Happy Easter! Hope everyone is enjoying their time with loved ones.
This past year went by fast and we want everyone to know we are still here. The writing had been put on hold to deal with my dad’s passing and add a new member to the family.
My family is CJ. He came into my life December 2017, is now 2 ½ and a big boy.
Loves to play and he is the best cuddlier. He takes over the bed at night, although on cold nights he is great at keeping me warm.
When I saw him at the Humane Society, I had walked away as he looked identical to my cat, Carmel, who passed away in September 2015. I had made up my mind not to get another cat that looked like Carmel. After I left, I kept hearing I have to go back as this cat (CJ) is here for me. He will not make it if I don’t get him.
I decided to go back the next day, if he was still there, then it was meant to be. Walked in the door, who did I see? Said well I guess I am getting a cat today. He was meant for me.
When we arrived home, CJ looked around the house while I was lying on the couch. He finished looking, jumped up and wrapped his paws around me. Definitely the right choice!
The newest member of the family is Sam. He turns 20 this year!
He is definitely the boss where he lives. He has strong opinions of how things should be done. He always does everything to best of his ability, even if he doesn’t want to do it. He keeps me safe. When I first rode him, I was scared as he was everything I did not want in a horse. He was big, fast, and strong. He had no problem showing what he didn’t like. Walking down the lane to our lesson, I could hear him, “don’t worry I got you. You won’t want anyone else after being with me”.
About 10 minutes into the lesson, he was right. Even though I was not comfortable with my ability to handle this horse, I knew he was going to look after me. I started smiling and have never quit. He has been in my life since fall 2012 and became part of our family in July 2018. It was one of those times when the feeling of: we were meant to be together was strong. Even though the offer of other horses came forward throughout the years, the feeling was always Sam is the one. Clifford kept saying: “stay with Sam and you will soar”.
This year has been a tough year for Sam, losing three of his pen mates, two moving away and sadly one passed away. His half-brother is still with him and now a new younger friend is with them. Sam has also had some physical issues but with hard work on his part, we are looking forward to a summer of trail riding. This has been my dream since I was little. Manifestation is powerful!
I am very blessed with the animals in my life and also so grateful for the ones that have been in my life and still continue to guide and love me from above.
Remember to always tell your special ones how much they mean to you. What they bring into your life. They love knowing they are making a positive difference just by being there.
We will be back in May!

Happy Easter, Clifford and Shelley, Thanks for sharing.
So good to hear from you. Thank you.
Nice article and great pics of CJ and Sam. I’ve never thought of Sam as white and when I saw him I thought I’d course he is white. He wouldn’t be any other colour. It’s nice to see the gifts of your life.
Sam is a Grey Appaloosa. Over time he turned white. Summer you will see the Appaloosa in him. I call him my White Knight, although he acts more like the King.