A horse, of course!

Happy end of February!  For the time being, the fields are nearly clear of the abundant snowfall that both human and animal had to plow through during these past winter months.  This time of year, weather can be fickle as it tricks you into thinking that early spring has arrived.  And then you get a blast of winter air as a reminder that the season has not yet relinquished its grip.   The horses enjoy days when temperatures become slightly warmer, as we all do.  They run at a steady gallop in freedom of movement instead of being constrained by winter snow and crusty ice upon their hooves.   I was able to get a few shots of their approach behind the hay truck, their stomachs eager for a meal of delicious dry grass and alfalfa.

Horses tell us when it is time to quit feeding them.  It occurs when you see them in open fields, grazing on green grass erupting with the advent of spring. They suddenly lose taste for dry hay, preferring the fresh taste of new pasture growth.  Since it is still too early for this to happen, the horses remain eager to follow the hay truck for their daily meal.  It is a delight to watch the horse exhibiting energy, grace and power through beauty of motion.

If a horse could only talk!  Actually, they do in a language that only horse whisperers understand.  I refer you to a post that I wrote some years ago, if you'd care to check it out at http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-magic-of-horse-camera-ray-hunt.html

For today's post, I'll keep it simple and fun, referring you to Mr. Ed.  Taking a trip down memory lane, Mr. Ed was a popular television show in the 1960's.  Why?... it was about a talking horse, of course!  Check out this You Tube video with the nostalgic theme-song of Mr. Ed with lyrics following....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_PZPpWTRTU

A horse is a horse, of course, of course,

And no one can talk to a horse of course

That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed.

Go right to the source and ask the horse

He'll give you the answer that you'll endorse.

He's always on a steady course.

Talk to Mr. Ed.

People yakkity yak a streak and waste your time of day

But Mister Ed will never speak unless he has something to say. 

A horse is a horse, of course, of course

And this one'll talk 'til his voice is hoarse.

You never heard of a talking horse?

Well listen to this.

I am Mister Ed.

Lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston

I hope you will take time out and visit me again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, March 13.... until then, here is a great quote by Buck Brannaman that is worth pondering on, "The cool thing about horses, they don't have prejudice.  They don't care if you are tall or thin, dark or light, or if you are rich or poor.  They don't care about that.  They care about how you make them feel."

Farewell to Gussy - a Star!

We have read that DOG spelled backwards is GOD - in fact there are books and poems written as to why.  One outstanding theme is that a dog loves unconditionally.  A dog will accept you as you are and forgiveness is built into their nature.  

Today's post is about a special dog who made a difference in many lives.  Gussy was a rescue dog that wandered into my friend's life needing a home, food and lots of love.  Shelli provided all three and so began a ten year relationship that brought comfort, joy and companionship between human and canine.  We can all identify with a heart bond that can develop with a special critter that God brings into our lives.  Gussy happened to be one covered in fur, a wagging tail and slobbery kisses.

Gussy was a gentle dog, both large in stature and in heart.  As time went on, Gussy was introduced to Valley View Care Facility and was an instant hit with both residents and caregivers alike.  His gentle and affectionate manner even won the hearts of a few residents who claimed they didn't like dogs.  He quickly became the "star" of Valley View.
 

Gussy and Shelli became quite a team in their visits at the care facility.  Residents would love to pet Gussy and wanted him by their side just for the furry company that he could give.  They also loved Shelli as she took time with them for conversation as they both made the rounds to say hello.  Below are a few nostalgic photos of Doris while she was alive and living at Valley View.  My mother-in-law had a lot of fun with Gussy and was eager for her turn in special dog attention, both to give and to get in interaction.  Doris enjoyed being pulled around the facility as Gussy took her for a walk in her wheel chair.  Gussy gave special memories, some that I was able to capture through the lens of a camera.

The above photos were taken last December at a recent Valley View Christmas party for the residents.  Of course, Gussy had to have his photo taken with Santa and his elves and his devoted friend, Shelli.  We knew this would be the last Christmas for Gussy.  He battled cancer just as a human and Shelli became caregiver to her beloved companion.  Extra months were added to his life because of her loving care as they both bravely fought for an extension in quality of life before it was time for him to go.

We discover as we interact with all kinds of critters in varied shapes and sizes, that they become more than animal to us.  They enter our lives giving us their trust and faithfulness and we are better off for the experience.  They quietly comfort us in times of distress, an innate knowing that their human friend is troubled.  They welcome a human touch, a word of praise, a walk or a ride - anything that involves being together is joyful in the exchange of friendship. 

It hurts to lose such a 4-legged companion. We will miss you Gussy.  But there is comfort in knowing that God has a special place for our beloved pets that await us on the other side.  I can imagine that He has quite a menagerie but Heaven has room to hold them all.

In closing, I encourage you to check out this Youtube video entitled "GoD And DoG" by Wendy J Francisco, appropriate to end this post with... click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

See you at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, February 27.....