Dog Blog for five dogs

Adopted! A new beginning for Gizmo!

2010-07-02T21:07:00.005-05:00

The second week of June brought several people who were interested in Gizmo. She was crossposted on Facebook, on Petfinder classifieds, listed on Russell Rescue, and on Last Chance Dog Rescue Alabama. Life with Dogs posted her as well.

We interviewed two potential adopters, but unfortunately we only have one Gizmo. When I told Shannon that Gizmo wanted her to be her new Mom, she said that Gizmo will live the rest of her sweet life with them. She took a piece of my heart with her, but she is happy in her new life and that means the world to me.

Gizmo has a terrier mix sister named Honey. She is a gentle little dog, with a calm and sweet spirit.

She also has a brother named Henry, but he didn't slow down long enough to get a good picture!

Here she is meeting her family in her new home. I hear her Dad said that Gizmo is going to be his dog. She's doing very well and loves everyone.

The hardest part of leaving her was seeing Gizmo look up at me as though we were leaving together. Her Dad took her out back with the other dogs so she wouldn't see me leave.

She was my Baby Girl, even for such a short time.

Gizmo rocks!!

2010-05-03T13:08:00.003-05:00

Gizmo is looking for her forever human. Please see the two previous posts for more details, pictures, and another video. You can send me a message throgh my profile. A widget on the side bar will also take you to our other blog where you will find our profile.

Gizmo still needs a forever home

2010-04-30T11:39:00.010-05:00

Some new pictures of our foster girl. This dog is a sweetheart! She's been turning over and giving us her belly which is a good sign showing she trusts us. She's doing well here, but hoping her forever human will see her and give her the life she deserves. 11 lbs, 11 years old, owner surrender to the shelter, fully vetted and fully housetrained. No health issues, teeth are beautiful! Loves to play catch, she's still has lots of life in her. No issues with cats whatsoever. You want the perfect dog that's so easy to care for? She's right here!

Currently living in Central AL. No small/young children. Please see her previous post.

Our foster girl needs a loving home!

2010-04-14T17:15:00.006-05:00

I've been actively involved in animal rescue for the past few months. We'll have lot's of stories to share with you soon.

Meet Gizmo, our little foster girl. I pulled her from the shelter thinking she was going to rescue. I decided to foster her because she had kennel cough when I picked her up. She is well now. Her bones, blankie, and toys are packed. She is ready to go to her forever home. She needs a safe place where she will get attention, love, and the security of retirement. If you ever dreamt of a perfect little lap dog that is no trouble whatsoever, Gizmo is your girl.

If we didn't have a house full of dogs already, she would never leave. I cannot keep her; I promised to save her and rehome her.

My name is Gizmo. My name is all I have left of my old life. I'm an 11 yr. old JRT mix that once had a family that held me and spoiled me with treats. My family took me to the shelter and told them that "I tried to bite the grandkids", but my records state I have no bite history. A lady came to save me from an uncertain fate and now I'm looking for my forever home.

I got sick at the shelter, but I took antibiotics and I feel much better now! Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection that many dogs can get in a shelter environment. My foster Mom pushed my medicine down the back of my throat and I didn't bite her! I didn't even try! I didn't fight or squirm either!! You should have seen me at the vet! I was on my best behavior getting shots, my check-up and my nails trimmed!!

My foster home has three cats that don't interest me at all!

I'm also living with five dogs and I'm doing well.

I'm fine in a crate, but I prefer to be in a room when no one is with me. In fact if foster Mom is busy, I just go right back to my bed. Foster Mom let me stay in a room the first few days, but my foster brother let me sleep with him after that! I'm fine in your bed or in my own!!

I'm so easy to care for - you would love me if you knew me!

I'm completely housetrained. I go potty and I'm ready to go back inside. My foster family has 15 steps and I run up them like I'm 2 years old!!

I like to be held and to lie in your lap, but if you can't hold me I'll just find a soft spot to get comfortable.

I don't bark unless other dogs bark first, then I chime in. I do well on a leash and would love to go for walks with you.

I'm affectionate, but not the kissing type. If you speak to me, I'm all ears!

I have many good years ahead of me to love someone new. I've adapted easily to a lot of change recently and I still love everyone.

I like to play "catch the soft toy" and I'll bring it back to you. I can easily run up and down steps and walk on wood or tile floors, but I only weigh 11 lbs so you can carry me if you want to. I'm also very good at sitting with my paws up and begging if I need to go outside or if I'm asking you to pick me up.

I don't do well on hard food. I have my teeth, but it doesn't appear that I've eaten it before. This explains why I lost so much weight in the shelter. (EDIT 6/15) Gizmo actually likes Pedigree dry. She grazes a little in the morning and late afternoon. I guess she wasn't familiar with our premium food - Taste Of The Wild.

Foster Mom thinks it would be better for my to go to a home without children or to a home with teenagers. I don't mind if you kiss me when you are holding me, but it's probably best that no one lean over the top of me.

Foster Mom will discuss adoption with family or friends. She doesn't want me to go back to a shelter again where I could lose my life. Foster Mom would keep me, but her house is full and if she keeps me she won't be able to help other dogs in the future.

If you know someone looking for a small lap dog with good manners, please tell them about me. My health is good and my teeth are good. I'm spayed and up-to-date on my shots. DOB 3/29/1999. Application, home visit, and adoption fee will apply. Transportation can be arranged. Long distance transport is additional cost. I'm worth it!!

One black spot

2010-03-09T12:08:00.003-06:00

Tobys ears were bothering him this week. He scratches, cries, and shakes his head. The head shaking is not good because it can cause a hematoma (blood clot) on the ear that could require surgery. Our cat had one once from shaking her head when she got ear mites from our other cat. Lilith was a stray. After a couple of visits the vet and with the use of medication, they always come back.

Toby will lie next to Sam and Sam will lick his ears. I usually stop them because every time Sam licks his ears they start to bother him. I have to hold Toby down for ear drops because he doesn't like his ears or feet messed with. My husband put the drops in his ears and went to bed. Toby didn't want to have anything to do with me after that.

Oh, Come on Tobes, sit with Mommy.

Don't you want to sit with Mommy?

Toby, you don't have to lay over there, come up on the couch with me.

Tobster?

Okay, I'll leave you alone.

That one black spot makes Toby a Tri-colored Jack Russell.

Chloe's health is worsening

2010-03-04T16:58:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I had the mobile vet come to give the dogs their annual shots and check-ups. Usually the dogs go to our regular vet, but Darlin’, our rescued stray, needed a heartworm recheck so I decided since I was paying the vet to see Darlin’, I might as well have them all taken care of at home. It sure beat splitting them up in pairs and taking them at two different times. It was very convenient having to only walk out my front door to her mobile unit.

Darlin’ went first. She was fearful as I expected, but she did walk up into the truck alone. She went and cowered on the scale so getting her weight was easy. She weighed in at 47 lbs and is overweight. No surprise, she is inactive and prefers to live her days and nights at my feet. She was 34 lbs one year ago when she saw the vet the first time. At that point I had been feeding her 8 months, six months while living on the streets and two months here at home. She had a lot of exercise while living alone and out in the elements. Now the most exercise she gets is a little time out in the yard and occasionally a good run with Toby, her buddy who she’s bonded with. I knew she was too fat, but 13lbs up was a shock to me! All of the skin that hung below her tummy from having puppies before we met has filled in and is nothing but fat. I’d like for her to lose 10 lbs. She didn’t budge or make a sound during her exam and shots. She is heartworm negative! I had a feeling the results would be good because she no longer has labored breathing. We are thankful.

Toby was next. He had his shots, his teeth examined, and his nails trimmed, as they all did. He does not like his feet or ears messed with. Last week it took 30 minutes of massaging him for me to trim the five longest nails! The technician had to hold him tight as he wiggled and moaned to free himself from her grasp. Every time the vet trimmed off a nail we would say, “Good Boy!” His tail began to wag and it got easier. Her scale weighed him at 14.8 pounds. She was amazed, but he doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him. She commented about how much muscle he has now and how he only weighed 11lbs when she trimmed his nails for me last year. I told her how he had only been out of the pound a month at that time and that we think he was right at a year old. At one year dogs are at adult size, but most dogs are not at adult weight until they are 1 1/2 - 2 years old, under normal diet and circumstances.

Bonnie was very submissive, tail lowered and curled under as much as it could. She didn’t make a sound when she got her shots or her nails trimmed and she trembled like a leaf when I carried her out. Bonnie doesn’t like visiting the vet at all; no amount of sweet talk will get a tail wag out of her. She weighed in at 19 lbs, exactly what she weighed last year. Bonnie could lose 1-2 pounds which won’t be hard now that our weather is warming up.

Sam, the role model and perfect mascot for any mobile vet. He ran up into the truck wagging his tail and greeted the vet and assistant with tail wags and kisses. He went straight to the scale to sniff and his weight was 56.7 lbs! He weighed 48 lbs when we adopted him less than 5 years ago. He did fine with his exam, nail trim, and check-up, but he screamed when she drew blood. Sam will be 10 years old this December. Because of his age she prefers to do a blood test on older dogs to check for early signs of kidney problems or other possible diseases. If the vet had allowed me to hold his leg still instead of letting it dangle, he wouldn’t have pulled back and lost the needle three times. Next year I will hold his leg and she will only have to stick him once! After he had his blood drawn he sat there with his ears flat against his head and looked like a wounded puppy, but he still had it in him to lean over and kiss the technician. You gotta love Sam!

Chloe was last. She ran into the truck excited and ready to meet and greet. Chloe has a collapsed trachea so I talked to the vet about her snorting like a pig when she eats, her frantic breathing when she gets excited, and her teeth because I swear this dog has gum disease for being so young. Chloe had lost two teeth before she was three years old, she has the plaque and tarter of an old dog and her breath is so bad sometimes it will turn your stomach. Last year my vet complimented my dog’s teeth and asking me what I fed them. At the time I questioned whether he had examined them thoroughly because Chloe’s teeth and breath were already bad for a five year old dog. I suppose what I told the vet led her to look further. She asked if she could x-ray Chloe. I thought she was going to see if her trachea was narrowing more. She took x-rays of her chest instead. When she put the x-ray up for me to see, she said, “If I were to just glance at this x-ray, what do you think I would say to myself?” I looked at the x-ray and without a doubt in my mind I knew, “She has an enlarged heart.”

Chloe weighed 24 lbs so she needs to lose 4-5 lbs. I’d like her to have an ultrasound to make sure that her distended stomach is not a fluid build up related issue. Chloe always feels bloated to me, especially after she eats, which has concerned me for the last few years.

So what causes Coronary Heart Disease in Dogs? Some dogs may be predisposed it. Chloe probably is considering her declining heath since she was a year old when we discovered her collapsed trachea. Some research shows low levels of Taurine deficiency may contribute to enlarged heart. I found this website helpful in researching dog food and canine dietary needs, The Dog Food Project.

My dogs eat meat several times a week and eat canned dog food, supposedly a meat food. I checked the label of Predigree and what do you think the first ingredient is? Water! Grains and by-products too. Dogs don’t eat grains naturally. If they lived in the wild they would get their grains from the stomachs of the animals they eat, not by going out and grazing in a wheat field. I have tried a raw meat diet, but I don’t live near a butcher so it’s not something we can afford.

People should feed their dogs what they can afford. I have recently cut down on our dog food expenses by mixing some dry into their dinner. I’m switching to Taste of the Wild Wetlands dry and going to spend the money I would on canned food for five dogs to whole foods and prepare their foods myself. I already boil chicken once a week for them so now I will make enough chicken and ground beef to take the place of their canned food. I’ll probably give them the ground beef raw. I think it would be cheaper for us than to buy the highest quality canned food. I’ll let you know if I can do this. The dogs need to lose weight so a higher protein based diet should help. The only carbohydrates they will get will come from natural occurring starches in sweet potatoes and carrots, maybe some peas. I have more research and reading to do. The vet thinks cutting out on a few treats a day will help with their weight loss. I’ve already been breaking treats in half and my husband understands the importance of doing his part now. He sometimes gives two treats! It’s his fault! ;o)

I’ve checked my records from a year ago and there are some weight discrepancies between the two vet’s scales, but it’s obvious that at least three of the dogs need to lose more than a few pounds. Other than the weight issues and Chloe’s findings, the other dogs were all healthy.

You may have noticed we had some snow last month here in Alabama. It was nice for the dogs, but not so good to me. I took this picture right before I fell down these stairs!

The water in the wood was frozen which made the steps very slick. I managed to break my fall by grabbing the railing. My foot prints were on the bottom two steps so I slipped down 13 of them. I was pretty bruised up. My arm was really bruised from breaking my fall, I guess it slammed into the railing. My butt was black until about a week ago. The worst was the back of both calves hit so hard one still has bruise all the way across the back and is just now turning blue. It is and was quite deep in the muscle. I have a lot to be thankful for since it was no worse than that. Not long after I fell I had my son put up baby gates and we used the downstairs entrance until the temperatures warmed up.

Our area didn't get an inch, other areas had several inches.

Saturday Smiles

2010-02-26T23:14:00.003-06:00

It's a black screen, push the play arrow.

Mommy’s been crying

2010-02-20T14:20:00.007-06:00

Tomorrow is a special anniversary for me. Mom has made it my birthday too because my new life began on Saturday, February 21, 2009.

The post is long, filled with many details, but we want to share our story for those that will take time to read it.

A year ago Mom saw three dogs on Petfinder that were out of time and listed as Urgent. Mom called Russell Rescue and told Mary Ruth that if she could take two of the dogs, she would foster one. Mom already had three dogs at the time, plus she had, Jack, a foster dog, and she was trying to figure out how to trap a stray dog (Darlin’) she had been feeding. Mom was also trying to find a home for Skip, Jacks housemate that was being boarded. Mom called the shelter and told them she couldn’t make the trip until Saturday, but to please hold the dogs for her.

Jack, moms foster dog at the time.

The day before Mom made the trip to Tennessee she received an email that Grady, the Fox Terrier, was adopted so she only had to pick up two dogs.

The links are still there and that’s what made Mommy get all emotional.

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13042539

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12967638?rvp=1

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13048928?rvp=1

More About Toto
Toto is a real sweetheart. We think he is a young adult his teeth are very clean. He loves to be held and near people. He needs a loving forever home with someone who will keep him as a faithful companion. He is very unhappy and lonely here. Dogs at the shelter do not have long. If you see an animal you are interested in, please contact us as soon as possible.

More About Laurel
This a sweet loving and giving dog. She will give you unconditional love and affection. She needs a forever home that will keep her inside and allow her to be a lap dog! Dogs at the shelter do not have long. If you see an animal you are interested in, please contact us as soon as possible.

More About Grady
Grady is a super sweet adult male. He loves to be held and loved. He will make an awesome indoor companion pet. If you are looking for a lap snuggler heres your boy! Dogs at the shelter do not have long. If you see an animal you are interested in, please contact us as soon as possible.

I remember the day Grady left. I was scared and lonely. I use to bark a lot hoping they would come get me out of there. I couldn’t see much because there were walls around me, but I could watch people walk by. The floor was cold and I didn’t have any soft babies or anyone to keep me company. A nice looking lady walked by my kennel talking to the lady that worked where I was living at the time. She stopped and talked to me while the lady that worked there told her all kinds of really nice things about me. But then they kept on walking until I couldn’t see them anymore…

Later that day the lady that worked at the shelter took me out of my kennel and put me in a dog carrier. I was so scared. I didn’t do anything wrong, I didn’t know why they would do that to me. Then she stopped and took another dog out of her kennel and put her in a dog carrier. She was scared too. The shelter worker called her Laurel. She picked us up and walked us out of the building and put us in her car. I thought we were going home! Finally!

We arrived at another building and she carried us inside. She handed us over to some nice people wearing bright colorful uniforms. The lady took us back to a room, and took us out of the dog carrier and put us in small metal cages. Oh no, I thought, not again!

Later that evening when the building was quiet they came to get me. They poked me in the leg with a sharp needle and I don’t remember that night at all. In the morning I woke up feeling kind of woozy and sick. I started barking for them to let me out of there, but my voice had changed! I went to sleep, exhausted, stressed, and unsure about what was going on.

The lady that poked me in the leg the night before came to get me and Laurel. This time she didn’t put me in the dog carrier, she carried me out into the lobby! Oh how I love to be held. As she walked out with me, I saw Mom standing there. Mommy had her sister with her and she was very excited to see us. Our eyes met and I knew that Mommy was there because of me! The lady carried me out to Mommy’s car and put me in another darn dog carrier, but something felt right now so I was quiet and calm. The woman told Mom that she thought I had been de-barked because my voice sounded weird. I had a sore throat from barking because I was so afraid, but no one knew that. Then she put Laurel in the other dog carrier in Moms cars and she didn’t make a sound either. Mom thanked the lady, offered us a dog biscuit, and drove away with me and Laurel in the back.

We were in the car about 45 minutes when I got sick. The hills of Tennessee wind through the mountains, plus I didn’t have my strength back from the night before. I heard Mommy tell her sister that she needed to pull over and check on us, that she thought one of us got sick. Mom pulled over and told me in a soft voice that everything was going to be okay. She took the towel out of my kennel and put a fresh one in for me. She kept driving and we remained quiet as a mouse.

Mom stopped a little while after that and met with another nice lady named Mary Ruth. I know Mom liked her because she hugged her when they saw each other. Mary Ruth said we were really cute. They exchanged some papers and Mary Ruth took Laurel and put her in her car. Mom’s sister, Brenda wanted Laurel, I heard her call her husband and ask him if she could have her, but she was disappointed when he told her they needed to make the decision together.

Then Mom stopped again, but this time she stopped at a place that smelled so good! She took me out of the carrier and let me go potty. She poured me a bowl of water and I drank every drop because I was so thirsty. Mommy handed my leash to her sister and she went inside. She came back out and unwrapped the most wonderful smelling sandwich and gave me all of the roast beef! Then she tore up the bread and I ate that too! I snatch it out of her hands because I hadn’t eaten in 24 hours! I knew I must be in heaven now! If riding in Moms car meant I was going to eat roast beef, I was going to be on my best behavior!

After I ate she put me back in the carrier and we drove a long time to her sisters house. We got out of the car and took a few pictures. Mom’s sister, Brenda, didn’t have a dog, but she had a dog bed so she went inside and brought it out to me. I loved it right away! Brenda carried me to Moms car in the dog bed and put me in the front seat this time.

Brenda and me

Mom told me to lie down and rest because we still had a long ride ahead of us.

It was dark by the time we got to Mommy’s house. She had been driving 11 hours that day and we were both worn out. This time she didn’t carry me, she let me walk inside on my own. Sam, Chloe, Bonnie, and her foster dog, Jack, greeted me at the door. I saw Daddy across the room with a big smile on his face, but all he said was, “Oh my.” I knew I was home, I just knew it!

I found a spot under Mommy desk so I could be close to her when she worked. A few days later when she realized I was going to lay there a lot she put a bed under there for me.

I still had betadine stains on me.

I was here just three days, when one night I was laying on Mommy’s lap while she watched TV. Mom looked down at me with tears in her eyes, and then she looked over at Daddy and said, “Can we keep him?” “I promise I won’t keep anymore.” Daddy said, “I knew he would never leave when he walked in the door.” Mom gets all emotional when something touches her heart, so she started crying!

But that’s not all!

Mommy couldn’t understand how I became a stray. I was at that pound ten days so she thought that was enough time for my owners to find me. Besides, I was picked up in a very small town so it shouldn’t have been hard to find a lost dog. Mom knew if she had a dog that got lost she would search everywhere and never give up hope. As much as she was falling in love with me, she wanted to make sure that no one was looking for me.

So she began searching lost dog websites and Craigslist and look what Mommy found…

“I was picking up my kitty from the vet the other day, and in walked a woman with scrubs on. She was just getting to the vet office and turns out she was from animal control. Next thing I knew, she was bringing in two crates...each filled with a precious Jack Russell. Turns out that she was bringing them there so a rescue could pick them up after they got fixed. The first one that came in was sooo soo hyper in his little crate! He just seemed so happy. It filled my heart with joy--this little guy was no longer on death row. And it seemed like he knew it too! Ya know, he was like "I’m free! I’m a free man!" It was so heartwarming. The next one that came in was a little more timid, like she was saying "ok I have no clue what’s going on...nervous.." I don’t know if it’s just me, but this really touched me. The Jack Russell rescue was taking in these little guys. You know most times, the rescues still have to pay the shelters to get an animal out...and they only care about the animals. So in my opinion rescues are a blessing! Thank you rescues everywhere for saving innocent little prisoned animals!!

So Mommy replied to this message…

Was this at Anderson Clinic? Your post sounds like my rescues that I picked up from there after they were altered. I picked up two, a broken coat male and a smooth coat female. Let me know, I'll send you a picture.

And the lady wrote back…

YES! It was! I’d LOVE to see some pics; these dogs were just TOO TOO precious! :-)

Mommy wrote her back and she sent pictures of me. She also thanked this lady for her kind words and mentioning how rescues work with their own funds to save dogs and cats.

Mom renamed me Andy. Daddy said I needed a good Irish name since England and Ireland are where Jack Russell’s originated from. A few days after naming me Andy, Mom found out that her foster dog, Jack, and his brother, a shepherd/husky mix, which was being boarded at a vet’s office at the time, was dumped at the local kill shelter by his owner - a man named Andy! Mommy quickly renamed me something that wouldn’t remind her of that guy!

And guess where Jack went to live? Moms sister and her husband decided to come visit Jack just two weeks later! Jack was easy to care for, no issues whatsoever and completely house trained. He would sometimes go 10 hours without having to potty. He never barked and was very affectionate. It had been years since they had a dog so Jack was a good match for them. They adopted him and gave him a forever home!

Here's Jack with Brenda's grandaughter who loves him very much!

Daddy found Skip a home with a co-worker about two weeks later. Skip took the place of a dog that died of old age. His friend was very sad and lonely without him so Skip still has a friend to live with.

Mom took me to the vet to have an x-ray because I carry one leg up and I didn't have any muscle tone on my back legs. The vet told her I had a fractured hip at some point that had healed and he thought I might be two years old, but he was sure I was young. I weighed exactly 11 lbs then, but I was very thin and you could feel my bones. Since then my teeth show a little more age and I now weigh a whopping 13.6 lbs! Some of that is muscle too! Mom is pretty sure I'm two years old now, so I was right around a year old when she found me.

Mommy wanted another Jack Russell Terrier, but she didn’t want to rush into anything because Bonnie is a dominant female and it would take a special dog to get along with her. Mommy also wanted a Jack Russell with black markings, one with a mask over one eye. Mom does believe that we get the dogs that need us, not necessarily the ones we want. I’m glad Mommy wanted me because I needed her. Some people might call me a foster failure, Mom calls me a blessing.

So that’s my story, I hope you enjoyed learning more about me.

With love, Toby

What the dogs do when I'm not home

2010-02-12T15:18:00.003-06:00

I wanted to get a nanny cam to see what the dogs do when I'm away. My daughter took this picture for me. She and my husband told me that they wait for me by the door. Darlin', our rescued stray, still has fear issues with my family so she waits in her bed in my room. She will greet me with the others when I open the door. This picture makes me heart happy.

Feeding five dogs, with video

2010-02-06T14:25:00.012-06:00

Hi Everyone! No, we didn't fall off the face of the earth. Mom has had a lot of work and little free time for posting. She sure takes a lot of pictures though and she made a few videos too. Special Thanks to our furry friends that stopped by to check on us.

Our weather is warming up, although we just went through two full days of rain with cold wind so we slept a lot. You can even see green patches of new grass coming up in our yard, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner.

Mom was able to check in with many of you, but hasn't commented because it took time. She hopes to have more time to blog soon, but she is thankful for her work. We are all do for our annual check-up and shots, plus Mom may have the mobile vet come again to check if Darlin' is free from heartworms. We sure hope so!

The OP Pack gave us our first official blog award! They named us! It's the Showing Some Love Award! Our Mom's heart just swelled up with love! She's a sensitive type and we are still kinda new to dog blogging so that meant a lot to her. Thank you so much Phantom and Thunder for thinking of us and making us feel warm and fuzzy inside as you spread your love throughout dog blog land. We love you both and your Mom!

Please copy the image, save it to your computer, and add it to your blog. We would like to show our love by offering this award to everyone that stops by! Our friends deserve the special attention! That's you!

To kick off a new week and hopefully a few more posts during February, Mom made a video of dinner at our house. Some nights are quieter (a lot quieter) in the kitchen than others, but this is our routine.

In the video Mom was mentioning what she feeds us. She has changed our food since the first of the year. She always free feeds dry, which we graze on a little if we get hungry. You know we don't eat much dry because a 20lb bag of dry lasts almost 6 months. At dinner Mom was feeding us two large cans and one small can of wet food divided up between five dogs, with portions adjusted for the size of each dog.

Mom boils chicken at least once a week. She saves all the broth and tears all of the chicken off the bones. We get chicken and broth over our canned food for dinner, but just a little to enhance the scent and flavor.

Recently our Mom decided to switch things up a bit. She now puts a thin layer of dry in each bowl and pours some broth on top to help moisten it. That has helped to cut back on one large can of food, saving about $38 a month. We'll go through more dry now, but the dry food will go further. We don't mind. We still get the chicken and broth and it adds a little crunch to our meals which is good for our teeth and slows down Sam and Chloe a bit, the two dogs that eat the fastest.

Mom was really disappointed in some beef pizzle she bought last fall. She bought 12 lbs and if you've ever bought pizzle you know how expensive it can be. Well Mom put it in a Tidy Cat plastic container with a lid. Last week she wanted to fill our treat jar and the pizzle smelled awful, more than it usually does. It was full of bugs! They were probably in the pizzle when we got it, not from a bucket in the pantry, we don't have any bugs in there. They were weird looking too, similar to a furry rolly polly. Somebody at the dump may like it, but Mom was disgusted and said that she doesn't care if we're dogs, she's not giving us treats that had bugs!

Here are a couple of videos from dinner time at our house. Watch the mean ole' cat we have slap Toby in the butt! Poor Toby, it happens when he's not looking!

We'll try again tomorrow on the second video, blogger is being difficult.

Post Christmas

2010-01-18T16:55:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Wow! I knew it had been weeks, but just realized it’s been a month since I’ve posted. Between work, my house, the dogs, and family the month has flown by. My husband gave me a new laptop for Christmas and I didn’t put my hands on it until last week! If anyone uses Windows Live mail let me know, I’m a fan of Outlook which is no longer available. I’m totally disappointed about Outlook because I have email folders full of saved emails, links, pictures, recipes, and animal rescues going back more than four years.

The month in review with pictures!

This was the first time I hung stocking on the fireplace. My daughter used glitter glue and put the dog’s initials and a paw print on each. She also fussed because Toby’s had a pattern and looked different than the others. I guess Ill pick up a solid color when I see them next year.

The dogs had a good Christmas. They got lot's of stuffed toys, all of which Toby took within a minute of passing them out. We don't wrap for the dogs because they play while we unwrap our own.

Toby is selfish with toys. I've thought about what it must have been like for him at the pound and it's heartbreaking to think that he had no toys or someone to hold him. His happiness comes from being held or playing with a toy.

Toby came running in the room with this stuffed dog. Apparently he found it in my son's room. If it's stuffed, he thinks he can have it.

Sam spent Christmas guarding the presents.

He got a new tie. I don't think anyone could wear it better than he does.

Toby got a new sweater.

The other dogs don't care for clothes, they are too shy or active.

Azriel spent all of his free time under the tree. I had to wash the tree skirt because there was a large black spot where he slept that was nothing but hair.

This was my favorite Christmas picture. The kids were opening gifts when I noticed the wrapping paper was piling up on top of Bonnie. She didn't seem to care.

Darlin' is a lot more comfortable these days. She even played with toys one night during the Holidays. That's huge for us because she has a hard time relaxing when my family is home.

And she laid in the floor like a dog and had a chew! That was a first for her, usually she has a small one lying next to me on the couch. This one she held between her feet!

Dad took some time off from work through Christmas. Unfortunately it means working around the house. Bonnie is always nearby to assist him.

We visited with my step-son and his wife. Their dog has grown into a real beauty! This is Lucy, a mixed breed they adopted from a rescue group at Pet Smart when she was a few months old. She had to stay outside during dinner because we had family there with a newborn baby and they don't care much for dogs. I think she's awesome looking! They said she stands there and looks in the window every time they have company over, but she lives indoors otherwise.

My husband recieved a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas. I've had Toby close to a year now and he's never been so interested in food. The ham scent must have been calling him.

Toby sits at our table a lot, although usually not during dinner. I thought this was so cute so I took his picture. I put my camera away, my husband wasn't watching and my ham dissapeared from my plate! We'll be watching closely from now on, especially when we have ham!

Toby went to the nursing home. We heard so many stories from elderly people about their dogs. While it was great to see their faces light up with Toby, it was hard because they would tear up telling us about their dogs. One man (not pictured) was sitting in the hall in his wheelchair and started crying so hard as we approached. Later I saw him again with his family and he was fine. I felt sure seeing Toby brought back memories of a dog he had loved.

He spent about three hours there and was worn out on the way home.

We have dog beds throughout our home, two or more in each room. This dog bed is Sams, but everyone seems to favor it because it has a thick mattress. No doubt we'll be getting another soon.

I walked in the kitchen one morning and found Baby like this. I was worried she was sick. She was keeping warm!

An unlikely pair. Two dogs rescued within three weeks of each other have a strong bond.

For some reason Darlin prefers to play at night - after my husband has gone to bed. He tells me he doesn't hear the dogs. I hope so because it can get loud with them rough housing.

Our weather has gotten warmer. Chloe, our Eskie, would lay out in the cold, she prefers cold weather, but Bonnie and Toby shiver. Bonnie has been happier since the warm-up.

Last week I convinced my daughter to transport some pit bull mix puppies going to rescue for me. I had therapy and couldn't make the trip. She called after picking them up and said, "Mom, don't do this to me!" I asked why and she told me that it makes her want to bring them home. I told her she couldn't because I have five, but she helped to save three lives. They were pulled from a high kill shelter and taken to rescue in Florida. I wanted one too!

Transport for rescues is one of the easiest things a person can do for those wanting to help rescued animals. There are cats, ferrets, and even pot belly pigs that need transportation. Sometimes it only takes an hour to drive a leg. If you want to help saves lives, please look up Animal Rescue Transport or get on a mailing list and help save lives without having to commit to a lifetime of care.

I hope everyone has had a good start to the New Year. We wish you all a year of good health, increased wealth, and many happy memories!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T13:18:00.005-06:00

We would like to wish all of our friends a very Happy Holiday season!

May all of your Christmas wishes come true.

Wordless Wednsday

2009-12-16T00:06:00.001-06:00

And without mistletoe!

Eye Candy -Photo challenge

2009-12-14T10:58:00.003-06:00

Deborah, the Snowcatcher, has invited us to a photo challenge. She states that the challenge is called meme here in the USA. It’s supposed to be something like an Easter Egg Hunt. In order to find the hidden treasure, you have to read the other participants blogs.

The challenge is to go to the fourth or seventh folder in your My Pictures folder and post on your blog the fourth or seventh image from that folder. You then challenge friends to participate by inviting them via the blog entry. If you don’t use the My Pictures folder, find the 4th or 7th folder with pictures and choose the 4th or 7th picture. It does not have to be related to your blog! If you have folders within folders, you can choose the fourth folder within the fourth folder and the fourth image within that folder. You get the idea!

I realize everyone is really busy right now; however I would like to pass this challenge on to Three Dog Blog, The OP Pack, Sierra Rose, and A Vintage Cottage Home. Hopefully this will make it around the dog blog community so that all of our friends and readers will be participants. I’m a week late posting myself so whenever you get around to it is fine.

Be sure and link everyone so that our friends and readers can refer to each blog.

I’ve chosen the 7th image from my 7th folder taken in August 2007 when my husband and I made the trip to Alabama to decide on which new job offer he would accept. Our daughter would be changing schools, but was not happy about relocating for the second time in three years. We drove around the University and took pictures for her. She is studying to be a High School English Teacher. She told me last night she would like to continue with school until she has her Masters and go straight into teaching at a University level.

"The Hands." The sculpture, actually titled "Becoming," depicts a pair of large bronze hands, one holding a pair of keys, with the other hand guiding the first upwards. The hands represent the student grasping the keys of knowledge, with the second hand representing the professor's guiding touch.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-08T22:30:00.002-06:00

Darlin’s first picture and Christmas story.

2009-12-06T15:24:00.003-06:00

I’m posting this on both blogs because it seems appropriate.

A year ago today I took Darlin’s first picture. If I had taken her picture when I first started feeding her it would have made some people cry. She was so skinny that she looked hunched over with her stomach pulled up inside of her. She didn’t have her winter coat when we met, as a result her hair was thin and closer to her body. I thought she was some kind of hound dog. I was in such a hurry to feed her on schedule that taking her picture never crossed my mind. As soon as darkness fell I would watch the clock until it was time for me to leave the house.

So why Dec. 6th, 2008?

A local breeder had been shut down by the ASPCA. There were about 50 dogs that they had to surrender. The Humane Society took several, some went to rescues, and 16 were transported to a Michigan rescue. The ASPCA asked the breeder to pay for the gas needed to transport the dogs out of state. She said she wouldn’t do it because she didn’t want to give them up. When I heard about the gas, I made the donation because those dogs were not going to be delayed a chance at freedom if I had anything to do with it.

My husband and I met with the breeder’s husband at 8:00 in the morning at a grocery store parking lot. The same one that Darlin’ would be eating at once it turned dark. He was supposed to be bringing three Jack Russell’s going to Russell Rescue in Tennessee. They were not Jack Russell’s, they were Rat Terriers, but that’s okay, Russell Rescue wouldn’t turn them away. I had my camera along so that I could email the pictures to everyone involved in their rescue.

I asked the breeders husband for their names and any information he had. When he handed over the male he called JR, he said that JR had never been used for anything other than making puppies. They were frightened. In fact JR was in the back of the crate when we arrived at rescue and I didn’t realize it at the time, but he had to use the bathroom.

My daughter’s great grandmother (89 yrs at the time) lives in Tennessee so we stopped to visit with her that afternoon. Granny had a stroke in 2007 and moved into an assisted living home. We always take her out to lunch when we visit. It’s usually getting dark by the time we head home so I had Darlin’s food with me so that I could feed her on the way to our house. That day I had my camera too. It was hard getting Darlin’s picture because the camera I used isn’t good for taking pictures at night. Darlin’ was fearful too therefore I kept my distance as she ate over at her tree.

Yesterday we went to visit Granny in a North Alabama Rehab because she broke her hip in November and still isn’t able to walk. Darlin’ had been alone all afternoon and was really missing me. She cries, whines, barks, and gets overly-excited when I come in the door. All of are dogs are excited to see Mom and Dad even though the kids were home, but Darlin’ is different - and special. She usually hides in my room while I’m away. I’m sure she feels abandoned by me when I’m gone.

Last night I stood outside as Darlin’ went potty before bed. She still won’t stay in the yard without me and most times she will not go down unless I do. It was freezing cold and the ground was covered in frost. I wore my oversized coat with the hood over my head and I was still freezing, yet the night reminded me that it wasn’t quite as cold as some of the nights that Darlin’ spent alone outside last winter. As I stood there shivering waiting on the dogs, I was thankful that my mind is at peace this month.

Standing out in the cold last night took me back to last winter and winters past. It was December when my daughter asked what my intentions were concerning Darlin’. That’s when I told my family with tears on my eyes that I only intended to keep Darlin’ alive through winter by feeding her and the rest was in Gods hands. I didn’t want her, I had three dogs already. Besides, she didn’t want me, she wouldn’t come near me.

I knew my family was tiring of me not wanting to go places or do anything that might interfere with feeding Darlin’. I understood what was going on with them; they had to help me too. The questions hurt because it put what I had been doing into perspective. I knew that I was neglecting some of my own responsibilities because of Darlin’. How long was I going to continue with her feeding routine? How long could I keep doing it? I had to drive six miles every night. That’s not very far, but it was inconvenient. I couldn’t abandon her, especially not after three months. I couldn’t skip a feeding, not after establishing a routine. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that I was capable of feeding her and without me she would be hungry. What if I ever missed a meal, would she wait for me? It was hard enough knowing she was hiding in the cold somewhere. December was an emotional time for me.

It was Dec. 13th when we went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert. The concert started about the same time I would be feeding Darlin’. Afterwards we went to dinner. The concert was wonderful, but Darlin’ weighed heavy on my mind because I would be so late getting to her. We took my husband’s car that night therefore I knew I would have to ask him to stop so that I could buy food on the way home. There was more food than we could eat at dinner. I asked everyone to pass their plates and I scraped everything together in a carryout container for Darlin’. We pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store on our way home when I thought I saw something by her tree. As we got closer she lifted her head and I realized it was Darlin’ lying there napping and waiting for me! She waited over three hours!

It was raining and the wind blew hard for three days the week of Christmas. I knew Darlin’ wouldn’t come out in the rain, but I left her food anyway by putting a bowl out with a stick on top to keep the rain out. I figured if the rain slowed down she would come to eat. At that point I hadn’t seen her for two nights and I was getting worried. The food was gone, but I couldn’t be sure that Darlin’ was the one who ate it. On Christmas Eve we put her food out early so that I wouldn’t have to leave the house later. My husband bought a large basted bone for her as a Christmas gift and we left that too. She didn’t show up.

As we drove home I recalled the year before we were living in Missouri. Our cat Abbey had been bit by something and it tore a large piece of skin off of her that required stitches. Abbey had to go outside, she ran to every door in the house and begged to go out. She loved to lie around on the porch and play with our neighbor’s cat, but they also had one that was mean and attacked her. Going through my photos I found the picture of her wound was taken and emailed to my husband on Dec. 6, 2008. He had transferred and was already working at his new job in Alabama while I stayed in Missouri with the children so they could finish out the first semester at school before we relocated them.

I didn’t know until I wrote this post that Abbeys picture and Darlin’ pictures were taken at the same time a year apart. It seems significant to me because there is so much synchronicity in my life when it comes to animals. I will write more on this subject in the future.

My husband came home for Christmas in 2007. We were sitting in the living room on Christmas Eve when I spotted something that looked like eyes in our tree. It was Abbey lying in the branches! I pulled her out and noticed her stitches broke open and the wound was infected and oozing. We called an emergency vet and drove Abbey over right away. Two Christmas Eves a year apart we were out at night because of an animal.

We gathered around the tree a little earlier than usual last year. The kids open one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since it was still early and the house was quite I thought about making a second trip to check on Darlin’. The rain and wind had slowed so my thoughts turned to Darlin’ and whether she might show up. I asked my husband if he would mind if I drove over to check the food to see if Darlin’ was around. He said that he would drive me. It was at that moment when he offered to drive me that I didn’t feel bad about asking. When we arrived the bowls were empty, but the Christmas bone was still there. I had to believe that she had eaten and would come back for her bone later.

This year Darlin’ will spend Christmas next to me on the couch. Her head will be dry, her belly will be full, and this will be the first of many Christmases to come for her in a real home.

Happy 9th Birthday to Sam!

2009-12-03T09:30:00.004-06:00

A few things about our boy:

Born in Missouri, adopted in 2004 as a companion for Chloe.

We’ve had him five years. His previous owners wrote down his information.

He chewed on his feet when we got him. I did some research and took him off of Iams dog food to see if he was allergic to corn. He stopped chewing his feet.

He eats canned dog food with boiled chicken and a little broth for dinner every night. If dinner is late, he’ll let me know by whimpering or whistling. I look at the clock and realize he wants his supper. I free feed dry, but he only eats a few bites a day, if that. He gets dog bones, biscuits, or a dog cookie when he comes in from outside. He goes straight to the kitchen and sits for his treat. A few nights a week I give him a small bully stick in the evenings while we’re watching TV. He could stand to lose 5 pounds, but he’s not as active as he used to be.

He likes all white cheese, but not American cheese. He doesn’t mind if you pass him up because he’ll usually spit it out.

He likes getting his picture made, he’s my camera hound.

He LOVES the smell of perfume or lotion. If you smell sweet, he’ll be all over you!

He loves getting pampered: baths, blowing drying, and brushing.

He doesn’t mind the rain unless it’s really pouring down and windy. He loves snow, but may never see it again because we live in the south now.

He has no fears or phobias.

He has good recall. I’m not afraid that he’ll run off.

He blows his coat at least twice a year - which means lots of brushing.

He used to play with stuffed toys, but not so much anymore.

May 2006, Abbey's first day home.

He will not chase a ball - he will chase the dog that is running after the ball.

He breaks up play wrestling between the other dogs by rushing in at them.

He sticks his muzzle down in the water bowl and dips for drinks. I have never seen him lap up water like other dogs.

He walks through the pool almost every time he goes outside. He has never laid down in the water to cool off, he just stands there cooling his feet.

His favorite playmate is Bonnie, Chloe comes in second place, but he loves his Bon Bon.

He licks Bonnie and Toby’s ears. It appears affectionate, but can cause ear infections or inflammation so I stop them if I see it. The dogs go to him and lie down because it feels good for them.

He enjoys walks. He can hardly contain himself when we open the closet where the leashes are. He will pull out the door, but once he’s walked a little he’s a good walking buddy.

He barks when he hears anyone at the door, even when my children come home. He will not bark when my husband or I come home.

A stranger can come into our home and Sam acts like they are here to see him. He’s very friendly.

He LOVES to ride in the car, but his tongue drips on me out of excitement, not slimy slobber though.

He loves the attention at the Vet, but starts to cry like a baby as soon as they lift his tail for a fecal. The Vet tech usually laughs and skips that test!

This year we discovered a fatty tumor on his side. He laid in the floor on his side and let the Vet do a needle aspiration. He didn’t budge. They love him there because he’s so good.

He’s good with other dogs, but corrects Lucie, a Boston Terrier, that comes for play dates. She gets overly excited and bugs the crap out of him and tries to mount him. He has been wonderful around fosters and rescues.

He wanted to be near Darlin' when she had her heartworm injections. You can see in his eyes he knows something is wrong. It was aweful for her.

Sam has never wet in the house. He had one accident not long after we got him. He and Chloe got into an old garden spot at their new home. I think they ate a rotten squash and it went straight through them. I walked in the kitchen the next morning and Sam held his head down. I said, “Oh Sam.” Poor thing, I could see he was very sorry. It was an easy clean-up on tile. He has never had any other accidents in the house.

He has never chewed or destroyed anything.

We went to the St. Louis Arch in August 2007. We left Sam, Chloe, and Bonnie outside all day. They had a fresh bucket of water and the pool was full of fresh water. We arrived home about 8pm and they were dying to get inside. Sam came crashing through that door like he had seen his last day outside! I checked and all of their water was hot! So I’m sure he got hot too! I could barely get him to go outside for a month afterwards. He ran to the grass and did his thing and no sooner did I slide the door closed he was on it ready to run inside. There we’re a few times I had to push him back out! He was traumatized out in that heat all day!

He sleeps on his orthopedic mattress in the living room, stretches out across the hall a lot, and sleeps on the leather sofa in the TV room, as long as someone is in the room with him.

He will whistle through his nose if we are sleeping and he has to go out. He used to sleep all night, but this past year he wakes my husband between 3-4 am to go out. I think as he ages he may not be able to hold his bladder as long.

He’s been slowing down over the last year. It takes him longer to go up and down the stairs, but occasionally Bonnie will get him to chase her around the yard which is always nice to see.

Sam is a good boy. He listens, obeys all of us, and is just an easy going dog with no issues or demands whatsoever. Dad loved him the first time they met. Sam really loves his Dad, but he is affectionate with everyone that he meets. If you scratch his head, he’ll turn over and give you his belly.

We love you, Sambo!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T00:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:46:00.003-06:00

On this day of giving thanks, we are thankful for the dogs, cats, and people that have welcomed us to the blogging community. We hope you all have a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and good food. Thank you for friendship, Mom, Sam, Chloe, Bonnie, Toby, and Darlin.

It's been a dog week

2009-11-20T22:48:00.006-06:00

I did a blog interview with Happy Tails Books – Lost Souls Found! If you get a chance go on over and check it out. You’ll learn a little more about me, the five dog Mom. Your comments are also appreciated. Happy Tails Book – Lost Souls Found! are breed specific books with heartwarming and inspiring stores about adopted and rescued dogs. If you have a story to share about your adopted dog, Happy Tails books accepts stories for publishing! These books are great! They would make a neat Christmas gift for someone you know that loves dogs.

My doctor called yesterday about my MRI results. I have a herniated disc, arthritic bone spurs, and a narrowing of the spinal canal. I start physical therapy next week. At least now if this happens again he can give me an epidural block. I would have to live with back pain for years before I chose surgery as an option. Time to slow down.

And now, on to the dogs.

Earlier in the week I thought she saw a scratch under Bonnie’s eye. It might have come from a bush or something in the yard. After a few days it looked like it was swelling, then it got as big as a black eyed pea. I was planning on taking Bonnie to the vet after it swelled, but it’s gone down a little. I wonder if there may be something in there and if that’s infection? Bonnie will probably have to go to the Vet Monday, unless it looks like it’s going away. I dread it if it’s an infection because they’ll have to open it up and clean it out, which means that she’ll have to be sedated.

I love Bonnie's eyebrows, they look so feminine.

Chloe sounds hoarse. I did some research today, but didn’t find the answer. She has a collapsed trachea and it sounds a little like a honk, but it’s her bark, not a breathing issue. She’s feeling pretty good, she’s actually barked so much lately I thought she had a sore throat. I think we have some new dogs in the neighborhood. She’s barking at dogs I haven’t heard before. I’ll give her a few more days and then maybe she’ll go in with Bonnie.

I can't wait any longer, I've got to clean that door. Look through the glass.

Toby is my little thin-skinned pup. It’s no wonder he had so many scars when I got him, he scratches himself raw all the time. He scratched the hair off of his hind leg all the way to the skin recently. This is not the first time, but it has been a while. His two toes were pink and hairless last month where he had a scratch. He must be running past something low to the ground and scraping his legs. My husband thinks it could be the wooden deck steps because he goes down so fast and sometimes trips. What’s with Jack Russell’s and steps? Both of mine run down with one leg lifted in the air. “Hey, who needs four legs when three work fine?”

Gee, I just want to kiss this.

Gotta a funny about Toby. Toby always waits in the bathroom for me when I shower. I recently started taking more baths because it’s getting cold and I enjoy them more in the winter. I lean back in the tub and wet my hair and I’ll sometimes shampoo my hair in the tub. Toby hasn’t been in the bathroom when I bathed until last night. He was sitting on the rug right in front of the tub watching me so I was talking to him. I swear he wanted in the way he kept looking at me with those big dark eyes. Then I leaned back and slid under water to wet my hair. When I came up he jumped back and dashed over to the door! Then he came back and was keeping his distance barking at me like it was fear related! I’m not sure if it was the wet hair or if I looked like the Loch ness Monster coming up out of the water!

My shoe kept coming up missing yesterday. Toby doesn’t chew on shoes, but there was something about these shoes that he needed. Every time I put it back with the match, he would take it back. Well, until I pointed my finger and told him, “No!.”

Darlin’ took her first treat from my husband yesterday! He gives the dogs a treat in the morning before he leaves for work. He takes Darlin’s treat to her bed because she still isn’t comfortable with him or our children. She lies in her dog bed on my side until I get up. He used to take the treat and offer it, but she turned away so he left it for her. Then he said he left her treat and he would hear her crunching as he left the room. Gradually as she became more secure eating the treat while he was nearby she started eating them before he got around the foot of the bed. Last week he told me that he heard her crunch as soon has he turned his back. He always puts it to her mouth before leaving it. Yesterday she opened her mouth for the first time! This morning she took two! Hooray for Darlin’! This means a lot to us! She’s been living inside our home since April.

I know this doesn't look natural because I'm also the one taking the picture. Darlin' is a hand shaker. Once she bonded with me, she started offering her paw. She's so sweet when she does it.

Sam has decided he’s going to lay on the couch now. He is allowed on the leather sofa downstairs, but I never allowed him on the ones that Darlin’ and Toby are on in our pictures. Those were actually my places to sit without dog hair. Then I got Darlin’. She feels safe next to me so I made an allowance for her, and then Toby, and Bonnie. It’s just a surprise to walk by and see him sleeping there. He only has to get down when I clean it up or if I’m sitting there because there isn’t enough room for all of us. Sam has also been waking my husband up between 3:00 – 4:00 am to go outside. My husband swears he’s doing it for a treat. He said Sam didn’t waste anytime outside last night, then he whined next to the bed because my husband didn’t give him a biscuit! I slept like a baby last night.

I’m going to make a memorial donation in Hana’s name to Heart Bandits Rescue. It’s been a while since I looked up Eskie rescues until tonight. They sure have their hands full of a lot of beautiful dogs. It makes me sad for those homeless dogs. I was shocked at how many Eskies need forever homes from just that one rescue group. It just goes to show that purebred dogs end up abandoned like any other breed. And breeders complain about mandatory spay and neuter laws!

This is Heavens new Angel, Hana. Her parents aren't doing so good right now. Please visit their blog. Hana the Dog

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-17T22:31:00.002-06:00

What's wrong with this picture?

All Dogs Go to Heaven

2009-11-14T23:41:00.004-06:00

This was circling the Internet through email a while back. It was sent out as a way to tell people why they get forwarded emails from friends. I love the story. You might enjoy it too, even if you've read it once before. I've changed the title.

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”

“This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered. “Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked.

Of course, sir. Come right in and I'll have some ice water brought right up. “The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

“Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, come in, too?” the traveler asked.

“I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought for a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside leaning against a tree and reading a book.

“Excuse me!” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?”

“Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.”

“How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog.

“There should be a bowl by the pump.”

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

“What do you call this place?” the traveler asked.

“This is Heaven,” he answered.

“Well, that's confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.”

“Oh, you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.”

“Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”

“No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-10T20:21:00.002-06:00

Did you hear the one about the Chihuahua, Border Collie, and the Rat Terrier?

Full speed ahead!

2009-11-09T19:33:00.003-06:00

A daily dose of Frisbee

Making memories with Toby

2009-11-05T13:01:00.002-06:00

Toby is the most affectionate dog I have ever owned. He wants nothing more than to be near me at all times. He’s usually at my feet or lying next to me on the couch. Toby does sleep in our bed. When I brought him home as a rescue he slept in a dog bed on my side. I had another rescued Jack Russell at the time that my sister adopted a few weeks later. Before she adopted Jack I told her both dogs went right to bed at night and wouldn’t get up until I did. I found this email I sent my sister about the dogs and how well they were doing.

Jack slept all night again, in Toby's bed hanging out of each end. Toby slept in his bed. You should see how these two get along. It's like they both know they had it rough so they’ve bonded. They were probably talking in bed the first night. Toby said, "Hey, how long have you been here?" Jack said, "I got here Wednesday and they've been treating me good. She feeds me, gave me a bath, and kisses me all the time." Toby replied, "I think I got her with these eyes. I hope they keep us because the food is good here." Jack said, "Yeah, I know, I never had a treat before bed before, they have cool toys too and dog beds all over the house."

Toby, Jack, and Bonnie. Toby was in our home four days when this was taken.

Jack found his forever home on March 1st, just two weeks before I trapped Darlin and brought her home. When Jack left it meant Toby had to sleep alone. One night I looked over and Toby was looking up at me with those big brown eyes. And you know what happened then. I picked him up. He tucked himself in next to me and now I can’t imagine him sleeping anywhere else.

Toby will not get in bed without my permission, not to sleep anyway. He can jump in the bed after Bonnie when they are playing and wrestling, but if it’s about sleeping with Mommy he asks by making a puffing noise through his cheeks. I usually reach over the bed as he stretches and reaches for me to lift him up. If I ignore him his puffing sound will turn into a bark. I have ignored it because he wants me to pick him up and I’d rather he just jump in bed and lay down, but he won’t. He wants Mommy to put him in bed.

Two weeks ago I had terrible low back pain. Something I have suffered with at various times in my life since I was in my early twenties. I use to push myself hard, working like a horse at times, and lifting things I shouldn’t have. One summer when I was in my 30’s I scraped, sanded, and painted our entire home all by myself. I remember my older neighbors telling me, “You’re going to feel that when you get older.” They were right. What I did in my 30’s, I started feeling in my 40’s!

The back pain was unbearable. I was taking pain relievers and using a heating pad with no relief whatsoever. I had some Lortab that my doctor gave me this past Spring for stomach pain when we discovered I had a hernia. I had been taking them too, but nothing seemed to work. One night I took a Lortab when I started feeling nauseous, light-headed, and sick to my stomach. It was actually kind of scary. My husband was downstairs when I called out to him that I needed to lay down. I thought I was going to get sick, but couldn’t, so I stretched out across the bed on my stomach with my forehead on top of my closed hands.

Toby jumped up in the bed and scooted closer to me, placing his chin on my hand and gave a slight whimper. I said, “Mommy’s okay, Toby.” I felt him move foreword on his tummy, getting closer as he positioned his chin firmly on my hand next to my forehead. Then he backed up quickly and barked at me. I said, “Mommy’s here, I’m okay.” He laid his chin back over my hand as I felt him sigh and let out a deep breath into my hair.

It was a memorable moment. A little piece of our history that was created in a minute of uncertainty for him. He won’t jump in bed to sleep, but he didn’t hesitate to jump up and check on me when I wasn’t feeling well.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-03T21:37:00.001-06:00

Young love gone astray, another woman's perfume!

2009-10-31T21:50:00.003-05:00

Don't cry Darlin', he wasn't worth it.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T12:21:00.005-05:00

There's something about a face

Dad's new screensaver

2009-10-27T17:18:00.003-05:00

I was more black when Mom and Dad got me. Every year I get lighter. Mom say's I may be a red heeler by the time I'm an old man.

Sentimental Sunday

2009-10-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year I re-homed two rescue dogs that were taken to our shelter/pound after the owner decided it was easier to turn the dogs over to animal control than it was to fix his fence. The Jack Russell was pulled on his last day and lived in my home for two weeks. His friend, a Shepherd/Husky mix, had to be boarded a couple of weeks or he would have lost his life there. During a conversation with the woman that pulled the dogs, she said something about "where people live". I told her that a dog doesn't care what kind of house a person lives in, just that he has a home where he is loved and provided for.

I love this photo. It reminds me of what I felt the day during our conversation.

Your dog doesn't care where you live. Your money and success means nothing to your dog. Your dog doesn't care what kind of car you drive or if you have transportation. He doesn't care if he eats steak or if he eats dry, he just wants to be fed. Your dog doesn't care if he has a toy - a stick or an old shoe is fine. What's important to your dog is that he has you to love and that you love him back. When you love your dog, everything he needs will be there.

Both dogs are well provided for today. The Shephered/Husky took the place of a dog that had died. His new friend had been grieving the loss of his buddy. They are doing well together.

The Jack Russell Terrier was adopted by my sister. He is her first dog in 9 yrs. When we talk I can't get a word in because all she talks about is Jack. He probably doesn't realize he's a dog anymore!

Going to the pet store

2009-10-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

We went to the pet store last weekend. It was Bonnie's birthday, but she really didn't want to go. She hates the car, it makes her nervous and sometimes she gets car sick.

I was so excited, I love to ride in the car, it doesn't matter where we go.

Dad, I was thinking, could I get a new soft baby?

It's okay Bonnie, we'll be there soon.

There's cool stuff here, you'll see.

Whoa, check out that dog!

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy!

Thanks, Mom. I'm ready to leave.

I got a new soft baby! Bonnie got a Frisbee and a kong to distract her from the rocks she finds. Bonnie doesn't care about that kong, but I sure love my new baby.

Excuse me, that's my baby.

Synchronicity – three dogs, miles apart, one special day

2009-10-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

This is framed and hangs in our foyer.

Bonnie, our smooth coat Jack Russell Terrier, will be 3 yrs old on Sunday Oct. 18, 2009. I would like to share with you how she came into our lives and how her life had already been woven into ours before I met her.

Our dog Daisy, an Australian shepherd mix, left for the bridge May 15, 2003. She was adopted from the Humane Society at age six and lived with us for 10 years. By October I was determined to get another dog and fill the void in our home. My children asked for a small dog that was cute and fluffy. So I found Chloe, an Eskimo Spitz, in the newspaper and didn’t realize until after I was standing there looking down at her that I was at the wrong house. I was supposed to be looking at a Shih Tzu - so I thought. I remember thinking, this isn’t a Shih Tzu, then I realized I was at the wrong address and had the dogs confused. I wrote the adoption check and left with Chloe. That was Oct. 18, 2003, Chloe was 11 weeks old.

We relocated to Missouri in August 2004 with Chloe, our cat, and my new husband’s two cats. We stayed in temporary housing for two months while we looked for a home, but Chloe and the cats stayed in a local pet motel. Chloe was not an easy puppy. She was hyper, ran as soon as you opened the door, didn’t listen, got into everything, and even nipped at me when I ignored her. Puppy hood with her was a whole new learning experience for us!

She was just over a year old when we moved and she was finally calming down some. The owner of the Pet Motel suggested that we get another dog, perhaps a medium sized dog because Chloe was a dominant female and they thought she would do well with a companion. I had never lived with more than one dog, but if it helped Chloe having a companion then I was up to the task.

I started looking right away even though the animals were at a pet motel. My husband did not have a dog since he was a child. He had been married the first time for 27 years and his wife didn’t allow any animals whatsoever. So I asked him to do some research on breeds and find a dog that he might like to have. He decided on a Blue Heeler.

We looked for a new house and a new dog at the same time. I found a couple of blue heelers, but by the time I got to them they were transported out of state and one was at a foster home that didn’t think she was ready to make the transition. I decided to call around to local Veterinarians offices and check to see if they knew of one. That’s how I found Sam. Sam needed a home because his family had a new baby. Whatever - their loss, our gain. We visited with Sam and loved his temperament right away.

We found a home and were closing that week so we asked about adopting him and taking him home right after we moved to the new house. Sam went to the pet motel and spent one day and night getting to know Chloe. They both went to their new home together the following day. I put two and two together much later; Sam was adopted on Oct. 18, 2004! Exactly one year to the day that I adopted Chloe! They were a great match for each other and we realized that two dogs were definitely better than one for us.

Moving forward to January 12, 2007.

Our 18 yr. old daughter had been asking for her own dog for a couple of months. In December I agreed she could get one, but it had to come from a shelter. She found a JRT puppy that had been purchased for a three year old and turned in to the shelter because it was "too wild." Interesting, the dog was too young to be adopted out! We went to see this puppy and agreed she could adopt him when he was ready to go to a new home, but there were several people interested and they had already put in applications to adopt him. The shelter suggested my daughter fill out the adoption application in case no one showed up on adoption day. She went to visit this puppy every day after school and we visited as well. Three weeks later, on adoption day, I checked her out of school early so that we could be there when they opened the gates. She bought him a black bow-tie collar, a new leash, and a new toy believing she was taking him home.

The procedure was to call out those names that put in the applications first. The first name was called and no one spoke up. Our hearts jumped with anticipation. Then the door flew open and a man rushed over, signed the papers and walked back out the door, without greeting his new puppy! Our daughter was devastated. I suppose the man taking ownership was on his way back to work, but my daughter with tears in her eyes went outside and handed him the items she brought for the puppy. He thanked her and left. She went inside to say goodbye to Opey. It is with tears in my eyes that I recall that day and how heartbroken she was having to leave without him.

Outside I hugged her and told her that is wasn't meant to be. That for some reason little Opey wasn't meant to be a part of our family. She said she understood that, but she was upset and crying. She had already bonded with Opey and had her heart set on bringing him home.

Within a few minutes a shelter worker came outside and told her that they had Opey's breeder’s information and maybe she could get one of the puppies. She declined, telling him she couldn't afford to buy a dog from a breeder. He went back inside and came back with two other people that worked at the shelter. They told her that if she wanted one of the puppies from the breeder that they would help her get one. I was shocked, mentioning to them that they had 50 dogs inside needing homes and they were wanting to help her get a breeders dog. They felt bad for my daughter, they had grown to know her over the 3 weeks she visited with Opey. She thanked them for their kindness and decided to wait.

I went home feeling so bad about what happen that afternoon. It hurt me to see her so sad. I thought about if for a while and decided to call the shelter and get the Breeders information to see if they had anymore of the puppies. I called and they had two left so I arranged to go see them. I called my daughter home and told her we were going to get one of Opey's litter mates.

It took a while to find these people with the dogs. They lived about an hour away from the town we were in. They were in an isolated area out in the country, so isolated that there were very few road signs and so far out I lost my cell phone signal. Finally I saw a trailer and a barn back in some trees and figured that must be the place. As I turned down a dirt road approaching their home I got a knot in my throat and my heart started racing. I saw a rabbit hutch in front of my car with dogs in it! I got out of the car and the first words out of my mouth were, "How long have you been breeding JRT’s?" The man said, "Oh, about 4 or 5 years.” I felt sick, nervous and anxious, I didn't know what to do, but I knew breeding dogs confined in a hutch was wrong! It was not clean, they had no food or water, and with six dogs inside it made sense that they would compete for any food they received. There was only a small divided cat food dish turned over with 18" of poop underneath that cage!

I asked to see the dog with the brown face, but honestly I could barely concentrate because I couldn’t believe I was standing in front of a rabbit hutch with dogs inside! Then kittens, a couple of litters of kittens started coming out of nowhere. They were under my car, beside my tires, all over the area. He pulled the puppy out of the hutch and handed her to my daughter. She clung to my daughter having never been out. I paid for the dog, the man handed me some papers, and we left. I asked my daughter to watch and make sure I didn’t run over a kitten as I backed out. The guy said, “Don’t worry about it, we have more.”

Once home I got on the phone and started calling everyone I could think of for help, including the JRT Society. The breeder lived in an area with no Humane Society or Animal Control and what I did hear about breeding dogs in Missouri didn’t leave me feeling hopeful for the possibility of those dogs getting out. That night we had 6" of ice followed by 13" of snow accumulated that week! I don't know if anything was ever done about those dogs or their living conditions. I beat myself up for a long time for not taking the other puppy and the 4 adults that I left behind! That ordeal has weighed heavy on my heart. I'm a different person today and I know I would take them all given the chance.

first night home

third day

Bonnie was in our home a few weeks when I decided to organize a stack of papers that had been piling up on my desk. When I found those papers I had been given I looked over them to see what it was. There were two sheets of paper with information on her family tree and the paper where they had docked her tail and given her shots. Lo and behold I saw her date of birth listed as Oct. 18, 2006 and I was stunned! October 18th again!

First week, first snow

I have fallen head over heels in love with Bonnie! Because my daughter was in high school and I stayed home, Bonnie bonded more with me and has become my dog. She is not very affectionate, not a licker or cuddler, but she sleeps with me and loves to lie at my feet when I'm watching TV. She tries to push off when anyone holds her. She does not like to be held, either because she has some anxiety of heights or because she was not held in her first weeks of life. Unless she is outside, she's usually someplace close to where I am, however her favorite place to be is outdoors hunting. She was my first JRT and she is why I could not go through life without a Jack Russell. She is the reason I became a rescue transport volunteer, a dog rescuer and foster mom. Sam, Chloe, and Bonnie were obviously meant to live together or it’s just a coincidence that Oct. 18th is a significant date in their lives. They have since relocated from Missouri and living happily in Alabama.

4 months

1 year, with her mouse

1 1/2 years - She's not very tall, but she can catch a Frisbee!

2 yrs old

3 yrs

Happy 3rd Birthday Bon Bon!

Bad hair day

2009-10-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

Toby's cowlick

Mom, don't show people my butt, please. I told you, they're dimples.

Hello from the gang!

2009-10-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

Moms been busy with work, but we get to be with her because she works from home.

Wonder if we're going outside or if she's just refilling her coffee?

Dad was putting a light up so Mom can see the bottom steps at night.

Sam always wants to hog the camera.

Bonnie has turned into a rock hound. Mom thinks she smells frogs on some rocks because she's started obsessing over them. She carries them, licks them, and barks at them too! Mom did some research and says she might have to rub Vicks Vapor Rub on the rocks so Bonnie will leave them alone. We might be getting a minty fresh yard!

The folks down south had a lot of rain two weeks ago. Some roads were washed out and there was flooding in three states. We spent a lot of time playing indoors.

Bonnie and I (Toby) always see who can hold their head the highest - then it's on!

Dad says we look like we're jousting.

Moms calls my sis a cat dog.

I can walk across the back of the couch too, but I only do it to get to Mom without stepping on Darlin' or the cat.

Mom took this picture of me. She said I look like I'm daydreaming. I hope you like it.

Until next time my furry friends. Love Toby

Few words

2009-09-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

Double bed

Intruder

Sunshine

Where's Toby?

Copy Cat

More cheese please

Family

Naptime

Safe and Secure

Going to the Vet

2009-08-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

What Jack Russell wants to sit still and wait? Not me! Mom kept talking, telling me we would be there in a minute. blah blah blah.

I have never liked riding in a car.

Then she laughed about my tail of all things!

Okay, I've seen the room, let's go!

Fine, I'll wait, but I'm not coming here again.

Mom told the Vet that I stink! She was concerned that I had yeast because I'm in and out of the pool so much. He said I have an allergy. I don't think Mom believes it because I've never had a stinky allergy before.

Dog days of summer

2009-08-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

The dogs are looking forward to cooler weather.

Sam's favorite spot is at the front door.

Bonnie worked all summer. She's had some sunburn because nothing can keep her indoors.

A fly on the door frame...

She always has time for Frisbee or to amuse herself.

Darlin' is loving her new home and yard...

She learned a new line dance...

Chloe got a summer haircut. She's 6 years old now, this was her second summer getting cut. Alabama is awful hot for a dog with such a thick coat. It seemed to build her self confidence, but she had to fight off her nasty roommates. They kept mounting her that first week. Everyone wanted a piece of the new Chloe!

It's called the fox cut. Foxy Baby!

She still sleeps in her favorite spot. She and Sam both have a favorite vent.

Toby always finds a spot of shade or a lawn chair.

I can't blame him, that concrete gets hot!

This post was inspired by a poem I remembered from my childhood.

Sunning

Old Dog lay in the summer sun,
Much too lazy to rise and run.
He flapped an ear at a buzzing fly.
He winked a half opened sleepy eye.
He scratched himself on an itching spot,
As he dozed on the porch where the sun was hot.
He whimpered a bit from force of habit,
While he lazily dreamed of chasing a rabbit.
But old dog happily lay in the sun,
Much too lazy to rise and run.

— James S. Tippett

I hope your dogs are having a good summer.

Things to do with dog poop

2009-07-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

Do you clean up after your dog? We don't! If I lived in the city I would have to, but my yard is big enough that I can leave it. However it gets pretty hot here and a whiff of a warm breeze across my yard in the summer is rough. My brother-in-law has a landscaping company and gave me this great tip that works to break down your dogs poo and helps to control the smell.

See the white spots in our yard? That's cheap powered Lime from any home store.

Open a bag, get yourself an old cup, and walk around your yard sprinkling it over the top.

It absorbs the moisture and odors and within a day or two you have white hard dried up poop that breaks down easily. Heck, you could pick that up if you wanted.

For those of you that have dogs that dig up your yard.

I found a method to control where your dog digs that really works! Well, I won't guarantee it to work if you have a dog that eats poop. Yes, they are out there! The guy that cuts our yard told me about this. My JRT digs and I honestly don't mind as long as she stays in the back of the yard, but since I've tripped in a few holes I got tired of her digging near the back porch.

Put some poop in the hole and they won't go back! As you can see I tried it and the grass is growing back over the hole. Since these pictures were taken I have filled the holes where I don't want them and placed a little poop on top. She won't go near them! Well, she did and backed right up when she got a whiff. I even put the poop in the holes she dug out by her pool.

It's free, it's simple, and it works!

Dog digging problems

2009-07-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

Jack Russell terriers are known diggers. Toby doesn't dig, but Bonnie sure does. Not because she's bored, but because she knows there is something in the ground and she'll dig frantically until she gets it.

We had a nice yard when we moved into this house, but the yard was never for me in the first place.

Got it!

Going back for the other half! Here wormy....

The next post is about how to stop the digging or how to control where your dogs dig. Some of you may be surprised by an effective method I've discovered.

New pet portrait

2009-06-14T10:21:00.000-05:00

I wrote this artist last year about painting my three dogs. Little did I know I would have five dogs less than a year later! Good thing I didn't make a decision then. I wanted to share our new Fur Family portrait with you. Maggie did a wonderful job for us and we are very happy with her work. Please visit this talented artists website. You can also find her on Ebay by doing an advanced search, Seller, myshunshyn. Her prices are very reasonable, especially if you have fewer pets.

MyShunShyn Artworks Pet Portraits

Dog Angel, Spirit, or Ghost - you decide.

2009-06-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

I was taking pictures in the dark. This was weird. I did have to lighten it just a little. It actually looked clearer on the camera.

cool, huh?

Do you look like your dog?

2009-06-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

Or does your dog look like you?

Does your dogs behavior mirror your behavior?

Does your dog sense what you're feeling?

Or does your dog respond to your emotions?

Solving jealousy problems between dogs

2009-06-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

Darlin', our rescued stray dog is fearful of thunderstorms. She's fearful of most everything except me. Her followers on Pet Finder suggested giving her a blanket, while others suggested putting a t-shirt on her. So I tied a baby blanket around her - it didn't help.

Toby followed Darlin sniffing her because she was the only one that had a blankie.

Until he looked at Mom with those big brown eyes.

He figured he should stick with Darlin and do what she was doing. They have no idea how fearful she is of storms.

So he went where she went because he had a blankie now too.

Does your dog stink?

2009-05-31T18:48:00.000-05:00

No one comes in our yard, but they always manage to find a stinky spot. It's like this rare dime size spot in the yard that everyone has to gather and get a little of their fair share.

Bonnie is always first to find it.

Oh yeah!

Gimme some stinky

oh yeah!

Hey, find your own stinky spot.

What? I want stinky too.

Lets go play!

Saturday, better than a picnic in the park

2009-05-30T23:47:00.000-05:00

I worked all day, but I work at home so I took a couple of breaks and watched my fur kids play. Bonnie looks like she's smiling to me. It makes me happy to watch my dogs play. That's the great thing about Jack Russell Terrier's, I never get tired of watching them.

She was ready for more.

I'm shopping for a new camera because this girl is too fast for me.

Dad put her ball in the pool so she could cool off.

I need a sit and spin and a camera glued on my forehead!

I hope you enjoyed meeting Bonnie, age 2 1/2 and one of our five dogs.