Little Things

It's the little things in life that count.

Last Wednesday I drove the two hours and change to Reba's new home and dropped her off.  It was hands down one of the hardest things I've ever done - getting in my truck and driving away.  I didn't really believe I was as attached to her as I was/am.  I've been exchanging texts with her new owner (who adores her) and that makes me feel better.  Knowing that I've done the right thing - for both dog and person, is different in theory than practical application.

I've also been driving to help Jason work cows.  There is a big cutting show coming up so a lot of training is occurring.  This has been a golden opportunity for me to learn.  And Jason has been awesome at sharing his knowledge and experience with me.  He even hopped on Bacardi yesterday and worked her on cows.  What a fabulous thing to watch.  I've seen her improve so much, and Jason was able to give me some feedback as to help her even more.

The hours of riding are not only making Bacardi look super fit, but are toning up my muscles!  My legs are getting stronger and my abs are getting tighter!  Can't complain about that!  Plus I love spending the time watching the horses work cows, and I love the time spent in the sunshine.  I find the whole process very relaxing and therapeutic.

Both Ryder and Diva are showing progress in their young dog manners.  They are such characters and so much fun to watch and play with.  One day I'd like to try to do some therapy with Ryder.  He's such a kind and good hearted dog.  The other day my brother had had a fight with his wife and was upset.  I drove into the city and picked him up.  Ryder who normally is not a big man fan crawled over the console and sat in his lap!  (I know very unsafe.)

Ryder has also been my caretaker while I run.  I've been having a lot of trouble keeping my wind and breathing.  When I get too wheezy or choppy he starts to jump up and down beside me, looking at my face.  When I slow down to a walk, he settles down.  Neat isn't it?  Last week my doctor started me on a new med (Singular).  It's an asthma med but is supposed to help with my allergies and breathing.  And it's working!!!  Today, for the first time in a very long time I was able to run 5k (3 miles) in under 35 minutes and that included stopping in the ditch for cars.  It was been ages since it felt so good, easy and free to run like that!  Who knew being able to breathe makes such a difference??  Ryder only bounced a couple of times towards the end of the run!  Major improvement.

I've been busy doing a lot of nothing real fancy or exciting.  But it just doesn't matter, because it's all the little things that are filling my days and putting a smile on my face.