"Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed"

Exactly four years ago today, while visiting Oklahoma State University, I snapped this photo of 'Bullet,' where he stands guarding the entrance to the equestrian team offices.

It was one of those glorious October afternoons, the kind where the warm rays of the sun bathe everything they touch in a lovely golden glow, colors look deeper and richer, and the air feels sharper and crisper--without question, a 'glad to be alive' kind of day.

Today, we had another one of those here in northeast Texas: perfect blue skies, perfect cool temps, perfect golden autumn sun. And while I was certainly glad to be alive, I imagine that Pookey Bear was even more so, having struggled for the past few months with chronic, nagging pain, and finally--thanks to his surgery Monday!--experiencing some much welcome relief.

I visited him today at La Mesa Equine, where he has been since Monday, mending under the expert care of the doctors and staff. I could hear him nickering before I even walked into the barn, and was delighted to see him looking 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,' as the saying goes, and very much 'on the muscle.'

With permission, I slipped him out for a short walk. And while he tip-toed very carefully down the concrete alleyway, walking sort of like I do when I am forced to wear high heels, once he hit the driveway he actually pushed ahead of me, for the first time in months.

And on the grass?

He was nearly sound!

While we realize that Pookey has a very long recovery ahead of him, and many milestones that he must achieve before we can celebrate, at this point we are delighted with his progress, and are going to do a quick little 'happy dance' before we put back on our somber founder faces.

Happy dance!

Tap, tap, tap!!!