilled a deep love for all creatures in my sisters and me. From our family dog, Betty, to the spiders in the bathroom corners, all named Charlotte. Being the animal lover I am, I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I moved to Montana, knowing I'd be surrounded by all different kinds of animals each day.

My first two weeks I immersed myself in the wilderness through many hikes and scenic drives. Believe it or not, I logged sightings of 19 grizzly bears, 6 moose, and hundreds of elk these first couple weeks. Although this was an unforgettable experience, I think the real magic happened right outside my cabin. I started visiting the horses right outside every morning and evening, trying to develop a genuine connection with them. I quickly came to realize their distinct and complex personalities, watching the cliques and relationships they created behind their fence. I started to think of them as a larger and more sassy form of a puppy dog.

This closeness to these beasts started to extend into my work for the guest ranch. Every week, I was to drive down the mountain to the gold course to clean the inside of the club house. Along the way, I'd pass a field of free grazing horses. I loved to step out of my car and observe them without the fence blocking our relationship. Two horses in particular, the giant cart-pullers for the ranch Tug and Lug, became my favorites. They were the biggest horses on the ranch, but also the most curious and friendly. By the end of the season, they would recognize my bright blonde hair coming down from the mountain from wherever they were grazing and gallop toward me. The two siblings would rest their giant heads and necks around my body, asking for more hugs and kisses. The gentle and real bond I created with those beings was one of the most rewarding feelings during my time at the ranch. It was as if I was in a fairytale—a dream come true for the little girl who loved all creatures.