Buster

Growing up on a farm his whole life, William always had farm animals as pets. The farm bred many livestock that helped his family survive financially. The children helped raise the baby farm animals and William always favored the bulls. When the first calf was born on the farm, William's family knew it would be his pet. William wanted the calf to be a boy and helped bring the animal into the world. He named the small bull Buster and cared for the animal daily.

As time went on, Buster became William's best friend. When William got off the school bus, Buster would be waiting right on the other side of the fence at the end of the driveway. He would jump and frolic and grunt and snort in excitement waiting for William. They would race along the fence the entire length of the gravel road leading to the house. When chores and homework were finished for the day, the two could be found running through the pastures together. Although bulls were not typically groomed, William took great pride in his care for Buster and often spent hours washing, brushing, and snuggling with him.

William's father saw the bond between his son and the young bull. He knew it wouldn't be easy to make the decision when the time came. His wife told him not to worry about that just yet as it would take time for the bull to mature and things are unpredictable.

One day when William got home from school, Buster was not at the fence waiting for him. William panicked, dropped his school bag, and took off running towards the barn where Buster slept at night. As he approached the barn door, he saw his mother blocking his entrance. She told him that Buster had fallen ill earlier in the day and that the vet was in with him now. William ran into the stall and saw Buster laying on his side in the stall. He could see his beloved pet was breathing heavily and making a low noise that sounded horrible to him. He sat next to Buster's head and tried to calm him, because he could see the fear in the bull's eyes. William tried not to cry as he listened to the vet explain the illness to his father. The next few days would require around the clock care and could mean life or death for Buster. When the vet left, William felt his mother's arms embrace him and he finally let his tears flow. She told him that his father agreed with her to allow William to stay home from school to care for Buster but his school work would be brought home everyday so that he wouldn't get behind in his studies. William was very grateful that his father had agreed to this and thanked his mother before she left.

Hours passed with the two cuddled together in the stall before William's father came in. He had brought a blanket and Buster's medicine. After teaching his son how to administer the antibiotics, he handed him the blanket and told him his supper would be sent out to him when it was ready. William wasn't hungry but looked his father in the eye and thanked him. He knew his family understood, cared deeply, and were trying to do their best to be supportive. When his sister brought him a brown bag full of food, she laid with him for a while, not saying a word. William appreciated the company but it only made him sad again. He waited until she left to let himself cry again.

He spent all night next to Buster, and when the sun came up, his mother entered the barn to check on him. He told her he had already given Buster his medication and he thought he was seeing improvement. She told him she was happy to hear that and if he wanted to go in the house and rest for a bit that she could stay with him. William didn't want to leave his friend but thanked his mother. She saw the untouched bag of food from the night before sitting on the floor. Picking it up, she told him that he needed to eat to keep up his strength if he planned to stay with Buster as long as it took. His mother told him she had warm biscuits with fresh apple butter in the kitchen and that she would bring some out to him. She returned shortly with a thermos of apple cider as well. This time she stayed with William to witness him eating. After he finished his breakfast, she kissed her son and headed back to continue her chores.

William held onto the hope that Buster would make a full recovery and never left his side for the three days. When on the fourth morning, William woke to Buster frolicking inside the stall, he knew he wanted to run in the fields. William had to wait for the vet to return and give Buster the all clear, before they could go have any fun. He could tell Buster was feeling better. Once the vet arrived, he examined the bull and announced full recovery. William took a deep breath of relief.

Weeks passed of the two friends enjoying their days together, and everything was back to normal. They grew together over the years, Buster getting bigger and bigger. William grew older as well. He knew his father had been discussing selling Buster, but he couldn't bring himself to think of losing his friend. He was sure he could convince his father to keep Buster as a stud for breeding, but he also knew his family could use the money Buster could earn for them.

One day the neighbor from the farm down the street showed up asking to speak to his father. The two men sat on the front porch discussing something for hours. When William saw them walking towards him, his heart sank. He knew this day was bound to come. His father explained that their neighbor was interested in having a tamed bull for their farm because they held tours and activities for the community. He thought Buster would be the perfect fit for what he wanted. He also told William that Buster would be very happy and well taken care of, and that he was welcome to visit everyday if he wanted. William asked when Buster would be moving. The neighbor explained that the fenced portion of the farm wouldn't be ready for about a week. William looked at his father and gave a small nod of approval and watched as his father shook hands with Buster's new owner.

The week flew by but William felt good about Buster going to a good home. He loved that a short bike ride would take him to see his friend whenever he wanted. The day came to load Buster up and William felt proud when he didn't cry. The neighbor thanked him personally when William led Buster into the trailer. He told Buster he would visit him tomorrow and waved as the trailer pulled out of the driveway. His father stood there with him and expressed how proud he was of the nurturing way he had raised Buster and how all of the families who visited him would love him also.