Showing Up Every Day: What Animal Care Has Taught Me
- Mackenze
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Animal care isn’t something you fit in when it’s convenient. It’s a responsibility that asks you to show up—every single day. For me, showing up means animals need to be fed, watered, loved, and exercised, no matter what else is going on. Most of that happens in the quiet calm of the morning. I start by letting the dogs out to take their loop around the property while I clean stalls. Feeding, watering, and preparing food for the evening—these are the things that begin my day. With a smaller property, this work is essential to keep everything running smoothly, and it allows the rest of the day to be spent in the shop or handling the rest of life.
It’s a rhythm that requires intention, planning, and consistency—and it’s a routine I deeply missed for several years. After moving away and spending time without animals, something always felt slightly off. Then in June of 2024, after fixing up our little homestead and building the infrastructure to keep our animals safe and cared for, I was finally able to bring this lifestyle back. Animal care is something I grew up with—it’s all I’ve ever known. Maybe that’s the rural horse girl in me, but without routine, I struggle to stay motivated.
As time goes on, I’m realizing how valuable my time really is. It’s harder to give it away freely to random plans or last-minute commitments when responsibilities are waiting at home. But this is what I’ve always dreamed of. This lifestyle feeds my soul. The animals give me back a piece of myself I didn’t realize I was missing. Looking out my kitchen window over coffee and seeing my animals waiting for me each morning—dogs waiting to head out the door, Annie & Indy standing in the shelter waiting for breakfast—is still one of the happiest moments of my day.
Animals as Teachers
One of the biggest lessons animals have taught me is patience. In animal care—and especially training—learning to communicate is everything. You begin to notice the smallest details. I can tell by the way Annie, my horse, nickers if she needs help or isn’t feeling well. When she was injured by a nail in her fetlock a year and a half ago, it was a long road to recovery, with procedures I couldn’t always be present for. But the moment I appeared, the stress seemed to lift from her face. That connection, that trust, is built over time and through consistent attention.
I notice the smallest things with my dogs too—a limp from a sticker weed, a change in energy, even the way they look at me when they’re excited. Paying attention to these small details builds trust. And when trust exists, stressful situations become easier to manage. You stay calm. They stay calm. This awareness—developed over time—is one of the many gifts animals bring into our lives.
The Weight of Responsibility
The hardest part of animal care is exactly that—the care. Holidays, weekend trips, and even spontaneous adventures now require planning around feeding schedules, care routines, and preparation. Choosing to go out late or overnight isn’t just about you anymore. Every choice is weighted by responsibility, but the rewards are deeper than I could have imagined. We are lucky to have supportive neighbors and family who help make occasional trips possible, and we don’t take that for granted. It’s a lifestyle of sacrifice—but one that gives back far more than it asks.
Finding Balance in the Rhythm
Balance is essential in making this lifestyle sustainable. Alongside animal and homestead care, there’s leather work, the business, and recently another part-time job. Some weeks, my focus leans heavier into part-time work; other weeks, leather takes priority. Sometimes, I need more time outside, focusing on the animals and homestead projects. That balance shifts week to week, and I’ve learned that’s okay. Setting a schedule—dedicating specific days to specific responsibilities—allows me to show up fully without being pulled in every direction.
Grounded in the Mornings
Morning chores have become the most grounding part of my day. Playing with the dogs, loving on the horses, and feeling the crisp air while the sun peaks over the mountains—these are moments that fill me with gratitude. They remind me why we chose this life. This is the lifestyle I’ve dreamed of since I was little: running my own homestead, surrounded by the animals I love, and doing work that matters to me. These mornings center me, inspire me, and give my day purpose.
A Gentle Reminder
Caring for large animals isn’t a light decision, and it’s not for everyone—and that’s okay. It asks a lot, but it gives even more. The growth, joy, and peace that come from showing up every day, from learning patience and trust, and from working with your hands are experiences that can’t be rushed or faked.
This is what makes me tick. Whatever fills your soul—whether it’s chickens, a garden, sourdough, or leatherwork—make space for it in your life. And if you haven’t found it yet, maybe it’s time to explore. Sometimes you won’t know what it is until you try.
If you want to see more of our daily routines, animal care, and homestead life, follow along on our social media. We’re sharing the journey as we live it—learning, growing, and showing up every day.
-- Lucky B Brand
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