I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the following:
As always, to my husband, Jorge, and my wonderful kids, Jordan, Jason, Justin, and Jorgie, for your love and belief in me. Without you guys, I wouldn’t be me. I love you with all that I am.
My parents, Warren and Nancy McDowell, for allowing me to buy Lady and letting her have April. My first horses were the best gifts in the world. Thanks for never getting mad all of the times that I came home with a stray animal.
Angela Wix, my acquisitions editor, Stephanie Finne, my production editor, for this book, and the board, editorial, art, and marketing departments at Llewellyn Worldwide. You guys are awesome. You make my writing shine and the covers are amazing! Thanks for all that you do.
Dr. Erin Newkirk, DVM (from Reid & Associates)—the best equine repro vet in the world! I can’t begin to thank you for everything you do to keep our horses in the best health possible and for all you’ve taught me over the years. Thanks so much for being you.
Annemette Minor (from Reid & Associates)—the best equine repro vet tech ever! Thanks for all you do in helping our four-legged family and for making me laugh.
Dr. Byron Reid, Dr. Rebecca Adkins, Dr. Alexander Daniel, Dr. Allyson Ripley (intern) and the rest of the team and staff at Reid & Associates. For all you do every day for the equines in your care, including mine.
Celeste Hebets—It’s wonderful when animals bring people together and create lasting friendships. I’m so glad Zoltan did that for us.
Mimi Riser—Thanks for all the in-depth discussions about publishing, animals, theories, metaphysics, spirituality, and everything else in between. Who knew that my review of your book would lead to such a long friendship?
Sally Painter—Thanks for always being you, for sharing the signs and messages with me when they appear to you, for insightful revelations of the past, and impressions of the future. They are always appreciated, as are you.
Shawn Wilhelm—Thanks for interesting “what does this mean” intuitive discussions and listening to my endless animal stories.
Victoria Germony—Thanks so much for taking care of the horses while I wrote this book. You are a strong, powerful, and determined woman who will excel in all you do in life. Don’t ever let anyone, or anything, hold you back from achieving all you want in life. Learn the lessons and move forward in positivity. I’m so excited for you to start vet tech school. You’re going to be amazing! I miss you.
Katherine Smith—What a wonderful addition you are to our equine facility! Thank you for being so great with the horses and for all you do. I’m so happy to have you on the team.
All of the animals I’ve had the honor of loving through the years. I can’t begin to name you all here but there are some who deserve a special mention. Dogs: Bandit, Tinkerbell, Klaskie, Joker, Gypsy, Jinx, Max, Chanel, Irie, Domino. Cats: Chalis, Onyx. Horses: Lady, April, Picasso, Eike, Knight, Zoltan, Zoey, Klaske, Trudy, Nikita, Friesia, Bella, Ce-Ce, Bonita, Kissa, Jitska, Silver, Grasshopper, Madonna. And especially April, my New Forest Pony who followed the ten-year-old me wherever I’d go, even into the basement to lie on the floor and watch Dark Shadows, or to my bedroom when Mama and Daddy weren’t looking (and until we got caught and had to go back outside). To all of the animals that showed up while I was writing this book (there are way too many to name individually). You have each taught me so much and for that, and you, I am thankful.