Linda Burnsed and Bengal

When asked what allowed a relatively unknown candidate to unseat an incumbent president in the 1992 presidential campaign, the campaign manager revealed to the press that the entirety of the campaign was driven by a single thought: "It's the economy, stupid." The Farm at Natchez Trace was born of the same single-mindedness, that is: "It's the animals, (stupid)."

The Farm at Natchez Trace found its beginnings because of a beautiful, fun-loving (if somewhat neurotic), please-let-me-give-you-kisses, brindle, female boxer. "Bengal" was the middle "child" in a family of three, having a step-sister three months her senior named "Scruffy" (Shar Pei) and a younger adopted brother named "Buddy" (German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix).

Early on I found there was no place I could board Bengal without her suffering negative consequences. While Buddy and Scruffy seemed to get along reasonably well, Bengal never did. She wouldn't eat, would lose weight during her stay, suffer digestive problems, and remain anxious for some time after she returned home following her boarding stay. Because of her, the thought came to me that there must be a better way to board pets: surely a facility could be designed where Bengal could feel safe, comfortable, and loved.

From the desire to create a boarding facility that the "Bengals" of the world and their "parents" could feel good about, came The Farm. For the time Bengal was here, she was my measuring stick - if she could stay at The Farm and do well - then we would be successful in meeting our goals. And for the most part, I am happy to say, Bengal was very pleased. Being the baby she was, she was never pleased for me to stay gone too long, but at The Farm she ate well, never lost weight or experienced serious digestive problems, and never showed any signs of anxiousness after I brought her home. Finally, I could leave her when I needed to, without that gnawing pain of guilt.

On November 13, 2005, I had to make that call none of us who understands the incredible bond of human-animal relationships wants to make; but know we eventually must. Following the loss of Bengal I shared with our staff the following: If we could take one thing from having had the opportunity to know Bengal, I would want all of us at The Farm to constantly remind ourselves that every guest we serve is someone's 'Bengal' - and there is no doubt in my mind that she deserved our best.

"It's the animals." It's what we do. It's why we're here. It's why The Farm exists. If we can ever love and care for your "Bengal," we would be honored.

Linda Burnsed,
Owner
linda@thefarmatnatcheztrace.com