👋 Hey animal lovers! Thanks for watching! 😊 In this animal video, we check in on Sugar who was not feeling herself yesterday, and other farm animals at the farm after a rainy morning. These educational videos for kids and adults alike highlight our daily vlog and the ongoing animal rescue efforts. We're grateful for your support in helping us care for every animal!

I kept an extra eye on Sugar all day yesterday, and thankfully, she was just fine. When we found her down in the stall yesterday morning, she was just resting, after all. I am grateful for that!

Yesterday we also got a chance to continue our Evergreen Parade practice. Once again, Donkey was the star of the show. He seems to really enjoy going on these walks, and doesn't require any coaxing or struggle to get him to walk pretty much anywhere we might want to go. That includes walking over the I-70 interstate bridge nearby, which we did last weekend. He didn't even bat an eyelash at the cars whizzing beneath us. Unlike Cesar....

Which is why yesterday we walked Rhoen and Donkey together. And she also, did great.

It was the first time Patti had actually gotten the opportunity to lead Rhoen very much. Mostly we do grooming with her, or play R+ games. We don't think she is a good candidate for the rodeo parade, because of her left stifle (knee) pain that she has most of the time. But, walking her is good rehab for her knee anyway, and good practice.

So yesterday we just practiced leading, turning, halting, walking over ground poles, and stepping over bigger obstacles, to evaluate her willingness to perform these tasks, easily, and without resistance. I am proud to say they both did great!

So if you have any leading problems with your horse, definitely check out a few of our long forms videos, like this one https://youtu.be/nKo1Y8wTrDs?si=pGHyK_g97zf-jw8f for ideas on ways to overcome these using primarily positive reinforcement, or R+.

And the great thing is, the principles are the same no matter if you are walking a dog or a horse. So, if you have trouble with walking your dog, there will be nuggets of wisdom in the video, for you, too. And if you would like a more in depth explanation on the how's and why's on any of it, be sure to drop it in the comments. I am here for you!

Today I am grateful for the moisture for the earth. I am grateful Sugar is up and just fine. I am grateful I got a good nights sleep and woke up with minimal ankle pain. I am grateful I have electricity and propane, heat, and running water. I am grateful I can breathe with ease. I am grateful I enjoy a good, warm cup of coffee on a chilly, wet Colorado morning.

Today, we are doing a little extra training this morning, and then this afternoon I am heading over to Aspen Park Vet Hospital to see some patients. We have several arthritis cases coming in today, which we will be discussing acupuncture and laser, as well as Pentosan injections to help them. So far I have been pleasantly surprised at how well those Pentosan injections are working for my stiff, older dogs. I also expect to get some fish calls today. When it is rainy like this, it often disrupts the water chemistry of outdoor ponds, and leads to some concerning calls about koi fish.

What about you, Animal Loving Angel? It's Friday! Are you excited! What are you most looking forward to? I did manage to watch a 2 minute how to salsa video last night, so I got my dance time in. Did you? I sure hope so! Hope you got more than me! And what about cooking up a healthy dinner? And picking up those hand weights and lifting them overhead? Every little bit helps to keep you healthier, happier, and stronger, on the inside, and the outside. Today, I hope you are looking forward to having some serious fun, and that when you go to sleep tonight, you do so with a big smile, because of what a wonderful day it was indeed.

​Make it the best day of your life, and remember, I am here for you in your journey of bonding with your animals. All you have to do is ask. God bless!

​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