Frank LaRoque writes:

 

I know that this does not have anything to do with Groop.  I think that it relays a message from me.

 

That is my granddaughter on a horse that she raised from the day it was born. She had her mare bred to her stud for this award winning horse. It has won over 40 blue ribbons and trophies for the last two years. He is one of three horses that she competes on.

 

In the photo it shows Queen Melissa as the Wasco County Rodeo Queen giving a yellow bear to a little girl a few weeks ago. She gave away over 35 bears that day to little girls along with a signed photo of her and free tickets to the Wasco County Rodeo and Fair at the end of this month.  The girl's mother said that the bear has not left her daughters possession for any reason. She feeds it at the table, sleeps with it and it goes to day care with her.

 

I am very proud of Melissa and her big giving heart.

 

Melissa was in the Portland Rose Festival Parade. The first from here in 25 years. She performs at the beginning of rodeos that she goes to, carrying the American flag at times and showing her horse skills to the rodeo fans. She also helps to "round-up" the bulls and bucking horses to put them back in their pens. She also competes in the Barrel races at the rodeos that she attends. So far this year she has gone to 15 rodeos in Oregon and Washington.

From a very loving Grandpa,

 

LaRoque Onthe Loose