An Unexpected Pleasure

There are few pleasures in life for me than meeting a true gentle giant in body and soul.  I met such a dog this evening and his name was Moose.  Moose is 195 pounds of all Newfoundland dog.  His human is named Kurt.  Moose used to have his own webpage. Kurt forgot to renew his domain name for his site and lost it, unfortunately.  He's thinking of restarting the page for Moose and I hope he does.  I'll be watching for it and will share the site name if and when he comes back on line. The first thing I noticed about Moose was his shear size and that he lumbered, like a bear, as he moved through the pack of dogs at the park. I stood for the longest time just watching him move. The second thing I noticed about Moose was his gentle nature. What a lovely dog. I was totally and completely smitten the moment I laid eyes on him.

I had an opportunity to visit a city dog park tonight.  What a great field study.  I enjoyed myself tremendously.  I stood there watching all the dogs interacting, cuing in on their body language and communication. I couldn't help but think, we can learn so very many important lessons from dogs.  There were outgoing dogs, shy dogs, large and small dogs.  Dogs of all breeds and mixes of breeds.  Humans smiling while watching dogs playing.  It was good.  All the dogs got along well.  A couple dogs were bit obnoxious but no dogs took offense.  They did, however, ask the dog who was a bit out of order to relax in a calm and assertive way. No muss, no fuss.  When a dog would give a cue that he would prefer not to play or take part in play, the other dog moved on.  Simple. I saw and felt a great deal of joy, of being in the moment, of not taking offense or feeling sorry for oneself (one dog appeared to have a permanent limp), of not noticing differences or making fun. What I did notice was a great deal of acceptance, of getting along. I also observed that our dear Moose was a peacemaker. It was amazing watching him greet each new dog as they entered the small park.  Watching him place himself between two high energy dogs; bringing order. Well done, Moose!

I wondered as I stood in one of the most important cities in our United States.  A history rich place where leaders come together to meet, to plan, to make laws that affect our nation, the way we live. A place of great men and of not so great men who have influenced our nation for the good and the not so good. Unfortunately, the leaders I speak of don't always seem to be able to work together, to get along, to come together in such a open and accepting way, no personal agendas just focusing on what is best for the whole. I wondered; if we lived more in the moment, if we truly did to others that which we would have them to do us, if we could truly see the intent of a person's heart rather than judging the outside wrapping and if we could just let go of our own personal agendas. If we could focus on what was important, my goodness, what we could accomplish.  Harmony.

We had the nicest conversation with Kurt. Kurt is interested in Moose becoming a Therapy Dog.  I shared about Alli and my adventures in Therapy Dog work. It was such a pleasure as Kurt knew all about the R.E.A.D. program and the benefits for children struggling to read. He said the program was flourishing in this part of the country.  What a true joy to speak with someone who understood all about the program. I am still educating people in my area and it has been a slow process. Most do not know a thing about the program nor understand the benefits.  They have no idea how fortunate they are to have Alli and I right in our community ready, willing and able to run with this program. So many communities, all over the country, are looking for dogs who are able to do this.  The demand and need seems greater than the dogs ready to fill that demand. It just did my heart good to talk with someone who understood and appreciated what we had to offer.

Turns out Kurt is originally from a small town in Ohio very close to where we live.  We walked Kurt and Moose home as it was on our way.  I watched people's expressions as they passed Moose - so fascinating. So many smiles.  I wondered what would happen if Moose showed up on Capitol Hill, might he bring out a more gentler nature in people such as I saw this evening.  I vote for Moose! I felt so privileged to walk with this most beautiful of God's creations. Sometimes you come up close and personal with a creature so magnificent, so gentle and stunningly beautiful it takes your breath away.  Being around dogs has always grounded me, they make me feel at home no matter where I may be. What a lovely evening, what a nice unexpected pleasure.

A story about a Lady

I don't have pictures of the real life Lady in my story...so I thought a picture of Emma and my daughter Natalie might suffice.  Lady inspired me to one day have a collie just like her and so it was to be, I was blessed with my own tri-colored collie, Emma.  I was around 9 years old when I first realized that Lady was a working dog, just the age Natalie is in this picture.  So in a sense, this could be Lady and me...

It was 1972 when my first thoughts of Lady are clear.  I was around 9 years old.  Lady was a tri-colored collie with beautiful pricked ears and a long pointy nose, just like Emma pictured above.  She was my Uncle's collie and lived on his Long Meadows Dairy Farm - in Pennsylvania. I was lucky enough to spend weekends and a week here and there at his farm with my cousins and Aunt. Lady was the first working dog I ever met. It was her job to bring the cows in to be milked two times a day and without fail she performed her job flawlessly.  She seemed to have an internal time clock, as she was always on time...never late. No matter the weather...in the cold icy wind of the winter or the hot humid sun in the summer...Lady did her job.  I never saw my Uncle call her or remind her.  I would see her heading out to the pasture and I would look up and think..."oh, it's milking time already".  One day, I remember asking my Uncle if I could go out with Lady to bring the cows in.  He said, "sure, but stay along the fence line."  I'm glad I was the kind of kid to listen, as I saved myself a great deal of grief and trouble in life. It served me well on this particular day.  I was walking along the fence line, kind of grumbling to myself..."gee, I'm way behind, I can't even see Lady.  I'll never catch up...it doesn't help that I have to walk the whole way over to the fence line and not just follow Lady's path..."  As I was bemoaning this fact, I felt the earth tremble, I could hear the thunder of many hooves beating the ground and it was then I looked up to see a herd of cows running right toward me.  Had I not been along the fence line and in the middle of the field, I might have been trampled. The thought made me shutter but only for a second as my breath was taken away by the sight of Lady.  I stood in awe, as my hand grasped the fence, unable to move, to breathe as I saw this beautiful tri-colored collie at the back of the herd driving the cows toward the barn.  This little dog was moving a whole herd of very large cows! I was simply stunned and amazed by this working dog! I heard myself say out loud..."breathe, Barbara, breathe"!  I knew then that I wanted a tri-colored collie just like Lady...one day.

Galatians 5:7 and 8 says: "You were running a good race.  Who stopped you from following the true way?  This change did not come from the One who chose you."  

I was reminded of Lady's story this past weekend as I read the scripture above.  Her determination and focus, a true inspiration. I lost a bit of my focus this past weekend, a little of my determination. But thankfully, I was once again inspired by Lady as I remembered that day when my heart was so young and full of dreams. If God can give a collie a job to do, a race to run...then how much more does HE have in store for me and you. He can help me build my small business, help it to flourish and grow. My job is to breathe, listen, stay focused, be determined and stay in the race.  It would seem tri-colored collies have been inspiring this heart of mine since 1972.  What a wonderful race I'm in...and thank you Lord for sending Lady...the very first collie to inspire, guide and teach me.

"Emma"

Pictured (l-r) Natalie, Matthew, Nicholas, Me and Emma 

1994 our 1st Christmas in our new house, Natalie was turning 10 yrs old and Nicky was 19 mos old.  Emmy was a very young 3 years old - our Journey was only just beginning.  Matt and I, my goodness, we were in our early 30's. Memories worth preserving...

Emma

Gentle, demure

hiding behind the shed room door.

Looking up with such big, soft, brown eyes

uncertain, but willing to give me a try.

A friend in whom you could depend

willing to listen, to walk, to play til the end.

Just being by my side was your greatest pleasure.

In the classroom, show ring or helping me to train,

In my eyes a Champion you will always remain!

Hero, protector and best friend.

Angel in disguise.

Always...my Emma until the end.

I started this poem while Emmy was still living in late 90's...just happened to run across it and finished it today.

Mornings with Billy

After saying good morning and giving my husband a kiss as he leaves for work...I head out to the barn each and every morning and see this adorable face looking for me. This is my pony Billy, he was born on our small farm in 1997.  It's hard for me to believe he is 15 years old and as ornery as he was the day he was born.  That reminds me that I too am 15 years older, good grief!  Some days I wonder why God sent me this pony, but I'm convinced that Billy was sent to teach me and teach me he has.  Billy has humbled me but he has also brought some of my most happy moments! He is absolutely adorable but ornery as all get out.  There are days that he can thank his lucky stars that he's so darn cute or he would have been sold down the road long ago.  

There is something so magical, so wonderful that can happen between a girl and a pony it is hard to explain. Billy has followed in the footsteps of other great ponies and horses in my life; each so special, each sent to me to teach me...  Indian War Paint, the shetland pony that taught me how to ride. Archie the quarter horse I will never forget, we learned to jump fences together and although he was just a baby (old enough to learn to jump) he took care of this young rider and might I add took care of this young girl's heart as she matured from a gawky pre-teen with pimples and braces, through the dramas of high school as I bloomed into a young woman.  Archie didn't see all those blemishes, he just simply accepted me the way I was.  Then there is "My" mare who challenged me as a rider to step up to the next level who really developed me as a proficient and good equestrian.   Oh, my goodness how I laugh when I think of the times I fell off of each one of these horses...how they taught me to sit up, to be confident, focus and to reach for my goals...no half way, half hearted attempts would do...I had to mean it and follow through and never give up! These are just a few of the very special equines that I have had the blessed privilege to know. Then one day, unexpectedly, God sent Billy.

Billy was a great surprise to our family.  I know the term rescue has gone out of vogue with some people; but Billy's Mom Beauty was a pony that we rescued.  She was so thin and her mane was in knots the day we met her. There was something so familiar about her and I could see in her big fluid eyes that there was a good pony in there no matter about the knots in her mane and sharp bones that protruded through her taunt flesh.  I could see the Beauty that God  meant her to be.  She came to our farm the very next day. You could have knocked each of us over with a feather the day the vet came to give Beauty an exam and said, "by the way did you know this pony is in foal." What?  Not what we had bargained for and to look at our thin pony girl...you would have never guessed there was a baby pony, or mule for all we knew, tucked away inside this little mare.

Billy was born on a summer's night, June 19th 1997 at the reasonable hour of 8 pm. He came out ready to take on the world.  And even though he was very tiny, in fact he looked like a 3D object because his Mama hadn't gotten the nourishment she needed throughout her pregnancy, he was absolutely beautiful and healthy!  We all breathed a sigh of relief.  We were all pleased he was an active foal and into everything. We have him on video tape his first day and what a little bronc he was. I could swear there are times where Beauty looks completely at a loss as to what to do with him. His first day out in the field with his Mama he trotted and cantered around and around her so many times I thought Beauty was going to get dizzy.  We wondered if he had somehow been wound up and would he ever run out of steam. He did eventually and then slept straight out on his side, in the middle of the field, without a care in the world.  That's our Bill.

Billy was named by my 4 year old son, Nick as was a rabbit that had been born on our farm that year.  Billy, the rabbit turned out to be a girl and her name was later changed to Jilly.   We needed larger ponies for our kids to ride and had not counted on having yet another small pony so we thought Billy would be for sale. We had one person out to see him once when he was quite young, but I just couldn't go through with the sale.  I felt Bill was worth far more than what was being offered and so he stayed. I felt I had to do something with him and that's when a friend suggested I train him to drive...and thus began my driving passion.

Billy was actually very easy to train to drive...extremely easy.  I made the normal mistakes with him, nothing huge or horrible just some of the common mistakes made with a first driving horse.  Billy took it all in his stride and was completely wonderful. Don't get me wrong, he can have his moments...and those moments have made my face red and humbled me to my core.  I have kept a journal of sorts and have written down those stories and some day I should compile them into a book...  But for now, back to the reason I started this post...

I just never tire of seeing this face each morning. We put our ponies in for the night year round because our pasture is far too rich to allow ponies to graze it 24/7, they have to come in off the field for a few hours everyday so they don't founder.  Each morning the other ponies run out of the barn to the hay I place in the field for them but not Billy.  I marvel that Billy chooses to stay with me and follow me around while I clean stalls.  He seems to enjoy checking out the stalls that have been freshly cleaned and most mornings will enjoy a roll in one of the stalls - usually Lil Miss' stall.  He stands while I scratch him in his favorite spots and then stands some more when I finish.  He truly just enjoys hanging out with me.  Lately he has been sneaking into the hay stall and enjoying the hay while I clean the barn and then when I ask him with a tap on his tail to back out he does and then heads out to the field with the rest of the herd.  Sometimes he will stand and watch me when I clean brushes or straighten up the tack area...clean and fill buckets, de-cobweb the barn.  He seems to find all the daily happenings fascinating and doesn't like to miss a thing.  He watches me as I slip in the mud or fall on the ice or struggle lifting something heavy...he takes it all in.  He listens quite intensely while I share my dreams, cry about my failures and tell him about our upcoming events or training schedule.  

Some people head to an office and speak to their co-workers or lead meetings and conferences.  Some people have their families; Mothers, sisters, cousins close by to share life.  Some have close friends that they call each day or get together, plan weekly outings or luncheons, kind of like Lucy and Ethel.  That hasn't been my story and that's okay. I know that each and every day I can count on seeing this beautiful face, looking for me and welcoming the day with me...and that's more than enough!

And so the journey continues...spring training!

Cute Gabby peeking over her stall wall and yes I said wall (it's taller than me around 6 feet something)!   She climbs her wall to peek at me each morning while I am getting her hay. A bit impatient....but oh, so cute! Don't adjust your screen or glasses the pic is a bit of a blur...but I had to take this quickly as she's up and down in a flash.  Please excuse the birdie doo...spring cleaning is on the list too - those birdies are busy in my little barn staying warm and dry throughout the winter. <sigh>

It's been a bit since I've talked about the sweet fillies...they are officially 2 years old now and we are happy to step up their training this spring.  They have become so friendly, true 'pocket ponies' following us everywhere we go when in the pasture and barn.  I don't think twice about reaching out to pet their nose or stop to cradle their head against my chest.  They've come a long way...as I knew they would.  They have good teachers both human and pony.  A wonderful team that works with my ponies in a good and kind way; farrier Jonathan Wilson, Dr. Monica our vet and great friends and friend's children/grandchildren who let them know that humans are pretty neat.  They have a good life...  Hard to believe they were ever dubbed the 'silly fillies', shy and skittish.

Here's an updated picture of Grace.  She is so sensible and laid back about life.  I love that my son, who named her, loves her too.  He'll stop and say hi to her and will talk to me about her - that's such a joy.  My prayer is that he'll take an active part in training her this spring and drive her next year.  I'm putting that hope and prayer out there, trusting God for a miracle.

Matthew and I are talking about driving these two sisters as a pair.  I think they would be cute - salt and pepper/ebony and ivory.  They look a great deal alike in structure and movement and the black and white theme could be fun...we'll see.  But for now they are right on schedule...their journey has been good.  I can't wait to see what God does through these two sweet fillies...look forward to journaling about their continued education and training.

Have a great day everyone from all of us at Wind Dance Pony Farm!

Alli visits Fredericktown Elementary School. Part 2

Alli and I visited the morning class at the Fredericktown Elementary school today.  Brand new class, a whole new group of children.  I noticed the children in the morning class are a bit younger than the children in the afternoon class.  We had a great deal of fun and Alli loved on all the kids!  We were once again well received as we walked through the hallways...such a pleasure and a privilege for me to be on the other end of Alli's lead.  She is a working dog and she does love her job.

I am using my blog as a Journal of sorts and wanted to share some sweet events of our visit today.  There was one little boy, the youngest of the group, I believe when asked his age he held up three little fingers. I couldn't help but be drawn to his delightful, if not a bit impish smile.  He seemed to have a twinkle in his eye as he smiled...you know one of those smiles that says I know I'm cute, into most everything and I love life!  Alli was drawn to him as well.  I so wish I had taken my camera as there are just those special moments where you hold your breath trying to take it all in because it's just so fantastic, so wonderful!  Everything stops in these moments...time seems to stand still as something so special transpires between a little human and a great big dog.  When we greeted this smallest of the group, he immediately put both hands up to Alli's face...embracing her long pointy nose between his tiny hands and just held it for the longest time.  Alli stood so patiently, so still and looked into his eyes so sweetly yet so intently. There was much going on between them, such a wonder to behold, just about brought tears to my eyes right then and there.  After they exchanged their thoughts...no words needed...this sweet little boy pulled Alli's head in close to his face and gave her a big kiss right on the top of her head.  Alli proceeded to wag not only her tail but her entire body...such joy that can not be contained in just a mere wagging tail.  She was enjoying the moment and I can't help but think she understood so much more of what this little guy needed from her than I could ever begin to imagine.  I have no concrete picture of this event but it is etched into my memory forever and always!  I'm hoping we'll meet again...

While the children were getting their coats on to leave for the day...Alli was interested in looking around the room.  We were given a hardy thumbs up and started our fun adventure around the room full of wonderful things to take in for human and dog.  Alli sniffed every square inch and I was interested to watch her problem solve a new scent she encountered.  Of course, I saw the snake in a little aquarium long before Alli smelled it and I wondered...what would she think of this little creature?  I was so fascinated when she finally got up close and personal with this new scent.  There was a small stool in front of the aquarium and Alli put her two front feet on it - hey, it's there and this is what your suppose to do with that stool - why not! By stepping on the stool she was up close and personal with this new exciting creature in the glass box. She sniffed and sniffed and could see the movement of this tiny red striped corn snake.  The snake looked up at Alli and came close to the glass toward her nose.  Beside the aquarium there was a basket of the snake's skin it had shed.  Alli sniffed the skin over and over again, joyously embracing this new creature, this new scent this wonderful new thing.  I so enjoyed her enjoying this new event and couldn't help but think, lucky dog.  So many dogs live in beautiful homes and have lovely back yards but so often many don't get the opportunity to explore their surroundings, their environment...the opportunity to learn new things and grow.   

Right smack in the middle of this new ecstasy Alli was pulled back into reality by her new little friend.  He was all bundled up from head to toe ready to go meet the bus.  Alli immediately left the snake and stood with her friend again.  He once again embraced Alli's nose between his bright blue mittens and gave her one last long look...kissed her nose and waved Good bye to me.  Alli followed him to the door and the teacher's assistant remarked what a special little friendship was forming...it was quite evident to everyone the rapore between tiny human and great big dog.

After our visit, Alli and I took a walk around our small town in the brisk cold air...  I couldn't help but be filled with the wonder of the day...all the great snapshots of our time with the kids in the preschool class at Fredericktown Elementary etched in my memory.  I can't help but think Alli was filled with wonder too...well done, girl...well done! 

Alli, collie followed me to school one day...

Alli and I visited Fredericktown Elementary School today and read the above book to the children in the preschool class.  I love this book for very young children as it talks about how dogs use their senses, especially their sense of smell.  At the end of the book the author then talks about how you tell when a dog is happy and about working dogs and how dogs help us in our every day lives. This book is a great tool and helps me to introduce Alli, explain what she does and how she helps people.  The kids were great today and loved Alli.  They asked wonderful questions and we had a great time from start to finish.

This was Alli's first visit to this school and I was so pleased to see her so happy to be there.  We checked into the office upon our arrival and then found our way to the classroom.  Luckily our room was in the very back of the school and we had a happy time visiting children along the way.  I always call ahead when visiting a new facility to be sure the teacher who invited us has informed the school and they are aware that a dog will be in the building.  Apparently the news had gotten around and it seemed people were expecting us as we were greeted with many smiles and lots of pats for Alli.  Alli reveled in the attention and the smiles on the kids and adults faces alike were priceless to me.  Alli's tail was going full force as well - very happy collie completely in her element!

I am also very excited to report that this school is interested in learning more about Reading Dogs and are open to the idea of Alli coming to school for students, who are struggling with their reading skills, to read to Alli. Reading education assistance dog programs are going great guns all over the country.  I'm hoping we can offer this excellent program right here in our small community, completely free of charge - all volunteer.  The benefits of this type of program are many and we have concrete statistics of children meeting and often exceeding their grade level in reading by practicing reading to the dogs.  Dogs are calming and are a non-judgmental listener - they could care less if a child stumbles over a word.  And the more you practice reading the better you do!  I dropped off my folder of information at the office for the Principal to read.  I am so hopeful that they will utilize Alli's gift - the job that she was created to do.

This program that Alli and I are offering is very near and dear to my heart.  It's a part of my story...  I was so thankful when the school's reading teacher stopped by the room to meet Alli and hear about what we could offer her.  She happened to complement me on my speaking to the children; saying that I didn't seem to be at a loss for words. I quickly shared with her that that wasn't always my story.  When I was quite young I was often described as "backward".  I think I had trouble finding my voice because I struggled to learn to read. I was the child whose stomach hurt, who missed a great many days of school, who knew she was different from the other kids, who knew she was struggling but didn't know why.  I couldn't read, I couldn't put letters together and it made everything in school more difficult.  I had to repeat 1st grade and in my 2nd year my small school finally had a "reading teacher".  I was called out of class to go to the "reading room".  I remember feeling a bit strange being called out of my class - different.  I now know that all the feelings I described above that I experienced are the typical feelings of children who are struggling to read.  I'm so thankful for my reading teacher, I still remember her -  she was wonderful.  She quickly realized what I loved and what made me come alive and would read to me and have me read small books about horses and dogs.  She spoke with my Mom and gave her great suggestions at how she could help me at home. My Mom read to me every evening before bed and made flashcards for me to practice the words that were especially difficult for me.  It's funny I still remember getting stumped with car - rots. I kept saying the words separately perfectly...my Mom smiled so big and kept saying YES, now put them together. She said my face was priceless when I finally put it together - carrots.  I did learn how to read and flourished in school from that point on.

So I am hopeful that Alli and I can help kids like me, bring them some comfort in the form of a tri-colored collie; reduce their heart rate, calm their anxiety and help them practice reading so that they too can flourish in school.   I'll let you know what happens, cross your fingers and toes for us.