Today was the day

 And what a beautiful day!

Fall is here in all its splendor, and thankfully we haven't had the usual wind (yet) that knocks all the pretty leaves off the trees. 

Yesterday I made Dally a new halter for her new owners. 

Dally's new owners came today to pick her up. I turned Beamer out in the pen that borders Dally's pen, and they had a nice little final visit. 

They are very adept at not touching those wires after getting zapped the other day.

After an 11 hour drive, they arrived; I caught Dally and handed the lead rope to Stacey, her new person. I was super pleased to see how Dally responded to her. You see, the first two people who came to check her out, Dally wasn't too impressed with, so I was glad they decided to pass on her. But with Stacey, Dally was very chill, relaxed and perfectly behaved. I showed off a few of the things I have done such as the rake scratch and spraying her with fly spray, as well as how well she backs up when you stop leading her and step back. 

Those aren't pinned ears, those are relaxed ears. 

I thinks she likes her! (and vice versa)

I love it when there is a connection. Dally genuinely seemed at ease with Stacey, and Stacey's smile says it all. 

When it was time to leave, I wasn't sure if Dally would step up into their big trailer- it is about 20 inches off the ground, compared to the small step up on my little 2 horse. 

But the li'l darlin' curled up her front legs and hopped right in on the first ask! Good girl Dally!

For the trip back they plan to overnight at some friends about halfway back, and take lots of breaks to check on Dally. 

Dally will be living a little west of Williams Lake, B.C. She will have plenty of company as they own 8 horses including a couple of other young horses. I think it will be a very good home for her. One of the things they are thinking for a career for her is breakaway roping, which is just what I was thinking for her too.

 As they were leaving, Jayne could hear Dally whinnying in the trailer and she started calling to her.

Poor mama! She called for a while before settling down.

In a couple of days I will try having Beamer in with her again; it worked well last time so I am hoping they will get along well again. It will make my work a lot easier too!

Merle

Yesterday was a very sad day here. 

For the last 3 weeks, Ted's little dog Merle has been having issues keeping his food down, general lethargy and  just not himself. He finally quit eating altogether and the vet said he was unable to find anything in his diagnosis- no blockage, no cancer, none of the normal treatable issues. So rather than have him waste away to nothing we made the call to give him a peaceful end. This has been very hard on Ted, that little dog loved him to bits and Ted loved him just as much. 

Wherever Ted went, Merle had to go too, or he would hear about it and that little dog could sure lay a guilt trip on Ted with his carrying on, so he pretty much went wherever Ted went, unless he was going to work or going welding. Merle really liked guys; he had several of Ted's friends that he was happy to see, and of course they would pick him up and cuddle him while they visited. All these big gruff guys cuddling a little 3.4 lb. dog. I think he didn't like wimmens because they are the ones (me!) who would give him baths and brush him when he'd much rather be hanging out in the shop with the boys.

For such a little dog, he had a huge personality and he is leaving a huge hole in both our hearts. 

Merle (aka Fuzzy)

June 15 2011 - February 9 2021

Sunday Silence

Pistol moves on

Today was hauling day for Pistol. He is headed to Alberta.

All lined up saying goodbye

We were a little worried about the weather there- it's above freezing here, and stupid cold over there so I figured I'd better see if he would put up with having a blanket on.
It took about 5 minutes of training and he was quite accepting of this new deal.

However, when the hauler got here he had enclosed the open window slots with plexiglass so it was pretty cosy in there and I made the executive decision not to send the blanket with him, as he won't be unloaded at any point in the trip.
He is sharing a large stall with a li'l companion....

This photo was before the hauler put hay in there and untied the pony. Pistol thought he should have all the hay, and the pony pawed a bunch of it away from Pistol! Haha! They should keep each other busy.
I went back down to the barn after about an hour, and the mares were still hanging out at the gate.

Where's my buddy? Who am I gonna boss around now?

Mama Belle... missing her boy

This is nothing new to mama Belle, but she loves all her foals. Hopefully the next one will be a filly and it can stay!

As promised- the rest of the story.

In my Wordless Wednesday post, we saw Ted riding Rosalee, carrying a flag. (Ted hasn't ridden for a few years!!!!!) That was training day; today, she had a job to do.
Some of you may remember that Ted and I both worked for a local auctioneer; Joe Snopek. Ted was the relief auctioneer and I was the clerk. Well the auctioneer unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack; he was 75 years old. Back in the day, he was a farm boy with a love of horses, so we thought we would do something special for his funeral.
Ted is a member of the North West Mounted Police Commemorative Association- basically  they are a group who dresses in period uniforms and do parades and special events; the NWMP were the forerunners of our current RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) well known for their red serge dress uniforms.

We had a pair of Joe's cowboy boots, empty and with the auction number 1 on them, tied behind the saddle.

Rosalee and Ted greeted people going into the funeral service- old ladies and children were delighted to pet her- and near the end of the service I had the mare ready for Ted at the door that served for the procession to the hearse. Ted held the flag at horizontal as a salute as the family passed by.

Then he led the beginning of the procession for a couple of blocks as they made their way to the cemetery;

when he halted, he dismounted and again held the flag in ceremonial position as he removed his helmet in tribute.

Through it all, Rosalee was rock solid. I love how willing this mare is, and that my husband felt safe on her, enough to get on and ride for the first time in probably 5 years, and that we were able to pay tribute in style to a friend. Rest in peace, Joe.

Rose and Cruiser- March 26- March 28 2013

With a heavy heart I have to tell you all that both foals passed away today. In a way I expected it, but I always had hope that we could will them to live and be healthy.With the help of Dave and Shayla, they were cared for around the clock, and yesterday afternoon they both seemed to be doing well. Today, it was as if a flower had bloomed in all it's beauty yesterday and then faded and wilted today. They both were listless and it was obvious to me that they were losing their will to live.
So I will leave you with some photos from yesterday, Rose and Cruiser in all their short but sweet cuteness.

Saying goodbye.

Back in December, my sister and I traveled to Kamloops to see my dad, whose health was failing. We said our goodbyes then, not knowing how much longer he had. He passed away on Thursday night.

He had Lewy Body dementia, and for the last 4 years, he changed from the vibrant spitfire we knew, and slipped away peacefully in the company of his wife of over 42 years. Even though his passing was expected, it still fills me with sadness. There won't be a funeral for him, but we will have a family gathering in the summer.

Today I said a different kind of goodbye- Chickory headed to her new home in Alberta.

She's about 6 weeks away from foaling, and I'm kind of sad I don't get to be there for it. But she will have a good life where she's going.

Life is all about change- death, birth, day to day events.... it's not about what could have been, it's about what lies ahead, and living each day to the fullest.

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Texas

May, 1978- June 25, 2012. 

Stop over at Own a Morgan to leave your comments, please.

Bubby's Story: August 2008-August 2011

This story starts at a horse auction, the September long weekend of 2008. My husband and I were on a camping tour and stopped at Innisfail to watch the auction. There was a box of kittens looking for homes, and Jack Daines, the auctioneer, boomed out that no one was going home until all the kittens were taken. Ted had sent me to the concession, and I came back with a kitten. He shook his head-No! So I put it back and picked out another one. Once again- No! Then he sent me to the concession again, and I picked out a third kitten. Well, this time he took one look, and said, "Oh all right!"

This is what captivated him:

We originally named him Jack, after the persistent auctioneer. Over time, as he grew...and grew... and grew... (he topped out at 17 pounds) he got called Mr. Chubs, which became Chubby Bubby, and eventually Bubby which became his name. As well as Lumpster, Fat Man, etc.

He was fearless around the horses, he'd follow us out to the pasture, and would even lay on the horse's back.

He travelled well, as we moved around from place to place he adapted quite well.12 different places, to be exact.

His favorite place to lay and relax was on Ted's belly; whenever Ted lay on the couch to watch TV it was certain that within minutes, Bubby would claim his spot- and shortly after, they'd both be asleep!

Over the last year, he started losing weight, and it was plain that his body was shutting down.

Today, I laid him to rest, beneath the willow tree on the west side of Beamer's pen; in line with the setting sun.

He will be missed.