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Posts Tagged ‘fjord horse’

She left in November. Putting our “baby” on the trailer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Thousands of worries had been swirling in my brain for the weeks prior. We were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for her, though, and we had to let her go. We had to let her go to be the horse she was born to be. Cass and I had brought her as far as we were able. We did a fine job but she needed and deserved more.

Becca at Heart of Dixie.

Becca at Heart of Dixie.

So Becca is away at college. The fine folks of Heart of Dixie Equine Rescue are seeing to her education. Julie Barnes, (HOD owner) has lovingly cared for Becca’s sire since we all saved him from slaughter in 2009. We are family. Becca was more than ready for the adventure set before her. She hopped on the trailer and never looked back. Cass never even cried for her. It was as it was meant to be. I felt like my guts had been ripped out, though. When you love deeply, you must do what is best and this is best for our girl.

Julie & Marvin, Becca's sire.

Julie & Marvin, Becca’s sire.

She is flourishing in her training. No surprise there. She’s crazy smart. She’s acquired the nickname “Queen B” since she walked onto the farm like she owned the place. No surprise there, either. One thing Becca’s always had is confidence. Julie and I speak often. It is as it was meant to be. We hope to be able to plan a weekend to go visit soon.

This was just 3 weeks into her training!

This was just 3 weeks into her training!

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A year ago, Scottie and I were sitting in foreclosure court. We were terrified. I was determined. It was mesmerizing and heartbreaking all at the same time. People’s lives were broken down into manila folders and haphazardly tossed about on tables by dark suits. There were only 2 other families there even trying to fight to save their homes.

The noise in the room was nearly deafening. I somehow figured out who the opposing attorney was for our case and I grabbed her arm and simply said, “I am here.” That simple statement changed the course of our destiny. We were able to make a deal outside of court and buy us more time. The time we were allotted showed us more humbling love than I could have ever imagined. It took from January until October to really get it all straightened out. Our home and family were saved. We were saved by love. The worst time in our life was also our best. Because of love.

Love is such a powerful thing. It can destroy. It can build up. Love is capable of connecting strangers for life. That is what happened in 2009. We’d already brought Cass and Becca into our lives the year before. Then we found out that Becca’s sire, Marvin (a 19 year old Fjord stallion) was now in jeopardy of going to auction. For a mostly untrained, pasture breeding, beefy boy, that meant one thing – the kill buyer. Several of us jumped into action. We raised the funds needed to buy him but had no where for him to go. That is when Julie Barnes stepped up and forever changed all of us!

… to be continued…
(Facebook.com/HeartofDixieEquineRescue)
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Just some things that make me happy…

Seeing deer casually stroll as I drive through client neighborhoods always make me smile.

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Old dogs make me happy.

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Dogs that once wanted to rip my throat out, now giving me kisses make me happy.

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The beautiful Florida sky often gives me pause to stop and thank God.

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Totally happy I did NOT give Becca, my baby horse, away.

Lots of changes from 2 to 3 years.

Bears on trash day make me happy.

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Watching Lucas grow makes me happy and he always makes me laugh!

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I’m very happy knowing my crazy dog always has my back.

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I’m happy she can actually have a friend to play with rather than try to kill.

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A family of Sandhill Cranes demanding dinner makes me giggle.

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I’m happy to play with an exuberant Labrador.

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A fully stocked cabinet makes me very happy.

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Seeing we are winning one of the battles makes me happy. This hangs in our city airport.

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Knowing there are kids playing fort with their dogs makes me happy.

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Being able to see one of my rescue pups from day one to past 12 years makes me more than happy. I’m thankful when clients / friends adopt our dogs.

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My husband’s loving heart makes me happy.

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A perfectly mucked stall makes me happy.

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Natures’ grace makes me happy.

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The magic of this mare makes me not only happy but a better person.

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I remember it like it was yesterday. We’d all been spending sleepless nights watching our CassidyCam with each morning bringing the news of no baby. I got to the barn before chores to turn off the camera and get Cass out to her paddock. All the horse people said she’d have the baby “in the safety of the night”. When I looked over into her stall, a feeling hit me that something just may be different but Cass demanded her breakfast. All the horse people said she’d “go off her food” when she was ready to have that baby. As I fed her others began showing up at the barn. It was suddenly clear she was getting ready to have that baby! I was suddenly in a terrible position. I’d already turned the camera and laptop off and didn’t know how to get things back on. (Yes, I’m computer stupid.) Over a hundred people from all over the world were watching and waiting to see this baby born on the internet. Cass was telling me in no uncertain terms to get her out of that stall! No stall… no camera… I was going to be in big trouble.

A very pregnant Cass.

A very pregnant Cass.

I listened to my girl, though, and got her out where she wanted to be. By this time, I’d called Scottie and he was speeding through town trying to get to us to get the camera back up. Gayle and I were standing together at the gate to the paddock waiting for Trish to come back out of the house with her camera. In those very few moments, Cass calmly laid down and popped that baby out easy as you please! Trish barely made it back in time from the house to see this little miracle. It was so easy, the sac didn’t break off the baby. The women started urging me to “get in there!” Me… get in there?… really?!….

Keep in mind, I was still very frightened of this new love of my life. She was still very frightened of me… when I was frightened of her.

1st photo of Momma & baby.

1st photo of Momma & baby.

I did “get in there” and I broke the sac off that baby’s nose so she could get her first breath.That was an amazing moment shared by only the three of us, Cass, baby and me. The fact more people had shown up to watch didn’t matter. Cass knew exactly what needed to be done (after demanding more to eat) and she also now knew she could depend on me.

Sizing each other up.

Sizing each other up.

She found her legs, confidence & curiosity!

She found her legs, confidence & curiosity!

So much has happened in these five years. Fears conquered. Tears shed. Laughter heard. Frustration, joy, determination felt. Mistakes made. Battles won.

We are family.

We are family.

Nearly a year old.

Nearly a year old.

Nearly 2 years old.

Nearly 2 years old.

Lots of changes from 2 to 3 years.

Lots of changes from 2 to 3 years.

Goofy 4 year old.

Goofy 4 year old.

I came close to giving Becca away this year. Probably hard to believe, huh? I spent a month searching my heart, crying every day and trying to convince myself it would be the best thing for all of us. At the last moment, things didn’t work out and I have never felt such relief in my life! Cass and Becca have been together every moment of these five years except for two months when Becca was weaned. They have a special and wonderful relationship, ever evolving. I’m blessed to be part of their world.

Happy Birthday Rebecca Maye!!!!!!!

5 year old Becca.

5 year old Becca.

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