Forgetful Mama Cow

Little Guy was really, really upset. All the cows and the big bull Buddy had come around from the Big Pasture to the Small Pasture by the garden. They did that every day. Except today they forgot the baby. The new baby calf who is only eight days old. He fell asleep and nobody woke him up when they changed pastures for the night.

The poor little fellow was crying for his mama. He ran up and down the fence, looking desperately for a hole to get through. Little Guy tried to show him the gate but the little calf was too big to fit under it. Little Guy was too short to reach the latch.

The calf's mama stood against the fence in the Small Pasture. She ignored her baby's cries. Her gaze was focused on the house. Waiting. Little Guy knew what she wanted. Food. Grandaddy usually gave her an afternoon snack. But Grandaddy was gone to the Senior Citizen Halloween event at the civic center. Who was going to save the baby? Why was he mama ignoring him?

Little Guy heard the back door open and he rushed toward the sound. Mama was coming outside. He twirled around in his excitement, telling her all about the poor baby.

Mama took one look at the crying calf, put her hands on her hips and turned to glare at the mama cow.

"Blackie," she said sternly. "Go get your baby! Can't you see how upset he is? He's crying for you. Answer him!"

Blackie only stared at Mama. She never said a word. Mama was not amused.

Mama opened the garage door and poured a little sweet feed in the bucket. Blackie licked her lips, already tasting the treat. But just when Blackie thought Mama was heading her way, Mama turned toward the Big Pasture.

"If you want any sweet feed, Blackie, you'll have to come get your calf."

Little Guy rushed toward the gate but Mama told him to stay back. Sunshine and Miss Lady Bug didn't get to go either.

"The calf is already scared," she said. "I don't think he wants to play right now."

Mama opened the gate and walked through. The calf headed down the hill. Mama looked at Blackie.

"Come get him," she said sternly.

Blackie never said a word.

Mama started around the fence to where the two pastures meet. She kept calling Blackie. Finally the cow decided to come around. Mama poured a little feed on the grass, then turned and walked toward the open field. Blackie ate the feed and rushed toward Mama.

"Calm down, Blackie!" Mama poured a little more feed and turned to walk further while Blackie ate it.

Suddenly, Blackie started galloping toward Mama. Little Guy barked a warning. Mama turned and shook her finger at the black cow. "No!"

At last, Mama and Blackie stood on a hill and the little calf could see his mama. He called her. She looked at Mama, then the empty bucket. Mama glared at her, then she turned and talked to the baby. Finally, Blackie said called her baby.

The little calf stuck his tail straight up in the air and ran as fast as he could to his mama. She called him again and he kept coming. She kissed him, then turned so he could eat supper. He was hungry.

Mama picked up the bucket and headed toward the gate. Little Guy, Sunshine and Miss Lady Bug waited for her.
"Good job," she said. "You were so smart to tell me about the calf. It isn't safe for a little calf to be alone, especially with night almost here."

Mama put the bucket up. "How about a cookie," she asked.

Little Guy nodded happily as they headed toward the house.