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)

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!

Dr. Tom, this is for you. In case there are plenty of Dr. Tom's who read this blog, the intended is found at 970-380-3392 and knows the name Oliver because it belonged to his dog.
Recently Oliver was roaming the streets of LaVita, CO on a very cold and raining evening. He'd apparently been on the loose for awhile. Soaked through and whining/pining away, he approached us and did his very best to look desirable. [You will only see one acceptable photo of him. The others were blurred because I was so upset.] He really wanted some human attachment and action. We noted his collar with a tag. Oddly it had his name and the above phone number. My traveling pal called and left a message.
Even more oddly a return call was made and Dr. Tom said, "Just let him go."

REALLY?
Now, in fairness you could interpret that, just as words, without intonation, as a means of indicating that Oliver would be home when he was through wandering this small town of 800 peeps. Unfortunately that was not the tone my friend heard.
In addition to that, a young worker at the local inn had seen Oliver around during the rainstorm and was concerned about his well-being. We know this because as he saw us with Oliver he asked if he was our dog. Oliver went right over to him so we knew he'd been treated nicely by this young man. When we said no and relayed the return phone call results he told us he'd called earlier and got the same suggestion.
He took Oliver home.
My advise: If you have a pet dog or cat take care of it. This is a commitment with immense rewards.
Oliver was pathetically distraught. I was prepared to call my friend who coordinates Basset rescue rides (Guardian Angels) and bring him back to IL with me so he could be placed. He is young. He appears healthy. He was desperately wanting to know what happened and that he was going to be "OK".
The Pollyanna in me hopes Dr. Tom just did mean Oliver would wander home. If so, well, too bad. He should never have left him out a)loose b)for so long and c)with such a cavalier attitude in responding to caring people. Townspeople knew who he is when we repeated the woeful story to them so, maybe, although they weren't very optimistic. Thanks to the young worker who took Oliver home. We hope they have a bright future TOGETHER!
On an even brighter note - we met loads of happy rescued dogs!!!! More about them later...

4 Bricks or a Pallet

We transport. Dogs regularly. Cats sometimes. Even a pig! Our round trips typically range between 120 and 200 miles and we meet wonderful, pet loving people from all walks of life. We meet tremendous pets who are bound for new homes or new and safe shelters (to get ready for new homes). Occasionally we get feedback and photos.

It's a challenge to figure out what crates to bring to a transport and what will fit in the car. Passing along tips and ideas helps a great deal. It occurred to me today there is one driver in our primary group who has solved the issue of how to load to large crates into his SUV's back area: he build a shelf for one of them. So he gets two back there, next to each other, one about 4 inches higher than the other. This allows the widest section of the crates to be at different heights. That's the place where the tops and bottoms are latched together. (TIP: Use pull ties because they are easy to cut and then you can stack crates to haul home after transport. Plus they are easier and faster to use in cold weather.) I know I should have taken a photo of the arrangement but you're smart; you can figure this out.

Although a pallet is too wide to use, that is the height that will work. Thus the reference. You can make your shelf yourself. Be sure it is long enough and just wide enough to hold the crate. You don't want to rock the passengers needlessly. The other crate will help hold it in place. If you just want to try this out and see if it works I suggest you grab four bricks and put them in your vehicle then load two large crates in so you see how it works. Or, if you have a pallet and it has a middle support board cut the pallet in half so the middle board becomes a side board; that may work as an experiment too!

I must confess, one of my pups escaped today. I opened the crate door and he leaped on top of the crate and took off. I was in a discussion with another transporter. Bad me. Danny didn't have my slip lead around his neck YET so he did get away but didn't get too far as he fancied interacting with a companion dog. Notes to self and everyone who transports: Get a slip lead and use it all the time...double leash. If you have a dog who backs up he/she can get out of the collar you think is secure. The slip lead keeps the dog at hand. In fact, get two so you always have one available. And, pay attention to the dogs. They are not certain what is going on; we are all strangers to them. They may not be used to crates, cars, leashes, other dogs, lots of people. Respect that and focus on what you are doing.

It's SUCH a rewarding way to volunteer! There are plenty of transport groups and, unfortunately, a seemingly endless supply of critters - all who appear to be PERFECT no matter what the age, mix/breed, gender, personality, energy levels, or challenges. You will have unconditional love heaped upon you.

Today as I was taking my five passengers I thought what a grand, heavenly welcoming team they will be, along with any fosters, shelter helped, owned, or client dogs I've been able to love. For me that's hundreds and I'm glad. Even if you save just one, you're an angel to that animal.

Visit our transport site to see how we work!

Donations accepted :-)

The Times are A-Changin'

Here in the midwest we enjoyed Spring on Saturday. By Sunday it was colder and overcast but Easter was a brilliant day, for all the right reasons - faith! Here we are on Tuesday with the temperatures rising and it seems as if I'm destined to get outside and start the seasonal yard work. The dogs have all been out for HOURS rather than MINUTES and that's a great sign. Not only do they get more exercise, they are getting groomed longer, and are toning up their muscles as they romp, they sleep splendidly each night. It was 6:45 a.m. when we arose this morning, a far cry from the usual 5 or 5:15 a.m. I probably look better too :-)

Still, how about some snaps of what was hiding under the snow which graced us with its presence a week ago yesterday?

 This one is a Lenten Rose and I wasn't sure it would be blooming in time since Easter was early this year. It came through though!

This is everyone's spring favorite, the mighty crocus. We have very few of them left as I think the critters dig under and eat the bulbs. Not our critters of course - the ones which live outside. When we see a blossom pop up we're delighted.

Both of these were spotted just a couple of days ago when I was outside shaking dog hair out of throw rugs that had been used to collect mush and mud being tracked in over the last week. Anyone relate to that? I'd write more but there are floors to scrub, dog treats to bake, and thanks to give!

P.S. Here's a shot of 2 of the 6 in residence. Photo was taken less than a week ago. Little White Dog (Harmony Victoria) is wearing her new "peace sign" tee shirt. Baxter Cyclone wants to make something of it. She apparently wants to keep the tee shirt on and to herself.

String Ball Has Baby in Time for Mother's Day!

We ventured out to Lincoln, IL last week, to meet people who were bringing pet supplies for our favorite rescue group. Thank you! We are so dependent upon the kindness of strangers.

Before we left for Lincoln we figured out we could go to The Blue Dog Inn*, established 1979, for a bite. Get it? A dog place? A bite? Ha. Dark humor. So we managed to combine good deed and good food. Walking from the car to the Inn though we came upon a sight to behold.

You may see that in taking this shot I happened to cut off Mr. Lincoln's face but surely you recognize the hair, ears and chin. Ignore that though and take note that a giant string ball has given birth to a baby string ball! We were amazed to see that as we didn't even know there was one "in the oven" so to speak! Given their natural shape it is often hard to tell if they are expecting a wee one. I wish it was clearer just how big momma is - don't compare her to the old timie oil lamp, it's too close to where I stood - use the wine bottle on the other side of Abe (I doubt it was his).

So, another happy occasion was marked and I just had to share it with faithful readers. Rather than string this out I'll just wrap it up and tie it off.

*Please note, although The Blue Dog Inn has plenty of artwork depicting dogs, often photos of the dogs belonging to friends of the original owner, there is not artwork by the famous NO area Blue Dog painter, George R. You'd have to come to my house to see that, or a gallery. As I recall, George went after the person who copied his work onto restaurant walls elsewhere.

Dr. Seuss Was Correct

Dr. Seuss smartly chose the title OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO for one of his later-in-life books. Initially written as a "children's" book (really?) it is a send-off to a shift in life's circumstances. I find it fitting for retirement, especially retirement work which I can hardly call work, but it is. Although I enjoyed most days of my underage employment, as a meandering individual I now have time to explore and observe more than ever!

Thus it was that on a recent visit to meet a new 3 month old resident at a home also housing a 7 month old I came upon another, albeit, unannounced resident. My mission was to play/exercise the pups. In other words, make certain they attended to outside "duties" and were sufficiently exhausted when they went back inside. I had my camera with me for I envisioned a great time would be had by all and that I'd capture moments of their exuberance. True enough.

The older pup and I tried to teach the young one about chasing a ball but she was interested only in sticks and other odds and ends that could be carted around proudly, as if she were put on this earth to make this particular discovery. It seemed inevitable they were going to romp and I was going to romp along with them. In so doing my attention turned towards the fenced in, covered pool.

There sat The Duck
His head he did tuck
Under a wing
Have you seen such a thing?

Evenutally he realized I was very interested in him and he pulled his head out and re-arranged himself to pose for photos, including taking a dip in the pool cover, not the pool, but the cover which had enough rain in it to make for a nice float area. He was very accommodating!

Coincidentally while walking and philosophizing with another young poocheroo I spied a family of geese and still had the camera with me. I showed them to "B" and he was most engaged but not eager to get in the lake and draw them closer. Perhaps he'd been warned about getting his freshly groomed coat dirty; he's awfully tidy! We were lucky enough to hold our position on the bridge, and then later in his backyard, while the folks took the youngsters out for a swim. I clicked away.

Some days I'm not particularly proud of what I talk to the dogs about while we're walking and getting our exercise. They are great listeners even though I do get some feedback, such as "Just let it go.", "Oh, this again," and so forth. Some days I am certain I don't see everything God puts before me, whether I'm alone, with a walking buddy, or in a mass of people. But then there are days such as this one, when I go places and I see things I am supposed to see and count my blessings for having made it this far, with miles still to travel.

Come along, maybe not with me specifically, but with what life has to offer. "You'll be on your way up! / You'll be seeing great sights! / You'll join the high fliers / who soar to high heights."  Dr. Seuss, with his inimitable illustrations and exhilarating rhymes, reveals, at a level we all understand, that true success is imminent. As long as you remember "to be dexterous and deft. And NEVER mix up your right foot with your left"

Don't Touch! That's Hot!

Several years in a row we were pleased not to turn on the A/C. This is not one of those years. It's been on most days in July and now we enter August with it running.

Sometimes we're not sure it actually is working though. We don't keep it cranked up. It runs on an auto-thermometer unless we fiddle with it. I try, truly I do, not to fiddle with it because, well, I skipped class the day "adjusting a programmable thermometer" was taught. The point is, if ever there is one, it's intensely hot this summer and it's hot in the house.

We do keep at a higher temperature than most people would appreciate. But there is still work going on in the kitchen "makeover" so why waste the energy by lowering the temperature and having it woosh out the door as the fellas go in and out or leave it propped open. Flies buzz in but by evening the air does cool and they become lethargic enough they are easy targets. I'm easily entertained and darned good at hitting them flat on the first time.

The dogs are sprawled wherever there's a cool spot on the floor in whichever room they occupy. They've little reason to spend much time outside. Even the dry grass is so brittle they high-step to get to a destination. It's as if the blades of grass, along with the rocked in area, are warning them "Don't Touch". It's too darned hot.

Seeing them stretched out, siesta style, - well, search for nothing more than acceptance that global warming right now is no more than the Dog Days of Summer.

And here's some history about it (courtesy of an online search):

But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?”
In ancient times, when the night sky was unobscured by artificial lights and smog, different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture: The Chinese saw different images than the Native Americans, who saw different pictures than the Europeans. These star pictures are now called constellations, and the constellations that are now mapped out in the sky come from our European ancestors.
They saw images of bears, (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins, (Gemini), a bull, (Taurus), and others, including dogs, (Canis Major and Canis Minor).
The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. Look for it in the southern sky (viewed from northern latitudes) during January.
In the summer, however, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star.
The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. Although it is certainly the warmest period of the summer, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness. No, the heat of summer is a direct result of the earth's tilt.

A CHILL in APRIL

Even though allergy-induced stuffiness has planted itself firmly in my sinuses I am managing to get out and about, walking dogs and running errands. Admittedly I slept away half of yesterday but it was the day all the demons moved in and took over!

Well, today I returned SECRETS OF EDEN to the library and was reminded I'd not blogged in a bit.
True.

Fact is, early this a.m., while traipsing along on a jaunt, I thought, hmmm, put the blog on hold. Then this encouragement is delivered firsthand. So, on I go. Good or bad.

But where are my topics? I've strayed from animals/pets and shall try to re-incorporate them in stories.

Actually, the shelter, where I spent so much time in the last 4 years that I don't dare try to total the hours, will soon be out of my life entirely. At least, directly out of my life. The emails and FB postings will still flow. I have 2 or 3 more weeks of Paws 2 Read with the 4th graders and then will not be at the shelter. It's my decision.

Funny how one can become so entrenched in chaos and still remain optimistic. Then all it takes is a moment of awakening and understanding. Things will not change. Over the past 6 months I have divorced myself from all activities there, giving plenty of notice that I won't be doing a particular aspect of the work. It's a shame and it hurt a great deal at first.

But, there comes a time, and in my case it came quickly, of realizing departing was the right thing to do. When it was obvious to me then I accepted it. And, I'm glad I did for the turmoil now resides atop the chaos which is burying the frustration and underneath it all is a lot of SH_T.

We all know that a person can offer help to another soul but unless there is receptivity the offer hits a closed door. For an awful lot of long time volunteers this has happened, repeatedly.

It can be said the animals suffer. I do not find that to be factual. The animals suffer before they get to the shelter. There they are taken care of and know nothing of the political drama and ineptness. There's "day to day" staff handling them. And, fresh, new enthusiastic volunteers who should choose to remain ignorant of the trappings.

You're right, this isn't a cheerful tune. And, I'm dancing around pointing out issues - no blog could hold them and what good would it do?

The observation and lesson, in hindsight are simple: Don't get involved beyond what you can do and leave behind at the end of your work time. The people who stay as volunteers are clueless. They go. They do something. They leave. They think nothing of improvement or change. Had many of us taken that approach we'd still be on hand.

BAKE SALE

Any time of the year is great for bake sales. It's tough to walk past the table supporting an array of goodies such as homemade brownies, over-sized chocolate chip cookies, even Rice Krispie treats! But, what about homemade pies and breads, or even a whole frosted cake. What delights these are!

Going to a bake sale is special. You get yummy treats for a reasonable price and the funds help out a great cause, in this case a deserving no-kill animal shelter.

Mark your calendars for Litchfield, IL on April 3rd. Go to the WalMart @ 10 and make your selections! Support this fine shelter. Every contribution counts!

Give 'Em Homes - Why Wait?

It's time to get back to basics. There are a lot of dogs in the world. In this country. Everywhere: fliers, ads, posters, events, pages of sad statistics. Much of the population problem is the fault of careless and/or thoughtless, greedy humans. These LIVING dogs could die and will die unless responsible humans step in and give them warm and loving homes. If you can, go to the shelter and adopt. Save someone.   http://www.benldadoptapet.org/ , http://www.apl-shelter.org/ are some of our close-by locations, crammed with hopeful dogs. Don't spew out that "I want them all..." "It breaks my heart to go there so I don't..." BUCK UP.

Our local newspaper ran an article which listed the annual cost of a dog to be $695. It's a bit more for a large dog, say, another $100. Round it off to $800. You cannot put a price on love. Still, to more people than I can imagine, this is a lot of money to spend. Take the pet insurance out of the equation and the costs go down over $200. Work instead to keep your dog healthy by feeding decent food, not overdoing treats, going to an obedience class, exercising your pet, and keeping him or her groomed. Sorry, if it turns out you cannot keep your pet then good care, socialization, and health are important in re-homing, or adopting your dog to someone else.

Maybe a better choice at first is to help out by donating to your favorite shelter and help pets find homes before you adopt one yourself and have to return it. That's no fun for the dog either. It will break your heart to give up your friend but you have other friends. The dog knows only you and has only you and depends upon only you. Talk about broken hearts.

But maybe you only need ways to make having a pet affordable.

Other tips: Get a used crate from a garage sale. Buy bedding at a Goodwill or Salvation Army. Make your own dog treats. Use old tee shirts, cut into 2" strips, braided and knotted at each end, to make toys. Make your own meals for your dogs - be aware: no raisins, chocolate, grapes, cooked bones (they are brittle), onions, garlic, almonds, and check for other toxic foods - you can get recipes on line; you're connected.

It's not just what you spend though. You are apt to not spend money elsewhere.Your dog can save you hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment or club membership and you won't need special outfits to get in shape. Your dog keeps you out of the psychiatrist's office (a bit longer) because you have a therapist with you at home; one who not only will listen to you but will love you. Your dog will entertain you - hours of joyful activity can keep you away from passive time spent watching TV or videos, or other forgettable timewasters. Have your youngest friends read to your dog. Have a family night and include the dog. Cuddle up with Bowser and turn down the thermostat. There are so many ways dogs are good for you.

It's time for us to be good for dogs.

Grandpa, How Did You Know?

Long ago and not so far away, my grandparents lived and farmed. Grandpa, whom I never knew, participated in a plan offered by Modern Woodsmen of America. Today is my grandfather's birthday, a fact I didn't know for decades until one day I told my mother that July 9th is my favorite day of the year - something good always happens on July 9th. Along the way he was given a certificate and what appears to have been a huge calendar or print.
Regardless of what this last item started out to be it is dated 1898 and was framed at some point so it now is mounted above our fireplace, with the certifcate affixed to the back of it, keeping like items together, not a common practice in this household!

Today one of our foster dogs, Serena, who lived here from January thru March 2008, came to stay for a few days and it was like "old home week" for her and her then-foster mate, Sally. Sally is ours now. Upon her arrival we made small talk with her owner. I congratulated him on being appointed head basketball coach at one of the private religious high schools nearby - a very competitive rival for other schools. It had to be a plum of an appointment. I indicated I'd read about him in the newspaper and am just now am saying congrats...but I just said "job", nothing specific.

He looked puzzled and asked which job.

I replied "...head coach..."

He announced he'd just taken a new job, two weeks ago and was wondering how it made the paper already! Obviously it had not.

He is involved in opening up an office for Modern Woodsmen of America, back in this area, as they have been gone for a long time.

The world is small in so many ways. In just a few minutes we spanned over 100 years and matched up one person's family history with another person's family future. All this, of course, came about because of a dog.



Happy Birthday, Grandpa. I wish I had known you.

Harmony's Way to Happiness

Pretty "zen" sounding if I do say so myself. The pooch is outside bringing the big stick to the door as a gift, perhaps a peace offering of some sort, or pre-payment for some mischievous deed she'll perform later in the day.

















There are times when she lives up to her full name - Harmony Victoria. She delights us with occasional sweetness shown to her playmates; certainly when she is serving as "Donation Dog" for APL she fools everyone into thinking she's a stellar ambassador, always on her best behavior. The Victoria is because she is part pit bulldog and is my own nose-thumbing gesture towards vicious Michael Vick, whose own experience with the law took place around the time Harmony arrived at our home.





But today, her name takes on new applications! The State of Illinois has a victory in the governmental systems and a new governor because the systems worked. No doubt there is cheering up and down and across the State. Once again there will be an opportunity for harmonious living and working.


And, that's nothing to shake a stick at.

Precious Dog Hein, June 1993 - December 2008

We know God watches over us but this week we underwent yet another loss, that of Precious Dog Hein. Yes, she was 15 1/2 years old and we knew full and well she felt the loss of Scout a couple months back. They were inseparable from the time they met, day and night, together either in their pen or in the house. They were like an old couple, only dogs. One saw. One heard. They yammered at each other if one was too close to the others bowl. They leaned against each other. They snuggled together all day long in their dog-loo, ignoring the birds, cats, people traffic and younger dogs coming and going in the other fenced in area.

She awoke on the 17th and told us it was time. If you have had a pet you've had to help you know what how they communicate it through their looks. Her head stayed down, her eyes solemnly surrendered. She had no energy, no substantiation to continue.

I like to believe that she gave us these additional two months in our post-Scout world, because she knew us well. It would have been her wish to go with Scout and she was as surprised as we to find she was here and Scout was gone. But she pulled herself together and joined the younger dogs in a frenzy of remembered behaviors that found her going up and down the two stairs on the patio, running a step or two, getting excited when she didn't know what the excitement was all about, and finally just signaling everyone to go ahead without her, she was sleeping this one out.

We did what we could to keep her comfy. No baths, good food, a special place in the kitchen, all fluffed out and right in the midst of foot traffic so she got lots of petting and hugs and acknowledgment. She got kisses from everyone, 2 or 4-legged, who went past her as she rested.

The morning each dog came by and said goodbye to her. I wish they'd been able to do that with Scout, who went in the night, quietly without prelude. But perhaps they were sending their greetings on with Precious. Don't tell me they don't know; they know only too well. They probably know better than we for their lives are less complicated. I suspect their relationship with God is the same - they know, they don't question. They understand death leads to new freedom, new life.

So now, only a couple of days later we have welcomed Lazlo into our home. He's our latest foster. A collar was embedded in his neck but it's been removed and he's healed from that injury entirely. He is quirky and cute and, for now, all boy. That has everyone trying to figure out what's next! But they know he's here to get ready for his own forever earthly home. And, they know when he leaves it will be different from when Precious left.

Tales of Christmas

I nabbed this image and forgot to get the artist's name, but he/she has my thanks!

Do you have a favorite Christmas tale? Besides the one that started it all, mine is A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES.

But I've never read it. Somehow, somewhere I stumbled across an audio tape of Dylan Thomas reading it and bought it, probably without knowing anything other than I liked Thomas' work. Dumb luck.

Driving from central Illinois to upper Kentucky one cold and wintry evening I listened to him read it and best remember going through Cincinnati and being enthralled but needing to pay attention to the road.

I'd never been thru Ohio before and I was all too aware of my tendency to drive beyond my exit when I got caught up in a story. It was night and I'd been on the road a few hours already. It was snowing and I was driving a sports car. I finally had to rewind a bit of the tape, stop it for awhile and drive on till I was out of range for the city lights.

That was a strange trip: an ordeal with a Schneider transport truck - a big meanie trying to shove off the road. (I don't carry a grudge - not much!); discovering Frankenstein University, seeing Louisville Sluggers HQ across the river, and wandering into a religious college's art guild/store - Berean, I think it was - wood and wool and pottery items. Something like that.

I came back a different route, past Santa Claus, Indiana. I listened to the tape again.

There's something about hearing a book read by the person who wrote it. That enables getting the understanding the author wants the reader to have. The way the words sounded in their heads, when they wrote them, are they way they speak them for us. In this case it was particularly grand and I felt transported.

As a child my favorite story was THE LITTLEST ANGEL. Oh, how I wore that book out! And a few years ago, when on-line shopping became popular, I sought out an old copy of it and found it - just like the one I had. Who knows, it could have been my copy but I had/have a habit of putting my name in books so perhaps not. Anyway, I read it and weep. Simple. Direct. Sentimental. Meaningful. I guess that's why I like THE VELVETEEN RABBIT too. Same basic format. Lesson-filled. Get real, seriously.

I can't help but see some of that in the longer, image-filled A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES. This makes me a creature of habit then, when it comes to reading. I want my heart warmed at some point. If it costs me a few tears, fine. If I throw myself at my pets or my husband, OK. If I jot a note, send an email, make a call, good. The line between fiction and non-fiction becomes blurred when I think about these 3 books.

Gosh, there were much simpler times in this world when people were where they belonged instead of always trying to get where they thought they belonged. We strung popcorn and apple slices, made paper chains and other ornaments for the tree. People used English correctly as well as sparingly, and listened. We saved money in Christmas Clubs at the bank so we could buy gifts, or we used lay-away. There were secret Santas. There were school concerts. We knew and sang 2 or 3 verses of each Christmas carol and gladly went around serenading folks at home and accepting a cookie or hot chocolate. It was called Christmas.

I'm glad I got where I was going that year. Gladder still that I got home safely, wiser for what I'd discovered along the way. I was where I belonged.

We don't need to bring everything from our pasts forward but wouldn't it be nice to re-start just one old habit, one childhood tradition? Now, when everything is tumultuous shouldn't we re-establish our appreciation for what matters?

Start with the Christmas Story itself, and then recall your favorite Christmas tale. Share it and take it from there. You may surprise yourself at how easy it is to enjoy being where you are, where you belong.

You DO meet the nicest people.

Zeke and I went to the nursing home. He was soooo good. Then we drove all the way back and across the city to a big box pet store to get him some canned food and a large box of large treats for everyone to share. He met lots of people and maybe his future owners. They were the nicest people and seem very interested in him as a buddy for Moses, their dog. I think they would have taken him right then and there. We'll see. He's darned good. I really had thought he could move to the White House. Hello Barack? It's about a dog for the girls...On the other hand, he's made friends with all the dogs here and Ed hasn't met him yet. To the people who met Zeke and Mr. President - just try and get this dog!

Speaking of the nicest people, a real surprise occurred yesterday when I took the greens orders for the library staff over to them, from APL. Since I was out at the shelter I offered to pick up and drop off the wreaths and door swags. Well, blow me away. I got inside the library office and the director presented me with a book, SAVED. It's about rescued animals, and their rescued people. I was taken aback. It was from the Library's Friends board, of which I'd been president and/or secretary for a number of years. This was totally unexpected. And, they selected something that focuses on my other passion - taking care of living creatures who've not had it too good so far.

Well, home with the crew last night I managed to cry my way through some 50 pages. It took a long time because the print is pretty blurry thru tears.

It's an amazing book. The group is amazingly thoughtful. I am amazingly fortunate.

And, we really shouldn't have anymore dogs. We help those who are homeless and then that opens a space for someone else who needs it. Yes, we did have 6 dogs. Yes, we will lose Precious soon. Yes, the dogs we have adopted are the "hard to place" ones so that complicates matters.

I keep telling myself those things.

Here She Is - Brighton, the Foster Pup

Well, isn't she just a doll? We think she is only 7 weeks old. Yes, she does sleep through the night - at least the first night. We put the old dogs in with her to keep her company! There is a squeal that she lets loose when she's wanting attention. Pretty good about going outside for all the right reasons too.

She was dumped.
Left in the country near a storm drain.
We have had record rains.
People who live nearby heard her exercising her lungs after their own dogs notified them that "something is out there".

She's with us for probably 15-20 days and then I hope she gets a great home.

School Has Started

Our team of volunteers went back to school today to begin the SIT STAY READ program. Each of us takes a dog or puppy from the shelter. Once there we spend an hour having 4th graders read to us. We change readers every 12 minutes.

And, we love it.

The students get to interact with a critter. They work on reading skills; the dogs never critter-cize them! The dogs get some socialization.

Our school has many students who have unfortunate home settings. This is one chance for them to have two breathing souls focus only on them.

I mean in a positive way.

One of my readers today is in a foster home because her biological mother beat the crap out of her. She came to school this year and told her teacher, "This year I'm going to be normal."

Let's hope so.

PARVO

This was my day to have THREE puppies at the dog adoption. I knew they would never last the entire three hours; young pups never do.

Little did I suspect that one would not feel good.

One fella began feeling puny soon after he arrived. He was warm. He was shivering and laying up against the puppy playpen. I picked him up and kept him close to me noting how hot he was growing and that his nose was drying.

Fortunately we were at a place where there was a vet. Oliver went inside to have his temperature taken and it was high.

He, his adopted sister, and I headed back to the shelter during the first hour. While we were gone his other brother was adopted.

But, Oliver has parvo. So now the brother and sister have to be watched closely. If they have it they will be back at the shelter for treatments.

Thank goodness we caught it and can treat him; he WILL make it through and be well.

We've seen so much parvo at the shelter that tomorrow and in Oct and Nov we are holding clinics just to inoculate against it.

Dog owners - Get your dogs examined and be sure they are up to date on their shots. Parvo is indiscriminate. It is a vicious killer. www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

"Parvo-virus is the number one killer of small puppies. The signs are listlessness, blood in the stool and then the next day bloody stool that looks like someone emptied a bottle of ketchup in the run. By then, it's too late."

Parvovirus is highly contagious, though not to humans. If you have other dogs, separate them from the dog which has parvo.

It gets in their toys, their food, and even on the ground.

Parvovirus is the most contagious killer dog virus in history and the virus can last in and around your house for 6-10 months.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PUP OR DOG HAS PARVO GO RIGH TO THE VET. DO NOT BUY INTO OTHER REMEDIES. IT WILL COST YOU MONEY BUT THE VET CAN TREAT YOUR PET.

Tonight I am grateful I saw what was happening with Oliver, within an hour of his arrival from his foster home AND that we have such a wonderful shelter we can offer special pricing on treatments and can educate pet owners.

Once a Baby, Now a Boomer

What a sad tale this fellow has but now APL has taken him into the shelter. Nuts as we are, Boomer may come to live his final weeks, months or years out at our house. Hopefully someone who has fewer dogs will benefit from his love but if not, he'll be bunking here with dogs in his own age group - 12-14 years.

Sometimes I question our sanity. But, it is never for long. We have the space. Yes, there is plenty of dust inside and let's not discuss dog hair. Our energy levels are not what we think they are. Dogs bark for attention and we can only hold so many on our laps at one time. I just laugh at the prospects of bringing in #7.

If pets bring laughter into our lives before we even meet them, imagine the joy and love possible when they take ownership of us!

Wherever Boomer takes up residency it is sure to be a better place than where he was. And, he will be loved to the end. For this and for him we are thankful for our choices.

AUGUST 20th update: Boomer has his new home and it is not with us. He and his lady love will spend his remaining years in great comfort together! Celebrate the companionship they are building!