"Dear Santa, I'd like a new pair of shoes..."

Pookey Bear and his kind benefactor, Dr. Allen, a.k.a. 'Santa'

Pookey Bear being silly...

...we told him not to make faces at the camera!

Tex says 'howdy'!

No Pookey pics today--just a riddle, a quick progress report, and a holiday 'howdy' from Tex, who spent the morning helping me decorate!

Here is the riddle:

What do dental impression material, a dremel tool, Saran Wrap, and a blow torch have in common?

Answer: they are all part of the farrier's tool kit used to put a new shoe on Pookey Bear!

Pookey paid a visit to his friend Joe Monday afternoon, getting a big thumbs up on the condition of his three good feet, and a mixed report on his problematic right front.

The negatives: he continues to grow lots of hoof on the lateral side, but not on the medial side, leaving his bony column rather catty-wampus (not a legitimate medical term, I realize). Also, he popped up with a new area of infection, this one pretty nasty looking, which Joe had to clean out.

The surprising positive: despite his problems, he walked off after his shoeing amazingly well, and has remained pain-free and in good spirits for the past several days. He continues to walk well with very little noticeable limp, and feels great!

Hooray!

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

And yes, he does love little insulin-resistant horses!