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 :-)

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.