👋 Hey animal lovers! Thanks for watching! 😊 Join us for a peaceful morning at the ResqRanch, where our rescue animals are enjoying a fresh dusting of snow. This animal video features our beloved horses and pet donkey, showing their calm interactions and appreciation for some affection. We are grateful for every moment with our animal sanctuary residents!

Today the plan is to have some training, however, with this weather and the mud, not too sure how much we will be able to get done. When I woke this morning I was visualizing riding Natalia. Maybe that is why she greeted me with so much unexpected enthusiasm this morning! I didn't even have cookies in my pockets or a bucket of grain! I tell you, there is nothing in the world like gaining the affection and attention of such magnificent animals. I am truly blessed to get to share my life with them, and have the honor of their care and well being.

I had this very conversation with a new friend at dinner last night. We discussed how people often fail to understand that animals have very few choices. They don't get to choose who they live with, what they eat, what enclosures they have. It is all up to us. And so often, we don't take that responsibility as seriously as we should, especially when we get short tempered with them for not doing what we want them to do, instantly. That is why positive reinforcement is so important. No one wants to be forced. No one wants violence used against them to force compliance. Yet somehow we justify this, especially in the horse world, and we call this normal. I think, those does are quickly approaching being behind us. As the new generation expects more. More honesty. More integrity. More commitment to the environment. And less hatred and violence. To each other, and, to our animals who have so few choices, yet give us so much.

Today I am grateful for the snow, the beautiful morning full of happy, healthy animals. The fact we had a great day at work yesterday. The fact my ankle hurts less all the time. That today is the week of the high school play and I get to volunteer and see the other theater folks. That this weekend is my Kentucky Derby fundraiser party and that we have so many people already signed up, to attend, and to help make it the most fun afternoon in Evergreen! And with all this snow, might as well do something indoors, and for a great cause!

What about you, my Animal Loving Angel friend? Have you smiled at yourself in a mirror lately? Or given yourself a high five? I did! It's funny! It will make you laugh! And we could all use a little more fun and laughter in our lives. It is never to late to have some childlike fun. It helps your mental and emotional health, which helps you be better able to help take care of the animals we so dearly love.

​So be kind to yourself today, find something to be grateful for, and never forget to pet, hug, admire, or care for some precious animals today (and you). Make it a wonderful day!

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