I am surrounded by many furry and non-furry “children” on my little ranch. My world revolves around them, and all have taught me something. What a great way for God to teach me about myself! Meet some of my life teachers:

Bobby, my tortoise, teaches me to be slow and steady. “Easy does it, Mom.”

Blu, my rescue horse, needs me to offer gentle hands, a kind heart, and loving thoughts. Drifter, my mustang from the wild, encourages me to be confident. Annie, my quarter horse mare, says, “Be fair to yourself and others. Have good boundaries.” Horses Rocky and Baxter like me to show love (a nice brushing is good too). And Snoopy, a quarter horse, needs his food to be weighed and measured. What a great idea for me too!

Henry and Jersey, my two steers, show me how to be still and just be. My donkeys Jennie, Rose, and Jack demonstrate consistency. My dogs show me that exercise, love, and laughter is a fabulous combination. My cats know that naps are good, and we shouldn’t forget to play a little. My bunnies teach me to build friendships.

And all the creatures I have had to say goodbye to remind me I must let go and let God.

I thank these animals for the smiles, the laughs, the frustrations, and all they’ve taught me. How blessed I am for having each of them, my life teachers. I thank God for using the ones I love so very much to help me be a better person and grow in my abstinent recovery.

— Elizabeth M., Gold Canyon, Arizona USA

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