Today was a vastly different day from yesterday. We were up early for 730am llama chore duty and I knew when we got to the fair and Izzy jumped out of the car and headed to the barn without me that we had a different outlook on today. Thank God.

The rabbit show was today. The nice thing (for me) with the rabbit show is that since I’m not a leader, I technically can’t go in the barn, so Izzy has to rely on herself, Jackson, the leaders and other rabbit kids. It’s a mixed bag for me if I’m honest: I can’t help the kids, but I also really want to know that the kids are preparing and ready to get their rabbits to the show tables!

Both kids did great. Each got a best in breed! So that was fun! And Izzy took her two DQ’s in stride without being upset. And her amazing 2nd/3rd grade teacher came to see her which always brings a smile to her face. Izzys Llama obstacle for today was scheduled for about 4pm. We left the fair for awhile to get some lunch and cool down. And we returned about 3:30. She put Nutters harness on him, told me she was nervous and then went to do the walk through with the rest of the beginner group. While she did that, I leashed up Nutter and walked him to the show shoot. She grabbed his leash, got in line and hugged his neck… whispering to him to help her get through the course. And ya know what? He did just that. He did everything she asked of him and they were an awesome team! I think the best part of the whole thing…the whoops and hollers, the clapping and cheering from so many when they finished. And Marilyn and Aubrie meeting her at the finish to tell her how proud they were. And the smile and palpable relief pouring off Izzy.

She ended her evening helping with being able to feed the cria a bottle. And she volunteered for the public event for Walk a Llama. She interacted with people she didn’t know!

What a difference a day makes for anyone, but especially a little girl with autism and adhd and anxiety. Look at that picture of Izzy and Nutter Butter up top…look at NBs face…I swear he’s smiling for his girl.