Upstairs, Downstairs, Inside, Outside

I know why we have the no fosters in the winter rule, because of the cold, but I'm adding a new reason.  The footing is so flipping bad.  It's like walking on small ice moguls.  I need cleats.  Naturally the dogs don't like the smooth areas of the yard.  Only the well trod areas that are rounded, pocked, dimpled and dug out.  Their feet adapt much better than mine do to this sort of terrain.  Sleepy feet first thing in the morning find this especially difficult.

Sophie, bless her heart and found her little poop and pee pasture and uses it regularly.  It's right in front of the raised bed for the tomato garden.  Seriously, this winter has been so bad I'm thinking of hiring an entre-manure firm for Spring clean up.  Feel free to donate to the cause.

She has also discovered she can leave her crate and venture upstairs to the office to be with us.  Mind you it's a quick trip up and if anything startles her, and most things do, zoom she races back down stairs again.  Still significant progress. 

And talk about tender hearted.  She's got me beat.  It's difficult to tailor corrections to her level.  The "you've been naughty" voice I use for the boys is way too harsh for her.  In fact, if they get corrected, she takes it to heart. 

It does make me wonder what her prior life was like.  Maybe, however, I really don't want to know.  We all need TLC along the way.  It would be good for us to remember that.  Sophie needs a little more than most, but truth be told, there is a little Sophie in all of us.

Coming Out......

Little Ms. Sophie is warming up to us.  At first, while in her crate, she would not lay down if the door was open.  She'd sit way in the back and not relax.  If you latched the door she'd lay down in the back of the crate.  Now, with the door open she'll lay in the very front of it so she can see what's going on.  Tonight she ventured out when no one was in the room and was barking at Mickey sleeping on the couch.  Play with me, play with me Mick she was beseeching!

I'm relieved that she's relieving herself, even if it happened once inside today.  Phfewww!  She's peeing and pooping, though not every time out like the other dogs do.  We make lots of trips out just to see the yard.  Sort of like a woman shopping, sometimes she just looks, and other times she makes a purchase.  We went out this evening and just as she was beginning to squat a dog barked from a neighboring yard.  That did it for Sophie.  End of squat and no happy potty dance praise from Mommy. 

When she forgets to be afraid and enters the play mode-watch out.  She is fast as a rabbit and as playful as a puppy.  She's got 54 stances in the play bow position alone.  Last night she ventured up on the sofa for the first time.  But Hank spooked her and she flew over the back of the couch, scrambling into a framed print leaning against the wall knocking it over.  Poor Chicken Little was terrified. 

She is considerably more timid around Reno than me.  He does a great job with her though.  Mickey, with his generally calm demeanor will mentor her well. Hank's nose is still out of joint that she's getting so much attention. 

She's coming out of her shell bit by little bit.  All I can say is watch out boys, she's going to be a fiesty one!

It's Not So Bad Here

Ms. Sophie is learning that it's not so bad here.  Hank still grumbles a little bit at her, but I think he's warming up to her.  How could you not adore a little pip squeek of a pointer like her?

We're seeing little tiny baby steps of progress.  She finally peed.  Whohoo to that one.  She hasn't peed since, but I feel better knowing she relieved herself.  Reno, however, thinks she'd be the perfect traveling companion.  That may be because I have been known to need a potty break before we even hit the on ramp.  How come guys never forget moments like that?  She's not as afraid to venture out into the yard like she was at first.  Yippee. 

If you close her kennel door, so she can't go in it,  she is quite interested in her surroundings.  She's checking things out, sniffing, looking around.  She checked to see if Hank's crate had better amenities than hers does.  I think she was pleased to find them very similar.

She initiated play with both dogs today.  Hot diggity!!  She played with Mick this morning and Hank this afternoon.  And (drum roll please!) her tail came out and was waggin' to beat the band during those moments.  Love seeing her relax enough to be a dog.

Mr. Hanky got to go to the store with me today for a quick visit.  It's been a while since he'd been there.  I think he'll be putting in a request to be a store dog soon.  He didn't find it so bad to be there either.  The store dog's bed in the office was quite cozy.   He snuggled right into as if he was born to lounge the day away just like that.  And they think the Walmart greeters do a good job!  They got nothing on Mr. Hanky.

So I'm glad to report it's not so bad here.  Sophie agrees too.  While she hasn't relaxed enough to poop for us yet, it's only a matter of time.  Bless her little shy heart....she's landed in a good place....and soon she'll understand just that.

Presenting.....

After much deliberation we have a new name for our foster.  Henceforth this little pocket pointer shall be called Sophie.

It never ceases to amaze me how different each foster is.  I've had one's that wouldn't eat at first, wouldn't drink at first, but Miss Sophie is the first one who wouldn't at least pee/poop for us.  We almost  had pee outside a little bit ago.  She started to squat and then a gust of wind swept in.  At least she's leaving the porch better and venturing out into the yard some with me.  Of course it's like the frozen tundra out there these days. 

Given a choice she will stay in her crate all the time.  She goes in willingly.  A nice change from a certain foster named Sidney that had to be launched into his crate like the space shuttle going through the earth's atmosphere.  If you leave her crate door open, she huddles in the back, sitting up and never relaxing.  If you close the door she can settle.  If you take her outside and close the crate door, she will investigate the front room and come to you.  Explore some, then come back to you, have a drink of water, then come back to you. Little nose touches, then she'll circle around again checking to see if her crate is open yet.

Mick is a trooper with her.  Mr. Hanky is a little grumbly with her if I am loving up on her.  Although he did go sit inside her crate with her today.  I hope to God he was whispering words of encouragement to her.  My luck he was probably saying "Mom loves me best".  She is way more uncertain of us, than the boys, so I'm counting on the boys to show her the ropes.

If only she could tell us her story, but more than likely it would just infuriate me.  So perhaps the best plan is patience, patience, and more patience for little Ms. Sophie. 

Chicken Little

Our new foster doesn't have a name yet, but she does have a nickname.  Actually several, Chicken Little, Shy Di, Princess, Baby Girl.  She doesn't know those are her names, and certainly doesn't respond to any of them.

This we know so far, she's quiet, she's tiny, she's frightened and has no idea how to just be a dog.  She tucks her tail so far up she could floss her teeth with it.  She is afraid to relax enough to pee outside, or has never had to pee on while on a leash before.  She's decided Mickey's ears are entirely sniffable.  She has explored the front room a little bit, but finds her crate her safe zone.  But, she eats!  That's a good sign!

She does that "I'll sit and watch my new surroundings until I just can't keep my eyes open anymore" thing.  Such worry and fear is exhausting.  But she'll learn.  With patience and gentle hands we will lead the way.  What we can't teach her, Mick and Hank will.

It's all good, and her new life has begun. 





 

Words of Wisdom

Dear Mickey and Hank - our world is changing today.  We'll be bringing home a new foster dog.  Yes, I hear she's a little bitch.  No longer will it be three males, and one "she who must be obeyed" in this household. 

Hank it was not so long ago that you were the new foster.  Don't forget what that was like.  Remember the joy of moving into a loving foster home.  You have a home, yard, sofa, bed, and the master bed to enjoy.  I know you'll growl a little at the new girl, but remember your own journey. 

Mick, I know the last four-legged female in this house was highly dominant.  Word is this one is extremely submissive.  Welcome her gently and keep your nose to your self until she settles in some.

I trust you boys will show her the ropes.  The open door policy will change since she'll have to go outside on a leash every time.  Cool your jets while we don boots, coat and leash.

And lastly, always remember we have more than enough love for all of you.  Let the fun begin.

RIP Murphy

Murphy was new to our rescue program.  Let me tell you about him.  Murphy and his pointer buddy were dumped on a busy road in Texas.  Both were hit by cars.  He was found, standing over his friend who was killed on road.  He was doing what friends do best, be there through thick and thin. 

Murphy suffered a badly broken leg.  Texas GSP rescue contacted us because he is an English Pointer.  They found a temporary foster home for him, and donated $200 towards his care.  Murphy was also heart worm positive. Pointer Rescue decided to step up to help him.  Medical bills were projected in the $1200-$1500 range.  We were in the process of raising funds for his care.

Murphy went into surgery today to have the leg repaired, and be neutered at the same time.  He was with people who cared for him, had gentle hands supporting him and a loving foster home to go to afterwards.  Life was looking up for him.  Murphy died shortly after surgery today, even with emergency care immediately available.

He had so much going for him.  He had a name, and people pulling for him.  He had a collective family of animal lovers and rescue volunteers.  Perhaps this was more than he'd ever experienced before in his life.

Sometimes we just don't know why the plan works out this way, and our hearts break for pups like Murphy.  He belonged, he had love....and he crossed the bridge with that knowledge in his heart. 

  

Coming and Going

In the world of rescue, dogs are always coming and going.  They come into a shelter, and if they are lucky they go right to a forever home.  Or they go to a foster home while the universe does its magic to lead them to that special home.  In life, we could all use a good foster home.

Think of your day and all its comings and goings.  I've been going, going, going all week on a trip to market.  While I'm always excited going, I'm even more thrilled to be coming home.

There are days we are going crazy, coming apart at the seams, going on a merry-go-round, coming down the home stretch.  Sometimes we go and even forget what coming home means.

If nothing else, going away gives us new perspective.  If we come to a stop long enough to let that knowledge settle in our hearts.  So I have to ask.....where are you going to, and coming from?  I hope you stop going enough to come away with new insights.  And may you always, always find shelter and gentle fostering along the way.

Dog Time In Dallas

I have been dogless for five days now.  A part of me was starting to shrivel up inside.  I was ready for some canine renewal.  Blissfully it came today.

For starters I made the acquaintance of another Pointer Rescue volunteer.  Len picked me up at the hotel with a dog in tow.  Ahhh, the joy of it!  This particular dog is a coon hound mix named Leon who was being transported to a new foster home.  Talk about a laid back passenger.  Leon was mellow with a capital "M", soft and sweet as a marshmallow with floppy ears and big paws.

May I just say ya gotta love people who will give up their day off to help an animal in need.  Len was doing me an enormous favor too by sharing her time with me.  I'm relieved to know she drives the same way I do.  Get in car, have random directions, a definite destination and drive.  If a dog is a passenger, all the better.  Two dogs, no problem, three dogs it's all good. 

After dropping off Leon, we visited a dog currently in foster care.  Sam is an extremely handsome boy. He's the George Clooney of pointers.  And he's looking for a new home.  The pointer, not George, by the way.  Sam is very shy, but is making lots of progress.  In addition to Sam, I met three other dogs too.  Definitely my kind of home.

Suffice it to say there was lots of dog talk, dog stories, dog food discussions, dog experiences, dog fur, foster dogs, and mention of dog bones.  It was a little bit of heaven for me. Dog people are just the best.  Because of dogs I made new friends today.  Some of the two footed, and some of the four-footed variety.  I came away a better (happier!!) person because of it. 

Day 3 - no dog contact....

....I think I have the shakes.  Day 1, not exceedingly difficult.  Day 2, feeling a sense loss and longing.  Day 3....I'm wondering if I'll make it.  Somehow calling home and asking about the dogs is not fulfilling my canine companionship needs. 

By now they are relishing the extra space in the bed.  By now, I'm thinking extra space in the bed is highly overrated.  Word has it they are sleeping in every morning.  They never ever do that when I am home. 

By tomorrow I will be searching out products at market that are dog related so I can at least see the resemblance of a dog.  By the way, I do miss Reno too, but I don't have any burning desire to pet other men like I have the urge to pet other dogs.  That's a good thing too!  My deep sense of monogamy does not, however, relate to dogs at all.  Always good to keep one's priorities straight.

The saving grace is that in three days I will get to meet a Pointer Rescue volunteer who resides here in Texas, and get a dog fix at the same time.  Phffewwww....just in the nick of time I'm thinking.  I know I shouldn't complain.  I'm just away on business, it's not like I've been deployed for a long period of time.  I'm just crazy about dogs and get even more crazy when I'm not around them.

So if you are at home tonight give those pups some extra loving from me.  For right now, I'll be living vicariously through you.   Until I can get home to Mick and Mr. Hanky next week.

New Foster on the Horizon

We have a new foster dog waiting for us.  As soon as I get back from a business trip we will be ready.   Next week, dear one, next week.

For the first time we will open our hearts to a little female.  For the first time we will open our hearts to an orange/white one.  Her name is Diamante.  I'd have to think too much to use that name.  It doesn't just roll off the tongue like a name ought to.  Suffice it to say, as soon as we assess her personality it will be changed.

I hear tell she's very shy and not doing well in the shelter situation.  I wish someone could tell her that next week her luck is going to change.  Of course, taking her in January, we are breaking the "No Fosters in the Dead of Winter Rule".  But, we did that with Pete and managed okay.  Proof that rules are made to be broken.  We are also stretching the "Only One Foster at a Time" rule too.  Except, Mr. Hanky is only kinda like a foster since he's a permanent foster.  Again, some times you gotta bend those rules.

So we're looking ahead to bringing this little girl into our life and giving her a second chance.  Stay tuned, the fun gets started soon.  

polish

It's good to be polished.  Polished skills, polished shoes, polished looks.  Nail polish....you get my drift.  Polish means to pull it all together and shine.  Some days we feel polished, some days not so much.

I stopped to polish my shoes this morning before I went out of town.  Okay, so how often does one polish their shoes anymore??  I suspect if I told my kids to polish their shoes they would think I was a nutcase.  I remember my Dad polishing his shoes.  Reno has a shoe shine kit, we used it this morning.  Sometimes in the airport you see a shoe shine stand.  There is something very satisfying about polishing your shoes.  You take something dull and dirty and clean it up.

We do that in animal rescue.  We take the animals in, clean them up, polish their manners and let them shine in a forever home.  Mr. Hanky just shines with love and joy.  It doesn't get any better than that.   In school we polish our education and leave brighter for the process.  In counseling we dust off old ways and find new means to thrive.  In relationships we bloom and grow (hopefully!) and become more loving because of it.

Hmmm, take a look at your life and ponder what shines with love, and what needs a little elbow grease to polish it up.  We invested in Hank's care as his foster home.  He makes our life shine like the sun after days of cloudy weather.  Even after he's gone, just the thought of him will bring a glow.  Good things are like that.

Brrrrrr s^it.....it's cold.

Signs of winter in NE.  Drifts up to 4 ft in places, cracks in the skin at the corner of your finger nails, piles of yellow snow on the porch because it's too cold (for the dogs) to foray all the way to the tree in the front yard.  Edgy dogs who aren't getting enough exercise.  Edgy people who are getting too much exercise shoveling snow.  Open lots used to dump snow trucked in from city streets.  Old garage door openers that need physical assistance when the temp is below 10 degrees.  Days so cold and windy you choose to wear a hat to work knowing you are not taking it off once you get there.  Screw pretty fluffy hair teased with lots of hair product.  Sometimes warmth is more important than fashion.  Black ice, 'nuf said.  Double digit wind chills.  More yellow snow. 

Sigh....it's been rough.  But, and, there is always a but, even if it's a pain in the butt.  There have been some awesome things with this arctic cold snap.  There are the people who will stop to help others who are stuck.  There is my friend who did her own personal blanket drive for the shelter.  She netted 13 blankets and 4 winter coats which she delivered yesterday.  That not only warmed others in need, it warmed my heart too.  There is the warm dog factor.  What is better than cuddling at night with your beloved pets? 

We always start the night dogless.  We like our personal cuddle time, so we shoo the dogs away at first.  Usually, after 3am they find their way back to our bed.  I often imagine it goes something like this.  One tests the water.  On stealthy silent paws he makes his way quietly to the bedroom and eases himself softly onto the bed and curls in the crook of my knees.  I know it can't be Mr. Hanky, because he is about as stealthy as a sherman tank with clutch problems.  Although he has improved immensely I still doubt it's him. I believe it's Mick who makes the first move.  After a respectable amount of time Hank makes his way to the bedroom.  The prime knee position is already taken, so he moves in to stake his place on the other side of the bed.  There is nudging, pushing and a series of "make room would-ya" maneuvers.  Subtle is not this boy's middle name.  Nor is graceful for that matter.  But, we end up cocooned by two silly (or would that be chilly?) pointer boys.

I'm not complaining.  One can never have too much love, too many dogs, or enough warmth during a NE winter.  Today is cold, but the sun is out.  All things are possible with faith, a little sunshine. a dog (or 2) by your side and warmth in your heart.

Rolling Trash

With the arctic cold and brutal winds came a bag trash rolling through the yard today.  Luckily it's going to blow on through and end up in someones yard way south of us. 

The bag 'o rambling trash was a definitely a security breach for Mr. Mickey.  In spite of the frigid cold, and his full bladder, he barked incessantly at it.  The bag froze in place out of fear no doubt.  Later Mr. Hanky whizzed on it which no doubt added insult to injury.  I have a impressive security detail here in Nebraska.  I can just hear Mick saying "I'll bark it into submission", then you water board it.  What a team.

So while its cold here, we're safe from rolling trash.  Mick doesn't bark often, but it's always for good reason.  I feel so safe, so loved, and so protected.  Now, if they will just share the bed with me I'll be all warm and cozy too.

Coats, Blankets and Boots

So, exactly how cold is it???  You don't want to know.  The pups are up to their skinny pointer butts in snow and more is being delivered tomorrow.  Wind chills to follow on Thursday dangerously low.  No, I don't live in Alaska, it just feels like it.

It's so cold today when it got all the way up to 14 degrees I left my coat unbuttoned.  With some sun and no wind 14 was pretty warm.  Well, warmer than yesterdays -20. 

Mickey got the warm blanket treatment again today after pet therapy.  If that isn't a "do unto others" moment I don't know what is.  I need to work on my pathetic shaking pointer impression and see if they take pity on me.  A new pet therapy member named Kobi has little boots for his little Shitzu paws.  They resembled little red balloons that his owner put on him.  They felt like balloons too.  It keeps the salt off his paws, but probably doesn't keep those tiny toes warm.  Mick thought she was putting deflated Kong's on his paws. I think if I put balloons on Mick's feet it would render him incapable of walking.   Personally, I think heated boots for the dogs and myself are in order these days.  I wouldn't object to a decent fur coat either.  Hank and Mickey second that motion.

All said, we can't really complain to much.  Not with the roof over our head, lots and lots of warm clothes.  Life is all about layering these days.  We have heat glorious heat, hot water, and firewood.  We also use indoor plumbing - thank God!  So bundle up yourself, and protect your pets too.   This too shall pass, like an Arctic cold front....oh, wait, it is an Arctic cold front.

Dog Paths

The dogs have reduced the yard to one path.  All the snow and bitter cold have put a bite (pun intended) in their outdoor activity.  Some people have snow drifts in their yard.  I think I'll have a poop drift.  On the plus side that might make for easy Spring clean up.   Do you suppose the poop scooping business's quit coming in the winter?  Poop still happens then.  Plus, more snow is coming and even colder weather.  Geesh, one would think it is January or something.

Ever notice that no matter how many dog toys you own, they always want the same one?  I wonder if I bought two of the same toy if neither of them would play with it?  I've been trying to get the boys to play tug-of-war.  Short of grabbing it with my own teeth I haven't been successful.  That reminds me of way back in my novice dog owner days.  Boy, was I green.  That was back before green was a good thing.

I was walking my lab Abby when she was a puppy.  She was like a Hoover with paws when it came to things on the ground.  I distinctly remember her picking up a sucker stick in her mouth.  In my naive, over- the-top new owner zeal, I had to get that away from her.  Leave It was Greek to her, as was No, Come and Give It.  She was command challenged and I was just psycho.  So, visualize a lab with a sucker stick in it's mouth.  In the scheme of things not the worlds most dangerous thing to pick up.  But, I was not going to be bested by a dog unwilling to let go.  I put her leash between my knees, bent over, pried her mouth open, but wouldn't you know the stick stuck to her tongue.  Hmmmmm, went my brain.  Or, maybe it was engaged in absurdity mode.  Either way, without thinking (obviously), I leaned in and grabbed the sucker stick with my teeth and pulled it away.  I know what you are thinking right now.  Yes, I did do that.  Uh, huh, not one of my brighter moments, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.   I was the alpha female over a paper stick and no doubt my lab was impressed. 

Sometimes the path of learning is littered with stupid moments.  What can I say, I don't think anyone saw the moment, although now that I've told you word might leak out.  All that said, I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.  Dog path's are just the best.

Journeys of the Heart

Four years ago this time I visited a friend for New Years in the Portland/Seattle area.  That began a journey of the heart.  It's been a journey from NE to NV and NV to NE with stops along the way in CA, WA, TX, MD, WY, IA, UT and ID.  Not necessarily in that order.

There are trips you plan, and others that are just part of the bigger plan.  This is one of those.  We didn't exactly pack for it, but traveled with a certainly that life was good, second chances were worth taking, faith would lead the way and love would follow.  I'm happy to report it did.

Kudo's to Reno for his gigantic leap of faith and the willingness to pull up roots to move here.  I was the bigger chicken of the two of us.  Of course had he known what life with a crazy dog lady entailed he may have thought twice.  Now he accepts that as "normal", but as we know "normal" is a relative term.

Last night, while in the company of wonderful friends he proposed a new journey in life.  If there was a script it might read something like this.....I, Reno....being of relatively sound mind....ask NancyTheCrazyDogLady to marry me.  I promise to take you (and Micky, Hank and whoever the current foster is) in good times and in bad, with dog poo, puddles and vet bills.  I know there will always be one more needing a foster home and with that comes torn blankets, barking, and the mopping up of tears when they go. 

Since the suspense must be killing you, I did say yes.  Well, I did accept subject to approval of the residents pets, but I think they may have been bribed.  Either way, we celebrate a New Year and a new journey.  We'll need you along the way to share the joyful days, and sustain us in the what were we thinking days.  And, they say long distance relationships don't work.  I beg to differ.  They say relationships are work - we'd have to agree.  They say second chances don't come every day.....I say, when they do sieze the moment.