Hope all of you have had a good start to the week.
All is well with the horses, so the start of the week is good. Went visited with Rocky today (OTTB that my parents have been fostering for 6 years) and he had his pedicure. Rocky is 41 years old and a real sweet gentleman. Today while holding him during his pedi I noticed how grey his face is becoming. Standing there I took my hand and rubbed around his eyes. He loves this, and before we knew it he was standing there sleeping. The only time he opened his eyes was when he had to give a different foot. So so sweet.
Casper and Justice were playing horse tag today. It is so much fun to watch them play. Geldings are so much more playful in my opinion (my opinion only), as mares seem to take the little nips and chasing a tad bit more personal..guess they need to get over themselves.
Chloe aka Big Dog has adjusted so well to her new environment. There have been a few challenges by a couple of the pack but we expected this to occur. Like any family changes do happen.
Freddy is doing quite well, there have been zero issues with his Heaves aka COPD. The damage has already been done to his lungs (no fault of anyone) . His former owner did everything she could for him on a daily basis. Here is just one link that describes Heaves. There are more sites that an individual can go and search. Our weather here seems to be agreeing with him. It is possible that his sides might not bellow out when he breathes. More than likely this will always be there but not to the extent it was when he resided in PA. He has not coughed or had any wheezing episodes since the first day he arrived. He did the first afternoon he was here, but according to our vet (whom he saw two days after his arrival), this was quite normal as excitement can trigger the heaving, cough and wheezing. But since then, he has not done this. He is quite content being with Bright and she with him.
Get your favorite MHR& S horse on a Cell Phone Skin. Visit our website and go to Clouds Country Store and order yours today. Proceeds go to purchase Hay and Supplements.
We are ever so grateful for all the assistance we receive with our fundraisers. ALL of YOU MAKE the DIFFERENCE! THANK YOU!
Speaking of fundraisers, our "MARCH MADNESS" fundraiser is currently in progress and if you can help with the hay needs of MHR&S, thank you so very much in advance.
We would like to wish you all a wonderful week!
The MHR&S Team
MHR PMU horses
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Chloe has arrived!
She arrived last night at approximately 8pm Pahrump time. She was greeted by a very excited and tail-wagging MHR pack. The following pictures were taken this morning, and since BruNO is in charge he told her the couch was okay to be on...his rule not ours and he knows this as he high tailed off it when we got up this morning, throwing her under the bus.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Love is in the air
Here is the latest Valentine Couple, Freddy and Bright.
They are getting along very well! The engagement hasn't been announced but they are in the courting stages of their relationship, and Freddy is hoping that everyone who can will please participate in the Hearts for Hay fundraiser presently running through the month of February.
Your donations help to provide the always much needed hay for the horses at MHR&S
Thank you very much in advance for your kindness and generosity.
They are getting along very well! The engagement hasn't been announced but they are in the courting stages of their relationship, and Freddy is hoping that everyone who can will please participate in the Hearts for Hay fundraiser presently running through the month of February.Your donations help to provide the always much needed hay for the horses at MHR&S
Thank you very much in advance for your kindness and generosity.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Miss Chloe from the great state of Mississippi
This is Chloe, a 1.5 yrs old, 145 lbs Great Dane. Our son Joseph is bringing her all the way from Mississippi. He said she is a love, and she will be joining the MHR&S family. She should be arriving either Friday or Saturday.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Freddy's check up
Freddy received his post trip exam by Dr Hadland and received TWO HOOVES UP!
Dr. Hadland and I went over all documentation received..allergies etc., past treatment so on and so forth which was all good.
He (Dr. Hadland) stated our dry environment is the best place for him. He is in great shape for his age. He said that once he sheds out we may see what he called heave lines. This is muscle that has formed due to the way he breathed. This he stated is not unusual and not to be alarmed. When it comes times for shedding he said "Stephanie, have a good time" ..lol. He will probably be the first to shed out. Oh and Freddy is allergic to cat dander, but we are a kitty free zone. Not by our choice, but the choice of the dogs.
Thank you once again to Freddy's mom for opening a new chapter in his life.
Stephanie
Dr. Hadland and I went over all documentation received..allergies etc., past treatment so on and so forth which was all good.
He (Dr. Hadland) stated our dry environment is the best place for him. He is in great shape for his age. He said that once he sheds out we may see what he called heave lines. This is muscle that has formed due to the way he breathed. This he stated is not unusual and not to be alarmed. When it comes times for shedding he said "Stephanie, have a good time" ..lol. He will probably be the first to shed out. Oh and Freddy is allergic to cat dander, but we are a kitty free zone. Not by our choice, but the choice of the dogs.
Thank you once again to Freddy's mom for opening a new chapter in his life.
Stephanie
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Another masterpiece from SusanE
FREDDY'S TOP TEN THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS DURING HIS FIRST HOURS AT MHR&S
10. Pahrump, feh. I thought I was going to Vegas, baby!
9. What is this weird substance beneath my hooves??!!
8. Which way to the Lido Deck? (upon receiving his welcome-aboard packet from Abby, Your Cruise Director)
7. 'Scuse me, ma'am, but I think someone stole all your grass.--to Steph
6. How YOU doin'? -upon seeing Bright
5. Now that I'm in the desert, am I a horse with no name?
4. I'm heading out to the Nugget! Who's with me??!!
3. There are dogs here!! Can I have a puppy of my own?
2. How'd ya'll like my stylin' ride?
AND FREDDY'S NUMBER ONE THOUGHT AND COMMENT DURING HIS FIRST HOURS AT MHR&S:
1. I'm breathing easier. Thank you, Mom. I love you.
Freddy has arrived in style!
More pictures will follow. He's doing very well as you can see on the webcam.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Mr. Bean
Good Morning to Everyone!
There is something I would like to share with all of you. As we have stated publicly on our website and here, we were not taking in any more horses at this time due to the economy and it would have to be a extreme case. Well, as I write this, we have a special little fella headed our way.
We were approached a few weeks ago by an FOB who ten years ago rescued a Pony from auction, Mr. Bean, aka Freddy. Mr. Bean suffers from Heaves, a breathing disorder we are quite familiar with. For ten years, she loved and cared for him, but as time progressed the molds and spores of the area were taking their toll on him. Her vet advised her he either needed to move out west or be humanely put down. She contacted MHR&S.
With the information she provided me, I immediately forwarded this information to our advisory board (which is comprised of FOBs) for their advice and recommendations with all of them having a full understanding of the economy and the cost of feed. It was a united front and they said take him in! During this time, his attending veterinarian and our veterinarian have spoken extensively via telephone and our vet has received his medical records via the internet for review.
We have had experience with Heaves as we have received two horses from OH and PA who suffered from this. Both were older horses, and they both lived out the remainder of their lives breathing easy. In fact, Cowboy was adopted out a little over a year later to a family whose daughter suffered from asthma and he lived out the remainder of his life with them. He passed at the age of 32. Buttercup who was in her late 20s when she arrived lived with us until her passing in her 30s. Both breathing easy.
I applaud Mr. Bean's owner for giving him the gift of life...the 3rd chapter of his life, and for giving him all the love and care she did. It was difficult for her to say so long, but she did. He is in the best transporter's hand right now, and as of this morning is doing great. They are highly experienced professionals. Mr. Bean has his own stall and is happy to have other companions with him. They are presently on a layover and should be moving along within the next few hours, with Nevada being their first stop.
I would like to also take a moment to thank our Advisory Board for not only discussing this but for making contact with Mr. Bean's owner. They have classified him as our "Medical Emergency" a "Pony in Need." As his owner said, he has so much life and was not ready to say farewell to his place on earth, but he needed a place where he could breathe and not be afflicted with allergies. As her vet stated he needs to move out west.
So we hope that you will join us in welcoming Mr. Bean aka Freddy into our family. We anxiously await his arrival.
Thank you to all who have given him this.
Stephanie
There is something I would like to share with all of you. As we have stated publicly on our website and here, we were not taking in any more horses at this time due to the economy and it would have to be a extreme case. Well, as I write this, we have a special little fella headed our way.
We were approached a few weeks ago by an FOB who ten years ago rescued a Pony from auction, Mr. Bean, aka Freddy. Mr. Bean suffers from Heaves, a breathing disorder we are quite familiar with. For ten years, she loved and cared for him, but as time progressed the molds and spores of the area were taking their toll on him. Her vet advised her he either needed to move out west or be humanely put down. She contacted MHR&S.
With the information she provided me, I immediately forwarded this information to our advisory board (which is comprised of FOBs) for their advice and recommendations with all of them having a full understanding of the economy and the cost of feed. It was a united front and they said take him in! During this time, his attending veterinarian and our veterinarian have spoken extensively via telephone and our vet has received his medical records via the internet for review.
We have had experience with Heaves as we have received two horses from OH and PA who suffered from this. Both were older horses, and they both lived out the remainder of their lives breathing easy. In fact, Cowboy was adopted out a little over a year later to a family whose daughter suffered from asthma and he lived out the remainder of his life with them. He passed at the age of 32. Buttercup who was in her late 20s when she arrived lived with us until her passing in her 30s. Both breathing easy.
I applaud Mr. Bean's owner for giving him the gift of life...the 3rd chapter of his life, and for giving him all the love and care she did. It was difficult for her to say so long, but she did. He is in the best transporter's hand right now, and as of this morning is doing great. They are highly experienced professionals. Mr. Bean has his own stall and is happy to have other companions with him. They are presently on a layover and should be moving along within the next few hours, with Nevada being their first stop.
I would like to also take a moment to thank our Advisory Board for not only discussing this but for making contact with Mr. Bean's owner. They have classified him as our "Medical Emergency" a "Pony in Need." As his owner said, he has so much life and was not ready to say farewell to his place on earth, but he needed a place where he could breathe and not be afflicted with allergies. As her vet stated he needs to move out west.
So we hope that you will join us in welcoming Mr. Bean aka Freddy into our family. We anxiously await his arrival.
Thank you to all who have given him this.
Stephanie
Friday, February 3, 2012
Mama Dog
Today is a sad day at MHR&S as we must bid farewell to our Mama Dog. She has been an icon at MHR&S since 2004 and has met and been loved by many an FOB and others who have crossed her path. Her actual name is PJ but she received the nickname Mama Dog for her love of baby animals no matter what they were, as well as her human babies (our grandchildren). She was always there to guide the little toddlers no matter what. Mama Dog was a rescue from an animal shelter in Las Vegas. She was found wandering the streets of Las Vegas, skin and bones but we did not care, we fell in love with her. She has given so much to all of us and now it is our turn to release her with Peace and Dignity. Thank you Mama Dog for the joy you brought us and so many others.
Stephanie and Rob
Stephanie and Rob
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Hearts for Hay
Here are some of the horses looking to be your Valentine.
Electra grabbing the hose with Justice and Baby in the background
Honey
Ruby (and Honey's nose)
Rosie enjoying the sunshine
Sampson
Half Moon and one of his grouchy personalities
Ginger
Jocori
Update on Mom and Electra
Today was a good day! We took care of things on the ranch, and then went and spent the afternoon with mom. She is in good spirits...she worked on a project and it did make her tired. I did tell her that we shall all take things in baby steps, and each step is an accomplishment. But as I said, It HAS been a good day, for mom and for all of us. Please never ever take things for granted if you can, have no regrets. Be proactive and positive, it makes a huge difference.
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Electra also had a great day, since her introduction into the herd she is doing great! She has been introduced to every horse in the herd at one point in time in her young life. She is doing wonderful. She and Justice hang out a lot with Casper, and my horse Violette will join in when no one is looking. Violette is a kind mare so she really has not shown a great deal of aggression whatsoever. Horses live in the moment, and seem to forgive and forget pretty quick. They also remember when bad has happened, but they also remember the good as well.....
And speaking of GOOD....we have some wonderful Valentine Treats for the horses from SKODES. We highly recommend these treats, the horses love them and they are a healthy snack.
The horses at our facility are looking forward to being someones VALENTINE, so if you are so inclined please consider a gift to them. Your purchase of these treats goes to purchase hay for the horses, hay is an ongoing need. We appreciate every ounce/inch/mile that is given.
Thank you all so much in advance!
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Here is a little video of Orville and the geese...enjoy!
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Electra also had a great day, since her introduction into the herd she is doing great! She has been introduced to every horse in the herd at one point in time in her young life. She is doing wonderful. She and Justice hang out a lot with Casper, and my horse Violette will join in when no one is looking. Violette is a kind mare so she really has not shown a great deal of aggression whatsoever. Horses live in the moment, and seem to forgive and forget pretty quick. They also remember when bad has happened, but they also remember the good as well.....
And speaking of GOOD....we have some wonderful Valentine Treats for the horses from SKODES. We highly recommend these treats, the horses love them and they are a healthy snack.
The horses at our facility are looking forward to being someones VALENTINE, so if you are so inclined please consider a gift to them. Your purchase of these treats goes to purchase hay for the horses, hay is an ongoing need. We appreciate every ounce/inch/mile that is given.
Thank you all so much in advance!
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Here is a little video of Orville and the geese...enjoy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Our dear old friend, General
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you at 1130 am today, our sweet old gentleman General received his wings.
For those who did not know, General he had been with us for 8.5 years. He was blind due to the fact that he had been been beaten in the head with a 2 x 4. He was an OTTB and came to us at the age of 19 yrs old. He had many homes prior to MHR&S and had been claimed in a stakes race. He had two roommates during his life with us, Shiloh and Sophie, who have preceded him.
Our vet was called out and a complete exam given. General's system was slowly shutting down, so the decision was based on the fact we would not allow him to suffer.
He will always be remembered for being the horse that could hear a carrit snap a mile away.
As Debbie, one of our ABR posters put it, ..."He is now taking in all the beauty of heaven with his healed eyes. RIP General."
Stephanie and Rob
For those who did not know, General he had been with us for 8.5 years. He was blind due to the fact that he had been been beaten in the head with a 2 x 4. He was an OTTB and came to us at the age of 19 yrs old. He had many homes prior to MHR&S and had been claimed in a stakes race. He had two roommates during his life with us, Shiloh and Sophie, who have preceded him.
Our vet was called out and a complete exam given. General's system was slowly shutting down, so the decision was based on the fact we would not allow him to suffer.
He will always be remembered for being the horse that could hear a carrit snap a mile away.
As Debbie, one of our ABR posters put it, ..."He is now taking in all the beauty of heaven with his healed eyes. RIP General."
Stephanie and Rob
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The 12 Days of Christmas at MHR&S
A unique and festive Hay Challenge has been made by MHR’s resident writer of horse tales, Samm. He has generously offered to purchase a bale of hay on Dec. 25th, if someone else purchases a bale. The 2nd day he’ll buy 2 bales if someone also purchases 2 bales, and so it will go till the 12th day – Jan. 6, 2012 when we hope someone will be able to purchase 12 bales. Hay can be purchased by individuals or friends can partner up together to purchase full or half bales. The cost of hay has risen again, the current price at Shadow Mountain Feed is $22.00 a bale, $11.00 for a half bale.
All the animals are preparing for this Hay Challenge! The draft horses, Justice, Apple, Jerri, and Charity are already equipped with large hooves perfect for the drummers drumming. Playing the pipers piping will be a musical ensemble led by Emmett and General. The lords a-leaping will be commanded by Trooper and Dublin. The ladies dancing will include beauties such as Electra, Bright Eyes, and Blondie. Daily warm up classes are being held by the diva herself, Baby B. Rescued mares who have volunteered for maids a- milking will be overseen by Queen Misty. Five “golden” horse shoes will be provided by Rob, the MHR farrier. The resident MHR chickens and geese will portray the swans a- swimming, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves and the partridge in a pear tree. Appropriate costumes are being assembled in the Coopacabana – Orville has the final say as wardrobe master.
Please join us in this festive Holiday Hay Challenge from Samm!
Christmas morning, 2011
We would like to wish each and every one of you on the ABR Forum the Merriest of Christmases! Our appreciation and gratitude for what each of you has done for the horses at our facility comes down to two very simple words..but these two words are from the heart.
May you and yours enjoy family & Friends.
May Peace surround each of you and may it be passed on around the world.
May you receive inner peace and may each of us be given the strength to continue the daily work we work so hard for and that is helping horses in need.
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE !
Stephanie & Rob
THANK YOU!!!
May you and yours enjoy family & Friends.
May Peace surround each of you and may it be passed on around the world.
May you receive inner peace and may each of us be given the strength to continue the daily work we work so hard for and that is helping horses in need.
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE !
Stephanie & Rob
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve 2011
Twas The Day Before XMAS
And All in the Barn
Were Nibbling Their Hay
As they tried to keep warm
---- --
Hope clacked her hooves
Creating a clatter
The horses looked up
And asked “what’s the matter”
-- --
AJ just smiled
“We have quite the story
Of a place called Miracle
Horses live there in glory”
-- --
“Where equines are rescued
From places so sad…
To find love and salvation,
A safe place from the bad….:
-- --
They talked of their Gwammie
Of Aunties galore
Who help unloved horses
Find love and much more….
-- --
The horses bowed low
First in shock and dismay
Then in thanks to you all
For all that you gave
-- --
Then they whinnied with joy,
"Goodness makes the world bright!!!
Merry XMAS, dear frens
Much Lub this Great Night!!!”
Lisa, Hope and AJ, and their 4 legged canine and equine frens....
December 24, 2011
A Horse's Tale from last year, Happy Holidays, and best wishes to all.
A Horse's Tale, Chapter 20, Twas the Night Before
As Steph and Rob drive up to the house, they check the horses in the Ladys Parlour and the Football Field, all is quiet, Steph turns off the engine, and turns to Rob, "I really enjoyed visiting the grandkids, they were both so excited.", Rob nods, "Yes, I think they will be up many hours before dawn just waiting." They both get out of the Expedition, and slowly walk to the front door, Steph looks around, "Well some of the water is drying up, well at in some places." Rob steps over a rather large puddle, "Yes, in a couple more days we will just have mud."
As they open the door, most of the dogs look up, Bruno jumps up, as does Truffles, and Moo. Steph says "Were home did you miss us?" Bruno is jumping around to excited to talk and Truffles and Moo, start racing around Stephs feet. "Ok gang time to go to bed." Bruno hearing this lowers his head, and walks over to his bed, mumbling "No Treats", Truffles and Moo, are still running around in circles, "Ok, Everyone to bed." Rob and Steph head to the bedroom. Steph looks out the window, the lights from the tree sends a glow around the area, Justice is eating, Steph opens the window a little bit, and listens, ahhh, nothing, "The sound of peace and quiet."
Just as Steph reaches to turn out the light, Bruno rushes in the bedroom, "You need to come quick, all the horses are at the front door." Both Steph and Rob say "What do you mean all the horses .." just at that moment, there is a knock on the front door. Bruno is wagging his tail so hard, he falls over, "See I told you." Rob grabs his robe and heads to the door, Steph puts on her robe and is looking around for her bunny slippers. Rob opens the door and yells back to Steph, "Its for you." Steph finally finds her bunny slips and heads up front. "What do you mean its for me?" Rob steps to the side revealing, Dublin standing at the door. Steph followed by Bruno, gets to the door and looks out. For the first time in Bruno's life he was right about something, Standing outside were 36 horses, some holding Wal-Mart bags, Spirit was holding the rope attached to the row boat, in which was 'B', Justice had his Red blanket with white trim, his red Santa hat, and a large white beard. Steph turns to Dublin, "If I may ask, what is going on." Dublin leans forward, and hands a Wal-Mart bag to Steph, He stands up, head high, "We have heard a tale about peoples this time of year, and families, and gifts and trees with lights. Then Violette told us about her hold home and what they did on this day." Violette looks around from behind Dublin, she has a small box in her mouth. She walks up to Steph and hands her the box.
Violette begins, "At my old home, on this very night each year, the people family and the horses, and dogs, and cats would gather together and our people mom would read to us. She gave this so I would remember them." Steph looks at the box, rather plain, only a few teeth marks, she slowing opens it and inside is a small framed card, she looks close holding it up to the light. Violette asks "Well you read it to us." Dublin nods.
Rob turns "What is it?" Steph hands it to him, and wipes tears from her eyes. Rob says, "Yes, I think you should read it to them, are entire family is here or close at heart." He hands the small frame card back to Steph. Steph looks over her shoulder, the dogs are sitting down, and looking at her, she looks out around the patio, and each and every horse, and two mules are looking at her. She looks past the horses, toward the chicken coop, the chickens are lined up looking at the house, along with Tootsie from the edge of the coop.
Steph held the small framed card in the light, "Yes, I think our entire family is here." Steph begins to read from the small card.
"Twas the Night before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
As Steph finishes, tears rolling down her cheeks, Rob reaches over and puts his arm around her. Rob looks at Dublin, "Happy Christmas to you Dublin and to all of you." Steph looks up, "Oh yes, Happy Christmas to all of you and thank you so much." Steph very carefully places the small frame back in the box and hands it back to Violette, She rubs Violette's forehead, "and thank you." Steph looks around, "People have traditions that mark occasions through out the year, just as horses do. What I read was written many years ago to show the happiness of the season. This time of year is for family and friends, and you all are our family here. The family changes, we have lost some dear friends, and gained a few. But you are all family." She looks around most of the horses are noding their heads, some with smiles on their faces, except of Justice seems a bit confused. Several of the horse step forward and hand their Wal-Mart bags to Steph.
The horses turn and return to their pens, Spirit pulling the rowboad with 'B' still inside, probably will take longer then normal. Steph turns and steps over the dogs, "and you are our family also and we lub you all." with that the dogs jump up and return to there beds. Before she closes the door, Steph looks over to the coop, and sitting on the ground next to it is Tootsie. "Rob I have one more thing I need to do." Steph places the Wal-Mart bags on the table and goes into the kitchen. She reaches in to a cabinet and pulls out a can of cat food and a small package she bought awhile ago, Steph heads out the door, and walk directly to the coop, with a few sidesteps around puddles. Steph walks up to Tootsie, who does not run away, Steph say, "I don't know if you understood what was going on, but you are family also, and we love you too." She places the cat food next to Tootsie, "And a Special Gift for you." Steph places the small package next to the cat food, as she does, she gives it a small squeze, and it sqeeks. Steph smiles turns back to the house.
As she gets to the door she turns and in a very quiet voice "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night." As Steph closes the door and turns the lights off, she hears a squeeking coming from the chicken coop.
Author Samm
A Horse's Tale, Chapter 20, Twas the Night Before
As Steph and Rob drive up to the house, they check the horses in the Ladys Parlour and the Football Field, all is quiet, Steph turns off the engine, and turns to Rob, "I really enjoyed visiting the grandkids, they were both so excited.", Rob nods, "Yes, I think they will be up many hours before dawn just waiting." They both get out of the Expedition, and slowly walk to the front door, Steph looks around, "Well some of the water is drying up, well at in some places." Rob steps over a rather large puddle, "Yes, in a couple more days we will just have mud."
As they open the door, most of the dogs look up, Bruno jumps up, as does Truffles, and Moo. Steph says "Were home did you miss us?" Bruno is jumping around to excited to talk and Truffles and Moo, start racing around Stephs feet. "Ok gang time to go to bed." Bruno hearing this lowers his head, and walks over to his bed, mumbling "No Treats", Truffles and Moo, are still running around in circles, "Ok, Everyone to bed." Rob and Steph head to the bedroom. Steph looks out the window, the lights from the tree sends a glow around the area, Justice is eating, Steph opens the window a little bit, and listens, ahhh, nothing, "The sound of peace and quiet."
Just as Steph reaches to turn out the light, Bruno rushes in the bedroom, "You need to come quick, all the horses are at the front door." Both Steph and Rob say "What do you mean all the horses .." just at that moment, there is a knock on the front door. Bruno is wagging his tail so hard, he falls over, "See I told you." Rob grabs his robe and heads to the door, Steph puts on her robe and is looking around for her bunny slippers. Rob opens the door and yells back to Steph, "Its for you." Steph finally finds her bunny slips and heads up front. "What do you mean its for me?" Rob steps to the side revealing, Dublin standing at the door. Steph followed by Bruno, gets to the door and looks out. For the first time in Bruno's life he was right about something, Standing outside were 36 horses, some holding Wal-Mart bags, Spirit was holding the rope attached to the row boat, in which was 'B', Justice had his Red blanket with white trim, his red Santa hat, and a large white beard. Steph turns to Dublin, "If I may ask, what is going on." Dublin leans forward, and hands a Wal-Mart bag to Steph, He stands up, head high, "We have heard a tale about peoples this time of year, and families, and gifts and trees with lights. Then Violette told us about her hold home and what they did on this day." Violette looks around from behind Dublin, she has a small box in her mouth. She walks up to Steph and hands her the box.
Violette begins, "At my old home, on this very night each year, the people family and the horses, and dogs, and cats would gather together and our people mom would read to us. She gave this so I would remember them." Steph looks at the box, rather plain, only a few teeth marks, she slowing opens it and inside is a small framed card, she looks close holding it up to the light. Violette asks "Well you read it to us." Dublin nods.
Rob turns "What is it?" Steph hands it to him, and wipes tears from her eyes. Rob says, "Yes, I think you should read it to them, are entire family is here or close at heart." He hands the small frame card back to Steph. Steph looks over her shoulder, the dogs are sitting down, and looking at her, she looks out around the patio, and each and every horse, and two mules are looking at her. She looks past the horses, toward the chicken coop, the chickens are lined up looking at the house, along with Tootsie from the edge of the coop.
Steph held the small framed card in the light, "Yes, I think our entire family is here." Steph begins to read from the small card.
"Twas the Night before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
As Steph finishes, tears rolling down her cheeks, Rob reaches over and puts his arm around her. Rob looks at Dublin, "Happy Christmas to you Dublin and to all of you." Steph looks up, "Oh yes, Happy Christmas to all of you and thank you so much." Steph very carefully places the small frame back in the box and hands it back to Violette, She rubs Violette's forehead, "and thank you." Steph looks around, "People have traditions that mark occasions through out the year, just as horses do. What I read was written many years ago to show the happiness of the season. This time of year is for family and friends, and you all are our family here. The family changes, we have lost some dear friends, and gained a few. But you are all family." She looks around most of the horses are noding their heads, some with smiles on their faces, except of Justice seems a bit confused. Several of the horse step forward and hand their Wal-Mart bags to Steph.
The horses turn and return to their pens, Spirit pulling the rowboad with 'B' still inside, probably will take longer then normal. Steph turns and steps over the dogs, "and you are our family also and we lub you all." with that the dogs jump up and return to there beds. Before she closes the door, Steph looks over to the coop, and sitting on the ground next to it is Tootsie. "Rob I have one more thing I need to do." Steph places the Wal-Mart bags on the table and goes into the kitchen. She reaches in to a cabinet and pulls out a can of cat food and a small package she bought awhile ago, Steph heads out the door, and walk directly to the coop, with a few sidesteps around puddles. Steph walks up to Tootsie, who does not run away, Steph say, "I don't know if you understood what was going on, but you are family also, and we love you too." She places the cat food next to Tootsie, "And a Special Gift for you." Steph places the small package next to the cat food, as she does, she gives it a small squeze, and it sqeeks. Steph smiles turns back to the house.
As she gets to the door she turns and in a very quiet voice "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night." As Steph closes the door and turns the lights off, she hears a squeeking coming from the chicken coop.
Author Samm
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