Sappy Story At Harvest Time

Well, last night we did something we don't do very often; we had a sleepover. Two German Shepherd Dogs were traveling from AR to WI to a rescue. They needed a place to spend the night. We gave it to them. They're crate trained so lounged all they wanted in big crates in the garage. There are 6 dogs in the house already.

This morning I got out early and took them both for a walk. Neighbors farm and are harvesting so we had an already emptied field on the other side of our wooded land in which to mosey for about 20 minutes before they had to go meet their driver to head north of here. We agreed it was time for me to get to work (after driving them to the meeting place).

Here's what happens: Each year I help this neighboring farmer harvest. He always does a lot more than I do but I'm certain I help because there's always crop for me to get out each year, regardless of whether he plants corn or beans. He probably doesn't even know I help out but that's OK. Like me today, he has his hands full.

The crop I harvest is golf balls. They are obviously planted by another neighbor as the farmer doesn't look to be any more of a golfer than I do, maybe less. Besides, neither one of us would lose our balls in the field.

You can see that I had a pretty good harvest today. Actually it was two trips, one with the guests and then one with my big guy, my Tripp, a dog now resting because it was a workout walking the field. It all went well. You can see how loaded down I was in the images. But there's an issue I cannot resolve. You can comment if you want but mainly this is just something to think about when you're watching mindless television or "reading" a graphic novel or pulling weeds or sorting US mail received any day. That makes it rhetorical.

Here's the question: If when he plants corn and I harvest golf balls I can call them cornballs then what do I call them when he plants soybeans and I harvest golf balls? Bean balls is a bit of a cornball idea. We have our share of those in our small town (cornball ideas) but no one reading this should even begin to suggest this is a reference to them.That's been thought before and it was wrong then so it's wrong now. That's my disclaimer and I have the balls to say so.

Now it all got more complex today because on the way back up our driveway I spotted a white pine pine cone on the ground. So what? Well, I'm harvesting those for a landscaping company so naturally had to stop and pick it up since I have harvesting bags near the garage. But upon bending over I started to lose my balls. First one fell out. I picked it up and as I did two more fell out, one bouncing on the asphalt which meant we had to chase it. I was jiggling my balls as I scurried to get it. But of course my left hand is now covered with sticky substance, sap from the pine cone. That meant only one thing: taking the photos with my phone camera would cause the phone to get sticky.

Well, it's time to call Holly and tell her I've got fresh balls for her.

Life can be very complicated sometimes.

Back In (Front and Sides In Too)

Where have I been? Oh, lots of places - north, south and west, a bit east at times. Busy and then some. But who can ignore the FACT that tomorrow launches ADOPT A SHELTER PET month? It's true. Get out there, get a head start, get the love of your life now.

That being said, I must add that there are some critics of a blog entry and the attempt at posting a comment is not wasted because I do have it as do the authorities. Nice try but really, FACTS reign. The TRUTH stands as it is. PROVEN. OK, back to something worthwhile: positive living and doing good for others, outreach, soul-searching, helping out...Life is too short to mess with what God's going to take care of anyway.

Our dog Tripp, the lab/retriever/whatever, still has his spasms but I looked up Canine Stress Syndrome again and read that feeding triggers spasms but if meals are smaller and provided more frequently the blood glucose levels are more even and that helps. INDEED IT DOES. He's been on 4 small meals a day and went from a spasm every other day last month to only 3 this month and just one of those was strong. We are pleased, to say the least. Sometimes it pays to do some research on your own - be responsible for your pets' well being!

Now I want to bring up a sad topic. I wouldn't except that I saw a posting on FACEBOOK about a strongly handsome pit bull who was being transported and was actually stolen by the transporters. Add to that a conversation some of us who do volunteer transporting were having a couple of weeks ago and I am feeling mentioning this is important. Apparently there are some people who are paid to transport (all groups need more volunteers) and it has been reported that there have been incidents of them being paid, leaving with the animals, taking them to some remote location, and dumping them. They have money, didn't give up time, didn't put miles on their cars, and did not save wonderful, screened, adoptable pets. How sad this is. It's bad enough that animals go through so much sometimes and then something good happens - they get accepted by a no-kill facility or a rescue. Suddenly they are tossed out, scared, lost, helpless.

Let's do more. Volunteer to drive! Feel the gratitude when you get a friendly lick or look or "hug" from a critter. They know. I'm not the only person who recognizes the appreciation a rescued pet expresses. Be a helper. Don't turn your back on deserving critters, expecting someone else will do it. Don't worry about getting paid money - your reward will be much more than that. For us, it's Saturday mornings...not much of a sacrifice; give continued life to the group on transport. Other groups do transports during the week or later in during the weekend. Google, Bing, Yahoo, search for them. Get involved!

That's One Great Dog

Three weeks ago a challenge brought three strong, resourceful women together to change life for two young female Pit/Lab mixes. We made it happen, with plenty of prayer and reaching out to a world of pet lovers, friends and networkers. It was so worth every investment because both are safe now. Personally it took me back to believing there are many really good people and I'm blessed to be in the midst of several "circles" of them, undeservedly so, I know. I had forgotten it for awhile; having been and probably still, a target of some unearned nastiness. But love and goodness triumphs and reigns. Lesson: Stay surrounded by the right people.

God played a huge and, as He often does, a comical role in the endeavor. There's no doubt in my mind that some FB friends, some email friends, some people I see in my going around town(s) rolled their eyes a time or two because of the pleading for the two dogs. The younger one went easily to a no-kill shelter (thank you DL w/HSCI) but the stronger one had a tougher match to make. She not only looks more pittie --- adorably so --- but is mostly black. Either feature is tough to "sell" and we knew it would take the right person to go beyond them together. She got lots of training and proved to be a quick learner and we knew that would help but still...While we fretted God was chuckling. After all we were doing, all our reaching out, God made her "foster" mom late for a meeting and then opened her up to tell the group of associates why she was late.

Sitting right next to this woman was this dog's savior, and "M" will prove to be his.

You see, this dog will be a soul mate to a US Marine veteran who needs a service dog. She will be trained to be at his side, to reassure him, and to give him undivided loyalty and love. God was just letting us go thru the motions and run up against deadlines about what would happen (as of tomorrow) when she could no longer be at this foster home. We were down to counting hours. Yes, the mister and I decided we'd try having her here, with the spoiled six. Admittedly, each stressful prayer was answered with an "I've got this one." and it proved true. We stayed busy while God set the scene up for the right guy to come forward.

For those of you into the mystery of events, yes, third time was a charm. We had intro'd her to a woman who committed to letting me know her decision no later than yesterday. There was no follow up and we had already decided that none was expected. Then a dear friend up north put together a moving plan for this precious pup; we kept that on the back burner in case the meet/greet did not work out. As always, QK9C has a remarkable and dedicated team.The northerners were all excited when they were told she it did. Nice to hear folks unified to help and happy there are results. The right dog will join them soon, I know.

So thank you, friends near and far, and thank you God. This dog and the adventure of re-homing her has been a blessing for each of us. Her journey is beginning anew and will be amazing. She will bring out the best in her new companion and he will do the same for her. It's all "good to go".

(No photos because of the untold histories)

MITZI and LIMA BEAN - SUCCESS NEAR AND FAR

For those readers who faithfully and fondly follow the frolics and fiasco of fining homes for cats and dogs in need, raise your voices in praise as Mitzi, the Great Dane, has made it safely to her shelter home. As you see on the left she is relaxed and happy, loving her temporary space. This is probably a post-surgery resting point and I know she's getting plenty of exercise and room to stretch. Word is the staff loves her - no surprise there!
As if that weren't enough to report on let me also commend Carol from Helping Paws Project for finding Lima Bean, a senior Beagle, a ride north. She contacted me and we had a bit of a challenged laid down before us because Lima Bean had been pulled from the (end of the line) facility, neutered, given heartworm treatment, and up to date on shots, PLUS he had a transport group ready to move him. That fell through and he was put back into a boarding kennel where it only took a couple of days to get depressed and stop eating. So working quickly was essential. If you want the end of the story - he has a ride! Some good soul Carol found agreed to go after LB and bring him to his foster home.

If you want to know the lengths to which we will go to make things happen read on...Carol had started the ball rolling and needed connections with transports so called upon me and, in turn, I called upon those much more connected than me. Some good fortune there - the word went out. But, not to sit and wait, I contacted a longtime friend who'd lived outside of Atlanta but had moved to Florida to see if there was anyone back in the fine state of Georgia who might want to drive north. Then I thought - what the heck! I contacted "House Hunters" since they have episodes based in the Atlanta area. Who knows - maybe they have pooch loving staff members with time to drive??? And, what better named show? Aren't these babies seeking new houses/homes??? We get imaginative and creative, all of us who volunteer in rescue.

Can't wait to report another happy ending soon!

MERCY MERCY

What a week we finished up today! First of all high temperatures flared and most outside workers who could do "flex" time by starting and ending early did just that. We tended to follow the example and get chores done the first half of each day and then stuck to completing indoor "stuff" later.

Then there was Mitzi (see July 15 below) who now is safe and sound in a rescue - another terrific ending for which I am very grateful. It's amazing how a network of caring folks came together and got something beneficial done in a hurry. Thank you for your mercy!

One of our "together" errands was as the result of having a yummy and delightful dinner with friends, right here in our town. Spur of the moment, stroke of luck, a promise fulfilled - whatever it was, we all enjoyed laughs and chatting. Our discussion did reveal we needed mulching blades on our mower. Who knew? Lucky us - there was a store greeter on duty. This was a sweet kitty; I think tabby mixed with a little Siamese. She was pretty and content but made a point of acknowledging both of us as we reached down to give her a friendly pet. We received lots of kitty kisses. Yes, I'm more a dog person, but we do have 3 cats and I love them dearly and I must confess that kitty kisses are special as they are not given out as freely as dog kisses are. So we were grateful for the welcome we received!

Then there was today's transport. I could write about it each and every week that we do a transport. Always the joy and excitement of knowing that mercy has been shown to a bunch of critters is overwhelming. Few feelings match those granted with transporting. We had somewhere around 37 animals today and there were 3 drivers on our route. WHAT? Yes, well, there were 14 kittens and 8 puppies and those can share bigger crates so it was OK. Of course, air conditioning must be blasting away the entire trip. In my vehicle were 8 kittens and 7 dogs and it was quite vocal for awhile but finally everyone settled down and napped, except maybe a kitten or two wanted me to know they did not appreciate the yapping dogs.

My front seat was occupied by a little cutie. It seems unfair to post only a photo of the tiniest dog but keep in mind we're not doing a photo shoot and this one just happened to be out of its crate temporarily so MM could have her photo taken with him. Usually we are walking, cleaning up, watering, re-loading, and heading out. Otherwise there would be a photo album. I think there may be some photos and even a longer video on the web. Since I'd slid the phone camera to video we got a couple of cute clips of "EARL" and MM.

He was a handful - nothing more than that! The trip went along without a hitch for the second "leg" and I'm sure on beyond that. It's a great bunch of folks - all volunteers - who, week after week, give of their time, energy, money, vehicles, supplies - so much more, to help those who cannot help themselves. And, as Beth Moore points out, in her James study, mercy is triumphant! These little guys know they are being given another chance, believe me. Each of our critters is a rescue as have been those we had in our lives before, whether they lived with us to the end of their lives or were fosters. They know. Anyone sensitive towards others can see it in their eyes. It makes it all worthwhile!

Great Scott I mean Great Dane

Today was complicated. Ever have that in your own life? It cannot be just me who wakes up to a seemingly normal day and then watches it turn and turn and twist until it slams into a haunting silence then has the whole day become goose-fleshed with overwhelming joy.

This day I knew I had a great pal to care for: Clifford the Big Red Dog - YES! There is such a guy and he is a marvelous member of the canine family. He guards his home in a friendly manner but with enough authority that a stranger should think twice about approaching. He and I share many secrets so we are OK together. He's got 3 cat "roomies" too. They remind me of Cindrella's step-sisters for they anticipate every feeding and caregiving that they believe (and truly) they are due. they are big chatterers, reminding me of each chore I'm to complete and how honored I should feel. Oh, that's cats, isn't it? Anyway, I stopped in a bit earlier than usual as I was going to spend the longer part of the day with my pals Heidi and Amber (dog and cat), a duo who live in splendor and have a marvelous setting - very relaxed. Heidi's a senior and wants for very little beyond loving closeness, some treats and trips. Amber is independent until she realizes what she's missing in terms of treats!

And, indeed I did get there and was able to spend time with each of them, serving up brunch and taking a few walks, sitting outside, petting and cuddling and keeping them company.

However, interspersed with this calm behavior were phone calls and texts and emails about a not-so-lucky baby we just became aware of today: a Great Dane, stored in an attic --- IN THIS HEAT --- because the daughter of physically ill-equipped parents decided she'd had enough and left all of them on the 5th. Mind you, this is the 15th and the dog has been in the attic --- need I repeat:--- in the attic--- IN THIS HEAT --- sfor ten days. Keep in mind that dog temperatures are higher than ours so she has been at risk this entire time. Mom has crawled (yes) up the stairs to give the dog food and water each day as Dad is unable to help at all. The county wanted to charge them to come and get the dog and euthanize her - more money than they have on hand,....thankfully or Mitzi would not be a rescued pup.

So today was about getting the call and then reaching out to souls who are able to help. The result at this point is great. The dog is rescued and coming to us tomorrow. She will go to our vet (thank you Rochester Veterinary Clinic) for shots and all else and be boarded for a couple of days until she can be transported to the Humane Society of Central Illinois which will welcome Mitzi with open arms. She's big. She's old for her breed. She's had it rough. She's OH-SO-SPECIAL. People who accept these challenges are standouts, and, like them, we are all blessed whenever we interact with any of these dogs who KNOW they are getting another chance,that there was a reason to keep surviving, to exercise the will to live, to hope when there seems to be no reason to hope.

Thank you to QK9C for NEVER giving up, for reaching out and beyond and beyond that. This girl-dog thanks you without even knowing how fortunate she is. Whatever we give her she will return with love 10- fold. And, thank you to Humane Society of Central Illinois for taking Mitzi in as soon as we can get her there! WOOO-HOOO to team work!

I really don't care who you are, what your title is, what you do. Having climbed up the corporate ladders and retired from them while still there I know only too well that you work hard and I appreciate that. But now, being able to move along I also appreciate much of what I missed during those years. If you haven't done "deeds" for animals or less fortunate people you need to realize that your faith is unfulfilled. It is thru your faith  you can do works such as rescue or taking food/clothes/supplies to poor, or whatever it is that draws your attention, creates your passion. It is deeds that bring your faith to life.

Today started out ordinary and became complicated. I would never ask for it to be any other way. Tonight my heart is bursting with joy because enough people in the right places at the right time are willing to sacrifice to save this one dog that none of us know. And, we will all do it again and again and again. What would Jesus do? I think we all know.

It's summer and there's always something going on that delights, puzzles, draws us in...4th of July marking the season's peak. Fact is, schools already are posting their registration dates for local high school students. Push. Pull. I'm sure many of them want to go and get through it ASAP.
For me summer offers a chance to slow a bit and think back on times when I did more. Walked more dogs, drank more beer, not necessarily in that order and certainly not simultaneously. Gosh, no, that would never work. But I do think about how lazy I get every time I go to the notorious used book shelf in our home and select something to read.
All right, I confess I have read 5 books already this MONTH. It's only the 9th. I hear ya! Well, hubby was gone and it was me and the critters. But, add to that the sheer fact that I recently was told by my BFF that I'm to read more upbeat, more pleasant books. My fave authors have a distinct tendency to present a complex arrangement of characters experiencing downers. I'm an avowed fan in that I promise to help them find their way out. Still, she's right. It sometimes pulls me in too far and I end up owning the fictional person's troubles, trying my best to solve the problems which have no real foundation.
So I turn to my own small world. Thankfully I have an inspiration having just finished a book of true-life articles, written by a fairly famous author and his small town living. Makes me want to move and my town is only about 3500 in population so it's small by many comparisons.
Why do I turn? Well, it seems my big observation is that our world country truly has become more self-absorbed over the past decade. We seem to state "It's not about me." while at the same time taking actions as if it is. Little inconveniences become mountainous episodes, the details of which we are pleased to share and repeat to anyone whose breath will appear on a mirror if we hold one up to the person's mouth.
Summer here has become a bickering time. I'm severely saddened by that. There's so much to be thankful for and happy about and yet we seem to drill for disaster not for joy. Is it like that where you are?
I hope not. I hope this is a passing non-fancy here in the midwestern small town in which I reside. Turmoil has resided here for the past 3 or 4 years. It's topped now with the presence of a non-professional who was hired into a professional role. No one knows why an appropriate, educated candidate could not be hired. It has the town divided for the person presides (by self-promotion) over a foundational and pivotal area of our community. Always proud of our higher educational achievements and challenges we now are subjected to cupcake wars and bad grammar, giggles and "Duh, I don't know" responses.
But, we all know what goes around comes around. I hope next year at this time I'm able to tell my BFF that I've already selected the upbeat books for summer reading and that all is well once again in this small town where we remember when everything was right as right could be and we've turned things around accordingly.