Rides 4, 5, 6 and A Sad Goodbye

Dublin wanted in on the photo shoot.

Worked on Tuesday until 6 and then met K and the boys at my mother's for our photo shoot with Mama Bear. Roxie, collar and leashless, trotted up to the barn I used to ride at and we planted ourselves with the other pups in a buttercup filled pasture (complete with Dublin and Star, two of my childhood ponies). This was the result:

Roxie 

K did an amazing job. I am so lucky to have a friend like her. She came with me to the barn after while the boys babysat Chevy so I could have my Ride #4 - Went great. I rode in that side pull I purchased a while ago and a rope rein. I had a hard time getting on (come to find out it was because I never lengthened my stirrups after S used my saddle... Dumbie) and my reins were too short, but it was still a good ride. (Did I mention it was during a lightning/thunder storm?)

Wednesday I went into work, keeping a smile on my face, I went through the day and checked in pet after pet. I brought munchkins and bought myself a coffee and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Things were going well and 5pm came around. I checked in two of the cutest siamese kittens I've ever seen. After the appointment, one of my coworkers came in and said, "I'm switching out with you. Roxie is here." My heart stopped has I handed her the carrier and the vet I was working with looked down. I walked out into the hallway and there was Mikhail, my hero, standing in the hall. I walked towards him and he opened his arms. Once again, as I did almost two years ago, I collapsed in his arms and cried. The heart was hanging on the door and shades pulled, I walked in with him and there she was wagging her tail, smile on her face. My step father and youngest brother were there and we waited for my Dad. I walked out of the hallway to discuss the steps after the appointment and received encouraging hugs from people I have only known a few months. It meant so much to me. They asked if I wanted them to be in the room but I told them I would be the tech for the appointment. My favorite doctor met us in the room, my father showed up red-eyed and tired from his travels. We laughed and talked about all our favorite things about her and all the things she loved to do. My Dad made me cry when he said her favorite thing was being with us. It was so hard but I knew it was the right decision... I cried all the way home.

Mason came to the barn with me and I rode Brantley. It was exactly what I needed. He played DJ and B took me around and around. It was exactly what I needed. He took some video:

I accidently deleted the 2nd video buuuuut I won't complain. Looks pretty good to me.

After that Mason and I went and got Awful Awfuls... Yum.

Dropped Mason off before heading out to meet J & J, the deck was empty. I burst out in tears. Roxie is always sitting there waiting for us on the back porch, ears perked, tail wagging. Always trying to race me up and down the driveway...

I met the girls for a drink (aka: water) and sang a few songs... Definitely helped.

Click Me!!

Today I got to work and the girls left me a card with Roxie's paw print on it... It was the sweetest thing and I'm fighting the urge to get a tattoo of it. I got through the day, scolded for a mistake that I don't think I made but I took the blame. Why not? My initials were on it, may as well. Just have to look at it a little closer next time...

I didn't get to ride on my split, but I left work about 8pm and made it to the barn by 830-845pm. Had an awesome ride. He was more willing to go to the left and I shortened his mental build routine. Walk, trot, canter. I worked on tipping his nose enough to prepare for doing small serpentines. I opened my hand, waited for the nose, then released as soon as he relaxed. Ride 6 complete... 

My prayers go out to Oklahoma and for all those lost, take care of my girl and she'll take care of you.

I miss you Roxie. <3