At Apple Valley Farm Sanctuary in Penrose, Colorado, Deanna and Weldon Downer spend their days caring for more than 100 rescued farm animals.
But recently, Deanna found herself forming a surprising bond with a much smaller resident — a little black jumping spider she named Ocho.
It started one December morning while Deanna was watering an orchid in her bathroom. Perched on the edge of the planter was a tiny spider. As the water trickled, he seemed fascinated by the droplets.
“I watered the plant, and he went after the water,” Deanna said. “So I grabbed a Q-tip, wet it and set it down next to him.”
Downer figured Ocho must be thirsty — and it appeared that he was.
To her delight, the spider eagerly drank.
From then on, Ocho returned each day, waiting for his miniature water offering. Soon, their quiet routine grew into something more — Deanna found herself chatting with the little spider as she got ready for her day.
“I absolutely loved our daily chats,” she said.
Months passed, and Ocho remained. Six months later, he was still a presence in the house, occasionally wandering beyond the bathroom but always recognizable when he appeared.
“I always know it’s him when I do get to see him,” Deanna said.
The friendship has left Deanna with a deeper appreciation for the creatures many people overlook — or fear.
“We're all so conditioned to believe insects or spiders, snakes, etc., are ‘scary,’” she said. “I want to show other folks that they really aren't scary at all, and all they want is to be respected, just like us.”
Her hope is that Ocho’s story will inspire others to treat the tiny beings they find in their homes with kindness rather than fear. After all, even the smallest creatures can leave a big impact.
