HONEY BANDIT MEETS NEW FRIENDS & sends his auntie Jennifer & mom to Sacramento 3-28-11

Well, Honey Bandit finally got to get out of his stall and go for a ride.  We met one of his favorite "aunties", Ms. Dottie Smith, and her hubby at the end of the Historical Barn Tour, on Dersch Road.  Honey Bandit and DaBubbles thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air as they went to meet some new friends.  Of course Honey Bandit put on his best show, as soon as the cameras came out. I hate to say it, but I do believe he knows that he is the star.  The second those cameras came out, his cute little face was popping over the gate where everyone could get the best shot.  It's like he knows.  His ears are forward and he is a "poser", pure and simple.  We want to take a minute and say thank you for all your wonderful support and the "Honey Money'.   It was a real blessing when we headed to the gas pumps.  It was so nice to meet all of ya'll, and share our "horse" stories.   It is certainly a blessing to have them and people like ya'll in our lives.  It was also just plain awesome to be able to fill up the tank before we pulled the "star" back up to Shingletown.  Thank You!!! A neat story .......  it was raining (I know, hard to believe that is possible) and the ground was flooded and I could hear one of our dogs yipping.  I went out into the cold, dark, pouring rain and made my way to the noise.  It was Snickers, and she had gotten stuck on her run where she couldn't get to the dog house.  She was quite wet and not very happy.   So I brought her into the "nursery" and  put her in with the horses.  They had an extra deep bed of fresh soft straw, and I figured she could warm up nicely all bedded down in there. But then I got nervous.  Honey Bandit cornered her and his ears were kind of back and he had his mouth on her.  She was looking over with a rather terrified expression, waiting for him to take his first bite.  Bear (the dobie) started over to her and Honey Bandit pinned his ears back and dove towards Bear, sending him off.  Now I was really worried, was Snicker's going to be "dinner"?  Honey Bandit once again lowered his mouth towards Snickers.  As I watched, fully prepared to jump into the mix, I saw an astonishing thing.  Honey Bandit started licking Snickers.  He nuzzled and licked her like a new mommy for about an hour.  Gradually the look of horror on her face subsided, and she settled into her "nurturing".  Every time Bear tried to come close, HB would charge him, sending him away.  Apparently this was extremely important to HB and no one was going to interfere.  After Snickers was all fluffed and much dryer, they all plopped down in a big heap, and the normal night sounds filled the air.
A couple hours later, just as I was finally drifting off to sleep, I heard the familiar sound of Honey Bandit's hooves against the wall, as he struggled to turn over to get up.  I jumped up, (just as fast as a crippled girl can "git er done"), and went to Honey Bandit.  I couldn't believe it, once again, DaBubbles was right in the middle of it all.  He was between HB and the wall, and HB's back feet were under DaBubbles.   So everytime HB tried to flip, Dabubbles would get knocked by HB's feet.  I finally got DaBubbles to move out of the way, and eventually HB was finally able to flip over where he could get up.  It seems like he is figuring out how to get up every once in awhile, but that little brain still has a ways to go.  I also noticed that Honey Bandit's stomach was all wet, because - you guessed it - DaBubbles was "gettin' him" while he couldn't fight back.  It is truly amazing how all of them really love each other.  The three of them are best friends, and as hard as they play, you almost never find one of them injured.  We should all be so lucky to have such good friends. God Bless and thank you for all your support.  Honey Bandit is extremely happy and it's because of all ya'll's support and prayers.HugsPalomino & the Gang! p.s  "Dad", (who should get hubby of the year) is watching HB and the guys while Jennifer and I head off to Sac to try and stop that Senate bill SB 697.  We need to keep the right to choose the care we provide our beloved animals.