Cute Moments with Calvin and Hobbes
Black Bucket Days with Calvin and Hobbes
What are black bucket days you might wonder? Well, that’s what we do with the little ones that are really still not too sure of people and have no idea what to expect from them. They may be curious, or they may be terrified, but the bottom line is they really don’t know what to expect. Black bucket days are just short periods of time we spend sitting on an upturned bucket, or step stool, making no demands and just sharing space. So, since Calvin and Hobbes were knew to us, (having recently arrived from foster), we spent a lot of time just hanging out with them - no intention, no demands, no imposed interaction - we just hung out in their space with them without being invasive or threatening. Barely looking at them, just being present. It didn’t take long for their curiosity to get the better of them and before long they were approaching, sniffing and backing up to consider the latest info. It wasn’t soon after that, that we were able to touch, pet and eventually groom Hobbes - he’s very much the extrovert of the two and also very supportive of Calvin’s much shyer nature. Plus, he totally loves being groomed! All that long hair and itchy spots definitely need scratching.
So today, we enjoyed our first hands on communication with Calvin and Hobbes that they initiated and we enjoyed very much. Baby steps and building blocks are paving the way to their future. And the really cool thing was, no carrots or treats were involved - an incredibly huge step for these two guys in their new surroundings!
Just a quick addition to the above - this did not happen within a few hours or minutes, this was time spent with Calvin and Hobbes over a period of days, if not a week - the end result was very special and a big step forward changing our relationship with them completely and instilling just a little more confidence in them and a feeling of safety in their new surroundings. Great to see!
Good Morning from Calvin and Hobbes
It’s just a quick little video but here’s what I was greeted with on morning two from Calvin and Hobbes. A very definite '“Where’s breakfast?” along with a little back off attitude from Calvin. Hobbes tries so hard to be large and in charge but Calvin definitely pushes back! He may be just a little bit smaller than Hobbes but Calvin’s spirit and personality is huge.
I love these two little voices and faces at the gate in the morning! Would love to know what they are saying as their vocalizations change constantly. The really loud braying begins when they hear me in the grain room - hard to believe how loudly they call for food and how quickly they associated barn noise with food is about to be delivered - very smart little guys.
We are looking forward to learning more about them both as we get them ready for life with a forever family.
Check back for updates on their progress.
Saying Goodbye to KC
When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life’s road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us.
Author Unknown
Only two days ago KC was out in the pasture looking like she had many more warm sunny days ahead of her to enjoy with her friends. We even posted the pics. KC looked great!
Now, two days later it’s a sad time for Blue Horse Rescue as we say goodbye, grieve the loss of our beautiful senior mare Katy’s Choice and remember this amazing girl. KC was 34 years old and had been in foster care with Christina who loves the seniors and has opened her heart and home to those needing a soft spot to live out their years. And KC lived out her final years enjoying her time in the large grassy pasture with her senior friends Mariah, Bonnie, Jessie and recently, a younger and very handsome paint gelding named Aztec. KC was very much in charge and enjoyed letting everyone in the herd know that! Having the most seniority, KC definitely knew that seniority ruled and rule she did! Kindly yet firmly like only an old mare can.
KC also had a very soft spot in her heart for young children and babies too. It was as if KC’s true purpose was a guardian and protector for the little ones. She was mesmerized by them - even a baby in mom’s arms did not escape a visit from KC who inhaled the baby’s scent deeply and then gently blew her own breath on the little one. It was like watching KC fall in love. What wisdom was being shared we will never know but she was gentle, kind and so loving. An amazing moment to see.
We are very grateful that we were able to give KC a soft spot to live out her last years and even more thankful for everything that she taught us during the time she shared with BHR. She will always be remembered and may we all learn the lesson of love, kindness and feistiness that KC taught us all!
Run free, KC and thank you so very much for enriching our lives. We wish we had known you longer.
You will always be remembered and much loved.
Katy's Choice
Katy’s Choice is a 34 year old mare in sanctuary with Blue Horse Rescue - December 3, 2018.
Calvin and Hobbes
Calvin and Hobbes arrived today from their foster home. Very happy to get to greet and meet these two little guys - very shy & cute! Adjusting well on day one to their new digs. A huge thank you to Shane for loading and hauling these two little ones to us. They calmly hopped off the trailer and into their new home to start the journey to their new lives. So happy to have them with us. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them!
Sweet William
Sweet William, 25 year old gelding in sanctuary with Blue Horse Rescue - November 28, 2018
Molly has a New Best Friend :)
Little Molly has had a tough time lately and we are so happy to see that she has made friends with the cutest little pygmy goat ever - her name is Miss Scarlet. Molly and Miss Scarlet spent the day together bonding, trading secrets and enjoying each others company. Molly has been with little Mouse (definitely all boy!) since August 18th and while they live well together, Molly was very happy to enthusiastically embrace Miss Scarlet’s female energy! Many thanks to Tina (foster mom) for sharing this moment.
PS - Mouse was not at all interested in this relationship - he was napping in the shavings - way to much girl stuff for him!
Definitely A Very Sweet Boy
Today Sweet William is on his way to a new foster in northern Ca. He is temporarily staying with our foster Tina for a week or so before heading onto the next phase of his journey to his forever home. He will be joining other seniors but for now we are so happy to be able to spend time with him and get to know this kind old soul better. He travelled well and he’s settling into his temporary home nicely. Will has Molly and Mouse as neighbors and much to his surprise two alpacas. He is amazed by them and just can’t quite figure out what they are - not afraid, just really amazed and very curious!
Happy Halloween!
Out Exploring (and napping) with Molly and Mouse
Our two little cuties, Molly and Mouse, are both on antibiotics for a stubborn upper respiratory infection so while out exploring we allowed them nap time under the shade trees. They took full advantage of snooze time before continuing back to the barn - we are hoping they are feeling better and kicking up their heels real soon. The whole auction experience is really tough on these little, young ones.
Stop the Devil's Garden Wild Horse Round Up!
BHR attended the rally in Vallejo CA today that was put on by the American Wild Horse Campaign to stop the round up of 1,000 wild horses from the Devil’s Garden Wild Horse Territory by the US Forest Services. These beautiful wild horses could potentially face slaughter.
Learn more about the round up and what you can do to make your voice count, by visiting the AWHC website at: www.americanwildhorsecampaign.org
To keep updated on the Devil’s Garden Wild Horses, visit: https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org/media/devils-garden-wild-horses
Photos and videos of the Devil’s Garden round up: https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org/media/devils-garden-roundup-october-2018
Please share!
Big Adventure for Molly and Mouse - Out Exploring
Sweet Little Molly
Meet High Noon and Sunrise : We Need a New Home!
High Noon & Sunrise taken August 2018
Helping to Find Homes:
Sunrise and High Noon are brother and sister who have been together their whole lives. They were born just one year apart and have enjoyed the gift of a loving and responsible owner who has provided the best of care for them both throughout their lives.
High Noon, in the foreground, is a 30 year old gelding, and behind him, is his younger sister Sunrise who is 29 years old. They are healthy and both are sound. They are also up to date on vaccines and trims but are due to have their teeth floated. Sunrise, the mare, is a good weight and High Noon is just a little on the thin side.
Their life long owner is very sad to have to find new homes for them and is very involved in the process of finding them the best home possible - the ultimate goal is to keep these two lovely seniors together.
If you would like to offer Sunrise and High Noon a loving home to live out their days, or would like more information, please contact BHR at: info@bluehorserescue.org.
I Don't Feel Too Good
Our tiniest little mini ever is not looking too good today. We have our vet coming out to visit with our kids to check them out and get them on the road to health again. Molly has runny eyes but seems to be otherwise ok. Little Mouse just looks like he doesn’t feel good. Runny nose, cough and goopy eyes, plus that sorry little look - things are not right with Mouse.
So, today was vet day. Molly checked out well other than some drainage from her eyes and a tube of triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment - this is ok. Mouse, however, is really not feeling good. His temp is 105 and his lungs are compromised - diagnosis: pneumonia. Antibiotics will begin today. Mouse is a good little patient and is willingly accepting antibiotics and daily temps twice a day. Our fingers are crossed that he will feel better soon. Our new foster mom, Tina, is doing a great job and just loves these two little ones. She’s been thrown in the deep end and is doing great. With her care I know that Mouse will be on his way to being a healthy little kid again. A huge thank you to Tina for her great passion and love for these little ones.
Molly and Mouse Settling In
Two tired little ponies after their long haul from Texas to California.
Little Mouse sticks very close to Molly, always.
Everything of interest requires two little noses to check it out.
The food is good!
Wow! Our neighbor is a big guy!
Mouse has a very busy nose!
Molly and Mouse are slowly settling into their new foster home and getting used to new people, and a lot of new, and I’m sure to them, some very strange and different shaped critters - a full size beautiful horse is their immediate neighbor, followed by two goats, two alpacas, two pygmy goats (very cute) and two donkeys. Life is very different with lots of new things to learn - new sounds are definitely a big part of their new life! The donkeys have quite a voice!
We are so happy to have these two little ones with us and are constantly amazed by their cute and curious personalities. Check back for more on Molly and Mouse.
Molly and Mouse Are Here!
Molly and Mouse left their temporary home in quarantine in Decatur, Texas on Monday and made their way to Phoenix, AZ for a layover before heading to their foster home in Tracy, CA with their foster mom, Tina. They left Phoenix on Friday night at about 6 pm and made their way across the hot AZ desert and into Southern CA during the cooler hours. They arrived at Tina's at about 9:30 on Saturday morning. We were so happy to be there to greet them and get them settled into their new foster home.
Molly and Mouse have been through a lot of stressful times during the past six weeks or so - shipping to auction from Tennessee and eventually ending up in the Bowie Livestock Auction kill pen in Texas. They then spent a month in quarantine before beginning their journey from Texas to Phoenix. Unfortunately, they made their way through an unexpected dust storm once they arrived in AZ.
BHR is very happy to finally have Molly and Mouse with us! A huge thank you to Tina for welcoming Molly and Mouse into her home, barn and life! And today they are finally here!
Molly and Mouse Begin their Journey to California
Molly and Mouse left quarantine in Decatur, Texas on Monday and are headed toward Phoenix AZ for a two day layover before heading to their new foster home in Tracy, California. We are so very excited that they are finally on their way and can't wait to meet them.
