A sad day for all.....

Hello, from the beautiful state of Idaho. So far we have been having a great adventure, however with every experience there are opportunities for all to go right, or wrong. Today we had a tragic, sad event happen and we are all a little down and out.

Justine, Madison, and I were all saddled up to go on a late morning ride. This was our first ride since arriving 5 days ago, so the three of us were anxious to explore the trails and exercise the horses. I rode a quarter horse named Tuck, a horse known for his good nature and trusty trail rides. The family dogs were going to follow along (as they always do) and we began out journey out away from the barn and up a small hill to a ridge overlooking the ranch. Justin, the lab, and Rocky, the maltese were either beside or in front of us the entire time. They were sniffing, romping, and just plain having fun. All of a sudden my horse, Tuck, slipped/tripped and began to kneel down, got up and went into a sudden cantor at which I pulled the brakes and whiplashed my neck. Tuck and the horse in front of me stepped on Rocky and broke his little neck. He died instantly and as soon as the horses settled down Justine got off her horse and went over to Rocky.

What more can I say? We just burried Rocky and the family is crushed. This little guy was a very special dog, and I also loved him so....much. Please live each day to the fullest and appreciate you animals, because in an instant it can be over. Life is so fragile and precious and we must always remember that.

Michelle<3