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.

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!

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 :-)

Rain, Rain ---- and More Rain

Enough cannot be said about natural aids for pooches (and other critters). The spring storms

The creek overflows just a bit!

are abundant and long lasting right now and as a result our pups enjoy knowing someone is home right now plus they have each been given a teensy piece of a calming treat that is made up of natural ingredients. Because they are resting close by I am able to blog!

Lisa M took photos of us last summer!

If that were not enough, the big guy who was having muscle spasm trouble is now on an aloe/yucca/glucosamine/alphalfa product, known as K9 Crumbles, coming from a place in Wisconsin. He's not had a spasm in 7 days. No more Rymadil either. His bounce is back; he's energetic and alert! We could not be more thrilled!

But enough about the babes in the woods for now...let's get a look at what the spring rains do bring us. We traveled to a nearby natural herb place (to pick up re-supply of K9 Crumbles) early today and got there before the store opened. It was fortuitous that I had the camera. Well, at least I think it was.

 The business has been around long enough that this may well have been the first barn or even store. It's storing a few odds and ends now but really is serving as an "attraction" for those of us who wander and wonder.

These moss-endowed rocks have been together for decades, forming the ground to above-roof chimney as well as appealing textures for visitors to observe.

Can't help but think these violets (yes there's another name for them - violas?) are swapping secrets. Perhaps the one on the right has mentioned rain is on the way, take cover! Soon enough they were drenched!



Once we were home again I dashed out between drops and nabbed a couple more close-up shots of the beauty provided by nature.



This is an early bloomer in our flower garden area; flowers appear before leaves emerge!

 The sunset maple leaves bud up a rosy crimson and allow the water to dangle from them before they burst open.

To all this, learn from the rain in the creek and the droplets on the plants.To the readers of this blog, I say it is sometimes best to go with the flow!

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.

"Record Breaking Snow" Now Playing in Springfield, IL

You probably will agree it seems the weatherpersons cry "Wolf!" too often. (Oh, no a dog reference so early, who'd have thought? And, FYI, ye of little faith, scientists will tell us all that 99.9% of dogs' DNA matches that of wolves.) Back to the weather, not that it is any more exciting, usually. This week we learned the weather folks do/can get it right. Well, almost. This time they UNDER-estimated what we might get in terms of that springtime precip: S-N-O-W.

Yes, springtime is what I write and what I mean. Typically, or should it be traditionally, along about the time everyone puts up their shovels, drops off the winter coat at the cleaners, rolls up the wool sox and puts them in the back of the drawer, and maybe starts a collection for giving away those items now deemed "I'm not wearing this another year), THAT'S when we get the final snow for the early part of the year. Realize of course I state this at the end of a month which sometimes is followed by a month of surprises. Why, I remember, back in ('XX) the Ice Storm on April 1st. Beautiful sight but treacherous travel which made me thankful I had fireplace heat and electrical power and neighbors to come over and share the spirit(s).

It cannot go un-noted, this will be a year to remember. Therefore, voila', a creation has been sculpted to plant the vision in my memory so decades from now I will recall this time as easily as I do the Ice Storm.

This time it was snow. On one of my visits to the homestead of folks who'd gone skiing (the joke definitely was on them) I had the dogs out romping and running and took
an extra 10 minutes to see what I could build for the snow was
perfect for a construction project. For a first time effort, my
resting snow dog turned out "OK". Don't comment that you cannot see

it. I do not want to read that. Look again. two front legs, a head, one ear out "in the breeze" and one close to the head, a reclining body, one rear leg and a tail. Granted, if I have to go to that extent in defining it then maybe it's not all that great. Oh. Well.

Moving on, let me present two boundless pooches who took it all in stride.

These buddies could not get outside fast enough or play long enough. They rolled in the snow, laid flat in it and also managed to start to walk out onto the covered pool. Thankfully I put a stop to that for I was not certain what I'd do if they broke through, what with the weight of the snow also on top of the pool. They were good. I had it under control. We truly enjoyed being out in this, albeit three times a day. Breathing in the crisp and decidedly fresh air was tremendous. Temps never prevented our adventuring out.

Alas, it's all behind us now, turned to slush and mud. Hopefully this is just what the farmers want to kick off planting season. I'd hate to think it was nothing more than the opportunity to get all that gear out again, put it on time after time after time, and now wonder if it is OK to put it in storage.

Before I go, I want to share this photo of what I call MamaMazda and her baby. Maybe it's just my weird sense of humor influenced by the adjustment in the weather.Humor me. It was funny when I saw them, a big Mazda and a little one, same basic style, same color, side by side.
Give me a break!

Spring Sprung a Leak

Last night the state capitol received a delivery of 17" of snow. Who knew? The pre-snow reports suggested 4"-8", something more tolerable but un-Spring-like just the same. And, wouldn't you know it, we live in the country and the county E-W roads held up to their notorious reputations of being blown closed because there's nothing in the fields to stop the snow from being moved.

It happens to be spring break here. We're not seeing much spring and there's certainly no "break". Some fortunate folks skidaddled skeedattled out of  left town JIT. That's Just In Time, a term typically associated with inventory re-stocking but useful here. Those I am affiliated with left their pets in my care. Cats could probably handle a day alone. No one would be there to listen to their complaints but otherwise, it would be purrfect. But dogs? Leaving them alone for 24 hours - not an idea that will have a huge following. Right?

What this means is I am trekking out into the whiteness. Although I've been taking photos all along, this afternoon offered a window of clarity, over flurries, and I took advantage of it to snap a few shots. I had good company too! Certainly this little guy was thinking he arrived back in the neighborhood a bit too early. It looks a bit as if he is about to be covered with a flood of snow but such was not the case. He moved along and the snow stayed put.

  Turns out all the dogs truly feel released from all worries when they head out into the snow. Go figure.
It takes extra time to make certain
I enter homes or kennels without
traipsing in any snow or ice. So there's a lot of on again off again with outerwear. The dogs know I'm there, not only by scent (hey, not what you think) but also by sound of my clunking around in the entryways. It's not a surprise when I step in where they are relaxing and greet them. They are R.E.A.D.Y. to depart!

There are endless games to play in the snow, not to mention tasting it. No doubt the greatest game requires being able to and wanting to chase another critter through the deep drifts and then do a little rolling around in the snow. We'll never know if the dog thinks that by rolling in it and getting a little on his/her forehead or chest that none of the others will see him/her for awhile. Just another one of those topics that line up under the all-important question: I wonder what that dog is thinking?

Ted Kerasote Does It Again!

Wheeee, I'm back! It's spring break here and I have several "clients" who need to be fed and walked regularly so they see me three times a day. Good dogs and cats - each and every one of them. Often we hear how independent and unattached cats are. I'm here to say the cats get lonely. They cling to me upon arrival and "talk a leg off". Dogs, love 'em dearly, want to go out and want a toy and a treat. They'll do anything you want (I didn't use the word "always") but I suspect there's a personal motive involved. The cats are just pleased to see someone in the house. Granted, they do disappear when the newness wears off and they recognize it's just me.

And, already this morning I have done a task that makes me ask "Are these people nuts for having me take care of their critters?" One place I am visiting has plants and the note left for me includes a request to water the plants. You know where I'm going don't you? Yes, I watered a fake one. It was early this a.m. The note said "living room" and that was IT in the living room. I caught on. It's drying upside down in the kitchen sink now. No one will be the wiser, really. They don't know I blog. :-)

Really important today is sharing with you all a wonderful book, PUKKA'S PROMISE. For you who are MERLE'S DOOR fans this is the next non-fiction book Ted Kerasote has written about dogs in his life. If you haven't read about Merle you can do that first or not but I highly recommend both books. What's critically different about this new book is the exhaustive, extensive research done regarding dogs in the human world. Like Ted, I found myself thinking, "I wish I'd known that..." Gosh, we humans have a great deal to learn about what chemicals, processes, surgeries, etc are suitable for ourselves and our dogs. Naturally I hope Ted will continue producing some of the best books around as I find his real-life-situations very heartwarming and revealing. I have read and do read other male authors' books about dogs but Ted always reveals a great deal about himself too, showing his tenderness. The only other author who did so convincingly wrote FOLLOWING ATTICUS.

Yes, usually I try to tell tales of/on myself but some exceptions are worthwhile these are tremendouse "reads" and if you read a blog you can read a book! Go forth and conquer the world with words!

Summer Reading Program

Every summer the local library conducts a children's reading program. It always seems to be a load of fun and my traditional input is to request the same for the adult readers in the community. We have winter, with Cabin Fever - a joyful experience on its own but a summer program would be welcomed too. There doesn't have to be an end of the program potluck; we'd manage!

This year I've noticed a tendency in my own summer reading: there's always some sort of theme. One year, OK two or three years, it has been dogs and assorted other typically 4-legged creatures. When THE HELP was published I found myself reading it, along with several other southern novels, all which drew me to take a trip below the Mason Dixon line. 2012 finds me reading my second Young Adult novel! Mercy you say - aren't those easy reading?

They are not always easy reading if you choose carefully and I have chosen WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS and THE YEARLING. Both explore relationships with animals. Both have young people as main characters. Both include richness in dialogue, character development, and moral messages. Their appeal is not limited to the pre-teen or early teen group. I'm distanced from that age range by a good country mile.

So if you're hankering for some down-to-earth novels that every one of us should experience, check those two out. If you cried at OLD YELLER, if you are a friend of Flicka, if THE VELVETEEN RABBIT makes you feel real, if you punned your way thru THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH and found your way to the library then you'll love these books! Check it out. What a novel idea.

Damaged Goods

Sure enough, we were bound and determined we were going to be do-gooders this holiday. It comes upon us suddenly and we get tunnel vision regarding all else going on in our lives. Off we go, cheerfully convinced that no harm will come from our being away from home on a Wednesday night.

Wrong. Wrong, wrong-wrong.

Fast forward only about 3 hours. In that time it became quite apparent that someone within the confines of the household had realized he has a deficiency in both wood and plastic. It had to be Baxter.

We're not sure what he started with but we know he developed a taste for hard plastic a few weeks ago when he went after a cordless phone. Highly likely this outburst resulted from a caller wanting to reduce his interest rate on all his credit cards. Baxter does not like nagging callers, especially when they don't have anything any of us want. Really.

We let that go.

However, that same evening (and I'm still building the background for you here) he also yielded to the temptation of the TV remote control. It's never been necessary to hide this from the dogs; they get to decide what to watch 90% of the time. We leave Clifford on TV when we go away, or Garrison on the radio. But not planning to be gone long and it being nighttime we figured, "Anh, we'll let them sleep." We could only hope he wanted to watch something on PBS to get him and his companions thru the angst associated with the ringing phone now ringing, crippled and sprawled, on the floor. Besides, it still worked, looking a little less together and more like the Velveteen Rabbit, "loved".


We let that go. We learned nothing from the experience.

Back to last night; stay with me here. We walk in after helping do the prep work for 230 Thanksgiving meals. Yup. That's right. I did say "do-gooders". We were thankful for being able to help and in high spirits as we opened the door.

And, there it all was - the aftermath: indoor dog party. There must have been a fling contest of coasters for they were scattered all about the living room. Granted one of the dogs loves to play frisbee/bring it but she knows to keep that outside. It had to be Baxter.

His tell-tale teeth marks were on the wooden holder for the coasters. Gnawed. DNA testing not required. Guilt confirmed by the pointing of the paws of his so-called pals and the sad sack, "I'm so sorry, Mom. I couldn't help myself. They made me do it" eyes. Baxter led us to the remnants of the remote control. No longer would it serve its intended purpose. Fortunately after the last adventure we'd ordered a replacement which had remained in its secret box. Bits of silver plastic appeared under furniture which had been sat upon during the free for all.

Any pet owner who thinks they have control, remote control or otherwise, needs to think again!

A Day in the Country

Green Grass
Green Tree
Green Barn

My husband's new vehicle has a built-in GPS. Before going any further with this be aware that I'm deadset against them as they are just another means of replacing thinking with some technical gadget. I LIKE figuring out the map, etc. At the same time, if they can provide up to the minute info, well, it helps.

Regardless, we were invited to some wonderful friends' house for lunch today. They finished a home project (which looks great) and were willing to show it off AND cook out. We could not resist. We also would get to see their 3 dogs and meet the cat! It's about 40 miles from here, hard to say, you'll see.



From my 'Blue' Period

 We started out the back country road by my choice. Part way there I found a barn to photograph and we stopped. With this car it's impossible to program the GPS while the car is moving. The passenger must "sit on her hands" apparently. While I was clicking away he put in our destination.

Back on the road we were promptly routed to the interstate. FREAKIN' NO!!!! We ended up going AROUND the town and having to cut back over and then make two phone calls. Thankfully we were given a business to look for as the place to make the final turn because the system wasn't going to tell us to make it.
I'm guessing we actually drove about 75 miles as we were an hour and a half in getting there, counting my 5 minutes of a "photo shoot".

Going home was just as grand. Push HOME. Yeah, right. I'd re-set the program to "shortest route" to avoid the interstate and we had good directions. Our first turn was a wrong one. I suggested and received a turnaround, no problem. When the second one was missed I gave up and decided to enjoy the ride in the country and ask to stop whenever I wanted to do just that.


White Phase



Traditional Red

See if YOUR GPS can find this!

In the end I got what I wanted :-) And, inside one of these barns was a fabulous surprise.

But I'm still going to find a way to shut that GPS O-F-F.