Chapter 80
"It's Ruth please Amy and this is just beautiful."
"Thank you, we're very proud of her. Come meet what seems to be all my relatives, we had a birthday party this weekend."
"Well congratulations to whomever" she said coming up the stairs.
Amy leaned over and whispered "would you rather stop inside first ?"
"That's fine dear, I just drove over from town."
They situated her near Betty and Lisa with a seat left across for Amy while she went in to get their guest some tea.
"So I guess the shots are yours to call Ruth, how would you like to spend your day." Amy asked when she sat down.
"With you Amy."
"I think Betty mentioned to you that Ty and I have classes early this afternoon so we had thought to leave you here while we lectured."
"Actually, I'd like to hear you lecture if that's not a problem."
"Not at all, I hope it won't bore you to tears though."
"By the reviews of your students I don't think you will Amy."
Amy nodded and smiled, they were both having fun it seems. "Do you ride Ruth ?"
"Horses and motorcycles, which do you have in mind ?"
Lisa found this delightful and laughed. Ruth's eye's were bright and smiling.
Amy laughed as well, "If you're up to it we can take a bike into school and see the ranch after, when are you heading back ?"
"I'm in no rush, let's get to know each other." Parry and thrust.
"How about you and I go visit some horses and find Ty."
"That's a wonderful idea. That horse Barnum is here ?"
"He is and his rider, you can meet them both."
As they walked off Betty, Lisa and the rest looked on. It was Casey who commented. "That woman is Amy in 40 years."
"Watching those two all day is going to be fun" Betty said laughing "they probably know everything there is to know about each other."
"The game is surprising your opponent." Lisa said "They'll have fun."
"She'll have a ball." Lily added "she's very impressive, Amy I mean."
"So Ruth this is our family barn, the horses we use on the ranch." Amy described as they walked through.
"Amy do you need something ?" Chuck asked walking over.
"No sweetheart, come meet my friend Mrs. Spelts. Ruth this is Chuck Rogers our head wrangler here at the compound and my godson. Chuck, Mrs. Spelts is visiting."
"Good to meet you ma'am, anything I can do for you just let me know. Amy did you talk to dad ?"
"I did Chuck, I guess we should go pick a ring. We'll plan on doing that soon."
"Ok that makes sense, Robin's going to be so happy."
"I'm sure she will Chuck, now get back to work."
"Ok, Ok." He chuckled.
"Have you seen Nick and Claire Chuck ?"
"Up with Sandra in the office."
Amy nodded and started walking again.
"Down's syndrome ?"
"Yes, high functioning obviously, he came here with his folks to try and get him out of his shell. It worked."
"Rogers, Charlie Rogers son ?"
"That's right do you know Charlie ?"
"Just by reputation and I know he's your CFO, I watched him dress down those senators a couple times. Fun stuff."
Spartan trotted over to the fence as Amy strolled Ruth out of Family to the rescue barn.
"Come meet my horse Ruth." She said leading Ruth over to the paddock fence.
"Ruth this is Spartan who's been my almost constant companion for 16 years. Spartan, say hello." Amy said and then motioned with her hand. A second later Spartan bent a knee and bowed.
"How delightful" Ruth chuckled and then reached forward gently. Spartan stepped up and nudged her hand and sniffed and Ruth then patted his muzzle and ran her hand to his forehead.
"He's very handsome Amy, so he's the head of your family ?"
"He is Ruth." She answered realizing that this woman's research went deep enough to know some of her herd theories. She was impressed and just let it go by with no real reaction.
For her part Amy impressed her as well and Ruth liked seeing this young woman who reminded herself of how she was years ago.
As they walked into the rescue barn they were met by Bert coming through the tunnel.
"Bert ?"
"Complex Break coming in from Potsdam, plow horse vs. gopher hole."
"How's it look ?" Amy asked.
"We need better pictures, doesn't look horrible, rear left."
"Rear left, he may still plow."
"Looks clean, nice for teaching so maybe tomorrow morning, invite 6 third years."
"Contingent of how he's doing Bert, some field horses don't do well with crowds of people."
"We won't hurt the horse Amy, you're impossible."
"Bert Koenig our Medical Director, Ruth Spelts."
"Good to meet you Dr. Koenig, I've heard of you."
"Good to meet you too Mrs. Spelts. Sorry though, I've got to run, Ty's in with Eli and Zach Amy."
From rescue they walked back to isolation. "These horses came in Monday, 9 rescues and three pregnant mares who were a handful."
"And you ?"
"We get them healthy, train them and place them."
"By place you mean sell ?"
"Very few get sold, those with the temperament get trained as companion horses. Others for ranch work, trail horses, police horses, they're all different. Our, let's call them professional clients understand that we use their money to pay for those less fortunate, some just nod and pay, others add what they can over and above and some of those add up."
As it wasn't odd for Amy to have guests she was stopped several times for questions or a signature. Mrs Spelts watched her check several horses and sign off on several dietary changes.
"You're hands on I see ?"
"I try to see as many as I can but I trust my people to do what's best and find me later if they need to. Bert or I sign off on everything."
"Not Ty ?"
"That'll be up to Bert."
"And you ?"
"And me, is that important ?"
The older woman stopped walking for a second and looked over at her "I need to confirm what I know."
Amy nodded and started walking again, it was an odd turn of phrase and Amy knew exactly what she meant.
Ruth spent a few minutes with the three mares who were awake, perky and looking for companionship.
"So how long for these ?"
"We're figuring sometime next month, can't really pin it down more than that, details are sketchy and pregnant mares can be a pain in the butt, if I can get half the first years and half the seconds to witness a live birth and at least get in an exam or two I'll be happy."
They came into medical from the back and Ruth's attention perked up immediately. "this is something to see huh ?"
"Our pride and joy for the next month."
"Next month ?"
"When we open the building next door though this barn will always be closest to my heart I think."
"Hi Amy !" a little boy yelled running over to get scooped up. "Hey Zach, how's it going buddy ? Zach this is Mrs. Spelts, want to say hi ?"
"Hello."
"Hello young man, you like the horses ?"
Zack shook his head yes and Amy let him down. She walked Ruth over to Barnum's stall.
"Officer Eli Hershman, this is Ruth Spelts, she's visiting for the day."
Eli leaned over and stretched out his hand. "Sorry ma'am, they're not really letting me stand just yet."
"That's fine Officer Hershman, you've earned that seat. That's a fine looking horse."
"Thanks you ma'am, Zach and I think so" he said when Zach came over to stand by him."
"Bert said Ty was with you."
"Right behind you Amy." Eli said pointing.
"There you are, Ty this is Ruth Spelts, Ruth, my fiancé Ty Borden."
"It's good to meet you Ruth, I hope you're enjoying the tour."
"It's very impressive Ty, thank you."
"I have 15 minutes or so left Ames."
"I'll take Ruth next door and meet you back here ?"
"Sounds good" Ty said leaning over to kiss her and walking off.
"That picture on the web doesn't really do that face justice does it ?" Ruth said walking with Amy out the front of medical.
"The rest of him either" Amy said with a smile and walked on. Ruth chuckled, she liked this young woman more and more.
Amy found several of her ranch hands working on the landscaping outside the new surgical building. They all smiled and said hi and good morning to Amy as she entered and was immediately seen by one of her architects.
"Amy, on inspection ?"
"How's it going Peter, Oh this is Ruth Spelts, she's visiting, Ruth, Peter Madison one of our architects on this project."
"Woodwork and fixtures, floor finishing, bathrooms and tiling, I think one of your machines is coming tomorrow or Friday and the track system needs to be installed."
"We'll be done on time ?"
"Outside's done, short of a flood I think we're good Amy."
Amy walked Ruth through the impressive building, pointing out features she was obviously proud of.
"What's a building like this go for ?"
"I don't have a total, the structure and wiring just over a million. The equipment and fixtures figure another 10 or so. That's a guess at this stage."
"Up there ?"
"Both major surgical suites are theaters, we teach here, it's an imperative for us to spread the word, we're trying to foment change."
"Curtail the use of drugs."
"Certain drugs yes, those becoming injurious for sure. Our surgeries are also teaching tools, we have, let's call them partners in the human ortho world, we've adapted several techniques to the equine world. We have a unique opportunity to reach the next generation of Vets that we take seriously. Let's meet Ty and head back to the house, I should wash and change. We have a room for you to use to freshen up."
They found Ty with Nick and Claire who were saying goodbye and the group walked towards the house together. Claire wrapped her arm around Amy's waist who dropped her head a bit.
"We didn't spend tons of time together but that's gonna change." Claire said "Don't mope"
"I feel bad, you came all this way."
"Apparently for a job and a new outlook on life so thanks for that."
"Claire's right Amy, this was a great weekend for us and you're sending us back in a much better place. The kids and our folks are thrilled."
"I feel better knowing you two are coming." Amy said as they reached the steps to the porch. She saw that Nick and Claire's bags were down and waiting for their ride, limo this time, Claire wasn't much for helicopters it seemed and this wan't a necessity.
Amy showed Ruth her 'assigned' suite and joined Ty in the bedroom to wash and change.
"So we're leaving Ruth to the Grans ?"
"No Ruth is coming to my lecture, on a bike."
"Seriously."
"Yup, she's a force, I like her Ty."
"I can imagine." He answered laughing.
Downstairs, they met Ruth on the porch with the others. "We'll be back before you all leave." Amy said to the family "Nick, Claire keep us in the loop and come back to us soon and safely" she said walking over to each to kiss them and give big hugs to each.
Georgie walked over then with her backpack in tow. Wished Nick and Claire a safe journey and turned to Amy and Ty. "Who's driving."
"You go with Ty Georgie, I'll bring Ruth."
"Lunch at the tree ?" Ty asked.
"If Ruth doesn't mind a blanket and a sandwich ?"
"Not at all, sitting on a college campus is something I haven't done in a while."
Amy looked at her for a second then leaned up to kiss Ty. "I'll see you in the office Georgie, we need to split the 1sts and 2nds over to Pegasus to examine the mares and you need to set up a text line for births."
"Ok, we'll get that done, uh we also want to set up a scutt volunteer list for things like emergencies when we just need competent hands."
"Let's talk about that one, we still need another second, you three are stretched thin."
"Any thoughts ?"
"Two, neither in vet school right now, we'll talk later. You having lunch with us ?"
"If I do I'll bring my own food or have them add it to yours."
Georgie and Ty walked towards the side of the house and Amy led Ruth inside for a moment. "Betty may I grab one of your jackets for Ruth ?"
"Help yourself to what you need."
Amy came down in chaps and a leather jacket and handed a jacket and gloves to Ruth. On the way to the garage Amy asked "Are you behind me or on your own Ruth ?"
"Not going to ask if I have a license ?"
"You're a big girl." Amy said as the service door rose.
"Oh a sidecar, I've always wanted to ride in one of those."
"Seriously, think you'd fit ?"
"Can we take it ?"
"Sure, hop in and I'll get you a helmet."
The four Grans stood in the doorway and stared as Amy pulled out on the black Harley with a 76 year old Ruth Spelts, in goggles and a black helmet sitting in JT's sidecar.
"Would you look at that" Lily said as the motorcycle pulled away. "think I would fit in that thing ?"
"Lily !" Casey exclaimed laughing.
"Well, why not, Ty can take me for ice cream or something. Why do you have that thing anyway ?"
"It's Jackson's ride." Betty answered.
"Oh he must be adorable riding around in that kit." Casey cooed.
Amy pulled up at the spot they had carved out for her on the Ag side of the vet center. Anyone around turned to look, they knew it was her, she was hard to miss and that bike just screamed Professor Fleming.
She helped Ruth out and listened to her groan as she righted herself and stretched. Amy frowned "I shouldn't have let you do that, you're going home with Ty."
"Amy, I'm"
"Stop Ruth, it's not happening." She said softly as she shifted her arm around the older woman's waist spotting her. "You Ok ?"
"I need to walk a little I think, how far's your office ?"
"The other end of this barn."
"That'll be fine, let's go."
There were several people across the barn from where they were walking and it seemed a horse not too happy but Amy ignored it for the time being. She noticed Ruth felt more confident in her stride "You good ?"
"Much better thank you and I will take that ride home with Ty."
Amy smiled at her and with a little squeeze took her hand from Ruth's waist.
"I guess we're both not as tough as we're playing."
"Speak for yourself old woman." Amy giggled.
"I like you Amy."
"I like you too Ruth."
"Professor" a voice called out as she reached her office.
Amy looked over at a third year whose name she just did not recall.
"Dr. Ackeson asked for you ?"
"I'll be right there uh, I'm sorry ?"
"Daniel Teasdale professor."
"Dr. Teasdale." Amy nodded with a smile. "Ruth, make yourself comfortable, the fridge has drinks and fruit and Georgie should be along in a second."
"Oh Amy, thank you, we can't get him calm." Dr. Ackeson said a moment later as she turned the corner in the barn.
"What's wrong with him" she asked looking at the dark chestnut who had backed away.
"Abscessed molar extraction, he's here for the dentistry class." Acke said handing her the x-ray.
"Doesn't look too bad Acke, has he been eating ?"
"Soaked oats in mash."
"When's the class ?"
"All day tomorrow, we just wanted to calm him here for the night."
Amy opened the stall and stepped around the gate.
"Careful Amy" Acke said and Amy turned and smiled.
"Sorry, it's a habit."
"Easy, what does that say Bailey huh, easy boy, woooah, easy Bailey, calm, that's it" Amy sidled over to the horse and held her hand out.
"Oooohhhh, just here to help." She said softly laying her hand on the horses muzzle as he leaned over. A minute later she lifted his lip and leaned in to sniff.
"It's an abscess alright" she said reaching to her side for her work kit that wasn't there. "light someone ?"
A small flashlight appeared in her hand a moment later, "this is fixable Acke and he's young, clean out that muck and change his diet, it'll heal in a week and perfect in two, that's a better lesson. Find an older horse for an extraction."
Amy took his chart "Dr. Teasdale, he's in your care ?"
"Yes ma'am."
Amy continued writing after hearing. "From here on this is his mash, soaked buckwheat, no oats, these herbs you can get from Georgie my second or call up to Botany and ask for Annabelle and he needs 4 hours at least in the meadow. He can also use a floating, secondary to the infection. I'm ordering an oral jet rinse to clean it out. Tomorrow morning will be easier once the valerian has had a chance to work. Don't let them pull that tooth and keep the area around it clean."
Dr. Teasdale looked over at Acke, this horse was here for an extraction for Dr. Albert and he was confused.
Acke smiled "I'll pass your suggestions along Amy, if you hear about a horse that needs an extraction."
"I'll be sure to let you know Acke" Amy said with a smile.
Walking away Amy heard the student "can she do that sir ?"
"It's best not to argue with Professor Fleming about horses son ."
Amy sat down across from Ruth who was on a leather couch. "Lunch" Amy said handing over a menu, "they have a vegan vegetarian section."
"What are you getting Amy ?"
"Roasted eggplant and smoked provolone on Sourdough, they add these roasted veggies to it, it's nice."
"Not mozzarella?"
"I'm sort of spoiled, our neighbors are dairy farmers, I'm sort of hooked on Erma's mozz."
"I know what that's like, hot dogs can only be from"
"Glaziers" they said simultaneously and then smiled and high-fived each other, just as Georgie walked in.
"So we have a deal ?" She said dropping her backpack behind the door.
"Not yet Georgie, just hot dogs" Amy said laughing. "you two really haven't met, Ruth Spelts, Ruth," Amy said letting Georgie know that familiarity was Ok "this is my TA, Ty's surgical second and my niece, Georgina Fleming Morris, she prefers Georgie."
Georgie smiled and leaned over to shake Ruth's hand. "Good to meet you Ruth."
"You too Georgie, I see you're engaged, I assume to that handsome young man at the ranch ?"
"Wyatt."
"You live at the ranch ?"
"I do, above the family barn which is not how it sounds."
"I'm sure." Ruth answered laughing.
"So, no practicals today, just the lecture that's not yours, what do you need from me ?"
"Just set up the visit schedule for next week, 7:30 – 8:30 at the ranch. On time should be highlighted."
"Ok, I have neuro this afternoon so I'll be reading notes at the tree. Egg salad for me please."
Georgie nodded, smiled and waved at Ruth then ducked out a second later grabbing her pack on the way.
"She seems a confident young lady."
"Georgie's her own woman, I'm proud of her."
"Do you have something to do or can we chat ?"
"Chat is fine. Lunch ?"
"Oh, what you're having is fine."
Amy smiled and grabbed her iPad. She touched several buttons in rapid succession, hit a big button on the bottom and looked up.
"You have two teenage daughters and a son who's ?"
"The twins and Jackson had birthdays over the past week. They're 15 and he's 7"
"Twins ? How did I miss that"
"Identical"
"Adopted, I recall."
"Yes ma'am I actually brought it all on myself."
"I can't imagine you're not the proudest of parents."
"I am, I love them more than anything."
"So today's lecture ?"
"Today I'm Professor Sprout, herbs and herbal potions used in lieu of pharmaceuticals."
"Sounds interesting."
"No promises" Amy laughed.
"So what now ?"
"Office hours, we can walk in the barn and visit. Students know to look for me."
"Do you have work, I can occupy myself."
"I'm fine Ruth, let's stroll."
They chatted as they walked, stopped at several horses who showed an interest, There were also some Alpaca and llamas outside in a small enclosure that the couple looked at. "they're adorable"
"We have lots of Alpaca, I love them. Later we can ride by our herd."
"How many is a herd ?"
"About 500 at Pegasus."
"Must be a sight. Explain land conservancy to me Amy."
"We agree to maintain the land in close to the condition we get it. We agree to allow limited access to the public and we pay for it's upkeep for lack of a better word. They agree to not re-zone the land and if they one day choose to sell we get rights of first purchase. For us it's a perfect scenario."
And at the Adirondack home ?"
"The property is 987 acres, we've inquired to conserve 8600 and for permission to set up a research and rescue facility in conjunction with Cornell and NYS Conservation."
"Contingent on the sale."
"Of course, contingent on the sale."
They had wandered into the next barn which was attached to a large grazing meadow with cows separated by a metal fence.
"Why are they separated ?"
"Those are milk cows and those are beef cows. I grew up with beef cattle on my family's ranch in Alberta, White Face, excellent beef, now the herd I see most are Brown Swiss, high fat dairy cows though we have about 20 beef cows to use with the horses for training. Brown Swiss are beautiful cows."
"Beautiful cows, sounds almost strange."
"I don't know, maybe it's a learned thing, spend your life with them."
As they looked at a small flock of sheep and several goats Georgie came around the corner. Amy looked up and received a nod.
"I've got some students to see, you can wander or maybe Georgie can take over ?"
Georgie looked up at Ruth and received a smile, "I'd love that, come on Georgie, tell me about young Wyatt and your wedding plans."
Amy left the new couple and headed off to her office.
20 minutes later she sat alone opening mail and waiting for either Georgie or the food to appear. Georgie and Ruth turned the corner laughing and sat down on the couch.
"No lunch yet, did word get out we need another second Georgie ?"
"Apparently; not from me that's for sure."
"I'm thinking actually that Robert's presence at the ranch and the fact that he makes you a foursome around here is being read into."
"That could be I guess, is he in the running ?"
"Close the door." Amy sighed "We were thinking that adding a fourth second in vet school wouldn't help all that much, you're all on the same basic schedule. I'm also adding an official potions second to start, we have to start getting ready, we're doubling in size Georgie. "
"So ?" Georgie asked.
"So, I've been bandying the idea of Annabelle and Creighton McCoy."
"Witches."
"Seriously Georgie ?" Amy laughed.
"Witches ?"
"Sorry Ruth, Sarah McCoy is one of my herbalists and an Appalachian taught healer. Mountain lore. From a long line of herbal healers. She's very good and very good with animals. When Vi, my on staff botanist met her in West Virginia she heard it was rumored that the McCoy's were witches. It falls into the same vein as people thinking I actually talk to horses."
"You do talk to horses Amy."
"Stop Georgie, it's all learned response and you know it."
"Ok well, says you, I don't really know either of Sarah's kids, met them in passing once with their mom and I've seen them riding."
"Anna is a botany major and Crey is pre-vet."
"Sounds perfect."
Amy nodded "that and they're both fine up close to the horses, Anna and Violet get along very well and Crey well, pre vet and he's funny as hell. He'd work with you Georgie. I've seen them both gentle a horse."
"Well I feel bad for Robert who had hopes I guess. This thing with Barb ?"
"I can't ignore it Georgie but no I don't think that would have swayed me away, I'd feel better taking him on next year so the dust can settle either way though. This really is a decision of hours more than anything, we need people here when you're not. His presence at the ranch isn't unnoticed. Maybe I'll talk to him and see where his goals lie."
Georgie got up immediately when the knock came and signed for the bag. "Lunch, I'll text Ty."
Amy nodded and started to get up when a man in a white coat popped his head in and looked around, "I'm sorry, you have someone here, I'll stop back."
"It's fine John, Dr. Albert, Ruth Spelts, family friend, how can I help ?"
"Can you give me a printout for tomorrow with the herbs ?"
"No problem, you concur ?"
"Absolutely, too young but to be fair I didn't see the horse before they sent him over. I'll clean the area with the oral jet and relieve the pressure."
"No shots John."
"If it improves in 36 hours Amy."
"Fair enough, I think just cleaning it will relieve the abscess pressure, once it drains he'll be fine."
"I tend to agree, I'll keep you in the loop ?"
"Thanks and I may invite my class to visit."
"I'll add it to mine as well, spread the word."
"Thank you John, tell them I'm here for questions."
"And I still need an extraction."
"We'll find you one."
"Ah here's Dr. Borden, Ty, thanks Amy" He said nodding hello to Ty before turning away.
Ty leaned over to kiss Amy and then turned and smiled at Georgie and Ruth. "Is it all you expected Ruth ?"
"Actually yes Ty, I wanted to see a high school graduate garner respect in a graduate school setting, I haven't been disappointed."
Amy smiled at her and let her know with a nod that she appreciated this woman's admiration. From what she learned about Ruth Spelts before matched with this person before her, she was a woman who deserved respect and expected it because it was earned. Her physical presence was not frail, the air she carried did not belie what Amy expected.
"Let's eat." Amy said grabbing a blanket and leading them out. Ty grabbed the bag and Georgie 4 bottles of water.
At their tree Amy laid out the blanket and the four came to sit. Ty gave Ruth a hand down.
"Comfortable Ruth ?" Amy asked leaning over.
"Just fine Amy."
"Ty, how about you and Georgie take the bike home and I'll grab the truck."
"Fine with me Ames, side-car Georgie ?"
"I'll give it a shot, you'll take my enormous pack ?"
"I'd love to Georgie" Amy answered, "maybe Ruth and I will stop in town."
"What about a ride ?" Ty asked knowing the plan.
"We'll see, there's always tomorrow."
"I don't want to impose Amy."
"You are no imposition Ruth, we'll stop in town, pick up your stuff and move you into that nice suite."
"Amy, I."
"I won't hear another word, besides, I'd like the kids to meet you and we've hardly had a chance to talk about you. All this me me me is unnerving. I'll text Betty and let her know, Georgie you'll join for dinner ?"
"Yup and how about dessert in the loft so Ruth can see."
Amy smiled "sure thing."
"Get a chance to use that fireplace I guess, getting chilly at night." Georgie said and then took out her phone to text Wyatt.
Ty sat and pondered these three women, the twins, add Lisa, Betty and the rest, the only thing coming to mind was how anyone could possibly think the men around here ran things. Bert was right, we are at the mercy of very strong and singular women.
When they were done eating Georgie pulled out an enormous thermos of coffee and four plastic cups and served.
"Bless you child." Ruth said taking hers.
Amy shifted over in front of Ty who snaked one arm around her waist and juggled his coffee with the other.
"Have we announced that we're looking for seconds ?" Ty asked.
"You too ?" Amy asked.
"I thought we decided." He said and stopped looking over at Georgie.
"To get a non vet school candidate. I'm in the loop." Georgie said "we're getting witches."
"Ok enough of the witches and Annabelle's not much for crowds though I have a project in mind that may interest her while she acclimates. I would think Cray for a yes."
"We have to get going" Ty said tapping Amy gently on the shoulder.
Amy and Ty stood, brushed off imaginary dirt and exchanged keys while Georgie helped Ruth up and then rolled the blanket.
Amy glanced at Ruth questioningly and Ruth smiled and nodded that she was fine. That part of their relationship understood between them.
Ruth stopped as she entered the older lecture hall that Amy called her own. Attached to the older original vet school they maintained it as it was built for the most part adding amenities such as air conditioning and filtration behind wooden covers, the sliding chalkboards replaced in part only by smart boards and screens that dropped or rose on the original tracks. The wooden wainscoting had the faint smell of Cornell's signature orange oil, the seats still the original oak and cloth padded.
"It suits you." Ruth said walking to the front where Amy was waiting.
"It does, we can walk out through the other side to get to the truck and I'll show you where Bert and Ty lecture. I think it suits Ty."
"Can we talk or do you have to set something up ?"
"We can talk."
"Tell me about your kids."
"My favorite topic." Amy said and spent the next 15 minutes describing her children in somewhat a more intimate detail than she had thought she would when the question was asked. Ruth was a good and expressive listener which helped. This was something Amy had learned to do in Europe where people were less forward than on this side of the pond. A good responsive listener encourages the speaker.
She stopped as groups of students began coming in. While she spoke with Ruth Amy had laid out three piles of papers which the students grabbed as they came in. There were some nods and some good afternoon professors as they passed and Amy stepped up to the stage. She noticed several students sat alongside Ruth who was in the front row off the aisle on the side to Amy's right.
Amy did a quick scan of the room and determined that all if not most of the class of 88 were there. This class "General Equine Handling and Health" was attended by students of all years depending on their focus. Many vets would never deal with large animals in their practices or in their specialty and as such put off this class. Her first year teaching was hard as these advanced students hadn't had a firm background in the curriculum that Amy had taken a hand in changing, namely the attempt to pull back from the use of drugs in all aspects of veterinary medicine but in particular with horses.
Now, a couple of years laters, the use of time and the horse's natural ability to heal and other more holistic additions to the curriculum in other specialties made these classes more interesting to students, coupled that with Amy's passion and easy teaching, the hands on approach she firmly believed in and her confidence in her methods made her classes very popular and though not filled, the room was a little crowded.
"Settle down, we have a lot to get through." Amy said with a soft firmness that immediately silenced the room and elicited a smile from her.
She began by explaining that there were three pregnant mares at Pegasus and that there would be sign up scheduling on a first come first serve basis once Georgie gets the sign up sheet ready in a few days. She also explained about birthing texts and if they were free they'd be welcome to attend a birth.
She described the three handouts next and then began with an overview of the holistic care of horses using herbs and the reasons behind the theories. Ruth had read the theories in overviews she had been given by her attorneys but listening to Amy was fascinating. This woman was 31 years old and had spent a large part of 26 years learning to and then healing horses on her own. Her methods and theories were not hackery or strange but made sense. She referenced wild herds she had seen and studied, moved and documented. She spoke of their eating habits and how the lead mares moved the herd to provide not only the right shelter and water sources but grazing.
From there she began with the herbs and infusions used to build up a horses immune system, then went on to eyesight, coats, dental care and touched on infections and antibiotics which would be the topic of the next lecture. It would be followed by lectures on neurology, wound care, thoracics and orthopedics. Ruth noticed that a short time into her lecture Amy began sipping tea from the large thermos she had brought in. She noted the intentness of her audience as they scribbled notes on the handouts, the lecture would be available on line for reference within 48 hours. She stopped three times for questions, the first two specific to the lecture and the last more free flowing. When her 90 minutes were up several students left quietly the rest sitting while Amy patiently went over time to answer all the questions waiting for her.
When they were done several students passed and thanked her which always made Amy smile, she never thought to thank any of her high school teachers. She joined Ruth after packing her stuff and retrieving the few leftover handouts.
"You stayed awake, I'm impressed."
"I was fascinated actually, I had no idea the choice to put an animal down had so much to do with time and the expense of care over that time."
"Well the foundation does what it can to help out and the truth is some horses are best put down, a lifetime of pain or discomfort is a fate I wouldn't wish on them. We're a pebble in the ocean, we hope the ripples we cause will spread. Many people simply can't afford an idle horse and rehab can take months. The issue of antibiotics and other drugs are more than time because the drugs themselves are becoming injurious. Come on, I shouldn't get started."
"I like your passion though Amy and those students see it and feel it."
Amy smiled not knowing how to reply as they left the hall and walked towards the new building. Bert and Ty's lecture had run long as well and since this was a double they were just finishing when Amy opened the door and she and Ruth came in and sat in the back.
"He does seem to fit up there doesn't he ?" Ruth said nodding at Ty on the far side of the modern stage pointing out a blow up of a pin clearly visible in a bone on a huge screen. He was miked and held a laser pointer, Katie was up on stage with the computer, a true production. He turned and looked up at Amy and smiled when Bert took over. Several in the audience turned and seeing she was there smiled as well, Cornell's favorite faculty couple of the moment.
"He does, they both do, it's a surgeon thing I guess."
"Is that what they call that these days, we had more flowery names."
Amy giggled, "come on let's go find that truck, get your stuff and head back, I have goodbyes."
"I'm sorry I took you away from your family Amy."
"I had to go to school anyway Ruth and they've stopped doing rounds with me. I've enjoyed today."
"So have I."
"So your turn, Donald, your one and only ?"