08/03/2026
Today, our hearts are incredibly heavy.
Many of you have met our sweet friend, Felix. Others have followed his adventures while at the barn.
Felix wasn't "our chicken."
He was our friend.
One Saturday morning, as riders and volunteers were making their way down the path to the arena, a handsome rooster came walking toward us as if he had an appointment. We had never seen him before. Strangely, our horses didn't react with surprise or concern. It was almost as though an old friend had arrived.
Felix helped himself to the birdseed beneath the feeder, took a drink from the water bowl we keep filled for our kitties, and quietly made himself at home.
We assumed he would leave as mysteriously as he had appeared.
Instead, that evening he flew into the tree between the arena path and our home, slept there for the night, and greeted us the next morning as if he had lived here forever.
From that day on, Felix became part of Dream a Dream.
He welcomed volunteers, wandered among the horses, greeted our riders, and reminded us every single day that sometimes the most wonderful gifts are the ones we never expected.
This weekend, Felix became very ill. Despite veterinary care and our hopes that treatment would help, our sweet little friend crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Michael, myself and everyone who knew him, are absolutely heartbroken.
What amazes me most is that a little rooster could teach us so much about friendship, belonging, and unconditional love.
I never even got to hold him while he was healthy. Felix wasn't that kind of rooster. He preferred to be independent, and we loved him enough to let him be exactly who he was. The only time he let us hold him was when he was too sick to stand, and I will always wish I could have held him just one more time when he was happy and healthy.
The farm feels different today.
His tree is empty.
The arena path is quieter.
But our hearts are so full because, somehow, this little rooster chose us.
Thank you, Felix, for finding your way to Dream a Dream.
Thank you for making us laugh.
Thank you for reminding us that family isn't always planned...
Sometimes, family simply finds you.
Run free, sweet friend. You will forever be part of Dream a Dream. β€οΈππ
