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“Children are the reward of life.” – African Proverb Geelong is in the midst
of a baby boom as new data reveals the region recorded its highest ever number
of births in 2024, with one economist attributing the result to confidence in
the local economy
Full story [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1236838841789793&set=a.382446833895669] |
As of July 2025, Geelong has experienced a significant baby boom, recording its highest-ever number of births in 2024 with 4,120, a 7.6% increase from 2023. Driven by a 19.4% increase since 2019, this surge is fueled by affordable housing, a strong local economy, and pandemic-driven migration to the region, far exceeding the average Australian birth rate, particularly in areas like Armstrong Creek.
This blog post is dedicated to my friends and readers who desire to have children. I will post 3 articles about the Baby Boom in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, before giving my thoughts.
UPDATE: Information is as of January 26, 2026
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KARA KENNEDY: I married at 25 and had a baby within a year. Every other 20-something Gen Z woman I know wants to do the same so we don’t end up like lonely, childless Millennials! [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1054070836760181&set=a.651797153654220] |
Record birthrate reached in Geelong July 24, 2025 BY Abby Pardew 
Geelong has experienced a significant amount of growth in births, with its highest number ever recorded in the last year. Photo: PIXABAY Tweet Facebook Mail
GEELONG has recorded its highest numbers of births on record as numbers around the region start to bounce back from last year’s baby recession.
KPMG Australia’s latest analysis shows birth numbers around the country are starting to recover, climbing 2.6 per cent in the last year.
Geelong’s birthrate experienced a significant growth with 4120 births in 2024, up 7.6 per cent from 2023.
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Every week the Geelong
Advertiser captures some of the first images of babies born at Geelong hospital
and St John of God Geelong. See babies born in June [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1223124513161226&set=a.382446833895669] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2026/01/nappy-valley-geelong-baby-boom.html |
KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said rising rents, mortgage payments and childcare costs were hampering people’s plans to start or grow their family in metro areas.
“Instead, regional communities are continuing to emerge as popular places to live, work and raise a family, with affordability now top of mind for many Australians,” he said.
“The strong birthrates outside the cities are in part a consequence of the great migration we saw during the pandemic, which encouraged many Australians to leave city lockdowns for a better lifestyle in the regions.
“The regions are now feeling the long-term benefits of that migration as their relative affordability has allowed them to retain those people who have put down roots and are starting families.”
The improved numbers around the country still sit below Australia’s levels before the pandemic and below where needed to ensure balanced population growth.
It is expected that it will still be some time before the country exceeds the 350,000 figure needed, but it is predicted the birth rate will reach 300,000 over the next year.
KPMG attributes the birthrate to economic pressures, with disposable income changes having a significant impact.
Birthrates temporarily spiked during the initial COVID recovery, due to low unemployment and government stimulus.
“The rising cost-of-living pressures in 2022 and 2023 triggered a significant ‘baby recession’, with births dropping by 5.1 per cent during that time,” Mr Rawnsley said.
“Encouragingly, the growth in disposable household income per capita in 2024 suggests there’s cause for optimism that birthrates will recover further.”
Other regional cities around Australia that experienced an increase in birthrates included Cairns, Townsville, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong and Darwin.
INTERNET SOURCE: https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/geelongtimes/news/record-birthrate-reached-in-geelong/
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“Mothers write on the hearts of their children, what the world’s rough hand cannot erase.” – Amish Proverb Homebirth program marks successful first year Barwon Health’s homebirth program is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a successful year of offering women the choice to birth at home with expert support. |
Tuesday March 25, 2025
Homebirth program marks successful first year
Barwon Health’s homebirth program is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a successful year of offering women the choice to birth at home with expert support.
The Barwon Health homebirth program launched in January 2024 after a successful trial in November 2023.
Since its launch, 46 babies have been born at home with the support of the program, with demand growing each month.
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) coordinator Serena Pellizzeri says that the program is much needed in the community.
“Our community has asked for this program and the MGP team have been strong advocates for getting the program up and running. Demand continues to grow now that women are sharing their experiences about the program,” she said.
“It is extremely rewarding that women in our community now have more choices about where they can safely birth. Homebirth is a safe model of care for low-risk women.”
The program allows local women to birth in the comfort of their own home.
It is offered to women who meet agreed clinical criteria and live within 30 minutes of University Hospital Geelong.
Modelled on Western Health’s successful program in Melbourne, the program is an extension of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), which provides safe and sustainable maternity care for women and families during pregnancy, birth and the first two weeks at home with a new baby.
Nine credentialed midwives work in the program and are in the process of training additional staff to be able to provide homebirth care.
Each month, MGP has a waitlist of at least 35 women wanting to access the service.
A celebratory event was held on 20 March for women who have birthed at home, women who plan to birth at home and members of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) team.
The event was an opportunity for women to share their experiences about the program and for staff and families to celebrate a successful first year.
For more information about the program, click here.
INTERNET SOURCE: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/news/homebirth-program-marks-successful-first-year/
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Children are a poor man’s wealth. – Danish Proverb PHOTO CAPTION: Faroese Community at Ólavsøka / Ólafsvaka in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5233247433389940&set=pcb.5233247610056589 [ALBUM SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/visittorshavn/posts/pfbid02psiWPhjxmwqaZR2aELAFjFywHjJfZGYxkZwy9pZabjQXHBikB1rQYRPNTn4qx7CRl] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-adopted-children-of-faroe-islands.html https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-faroe-islands-childrens-world-in.html |
Baby boom births new group
09/09/2025
A new first-time parents’ group is now available in the Surf Coast following a baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.
The dedicated group is the first in the area for more than two years, following an increase of close to 30 per cent of birth notifications across Aireys Inlet and Anglesea during the 2024/25 financial year.
Aireys Inlet’s new mum Belinda said having a first-time parents’ group available in Anglesea rather than travelling to Torquay was great.
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“Parenting is not about controlling our children through consequences and directives. These are fear based parenting that teach our children to be reactive out of fear. Parenting is about influencing our children through love and understanding. This teaches our children to respond out of love. Thus, true control comes from loving influence.” – Heather Forbes PHOTO CAPTION: Aireys Inlet mums Felicity and Belinda with babies Koya and Sunny. (Supplied) [PHOTO SOURCE: https://geelongindy.com.au/news/09-09-2025/baby-boom-births-new-group/] |
“It’s nice to meet up with other local mums and see how their bubs are growing and hopefully they’ll all grow up together,” she said.
A total of 31 birth notifications for Aireys Inlet and Anglesea were received for the 2024/35 financial year, seven more births than the previous year, with many babies born to first-time parents.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Leon Walker said council now runs first-time parents’ groups facilitated by staff in Torquay, Winchelsea and Anglesea that all serve surrounding areas.
“Becoming a parent for the first time is life-changing and having a local network makes a world of difference,” he said.
“These groups are all about building friendships, swapping tips, and knowing you’re not alone in the journey, and it’s also a place where lots of life-long friendships are formed.
“It’s exciting to see a mini baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys, and I’m so pleased that these first-time parents have easy access to this group, which will serve as a wonderful support for them.”
There were 364 birth notifications for Surf Coast Shire, and 110 parents attended council’s first-time parents’ groups during the 2024/25 financial year.
INTERNET SOURCE: https://geelongindy.com.au/news/09-09-2025/baby-boom-births-new-group/
MY THOUGHTS:
Before, I give my thoughts, I will explain from another source on why Geelong has a high fertility rate.
Geelong's fertility rate is higher than the national average due to a combination of factors including housing affordability, a strong local economy, and a perceived sense of normalcy during the pandemic, according to the Geelong Advertiser. While national birth rates are declining, Geelong has experienced an increase in births, bucking the trend.
Here is a more detailed look:
Housing Affordability: Geelong offers more affordable housing options compared to Melbourne, making it an attractive location for young families and first-home buyers. This affordability allows families to comfortably consider expanding their families.
Strong Local Economy: Geelong's economy is experiencing growth, particularly in service industries, healthcare, and education, which creates job opportunities and attracts new residents. This economic stability contributes to a sense of confidence for young couples considering starting or expanding their families.
Sense of Normalcy During the Pandemic: Some couples may have felt that 2023, when the pandemic's impact had lessened, was a good time to have children, with a more relaxed hospital environment and a sense of returning to normal life, according to the Geelong Advertiser.
Lifestyle: Geelong offers a good quality of life with access to both city amenities and coastal attractions, making it an appealing place to live and raise a family, according to the City of Greater Geelong.
"Nappy Valleys": The expansion of residential areas like Armstrong Creek and new estates in the north are creating "nappy valleys," where young families are choosing to settle and raise their children, according to the Geelong Advertiser.
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Sometimes the universe
gives you the sweetest little signs St John of God Subiaco Hospital January 22, 2026 [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1503021351833178&set=a.503153601819963] https://www.sjog.org.au/our-locations/st-john-of-god-geelong-hospital/our-services/maternity BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2026/01/nappy-valley-geelong-baby-boom.html |
As Australia (with other countries around the world) is suffering a low fertility rate with less than 2.1 per women. Geelong is one of the cities in Australia that have a high fertility rate, I am glad for them. While I do not believe that they will repopulate the country with their baby boom, I believe it will replace their city with more people. As those factors mentioned above, I think it is a good way to let people start more families.
I personally like the idea of letting woman give birth at home and the first-time parents’ group. It is an effective way of showing support to mothers. Perhaps, Geelong should follow the Faroe Islands’ example of making it family friendly to encourage more children and families into that city.
I believe that some Australian people are waking up to the world’s depopulation crisis, I will post some links on Geelong hospitals that are for maternity services. As Geelong is a community-oriented city, I believe that the people there will help one another as the African proverb said:
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‘It takes a village to raise a child’ ~ African Proverb It takes a village to raise a child is an African proverb that means that an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. The villagers look out for the children. Look out for us and help us go further. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://images.app.goo.gl/WLmMFtU54dwGXC319] |
GEELONG HOSPITALS LINKS:
https://maternity.barwonhealth.org.au/
https://www.sjog.org.au/our-locations/st-john-of-god-geelong-hospital/our-services/maternity
VIDEOS ON WHY PEOPLE MOVE TO GEELONG:
What do you love about the Geelong region?
Oct 11, 2020 GEELONG WATERFRONT
Kim Cooper took to the waterfront to find out what people love about our
region. Produced by Humans in Geelong who focus on local positive stories.
Filmed by team member Hadeel Al-badran of @hs.stories.photography This video is
one of 100 that were created and submitted for the exciting, uplifting
@humansingeelong Online Expo 2020. We are so proud of our region and all the
amazing Humans in Geelong and region. View other inspiring videos on our
YouTube, 
/ @humansingeelong8761
Humans in Geelong are a team of volunteers who tell diverse, positive stories
of locals to inspire, connect and strengthen community. Follow us on:
https://www.facebook.com/HumansinGeelong
VIDEO SOURCE: https://youtu.be/O7wyInbFCVE?si=dGoqaexaZjtKQ2z-
Geelong is set for a business boom, why demand for workers is about to surge | 7NEWS
May 26, 2025 Melbourne & Victoria news | 7NEWS Australia
34 thousand new jobs will be created in Geelong over the next five years as manufacturing makes a comeback in Victoria’s second largest city.
VIDEO SOURCE: https://youtu.be/DpbkMHA6fQE?si=RFf3xTfE8Awk4Kjf
Australia’s Hottest Regional Destination: The Geelong Boom
9.27K subscribers
28,121 views Aug 11, 2025
Australia’s Hottest Regional Destination: The Geelong Boom
Geelong is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting stories in the Australia economy, with the Geelong property boom 2025 attracting investors, homebuyers, and developers from across the country. Once known primarily as a quiet port city, Geelong is now experiencing remarkable Regional Victoria real estate growth, fuelled by major infrastructure projects, improved transport links to Melbourne, and a growing appeal as a lifestyle destination. The Geelong housing market trends show a consistent rise in demand, with buyers drawn to its coastal charm, affordable property prices compared to Melbourne, and strong rental returns. Industry experts now rank it among the best regional cities to invest in Australia, with growth projections showing no signs of slowing down. This momentum is further supported by impressive Geelong population growth 2025 figures, as more Australians choose to relocate from capital cities in search of a better quality of life. As one of the leading Regional Australia property hotspots, Geelong offers a unique mix of urban convenience and natural beauty.
Its thriving business sector, diverse job market, and expanding education facilities are boosting the Geelong economy and development, while a vibrant arts and dining scene enhances the city’s appeal to young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Living in Geelong Australia means enjoying world-class beaches, stunning wineries, and easy access to the Great Ocean Road, making it a prime location for both work and leisure. Investors are increasingly recognising the long-term potential, with numerous Regional Victoria investment opportunities available across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The Geelong lifestyle and opportunities are unmatched in the region, offering an ideal balance of affordability, growth potential, and coastal living. With the city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure plans, and ongoing economic expansion, Geelong stands as a shining example of how a regional hub can transform into a booming investment magnet. Whether you are looking to move, invest, or simply explore, Geelong in 2025 is a place you can’t afford to overlook.
VIDEO SOURCE: https://youtu.be/7oXQje6E7Wg?si=wb0Nh7F1DPXrz8kh
KINDERWELT LINKS:
“I think
that bringing children into the world is like bringing holiness into the world.
Like every soul has a mission that can only be fulfilled by that individual and
we don’t know what that individual’s mission is and even what our own mission
is. We’re all figuring it out as we go. And I think, yes, it is something that
I do for God in a sense of the work component.”
― Catherine Pakaluk, Hannah's
Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth
BOOK REVIEW: Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/11/book-review-hannahs-children-women.html
“Children are arrows in a quiver, and they are to be trained as missionaries and shot at the Devil.” — Jim Elliot
MEET CHARLTON AND NATASHA SWEAZY AND THEIR 11 CHILDREN
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2026/01/meet-charlton-and-natasha-sweazy-and.html
“The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.” - Mario Puzo
JOHN TROYER MEMORIAL REPORT 2025
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/10/john-troyer-memorial-report-2025.html
“A father’s holy life is a rich legacy for his sons.” - Charles Spurgeon
JOHN TROYER MEMORIAL AWARD
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/07/john-troyer-memorial-award.html
The Hebrew phrase for "children are a joy" is "ילדים הם שמחה" (yeldim hem simcha). "ילדים" (yeldim) means "children", and "שמחה" (simcha) means "joy" or "gladness". Israel is the only OECD countries that have the highest fertility rate of 2.91 per woman.
From September 2023 to September 2024, about 183,000 babies were born in Israel, meaning that more than 400 babies were born per day. There was a similar case in 2022, in its annual Amish population study, the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College estimates that 1,450 Amish babies were born in Lancaster County last year. Only 145 Amish of all ages died. That population increase of 1,305 brought the total number of Amish living here to 44,315. There were more Amish births than deaths in that state.
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/12/israels-baby-boom-2024-children-are-joy.html
15 And
he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and
Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in
them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” - Genesis
48:15-16 (ESV)
ISRAEL’S CHILDREN WORLD: THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWS ON THE RISE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/06/israels-children-world-ultra-orthodox.html
“Our children are the only treasures we can take to heaven.”
AMISH BABY BOOM PART 1 – PROVERBS ABOUT CHILDREN
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/10/amish-baby-boom-part-1-proverbs-about.html
Who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart. – Danish Proverb
AMISH BABY BOOM PART 2 - CANADIAN AMISH ON THE RISE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/07/amish-baby-boom-part-2-canadian-amish.html
11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” – I Samuel 1:11 (ESV)
Our home joys are the most delightful earth affords, and the joy of parents in their children is the most holy joy of humanity. - Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/05/2025-mothers-day-sermons.html
Honor the house in which you were born, the tree that gave you shade, and the village where you were raised. – Swedish Proverb
THE FAROE ISLANDS: CHILDREN’S WORLD IN EUROPE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-faroe-islands-childrens-world-in.html
Children are a poor man’s wealth. – Danish Proverb
THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF THE FAROE ISLANDS
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-adopted-children-of-faroe-islands.html
Beyond 2050 the world population may start to decrease if women across the world will have, on average, less than 2 children. But that decrease will be slow. - Hans Rosling
BIRTHGAP – CHILDLESS WORLD DOCUMENTARY FILM
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/09/birthgap-childless-world-documentary.html
Freundschaft zwischen Pferd und Hund Fotos (Temporary links):
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Jackie and Jules Freundschaft zwischen Pferd und Hund [PHOTO SOURCE: https://bleib-entspannt.com/produkt/geschichte-pferd-und-hund-traumreise-fuer-kinder-zum-einschlafen-jackie-jules/] [OTHER PHOTO LINKS: https://images.app.goo.gl/CN7xFyahnanAD9Xf8] Traumreise für Kinder zum Einschlafen – Jackie & Jules – Geschichte mit Hund und Pferd 3,22 € Die Geschichte von Hund Jackie und Pferd Jules ist eine Geschichte über die enge Freundschaft zwischen zwei Tieren. Sie gehören zwar nicht zur selben Art aber das stört die innige Liebe der beiden überhaupt nicht. Was allerdings eine kleine große Herausforderung für die beiden wird, ist die Tatsache, dass der Hofbesitzer Theodor einen neuen Hund mit ins idyllische Zuhause bringt.
ENGLISH TRANSALTION: Dream trip for children to fall asleep - Jackie & Jules - story with dog and horse € 3.22 The story of dog Jackie and horse Jules is a story about the close friendship between two animals . They don't belong to the same species, but that doesn't affect their deep love at all. What will be a little big challenge for the two of them, however, is the fact that farm owner Theodor is bringing a new dog into their idyllic home. https://www.petplay.com/blogs/tips/can-dogs-and-horses-get-along https://www.thesprucepets.com/japanese-dog-breeds-4799113 https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/japanese-dog-breeds/ https://acmecanine.com/can-dogs-make-friends-with-horses/ https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/02/simple-living-quotes-part-1-meet-titus.html |
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Horses and dogs share a surprisingly common language of play [PHOTO SOURCE: https://wealldeservebetter.wordpress.com/2020/04/17/horses-and-dogs-share-a-surprisingly-common-language-of-play/] |
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Greeting card friend: Horse with dog Freundschaft Pferd und Hund [PHOTO SOURCE: https://grusskartenladen.de/grusskarte-freund-in-pferd-mit-hund] [OTHER PHOTO LINKS: https://images.app.goo.gl/eEFr7TSJ8TvyZ5Y78] https://acmecanine.com/can-dogs-make-friends-with-horses/ Traumreise für Kinder zum Einschlafen – Jackie & Jules – Geschichte mit Hund und Pferd 3,22 € Die Geschichte von Hund Jackie und Pferd Jules ist eine Geschichte über die enge Freundschaft zwischen zwei Tieren. Sie gehören zwar nicht zur selben Art aber das stört die innige Liebe der beiden überhaupt nicht. Was allerdings eine kleine große Herausforderung für die beiden wird, ist die Tatsache, dass der Hofbesitzer Theodor einen neuen Hund mit ins idyllische Zuhause bringt. ENGLISH TRANSALTION: Dream trip for children to fall asleep - Jackie & Jules - story with dog and horse € 3.22 The story of dog Jackie and horse Jules is a story about the close friendship between two animals . They don't belong to the same species, but that doesn't affect their deep love at all. What will be a little big challenge for the two of them, however, is the fact that farm owner Theodor is bringing a new dog into their idyllic home. https://www.petplay.com/blogs/tips/can-dogs-and-horses-get-along https://www.thesprucepets.com/japanese-dog-breeds-4799113 https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/japanese-dog-breeds/ https://acmecanine.com/can-dogs-make-friends-with-horses/ https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/02/simple-living-quotes-part-1-meet-titus.html |
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Study Surprises: Horses and Dogs understand each other when playing together [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.malgretoutmedia.com/professional/study-surprises-horses-and-dogs-understand-each-other-when-playing-together/] |
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Friendship Between a Horse And Malamute Caught In Mesmerizing Photos Share it with your friends! This gallery is created by Russian photographer, Svetlana Pisareva perfectly shows this unique bond, it’s a friendship between a husky dog and a beautiful grey horse that blends well with the snow around them. The images are so good we wouldn’t be surprised if we see these two starings in their own Disney movie. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://themindcircle.com/friendship-between-horse-malamute/] |
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Friendship Between a Horse And Malamute Caught In Mesmerizing Photos Share it with your friends! This gallery is created by Russian photographer, Svetlana Pisareva perfectly shows this unique bond, it’s a friendship between a husky dog and a beautiful grey horse that blends well with the snow around them. The images are so good we wouldn’t be surprised if we see these two starings in their own Disney movie. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://themindcircle.com/friendship-between-horse-malamute/] [FACEBOOK PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=376933484680311&set=pb.100070909864992.-2207520000] Horse and dog friendship 3c 10 Ways Horses Are Similar To Dogs [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.cowgirlmagazine.com/horses-similar-dogs/] |
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