Les Schwab, Toilet Paper, & Blind Mules

Most the time, I am the main errand runner on trips to town. I assemble a long list of need to do’s, then carefully plot my stops to accomplish as much as possible. My plan is often cut short when I have lingered longer than planned, a little cowboy desperately needs lunch, or a nap, etc. When Nate goes to town, I also send a list along with helpful instructions. This is how our adventure begins two years ago.

We own a very unique variation of a 4 wheel drive forklift. It is one of a kind, helping us accomplish daily tasks on the ranch. On this particular day, the forklift had suffered from a flat tire. Nate removed the tire, planning a quick trip to our then closest Les Shwab tire center. He politely asked if there was anything he could pick up while in town. I had inadvertently forgot toilet paper on my last shopping fiasco. I tried to make it as easy as possible, requesting a quick stop at the local Walgreens for the forgotten paper. Nate agreed, stating he wouldn’t be gone long. A few hours later, he returned with a repaired tire and toilet paper in hand. Nate announced, with a slight smile, that he had spent more money than planned. I reassured him that the previous day had been payday, that there was over $750 in the bank at the time. He smiled again, inquiring about the amount of emergency cash I had hidden. By this time, I was really confused as to how toilet paper and a flat tire fix had cost so much.

Nate began to explain the exact route he had driven to get to Les Schwab. He had happened to drive by the local horse slaughter buyer’s house on the way. There standing in the pasture, were a matched set of brown draft mules. Nate quickly turned around at the next cross road, returning to the man’s front door. The man had a long story of where the mules had originated from, embellishing all their life’s skills and accomplishments. I don’t believe I have ever met a slaughter buyer that didn’t stretch the truth just a little. Nate skipped out to the pasture, anxious to examine his new found treasure. He quickly made a deal to purchase the mules, promising to return later in the evening. Nate then carried on with his original plans in town.

We scavenged through all my “hidden” cash spots, managing to find the required amount to complete the purchase. The little cowboys, Nate & I excitedly loaded up in the old Dodge pickup. We set out to claim our new prize. When we arrived, the mules were standing in the corral, awaiting their new home. Nate exchanged the cash, loaded the mules and we were off to the barn for further inspection. They were rumored to have came from a outfitter that offered winter sleigh rides, then onto a hunter that packed game out of the forest. Their last stop had been the slaughter buyer’s. He had rented them to a hunting guide for the season, returning them shortly before Nate had spotted them.

Once at the barn, the new “girls” politely stepped from the trailer. They carefully surveyed their new surroundings, analyzing the mixture of cattle nearby. Over the next few days, we fell in love with our latest additions. “Babe and Blue” were absolute sweethearts. They never spooked or shyed away, confidently pulling the feed wagon. The girls wore harness like it was a natural occurrence. Once hooked to the wagon, they stepped in time, jostling along as we fed the cows. The girls loved the attention we gave them, Nate brushing and trimming their manes and tails.

Babe and Blue are estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old. They have had a lifetime of work, and are semi retired at our house. They only pull the occasional light wagon. Blue has “moon blindness” in both eyes. She had some clouding when we bought her, but it has since progressed. Blue sees shadows, so needs to be spoken to confidently, when being caught or lead. Our vet suggested a temporary treatment but it is a chronic condition. Babe and Blue are inseparable. Babe makes up for Blue’s sight loss, leading her around the pasture and to water. The girls will not work seperately. If you leave one at the barn, the other balks, refusing to pull away from her partner. As long as the free one is tied to the wagon, the one in harness happily obliges. They are truly a team. I have heard stories of a team mate mourning the loss of his partner, following shortly after. I’m afraid such will be the scene, when that saddening time comes. So for now, Babe and Blue are living out their days being free mules. They live in a nearby sagebrush field, allowing for daily wellness checks. Both have shiny hides and in great physical shape for their extended age. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to experience such a great team. I truly believe it was fate that brought us all together, along with the need for toilet paper and flat tires.