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To my dying day I’ll relive the moment in that Halloween night of 1993 when
Dawn burst into the bedroom where I was sleeping.
“Bonnie! The barn’s on fire!”
Thus begins If Only They Could Talk: The Miracles of Spring Farm, which chronicles the events leading up to the creation of Spring Farm CARES Animal Sanctuary, and which very importantly chronicles our experiences with telepathic communication between our animals and ourselves.
It is said that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.
Yet so often it seems to us that our steps take us nowhere. Frequently, they seem aimless, accidental, ill advised—even stupid.
Yet, like droplets descending from the angel realm into a rain barrel—plopping here, then there, sometimes in profusion, at other times with scarcity—the seeming lack of purpose finally produces a full barrel, a cohesive collection of liquid that is a purpose in and of itself, which gives life to thirsty passersby, a collection that eventually overflows, keeps refilling and overflowing yet again, giving life even to the green things which surround it.
Neither Dawn nor I, Bonnie, had journeys in mind when we took our first steps in this life nor as we each faltered, stumbled, and rambled along differing paths in the years that followed. Goals were sometimes achieved, yes, but, immediately upon being achieved, those goals lost importance. There were other places to wander, more meanders to investigate. It all seemed pointless—a chaos rather than a cohesion.
Even when we chanced to meet one day and decided to investigate a path together, we didn’t sense any journey.
Then one day here at Spring Farm we found ourselves with a full barrel. Indeed, we realized that we were the barrel and the fullness therein, the sky above and the earth below, the ones who drank and the drink that was given.
For, here at Spring Farm, that place of so many springs, we learned that all is one.
We discovered that all of creation communicates with itself—each atom, each molecule, each rock, tree, and living thing talks with all others.
We found ourselves talking with our animals—and listening as they talked back.
Passersby came to drink from the vessel that we had become—bottomless, ever filling, forever overflowing.
All those steps that had seemed pointless, foolish, were now seen to be the endless particles that had created an ever-expanding whole.
Yet we’re unfinished here at Spring Farm. We’re in a state of eternal becoming.
We are all the journeys. We are all those who journey. There is no destination. For we are all already there.
Reviews and Commentary
“… In an uplifting story of selfless dedication and limitless compassion, the authors offer entertaining and convincing insight into the minds of our animal companions.”
CAROL HAGGAS, Booklist, American Library Association
“ … My repeated personal experience is that telepathy between humans and animals is real … I have experienced frequent communications with animal friends over the years … William James declares that we need not refuse belief until an idea is indisputably proven. We do well to be cautious, but if a concept we favor is supported by some evidence, we have the right to believe. This book can expand our mental world as well as our hearts.”
BENJAMIN URRUTIA The Peaceable Table May 2007
From Amazon.com:
On October 25, 2005 Sherry B/ True said:
“I could not put this book down! … … It is a wonderful book and I look forward to the next chapter of this amazing place.”
On December 2, 2005 C. Sundberg wrote:
“This book is indeed nearly impossible to put down … anyone who has ever had an animal friend they have loved dearly will have little trouble accepting the fact that they can truly communicate when we simply learn to listen … (most important) is the power of this book to open our hearts and minds to a world of inspiration and possibility … “
On January 10, 2007 S. Naudu :”horse lover” wrote:
“I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it for anyone who loves animals, and especially those interested in the fascinating subject of animal communication. A truly wonderful read.”
On July 16, 2006 Kooky Kid wrote:
“Truth is indeed stranger than fiction, and I do believe Bonnie and Dawn hear the idiosyncratic ramblings from their host of animals … … If you have any interest in animals and their care – and their viewpoints – you will love this memoir!”
On March 8, 2006 Vicky L. Meehan wrote:
“Animals lovers everywhere will enjoy this poignant story … … Spiritually touching in ways you can’t imagine.”
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