I adopted my sweet Ellie, a Golden Retriever-Terrier mix, from a local shelter. They said she was found by the side of a road in eastern Colorado. I wondered if she was lost and somebody was looking for her. My teacher overheard me mentioning this to a friend and gave me Terri’s name, suggesting she was someone who could communicate with animals and help me know Ellie’s story.

I didn’t grow up with horses. I didn’t take lessons or beg my parents for a pony. Yet horses have changed my life forever.

It’s so hard to lose a family member so precious. In my initial sorrow, I would sit and think of the many great and endearing stories about my girl, Anna. That helped me get through the sadness of missing her in our lives. Now, I celebrate her and how she has changed me forever.