Glorious Days

After what has seemed like perpetual dusk, the sun has finally broken through the clouds for the second straight day. I wonder if it's a primal instinct to feel more optimistic on sunny days. All the animals are following the sun around the fields and soaking up the warmth. Followed by running and playing, it gives hope that the spring and warmth will come back.

Following up on a FB post I made yesterday, I don't care what car you drive, what you eat or even what color you are. We all eat, breathe and sh#@ the same way. Rank is not an indication of character neither is your position or social standing. I'm free to have my own opinions, just don't try to shove yours down on me. Use of violence doesn't make your opinion 'right' to me it makes you look ignorant, have you even looked from another perspective? Don't be a 'sheeple' use your brain, look outside the box for more info, before you pass judgement on others.

K, I'll get off the soapbox now. Keep in mind accepted scientific fact is being disproven all the time,

By DANIEL ESTRIN, Associated Press Daniel Estrin, Associated Press – Mon Dec 27, 6:13 pm ET
JERUSALEM –

Israeli archaeologists said Monday they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man, and if so, it could upset theories of the origin of humans.

World's Smartest Horse

I’m very excited and pleased to have the opportunity to spend some time with Mark Peterson, trainer of the “World’s Smartest Horse.” (www.markanddusty.com ) Dusty, the horse has appeared in many TV shows, commercials and equine presentations. The relationship between Mark and Dusty is wonderful to watch, it’s the win-win scenario that makes it a pleasure for both man and horse. Many of you know that I strove to have my Vet. Tech. students appreciate animals for what they are inherently, to not be arrogant and realize that animals ARE very capable of learning our language. The win-win situation is great for both owner and animal, each gets a paycheck. Many people (scientific & equine community) have stated that horses are not capable of problem solving. WHAT!!!! Come people use your common sense, if horses were not able to problem solve how do they survive in the wild? Isn’t survival at its basis, problem solving?

Once again I wonder how many times an event has to occur, be recorded, documented before science ‘accepts’ it as fact and not anecdotal evidence? Just because a method is new or seems unusual, isn’t the way it’s always been done; ask yourself; does it make sense to me? Am I getting willing participation from the animal? Do I have to use force or does gentle persuasion gain the effect/action I am looking for?

Dusty has learned an incredible vocabulary of verbal request and is able to carry these requests flawlessly, (but not w/o a smile see his website). I am eager to learn from Mark and Dusty, I hope that I may be able to have Mark look at something a little differently so it will be a win-win for both of us as well. That’s what it is all about, having both parties feel that they have gained whether animal/animal relationship or human/animal etc….

Go hug your animal (2 or 4 legged) and remember they are smart they learn our language, how much of theirs do we learn?

Mark and Dusty also have a facebook fan page at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dustys-Fan-Page/153059171389300

Woohoo! SNOW

A bit of dissapointment on waking this morning, only 4" of new snow. However, in the last 2 hours we have received an additional 2". The geese are pretending to be snow geese and have ventured from the little barn back down to the creek.

Horses and cows don't seem bothered by the weather. In fact horses haven't been in the barn at all yet. Curious how much snow we will get. My new brain child is to hitch Tomas, the Percheron, and see if it's possible to ski behind him. Should be entertaining.

Snow!

Definitely mixed reviews on the snow situation this morning. Scooter as usual is unfazed and thinks it's great fun, Tiny, the border collie seems mostly indifferent but finds it difficult to walk when her belly is partly in the snow, Annie, the black lab is " been there, done that." Scooter has found all of his favorite toys that were buried in the snow. He has a phenomenal nose! Horses and cows are like "where's the food?"

There is about 10" of fresh, fluffy snow on the ground. I hope it sticks around, I would just as soon keep snow on the ground till spring instead of snow, melt, freeze, repeat.

Hope you all are warm and safe.

Welder needed :)

Boy those Dexter cows are powerful for their size. They have managed to destroy their round bale feeder. Without a feeder they tend to waste a lot of hay. The trouble with these guys is that the ordinary feeder sold for round bales doesn't work as they don't mind stepping over the sides and end up standing in the middle of the feeder. Regular sized cows are too wide to fit between the bars but not these guys!! The search is on for a welder that can custom make a feeder for these guys.

No snow cover here yet, glad that the ground has at least frozen. Frozen ground is much easier to drive over than the slippery mud.