Howdy! 

Preparing Your Horses for Winter

by Mark A. Wallace, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM, Reidsville Veterinary Hospital 

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Can Your Pet Keep You Healthy?

by Jaime McLeod, Farmers' Almanac 

North America has officially gone to the dogs; 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog, 33% have at least one cat, and the numbers in Canada are similar. That doesn't even cover all of the rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, lizards, snakes, turtles, mice, chinchillas, potbellied pigs, and other animal companions out there. Many animal lovers see their pets as bona fide members of the family. If you have pets, you may have even more reason to love your four-legged friends.

Results of a handful of medical studies done in recent years have shown that owning a pet can have a positive impact on a person's health. Here's a look at just some of the ways that our animal companions can promote wellness:

Stress Reduction: Study after study has shown that people who own pets are less likely to suffer from the ill effects of a stressful life than those who don't. Stroking, cuddling, or even talking to an animal releases endorphins, mood-enhancing chemicals in our bodies that fight off the harmful effects of stress. Because our relationships with pets are uncomplicated (unlike those with people) and free of judgment, we are able to be completely ourselves with our pets. This, in turn, promotes... Read More! 

Jaime McLeod

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Country Music Singer/Songwriter Templeton Thompson to Receive WHINNY Award

Western & English Magazine 

Big kudos to Western & English Today magazine's own "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," Tempy Thompson! The Women's Horse Industry Network has announced that well-known singer/songwriter Templeton Thompson has been awarded a WHINNY award. The WHINNY awards are given out to people in the country music industry with high visibility who help save horses and use their love of horses to promote the equine industry. Some of the winners include Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Amy Nelson, Raelyn Nelson, Bonnie Gardner, Lacy J. Dalton, and Mike and Martha Borchetta.  

From These Hills by Templeton Thompson featuring the horses of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary

In addition to her love of music, Thompson has an intense passion for horses. Not only does she own and ride horses as often as she can, her love of horses show up in the songs she sings and writes. Thompson's mare Jane is a Breyer model, and she and Thompson have performed at many horse events together across the country. "My horses are my inspiration, my healers, and my teachers," Thompson says.

Thompson may not be a household name (yet), but in the music industry, she's well known and well respected. She has written hits for many of country music's top artists such as Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Sherrie Austin, and Little Texas. Her song "Settle Down Cinderella" is featured in the 20th Century Fox motion picture Dr. Doolittle 3. She has released several albums on her own label, and is now working on a new CD called "Icy Blue Heart."

"We are really thrilled to give this WHINNY to Templeton. She's got a very loyal following, and her music about her love for horses reaches a worldwide audience. And, that definitely helps the equine industry overall," states WHN executive director Catherine Masters.

"I'm thrilled and honored by this recognition from an incredible organization that does so much for so many," says Thompson. 

Western & English Magazine 

Texas Music Chart

Your Guide to Texas and Red Dirt Music

"Skyline Radio" by Cody Canada & the Departed debuted on the Texas Music Chart last week, and it's already making big moves. It moves 12 positions this week from #35 to #23.

Jason Boland & the Stragglers continue to hold on to the #1 spot this week with "Mary Ellen's Greenhouse"; Brandon Rhyder is at #2 with "In the Country," and Reckless Kelly is at #3 with "Good Luck & True Love." "My Texas" by Josh Abbott Band featuring Pat Green continues to hold on to the #4 spot, and Robert Earl Keen shows up at #5 with "I Gotta Go."

New to the Chart this week is Granger Smith with "I'm Wearing Black" at #38; Rich O'Toole with "Kiss of a Liar" at #40; Tommy Alverson with "Broken Hearted People" at #43; and Rob Baird with "Mississippi Moon" at #46.

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One of a Kind Executive Desk Hones Design Studio  $45,000

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