Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

It’s commonly known that Grady has been suffering from allergies for most of the summer.  I did my research and my shopping and cooked up my potions until I found one that worked to prevent the awful Staph infections he has suffered from in the past.  I’ve been feeling quite pleased with myself – we’ve made it through the summer without needing a single visit to the vet, not one steroid or antibiotic.  But there’s been one nagging question:  why does he keep licking?  His skin looked fine – maybe just anxiety from our move and the resulting upheaval in pack dynamics?  Fleas?  Food allergies?  Nothing seemed to fit and nothing relieved the itching and licking – bad enough, but never quite that bad as to warrant a visit to the vet.  A couple of weeks ago, I started to notice that Grady was becoming a little greaseball.  At first, I blamed myself for slacking off on our weekly bathing ritual.  Then the wheels FINALLY started to roll in my rusty brain.  I recalled back to late last summer, during one of Grady’s numerous vet visits, when he was diagnosed with a yeast infection.  At the time, he had Staph, yeast, hot spots, sores, bald spots – you name it!  I had no idea what a yeast infection on its own looked like.  But it popped into my head and so I started hunting around online for some information on yeast infections in dogs.  It didn’t take long to confirm my suspicions.  I immediately booked Grady in for an exam, where he was prescribed anti-fungal medication to combat the infection.  So why did I choose this for my Thankful Thursday topic of the week?  Mostly because I am so glad that Grady is finally feeling better.  I got my dog back after such a long time that I forgot what I’d been missing (2 days after he started his meds, I came home to find that he’d helped to shred the bag of styrofoam that was ready to go to recycling).  I’m also thankful that I learned something new about Grady’s predisposition to skin afflictions.  Maybe next time I’ll catch it a lot sooner and spare us all the extended suffering.

I’d like to take a few minutes to talk about yeast infections in dogs and what to look for, in case you might be having a similar problem.  Last summer, Grady went to 4 different vets for treatment before yeast was diagnosed.  If you have a dog with allergies, or any type of skin condition, please consider having him checked for a yeast infection.  Yeast often piggybacks on other infections and the use of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections can allow the yeast to take hold.  Once you get the original infection cleared up, the symptoms return rapidly as the yeast proliferates.  So what should you look for?

• Excessive itching or licking, can be anywhere but often ears, lips, genitals, inner thighs, and between toes are affected
• Greasy hair and skin
• Stinky dog smell
• Discharge from ears
• Gas/bloating
• Joint pain

It is important to note that there may be no obvious skin lesions present.  Grady’s skin looked healthy and normal, even despite the scratching and licking.  If you notice excessive itchiness, take your dog in for a checkup.  Yeast can be diagnosed quickly and easily and your pooch can be on the mend before you know it.  If you’d like further reading on the topic, check out the following links:  Patterson and Frank article, Brooks article

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

This week, I am incredibly grateful that I am still employed.  I have witnessed more than a few people recently lose their jobs and I am appreciative that I am still bringing in an income.  Bringing this point home even further, I have had two major financial challenges in the past two weeks and it’s scary to realize that if I were unemployed right now, my life would currently be taking a sharp left turn into a very unhappy place. 

On a more positive note, I am very thankful that my sister Melanie has had the opportunity to get back one of her old horses that was sold many years ago.  I know how much this mare meant to her and how hard it was to part with her way back then.  In the same vein, thanks are owed to the Schembri family and Char-o-Lot Ranch for making it possible for “Strawmaid” to return home.  Stay tuned for more on this story next week. 

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

For the last week of the Nostalgia series, I wanted to focus on the decade of the new millenium.  Just as this decade has brought turmoil and change to our country, so has my life followed the same path of upheaval.  When I look at where my life was at the dawn of the new century, I almost don’t recognize that girl.  The past nine years have brought me full circle – venturing into unknown territory to discover things about myself I’d only dreamed of, only to return to those things I’ve held so dear for so long.  Here we go…

Behavioral observations with captive rhino

In 2003, I took the opportunity to travel to Kenya for a research trip to study black rhino habitat use.  This trip was one of the most profound things I have ever done.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and really challenged myself to try something new and explore my passion.  I have always loved science and had gotten a degree in Environmental Studies.  This trip was my chance to put that knowledge to use and explore what a career in the field would entail.  I got so much more than I bargained for.  I am so thankful that the events in my life conspired to allow me this opportunity.  For all the travels that I’ve done, this trip stands out as one of the most important points in me discovering who I really am and it set me on the path of furthering my education in the field of science.   *All photos courtesy of Daniela Goldman.

Typical scenery with Mt Kenya in the background.

Acacia trees are a common food item for many species in Kenya, including the black rhino.

Although this decade has been filled with turmoil, I have tried to view each situation as a point of growth.  Each and every one of those experiences encouraged me to be stronger and to learn something from it.  I am thankful that I have found the strength to overcome sadness and grief and still have an open heart to love again.  I am thankful that I had the perseverence to succeed when every circumstance was pushing me to fail.   I am thankful that I risked love and learned how to be a better person because of it.   And I am thankful that I can still reach out and touch all those people that mean so much to me in my life.  Who knows what tomorrow brings?  But I know that regardless of what it is, I am strong enough, smart enough, and resourceful enough to get through it. 

That’s it for my journey down memory lane.  I want to thank each and every reader for allowing me to indulge in this series.  I’m just so thankful for who I have become and I appreciate the chance to honor those experiences that brought me here.  Thanks for coming along!

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday!  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Continuing on from last week, next up is the 90′s.  More than any other decade in my life, the 90′s represents the Appaloosa.  Almost every meaningful thing that took place in my life during these years somehow related back to my involvement with horses.  Here are some of my top reasons to be thankful for the 90′s:

• In 1991, I got my very first dog, Davy.  He was all mine – I researched which breed I wanted and chose him carefully, and once he arrived I trained and raised him.  He was, and still remains, the best memory of my youth.  He was a black Lab/collie mix and he was one of the smartest dogs I’d ever seen.  He was naughty, and used up most of his lives before he hit two, but he was the most loyal dog anyone could ask for.  I learned responsibility with him and we had a tremendous bond together.  He traveled all over the country to horse shows with me and he protected me when we moved to the big city to go to college.  He patiently tolerated me sobbing into his fur during my years of teen angst, and always offered a kiss and a cuddle whenever I needed it.   At the age of 8 he was diagnosed with cancer, while we were in Oklahoma City at the National Show.  Tough dog that he was, he survived it and went on to live another 8 healthy, happy years.  I lost Davy in 2007, when he was 16 years old.  I think of  him every day and I am so very thankful for the years we had together.  He was the best thing that happened to me at that time.

• In 1998, Otis joined our little group.  Otis was a colorful character who wore out his welcome in my hometown neighborhood.  Always a sucker for a sweet face, I agreed to take him in when his former owners discarded him.  I’d admired him when I saw him roaming the streets and it took me years to learn that he was a Neapolitan mastiff.  Otis was challenging – he’d been neglected and had no training, and was fearful of everything.  He was pure and had a heart of gold.  He truly was our “Sunshine Boy.”  I lost Otie in 2004 at the age of 11, quite a feat for a mastiff, especially one with a rough start.  He had such a profound impact on me and encouraged me to learn about dog behavior and rescue work.  I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take him in and show him how to be loved.

• My horse showing adventures peaked in the 90′s – we traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida, Michigan to Texas and everywhere in between.  Those years meant so much to me and the memories flow freely.  Friendships with people of all ages blossomed, fed by our common love for riding.  Horse shows were a chance to visit, laugh, and enjoy life with people that understood me.  I remember driving along in those dark hours before the sun rose, alone with my anticipation of the upcoming show.  One of my favorite shows was actually held here in Florida.  A large group of our friends from PA and Ohio would group up in Venice, Fl every December for a week long show.  On days off, we’d visit the beach to feed gulls or trail ride our horses around the vast showground.  Although not all the memories are as sweet, I wouldn’t trade one minute of those years for anything.  It was a time when my family was close – we did everything together.  It was also a time when I learned so much about myself and what my capabilities are.  These were some of the best years of my life.

• There are so many things I have to be thankful for from these years.  I could go on for ages, but mostly I’m just thankful to have had the opportunities that I’ve had.  I know that my parents made great sacrifices so that my sister and I could have it all.  I got to go to the college I’d dreamed of, without having to give up my horses like so many of my peers did.  They supported my college education and they continued to haul us to horse shows most weekends of each summer.  When my sister and I decided to move to Florida to continue our educations, the folks sold their properties and followed us down here, so we could continue our riding adventures.  Without them, I never EVER would have had the experiences that I’ve appreciated so much.  So Thanks Guys!  I love you!

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

This week, I wanted to do something a little different.  I have so much in my present life that I am grateful for, but now and again I get to feeling a bit nostalgic for the old days.  I have been very lucky throughout my life to have had some experiences that have shaped the very fabric of who I am.  For the next couple of weeks, I want to honor those experiences that have conspired to put me at this point, in this moment of my life.  First up, the 80′s, the decade of my youth.  This is where it all began….

Horses awaiting their riders at The Pointe's ranch.

• The single most life changing experience I’ve had thus far started with a vacation that began innocently enough in Pheonix, Arizona.  I am so thankful that my parents took us to The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in 1984.  Under the blazing Southwestern sun and in the shadow of the looming mountains, my sister and I fell madly, completely in love with riding.  This vacation changed my life.  While I only remember bits and pieces of the rest of our trip, I  can still smell the leather of the saddle and feel the sun on my back as we rode through the mountains.  Sadly, the resort no longer offers trail rides (at least not that I can find online)  and the mountains that we rode through are now dotted with glass and stucco mansions. 

Michelle aboard her very first mount, Hank, at The Pointe.

• Of course, the next event that I want to mention was when my parents bought my first horse.  You can read the story of Starfinder here.  That moment was one that I’d dreamed of for as long as I could remember.  I still recall when they vetted her at the Illini Railsplitter show, the leg x-rays weren’t clear and it looked as though she wouldn’t pass the exam.  Amazingly, upon re-doing the x-rays, it was decided that she was clean and would be coming home with us.  I still feel that some divine intervention took place because that horse and I belonged together.  She was the gear that started this whole ball rolling.

Starfinder, my first horse

What’s funny is, when I sit and think on this decade nothing else (non-horse related)  jumps out at me.  These years were a time of dreams coming true and my evolution out of childhood.  I soaked these experiences in and let them shape me, and I learned so much.  While many girls my age were struggling to find their niche, to be comfortable in their skin – I had my horses.  They eased my transition into high school and gave me escape and comfort when I felt like I didn’t fit in (which was quite often).  So this is what I’m thankful for and what the 80′s represents to me. 

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday!  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

This week, I am thankful for:

• Some of the most gorgeous sunsets I have seen all year.  That’s one thing about Florida, we have the kind of sunsets that make you pull off the highway and dig your camera out.  Giant puffy white clouds backlit by brilliant oranges, pinks, and yellows layered upon one another like a sky-sized cake.  How can one NOT feel thankful after seeing that?

• The tiniest twinges of pain that let me know I’m back in the saddle again, for real.  Sore calves and thighs that haven’t been asked to squeeze, drive, and post around the arena for far too long.  Little sores where my knees protest the wearing of jeans while posting.  The sweet sting of sunburn on my shoulders after a long trail ride.  All of these things feel like home to me. 

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday!  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Image courtesy of David Paul Ohmer

This week started off with Tiny and I meandering through the woods and enjoying our time together.  It has been awhile since we’ve gone on a trail ride and it felt so good to soak up the sun and see some new sights.  The weather was gorgeous and it was nice to have a meditative, peaceful ride.  True to form, Tiny completely disregarded the fact that she hadn’t been off the property in about 6 months and was entering the big scary forest all alone.  She never batted an eye – not at the brand new trash pile (thanks classy neighbors!), not at the buzzing transformers on the power lines, not at the deer that broke through the brush ahead of us on the trail.  Just another reminder of why I am the luckiest girl in the world.  I love that horse.  =)

Image courtesy of Ken Bosma

Another thing that I am extremely grateful for this week is that I have almost completed my supervisory training at work!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and this December I will be receiving my certificate (touch wood) for having completed a LOT of training courses over the past 15 months. 

Finally, I am grateful for my cousin Jenn‘s refresher on Cesar’s tips for walking a lazy butt dog.  While many people have the problem of their dog dragging them down the street, I have the opposite problem and must drag Grady down the street.  Ever drag a 100 lb dog?  It’s not fun.  Now that I have a beautiful, shady walking trail literally right behind my house I am committed to spending more time with Grady out walking, which means we need to fix the dragging problem.  I don’t need to look like Arnie!  Thanks to Jenn’s reminders on how to keep Grady’s energy up, we’ve now had two long walks that have been relatively successful.  Another bonus?  He’s not itching nearly as much.  Yay!  Good sleep for everyone!

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday!  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Courtesy of Chauncey Davis

This week I want to celebrate the wonderful people that I am so fortunate to have in my life.  As you read this, I’m more than likely on a plane bound for Pittsburgh – my old stomping grounds that I haven’t visited in over 6 years, at least not properly.  As I have planned and prepared for this trip, I have realized how lucky I am to be surrounded by such great people.  So here goes:

Courtesy of leochi, Flickr

• First I want to thank my parents for helping me make this trip happen!  Without their support and the subsequent kick in the butt, I probably would have continued procrastinating on planning this thing.  So thanks, guys!
• Thanks to my cousin John and family for giving me a place to stay and some great company!  I’ve missed you guys so much and can’t wait to see you.
• I don’t think words can express how much I appreciate Nicole, who actually rearranged her own travel schedule so she could take care of Milo and Bella for me.  She definitely gets the selfless hero award!  (And yes, I have huge feelings of guilt about this but she is one stubborn broad when she makes up her mind!)
• I am also grateful to have Emma to rely on to take the best care of Tiny, as always.  It’s such a comfort to know that I can go away for a few days and trust that she’ll receive the love and care she needs.  In my experience, it’s hard to find people that I trust my horses with, but Emma is first class.  Thanks Emma!
• And finally, I am so so sooo glad that I found Teena at the University of Doglando.  Thanks to her, I have absolutely not one ounce of guilt at leaving Grady behind while I’m gone.  He will be spending the week going to daycare during the day and will be going home with one of the staff members at night, as part of their unique boarding program.  In fact, my biggest fear is that he won’t want to come home! 

I also feel fortunate to still have one of my oldest childhood friends still in my life.  Although we haven’t seen each other in over 6 years, we still keep in touch and I’m optimistically hopeful that we can work out a visit while I’m up there.  Over the past year, and especially the past few months I have increasingly seen how important good friends are.  I am so thankful for all those people who fill that special place in my life. 

Courtesy of Daniel E. Bruce Photography

Please visit other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, Tired Dog Ranch, and The Pony Expression

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday!  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Ok, get ready for a girly, mooshy post.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 

This week’s Thankful Thursday was easy for me.  Didn’t even take much thought.  On Tuesday, I saw Tiny for the first time in what felt like forever.  I know I keep saying it, but my riding schedule has just been so erratic this summer for one reason or another.  Anyway, so the stars aligned on Tuesday for me to pay her a visit.  It was a gorgeous evening, low (-ish) humidity, quiet and still.  I took the time to enjoy grooming her and she seemed to be soaking it all in as well.  We had a good ride and I was pleasantly surprised by her level of responsiveness after having a week off.  As we wrapped it up, the thunderheads started building and we could hear the rumbling in the distance and feel the electricity in the air.  We headed back into the barn so I could put her to bed, and as she stood in the crossties we shared this moment.  Anyone who loves horses knows what I mean – that moment of silent understanding, nose to nose, her breath meeting mine.  The wave of gratitude that washed over me as I stood nose to nose with my sweet little horse defines this week’s Thankful Thursday.  At that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.  So what, exactly, am I thankful for?

• First, I’m so grateful that Tiny is even here.  When I look back on it, it’s one of those situations that just defies the odds over and over.  Her mother was an 18 year old maiden mare that was retired from competition.  Tiny was born a month premature and probably should have died.  Her mom was afraid of her and she was still in the sac.  We were out of town at the time and luckily for us the barn caretaker happened to be there at the right time to handle the situation.   She had severely crooked legs that required surgery when she was young.  She didn’t even begin training until she was almost 6 years old.  I could go on and on.  The fact that she is here, healthy and happy, and still in my life is a gift that I feel honored to have. 
• I am so thankful that I have been able to hang on to her throughout the past five tumultuous years of my life.  Somehow, through all the financial strife and the breakup of the family herd and my graduate schooling, we have stuck together.  Looking back now, I’m not even sure how it happened, but all that matters is it did. 
• I’m grateful that I have good health and the opportunity to ride such an amazing animal. 
• And finally, I’m so glad that I found such a wonderful place to keep Tiny nearby with someone that loves her (almost) as much as I do.  Sometimes, things are just meant to be.

Please visit other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, Tired Dog Ranch, and The Pony Expression

In the spirit of embracing the positive and taking a few moments to appreciate all that I am grateful for, I have decided to join the Thankful Thursdays movement.  I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for.  If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here.  If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life.  If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have.  If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that. 

I am grateful…

• That my week started off on Monday with the stunning view of the rocket taking off from Cape Canaveral, shrouded in clouds and lit by the rising sun.  Scenes like that don’t happen everyday and when they do, it makes me notice the beauty around me even more.
• That Grady is over halfway through this summer allergy season and he’s still hanging in there (and I’ve even been getting some sleep!).  And Tiny has been a good girl and not given me too many allergy related headaches thus far.
• I am so grateful that I found a great place to live, surrounded by nature and perfect for what I need in my life right now.
• That I was brave enough to embrace the opportunity to join this community and that it has been received so well.  Thanks to everyone who has supported me!

Please visit other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, Tired Dog Ranch, and The Pony Expression