Only Two --Pictures

This morning the sky was covered with smoke. The air was acrid. It brought back memories of 2007 and the Concow fire. We were fairly new to area and had 27 horses. The agencies set up a road blockade in front of our drive. No one could go up Hiway 70 without first stopping and giving information.
We moved all 27 to the upper turnout and closed them in. The area has few trees and is easy to defend. We had bales and bales of hay in the turnout and lots of water. Everyone was edgy.
We had told the police out front that we would leave when they did. We awoke one morning and they were gone. The fire was getting too close. We really didn't know how we were going to move so many horses or where we were going.
Suddenly trailers began to appear. Kind and wonderful people had heard about us and they came to help us move. It was overwhelming. Chico State University offered their ag barns to evacuees.
We got all but 6 critters loaded. Jenny and Jessie donkeys, Maggie minimule, Sugar and Posey the hinnies and Quincy horse evaded all of us. Finally, we had to leave. We gathered four dogs and one cat. The barn cats had disappeared!! It was hard to drive away, but we knew there was plenty of food and water for everyone and that the turnout was firesafe.
Enter one special lady- Tawnee from NorCal. She saw the critters that were left behind, called us and asked if she could try to get them. Oh, yes, please, we said. Well, this talented young lady got all six loaded and moved safely to her rescue. She has proved herself over and over again as a real horse advocate. Thank you again, Tawnee for all you do.
The horses were settled at the college and we had a place to go, also. Friend Anna offered her son's home to all of us. There were 7 people, 9 dogs and a few cats in one beautiful home. The dogs rearranged the yard, enjoyed the swimming pool and koi pond and generally had a great time. Not one dog fight. The cats remained hidden.
It was a senior sleep-over with stress. We all had our jobs and worked together under incredible conditions. Not one people fight.
When we returned home we had 31 instead of 27. It seemed the least we could do for NorCal.
Today's fire is near Belden up the 70 Highway. Quite a ways from us. Our prayers are with those who live near there.It was a busy day, but as usual, I was without a camera. Hey!! I was helping Aaron catch horses to trim. For a 66 year old I can go up and down the hills with the best of them. Leeso and Jake got a good trim. We chased Bonita but she outwitted us. Best news!!! Rosie seems to be doing better. Aaron will be back tomorrow when Dr Darling is here. They will discuss Juan and Rosie to see what they will do next.
Keecha has the best ideas. Either she is chasing shadows, sitting in the pond or resting and eating at the same time.

Thank you, Lorie, for your donation.

Tomorrow should be vet day if all goes as planned.