Today I am grateful that Sugar seems to be back to her 100% normal self and that the lady is doing well and looks like this was just a little scare.

So now you know Sugar a little better, allow me to introduce you to another member of the herd, Mr. Donkey. Now, donkey is part mammoth jack, so he is not your average small donkey. He is a large, but gentle as he can be. He was purchased by a family who wanted to live off the grid, and they obtained him to work the land. They, however, knew nothing about donkeys, and were trying to keep him in a chicken pen by himself. He kept breaking out. I met the family through a pre-school program our kids were in. At the time, we were homeless, so the idea of taking on another animal was not at all something I was interested in.

Yet the folks decided to move out of state and they practically begged me to take the donkey. My mom encouraged me to take him, and promised to help pay to feed him, which she has by donating $25 a month to the ResqRanch since then. I really felt like it was extremely irresponsible of me. I tried to explain this to the family. Yet they really did beg me to take him, and made me promise I would never sell him or give him away. Finally, I reluctantly agreed, and drove to their home with my trailer to meet Elvis.

He was 3 years old at the time, and indeed, living in a chicken coop. He was covered in mange. But he willingly and easily loaded into my trailer, and then, suddenly, I had a donkey. My mother wanted to name him Dominic the Christmas Donkey. Who knows the song? But mostly we call him Donkey, like in Shrek, and that seems to fit him best. And although it seemed like the dumbest decision in the world, at the time, he has proven himself to be one of the most important members of the herd. The way he connects with people who need it is almost magical. He is deeply in love with Rhoen, the big black mare, and I really think he would die for her, he follows her everywhere. He is kind, gentle, loving, and I am so grateful we have him.

Like lots of people who love animals, it can be a struggle at times to not get in over your head with trying to help too many animals, am I right? Just like with Donkey, I am so lucky that worked out even though logically it seemed to be a terrible idea. I think everyone who is trying to have faith, and do their best, can find themselves in that position sometimes. We are no different. Although we have the facility, and the help, we definitely have times when I lay sleepless at night wondering how we are going to afford it all, buying that next semi load of hay, and, praying that there is enough money to pay the employees who help us. As the animals get older they need even more care, and have even greater expenses. I try to not bring it up too often because no one enjoys people begging for help, instead, I do my best to provide stories, and value, and inspiration, knowing that the more I give, the less, in theory, I need to worry about making ends meet. But it does not always work out that way, and I find myself, no matter how hard I try, worrying over keeping it all together. So if find value in what we are trying to build over here at the ResqRanch, won’t you please consider a monthly donation to us moving forward? At least with me you don't have to wonder or worry if your funds are going to some big corporate organization for a huge office building. We are right in your backyard. And if you are wondering what we are doing with the funds, you can simply read about it right here, everyday.

This holiday season if that sounds like something you are moved to do, you can do that here !https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Resqranch

And if you just want to buy your pet a Christmas present, don’t forget we are going to have our very own Black Friday sale in our Shopify store, I hope you will check it out! https://m0ztfs-p7.myshopify.com/collections/all

Today I am grateful for both Sugar, and Donkey, and grateful it all has all worked out so far for me being able to continue to care for them, and the other animals, despite some of the massive up’s and down’s in life. I am grateful for my mother who is always there for me, and encourages me to keep going to fulfill my dream. And I am grateful for you, for being here, for caring, for reading, and supporting me over all these years.

​ I wish for you today to be grateful for your journey and the lessons that shape you. Each new day is an adventure to unfold, and I hope you cherish each moment. I wish for you to wake up blessed with clarity, purpose, and comfort that everything is always working out for you, in every way. Be thankful to yourself, for showing up, for getting up, and trying again, to be a little better, every day, in every way. And if animals are a part of your life, and there is anything I can do to make that part of your lived experience better, please know, I am here for you.

God bless you, you Animal Loving Angel!
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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​