Stephanie Krahl, her horse Ransom and dog Amber
You know that look, don’t you? It’s in her eyes. You wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world – not even a million dollars.
She’s been there for you during some of your toughest times. She listens without judgement and just hangs out with you even when you’re in your worst mood. Her level of unconditional love and forgiveness is beyond what you can comprehend.
You wonder why she picked you. You think, “What’s so special about me to deserve that kind of love and understanding no human could begin to emulate?”
Who am I talking about? She’s that special animal who’s in your life. She could be your dog, cat, horse, hamster; it doesn’t matter what form she comes in. You may think you’re the one there for her, but it’s my belief that – regardless of the situation – she comes into your life to help you learn certain lessons you were meant to learn. Yes, you’re there for her, too, but there’s something more to it.
I’ve come to realize that those who have a deep love for animals understand this universal principle. It’s something you can’t explain, nor would you begin to try to explain to those who are the non-animal lovers.
When I look back on my life, I notice a common pattern. In one way or another, I’ve had animals come into my life who I believe actually picked me. This may sound like a crazy concept or woo woo, but I believe it to be true. It’s some unexplained attraction that tends to occur.
When this occurs, it happens at the perfect time. It’s usually when, subconsciously, I’m open and ready to learn certain lessons. It’s an opportunity for that special animal to teach me life-lessons if I’m willing. Most times we will not understand her purpose until much later – that’s when the value of gratitude is heightened. You’ll look back and reflect on the chain of events she sparked in your life that you’d never trade for anything in the world.
I’ve come to find that my farm is a collection of what most would consider misfits. The ones who were, or would have been, tossed aside or disposed of in both the dog and horse world because they’re not easy to understand. Accepting them into my life doesn’t make me this great person or some magical trainer. Instead, I’m grateful for the kind of person they’ve caused me to become. Someone who’s learned how to become more emotionally fit; someone who’s learned to be patient and understanding, and when I’m not patient, or I become frustrated, it’s because I’ve run out of knowledge. It’s always an indicator that I need to seek more knowledge and find the answers.
So, I raise my glass to the misfits. The ones who most don’t understand; the ones who are tossed aside, but the ones who have the most to offer because they’re different.
Keep it soulful,
Stephanie Krahl
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Picture details – Ransom, Stephanie and Amber
Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys
One of my favorite movies… Rudolph made his television debut on NBC in 1964. It’s been re-broadcast annually many times over the years and it’s now the longest-running TV special in terms of consecutive years.
Below, enjoy Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius and the misfit toys.
