Dear friends,

One of my favorite things about the farm is how it brings people together, giving people whose life paths might not otherwise cross an opportunity to meet each other. Sometimes those people form meaningful, long lasting friendships; sometimes they discover they have things in common that they never would have expected; sometimes they hold drastically different views from one another, and are able to challenge and learn from each other.

We recently got to witness a very special meeting between two very special strangers: Shadowbeast and Milo.

You all probably already know Shadowbeast, our beloved, fierce, cat-in-residence at the farm. Loves a good fight, great at killing rabbits and skinks. Very fluffy. Cute and cuddly sometimes, but not to be messed with.

Milo is the feline companion of our dear friend Nate Ryan. This wasn’t Milo’s first time visiting the farm, but it was (as far as we know) his first encounter with Shadowbeast.

I followed the two cats during their encounter, and conducted the following interview with both of them about the experience.

RE (speaking to Shadowbeast): What was your first impression of Milo?

SB: He seemed pretty cool, to be honest. I liked his collar, and he just had this sense of self confidence that I really admired. In the past when he’s been here, I have gotten nervous and hid out in the corn crib.

RE: And you, Milo? What was your first impression of Shadowbeast?

M: Oh man, I was intimidated. I had heard so much about him. Good things, mostly. I was really hoping he'd think highly of me.

RE: So why were you meowing so loudly at each other under the sun oven?

M: Yeah man, that's a good question, I don’t know. He just started acting aggressive toward me for no reason. I was just minding my own business. Did I do something wrong?

SB: Well, I guess I felt a bit threatened. I mean, sure, I was excited to meet him and all and thought he was cool, but once he got here and was hanging out with everybody, I was worried the humans would start to pay more attention to him than they were to me. I wanted to remind everybody in the vicinity that I am a predator, and that I have killed many rabbits. Among other things. I don’t think Milo kills anything, and I wanted everyone to know that, too. I wanted to make sure nobody forgot who I am, and what my status is.

How would you rate the experience on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best? Do you anticipate spending more time together in the future?

M: Um, maybe a 3? I think he hates me, so no, probably not

SB: Oh, 10, definitely. It was a great experience for me. I would love to spend more time with Milo. Great guy. Maybe next time I'll teach him how to hunt.

Love,
Rachel