Today is Pet Pictures with Santa and the Sci on the Fly van from CSU, yeah! There are still a few spots left for both locations today and tomorrow, here is the link https://www.resqranch.org/pet-pics-with-santa-signup

I have to pinch myself to even think for an instant that Colorado State University would send its expensive, first class traveling education van, all the way to our little humble pet hospital in Conifer. I can’t wait to check it out! And I know everyone who comes by will enjoy it, too. Come on over and check it out even if you don’t want to do a picture with Santa, this should be one of the most fun days of the whole year. I am excited!

Yesterday was exhausting with work and very little horse time. There are so many things to tie up here at the end of the year. My biggest accomplishment was creating our entire schedule of events, dates, times, and locations, for the entire year of 2026. Well, heck, at least I am getting better at this and actually giving some thoughts to an entire year in advance, instead of realizing 2 weeks before an event that I have not told anybody on my team yet and we are trying to pull it off all last minute! Who knows, maybe next year I will plan out events 2-3 years in advance. Look at me, growing into even bigger big girl business pants! We truly all are always growing and learning.

Yesterday I did check on all the horses, and especially made sure the snow packed in hooves situation was not hurting anyone. I ended up putting Oliver in a stall again overnight and he ambled right in there settled down and started eating his hay net, so I think he was happy. I told him to enjoy his night of TLC in a cozy stall. We are already racking on brains on how to create more actual stalls, soon, because it looks like we might need them. Normally when the weather is truly brutal, I like to put Sugar in. But lately she seems fine being out, so we are lucky. She is built like a tank (unlike Oliver) so I think the weather bothers her less even though she is older than him. I worked with picking up Natalia’s hooves because she is (sh, don’t tell anyone I said so), not quite as good at it as her sister Chilli. I must admit Natalia could be a teensy bit spoiled (have you noticed how in pretty much every single video she is practically stalking me trying to get to me). Yes so I am only human and not immune to maybe overindulging her because I am so flattered by her laser focused attention on me. Who can relate to that? Those beautiful eyes staring hopefully at you…practically oozing “won’t you please give me just the tiniest little treat? Please?!” Yep, I am not afraid to admit, I think I might be a sucker for that little blonde. And I think she knows it. Ah well. Lucky her.

Today I am grateful for Natalia. I am grateful CSU is sending their fancy van. I am grateful I have a team of people to help me with today’s event, I am grateful I have at least one stall I can put Oliver in, and I am grateful for the fun weekend we are going to have centered around the magic of Christmas.
​So today I am excited for all the laughter and joy I will experience today. I just love the innocence of Santa, Christmas, and the spirit of joy and happiness associated with it. I hope this weekend, you feel the same. That your preparations go more smoothly than you can now imagine. That someone who says something profound to you that will change your perspective, give you relief, and be an unexpected, welcome surprise that makes your life better. You will have an amazing day, because you deserve it. So be kind to yourself by doing something special today just for you! I know you will be so satisfied with today, when you go to sleep tonight, you will smile knowing you did your best and had a wonderful day. A little better, every day, in every way.

Thanks for being here you Animal Loving Angel! Can;t wait to see you today at Aspen Park Vet Hospital from 11-2 to hang out with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!
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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​