Click on the thumbnail photos to enlarge larger versions of the images. V.J. Maris Photos

Bridget came to live at Dawn of Promise in 1995 when the farm was located in Shellsburg, Iowa. She was dumped on the side of the road by her first owners and found refuge at Dawn of Promise. Bridget is loving, smart and forever watchful. Her favorite things are chasing flashlight beams, biting at water when it comes out of the hose, barking and and biting at Scooter's tail (the resident Welsh Mountain pony) and announcing all farm visitors upon arrival.

Logan is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She is a lovey-duv. Logan loves swimming in the creek, herding the ponies (or at least attempting to), playing with children ( or adults who act like children) and barking at Vickie when she's baby talking to another pet. Logan also loves to roll on her back and paw the air to look cute - as if Corgis aren't cute enough already. 

Maggie 1989 - 2001 My dear, dear Maggie closed her eyes for the last time on March 24, 2001, in the comfort of my arms as the vet put her to sleep. She had lived at Dawn of Promise since 1992 and was given to me by the Eyles of Top of the Ridge Farm in Winchester, VA. Maggie's favorite activities were hunting mice, playing Whiffle Ball, singing with me when I played the piano and chasing the lunge  whip or a Connemara pony's tail during a lungeing session. She was Jack Russell Terrier through and through and filled her role as loving pet and friend up to the very last breath she drew. She was one of my closest companions and was not about to let me down even in her own time of need. She tried her best to cheer me up in the vet's office and licked feverishly at my tears on the day she was put to sleep. When that didn't work, she grabbed my tissue JR-style, played tug with it then shredded it all over the office. Before she was done she had me laughing which had been her intent all along. Our last day together was one of our best. We enjoyed the sunshine, played with the ponies, played ball and took a ride in the truck. In my grasp for peace over her loss, I find solace in lovely memories of our time together, and in knowing she will meet me on the other side. I'm certain she'll locate Frasier, Laska, Allison, Chappie, Dawn and my other dear friends who passed before her.

This is Fly High Tinker Toy. Hard to resist, don't you think?! I couldn't resist her, so here she is - living on a Connemara farm. Tinker is a registered Classic Shetland born in 1999 at Fly High Farm. I bought her and her mother, Inka Rue Little Cricket in July 1999. Cricket caught the eye of the Hicks Family at Black Duck Farm in Alabama so she made the move there in May 2000. Tinker Toy is a rather permanent fixture at Dawn of Promise Farm!

Madison and Tinker Toy, December 2002