Snowflake's Story

My Third Week -- Taking a Dip
April 21, 2005

My foster folks were spreading fertilizer and weed killer on the pastures all weekend. They were busy. There was a lot of noisy tractor activity, but that doesn't bother me much. All the mud has dried up in the pasture and now my foster parents want it to rain. Not a drop in sight for the coming week. Farming is tough. It seems you have either an abundance of rain or a drought; it averages out well on paper, but it can be a waiting game in real life. We must make do with what we have, whether ye be horse or human. Our range of tolerances is quite large; from the desert horses in Arabia to the Fjord horses of Norway.

Monday was a normal day, much to the relief of my foster folks. After dinner, my two mare friends and I were put in the pond pasture. Foster Dad stepped out on the porch and I heard him say "Hurry, Snow is swimming in the pond!" Foster Mom ran out and didn't know whether to laugh or worry. She said I looked like a Labrador Retriever paddling around. It was a hot afternoon and I just decided to get in the pond and swim some circles. After a couple of laps, I got out, trotted a few steps and shook like a dog. Foster Mom and Dad said they had never seen a horse do that of his own accord. Well, they already know that I am NOT just ANY old horse. I am a special horse. We all had a good laugh.

The vet came Wednesday and began my series of vaccinations. I wasn't too afraid and I tried not to cause too much trouble. But, I am becoming so strong and so full of energy, that my foster folks and my SMAWL friends think I am ready to be adopted!

I still have two more vet appointments in order to become fully vaccinated against horse illnesses and on one of those appointments I will have some dental work done. This could be done at my new home if I am adopted soon!

I had more goodies delivered by my personal assistant this week. I am so thankful for my many kind people and all they give for me. I have a new purple halter and all new grooming tools. I have hoof cream and medicated shampoo and beautiful bags to keep everything organized. I have many bags of senior horse food ready and waiting for me to eat. Another special person delivered a beautiful fly sheet and fly mask for me. They arrived just in time, because fly season is almost here. Several people stopped by and brushed me thoughout the week. One of my special people even showed up just in time to help my foster Mom put me in the barn for dinner and get me out of the rain. We do need the rain, though, and this was a nice gentle spring rain. It will help the grass to grow.