Some people might say they’re just chickens, but 1-year-old Leo absolutely loves her fluffy friends. As she hugs them close, it’s clear she adores the little creatures, which seem quite content in her tiny, chubby arms.
“For her,” said mom Soli, “it’s a friend and a way to express all of her love that she has to share.”
The young family, who live in a small town in Granite Falls, Washington, purchased a box of chicks from an animal store several months ago. For baby Leo, it was love at first sight. Soli was born and raised in Mexico, later moving to Washington where her husband, David, lived. The couple’s love for nature has led them to start a micro farm close to the mountains.
“I try to raise my children close to nature. Trying my best to guide them into kindness and love,” Soli said.
When the family were checking out of the animal store, the lady who handed them the box told them to not let Leo touch the chicks because “’she is too young to be gentle,'” Soli recalled. However, knowing the baby chicks were theirs, the ride home was full of joy.
Initially, Soli and David made sure to always be present when Leo and their older children, Sebastian and Lucia, were around the chicks. It quickly became apparent, though, that little Leo was smitten, awash with tenderness, and would certainly cause no harm.
“She was always so gentle to them and gave them all her love,” Soli said. “I could see the joy in her eyes as she realized those baby chicks needed her, and she began to care for them.”
Soli says the chickens are Leo’s “happy therapy,” never failing to lift her mood.
“Some days when Leo has hard moments, we just head outside to spend time with her chickens—then she returns home with a big smile,” said the proud mom.
The love appears to be mutual, with the chickens often napping in Leo’s arms as she coos at them. They also enjoy the treats she brings them, saving them her leftover bits of fruit. Every day, Leo feeds her pets with such enthusiasm and excitement, they learned to eat from her hand.
“With bright eyes, she makes a chicken sound; that’s how she calls them,” Soli said.
It’s an adorable sight that has obviously touched many on Soli’s Instagram account.
“People reacted because this is a moment of pure love, compassion, and kindness,“ Soli said. ”Leo is such a happy baby. She loves music and hugs; dancing and ice cream. She loves nature and any animal she sees.”
For the family, guiding kids to behave with kindness is what’s most important.
“Kindness and compassion create happiness for our soul. Love is what matters the most. Let’s raise children that can enjoy the smallest, simplest moments in life,” said the mom.
