We were supposed to go to the Stock Show today but that got rescheduled, so there is still time if you would like to join us at the #StockShow 2026. I am excited to go and check out many of the new buildings that are down there. Send us an email at info@resqranch.org.

Yesterday was MLK day and definitely a day that I hope all of us stop and think for just a moment, about inequality, and those who stand up for the truth even when it is the hard thing to do. In reality, we should be aware of this everyday, but it’s wonderful we have a day dedicated just for this. I am grateful for all the people, Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and all the others who stood up for what is right, even when it was scary to do so.

I feel the very tiniest bit like what they must have felt like, when I stand up for positive reinforcement. I get a lot of hostility sometimes from people who don’t understand. But it is the most compassionate way to handle animals in all ways. And I am not speaking of just what we think of as training, but even just interacting with, and caring for in a day to day setting. Every moment of every day, we are training the animals we are with.

If you find yourself using, shock, choke or prong collars on your dog, if you catch yourself swatting your dog or cat for behavior you don’t like, if your first instinct is to shout at them from across the room instead of finding ways to avoid the behavior that displeases you, then you too, would greatly benefit from learning the principles of positive reinforcement, or R+. Does it seem like it takes too long? Sure, at times. That doesn’t change the fact it’s better, kinder, and more compassionate, and has better long term effectiveness. You can yell at your pet 10 times or more for the same thing. Or you can stop and figure out how to redirect them to something else, one time, and never have to shout at them again. This is just an example.

I know it just seems so easy to just yell at them and get them to stop. And we as humans, that is easy and natural for us to quickly lash out in an attempt to solve the problem. And of course it does work. BUT the life, and relationship you can experience with that pet, if you choose a different way to interact, is unlike anything you can now imagine. And of course, if you have never experienced something it is almost impossible to imagine it, or wonder why you should bother or care. I fully understand that.

With the childhood that I experienced, and then the string of abusive boyfriends that drove me into the battered women’s shelter on more than one occasion, I was that person then. I had no idea there were other tools for communicating with others. I had no idea that shouting was actually not the standard way of solving problems. That is all I knew. But then I slowly learned, and a whole new world opened up for me of having loving, understanding relationships. And I am so glad I finally learned.

And I just want to spare others that struggle with their animals. If you are still shouting or smacking your animals (and not just once out of the blue because of crazy circumstances), then I am here to tell you, there is something else out there you are missing out on. It’s the love and devotion of an animal like you have never before experienced. Now doesn’t that sound like something you would want to enjoy? There is no one better than me to help you, discover this whole new depth of feelings, and emotions, that are waiting for you.

And just because I want this for you so much, this is why I have decided to give away my Horse Training Masterclass, for free. So I dare you to sign in to the free community dashboard on the ResqRanch page, and check it out. What do you have to lose? New year, new you. We all should be learning something new everyday. And this day I am giving you the biggest gift I possibly can, without any strings or catches.

Today I am grateful for those who came before and paved the way to make the world a kinder place for people. I am grateful for those who came before and proved through science there is a better world for animals, too. I am grateful for the sunrise. I am grateful for the StockShow and the chance to get to see so many animals and people who love them. And I am grateful for Aspen Park Vet Hospital, my team, my clients, my building and the business.

Even if you are not a horse person, but like to learn, I encourage you to check out my free masterclass. All of the information is relevant to all animals, not just horses. And if that just isn’t you, perhaps you would be willing to share it with an animal nerd near you.

​Thanks for being here you Animal Loving Angel, I hope you make the most of this beautiful day. Connect with a friend. Text a relative you love them. Think about who you want to be today. Because you have the choice to make today, anything you want. Wishing you the best day ever, be kind to yourself, and others, on this beautiful gift of a day that has been given to us!

Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq