I grew up in a very strict German household where children were seen not heard. I was criticized for how I walked, how I talked, for pretty much anything I did, so, I spent most of my time hiding in my room avoiding the barrage of negative comments. I immersed myself with my Breyer horses, and dreams of one day having a horse of my own.

I saved my lunch money and instead of buying food, bought books about horses. I had very few clothes, or shoes, or much of anything else, but I had horses in books. And I had teachers in school who encouraged me. I would not be the person I am today if it were not #1 for animals, and #2 for elementary school. For it was only there that anyone ever told me I was doing ok such that I could believe it. I learned to value physical fitness. I learn to value reading. I learned about safety. All things that were never discussed with me at home, and I owe it all to school and my teachers. They probably have no idea what a difference they made in my life for one shy, awkward ugly little girl (or so I was convinced) with frizzy hair and who sometimes said words in German not English (since we spoke German at home).

Most of the time I was alone. I got myself to school while my parents still slept (and I for sure did not want them waking up), and I came home to an empty house. Sometimes, I was hungry because they would forget to make sure I had food. I went to bed before they came home from long days working in their German restaurant. I tried to be as small, and quiet as possible at all times, to avoid being laughed at. But then I got laughed at anyway, for reading too much. When I was 12 I tried to commit suicide by taking a handful of Ibuprofen. That’s how innocent and unaware I was. I was so beaten down and uneducated about anything, I really thought taking 4 pills would kill me. But of course I am still here. And I feel like on some level I still struggle to overcome those formative years of telling me constantly how worthless I was.

So I spent my life trying to become a veterinarian, so I could help animals, the only ones (besides school teachers) who ever showed any care for me. I wanted to return the favor out of gratitude. They were the only thing that gave me any joy. And to this day, they still give me so much joy. I don’t even care about the hair, and the dirt. Animals are so innocent and giving, they deserve all the love and care in the world, for all they selflessly give to us.

I am not telling you this to be depressing, but hopefully, to be encouraging. Life is hard. All the money in the world doesn’t negate wind and uncomfortable power outages. There will always be something we have to contend with, so long as we are breathing. And I for one, am convinced, animals make it all easier. They are little heavenly gifts given to us to give us joy, happiness, hope, and a source of grounding. I see you out there who won’t go anywhere because you won’t leave your pet with a sitter!

So this holiday season, please just take a moment to think about all the animals who don’t yet have the opportunity to be that special source of love for a person. And the people, who are still struggling, too, to find love, and let’s together, wish them to find each other, so both can enjoy a happier life. I know what it feels like to be absolutely miserable. And I guess I had to experience it, so I could have compassion and empathy for others.

This holiday season, as Christmas is nearly here, it is definitely time to reflect, find joy in the little things, and spend time with loving family, with all their little quirks and weird habits. We are all just doing the best we can, every day, and we must have compassion for each other, and ourselves. Oh, and yes animals, we must have cute pets to cuddle!

​Today, I am grateful for horses, books, Breyer horses, growing up in a multicultural household, and public schools. I hope you find much to be grateful for today. And if part of your holiday tradition includes giving, please consider supporting the ResqRanch https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Resqranch you Animal Loving Angel. Make today the best day of your life, you got this!

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