This wonderful work championed by Wendy Mattes highlights the profound healing benefits of human interaction with our fellow creatures. Animals benefit us in so many ways: health, service dogs, search & rescue, companionship to name a few. It is disturbing that also in Woodside, another form of interaction between humans and animals is on display each year. The Mounted Patrol choose to harass and frighten young pigs each year on the Fourth of July during the pig “scramble”. Woodside’s residents by and large do not share the view that it is “good old fashioned harmless fun.” Most of us see it for what it is: inhumane and totally inappropriate treatment of animals purely for entertainment- no equestrian or farming skills are on display in animal scrambles. The animals involved in this healing work are farm animals just like the young pigs. Would it be appropriate to do a baby goat, rabbit or pony “scramble” for entertainment and fundraising?

A wonderful story! Kudos to the kind-hearted folks at Jasper Ridge Farm--may their tribe increase.

Contrast this positive interaction between kids and animals with the ill-treatment of many of these same animals at the annual Woodside Jr. Rodeo and pig "scrambles." Does not compute.

BLESS THE BEAUTIFUL FOLKS (& furry friends/ therapists) at Jasper Ridge!!! THIS is how it is meant to be! Peaceful, dignified, meaningful, respectful, and KIND interactions between children and animals. Sadly, the Woodside rodeo exploits, harasses, terrifies, and harms animals with their "scrambles," encouraging children to engage in animal cruelty. Rodeos are flat-out disgusting and violent. The world needs more love and compassion- exactly what Jasper Ridge is doing. THANK YOU.

Positive interaction is developmentally important. Adults and children appreciating that animals have feelings and respond is so important. Excellent article , thank you. Parents need to understand that their children learn from the behavior of the adults in their lives. Compassion for and Respect for the animals are in evidence at Jasper Ridge Farm.
The adults and children who participate in the Woodside pig scramble need to learn to be compassionate and show respect for animals.
Please ask the Mounted Patrol to stop hosting the pig scramble. They could replace the pig scramble with an activity that gives the children a way to interact positively with animals.

Bravo sweet humans for showing kindness to our animal and human friends alike:)!!