The Year of the Fire Horse starts tomorrow, it will be interesting to see how that changes anything in how you feel.

Today I am grateful I woke up, and that I feel better than I did last night.

I am grateful for having such a nice day yesterday and cleaning up our front porch so it’s a nicer, clean place to hang out outside.

I am grateful for getting to spend some quality time with the horses yesterday, although we did more just husbandry care and not so much training sessions. Just a nice afternoon to spread some love to the animals.

I am grateful I got to spend some time with my daughter and that she trusts and relies on me to ask me questions about how to navigate life.

I am grateful I get to go to work today, help people whose animals need it, and have the opportunity to share my wisdom and knowledge with others who appreciate me.

I feel like I started off the new year strong with my vision of where I wanted this year to go, and the past week or so I feel a bit off balance and not too sure I have a strong handle on things like I usually feel like I do.

For example, I didn’t go to the Denver Dog Show this year like I do pretty much every year. I just needed the rest more than I needed to run off to the dog show. Plus, the last two years we have been, it’s hard to watch all of the chin hair grabbing and rough treatment of the dogs behind the scenes, from an entire industry of dog lovers who know nothing about positive reinforcement, only force. It's sad. Besides horses, it’s a whole nother group of people who are the strongest animal advocates on the one hand, yet still embrace and normalize violence against their dogs at the same time. Not a single clicker or target on site, at least not that I have ever seen. A few treats here and there, yes, but a whole lot more forcing the dogs to comply. They just don’t know. But they should. And it troubles me deeply and makes me ponder how I can facilitate a change, for the mental health of all those dogs, and their people.

I am hoping that today, after some good rest over the weekend, I can reset and get strong clarity on all of my tasks and responsibilities, so that I can feel good and strong, motivated, and in control of the outcome of this day, week, month, and year.

​Wishing the same clarity and peace of mind for you today, you Animal Loving Angel, make it the best day ever!

​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