Free Dog

I've worked in rescue for years now, and frankly I'm beginning to worry about myself.

Okay, let me back up. I had a guy call me about a dog he is trying to rehome. Not so unusual in rescue. But, he called me at 5:30am and asked if I could just take his 10 yr old Pointer. Helllooooo!!! First I wanted to scream "do you know what time it is"? Then I wanted to throttle him for being willing to give his dog away. He has her listed for Free on Craigslist. Rolling eyeballs, fuming at the injustice, seething at the situation, not to mention wanting that last hour of sleep he denied me.

This is wrong, wrong I tell you. Still, he is trying, rather than just dumping her somewhere or being oblivious to her needs. I almost said yes - part of me wishes I had. Why?? To protect the dog from an owner with no social graces? To give her what she needs and deserves - crikey she's 10 yrs old!

What scares me is I wanted to say yes so badly. Kudos to the guy for the element of surprise the 5:30am call presented. Maybe he's smarter than the average bear. Catch 'em off guard, dangle a dog, especially an old dog and voila, problem solved.

If only we could just take all the dogs in need. If that was the case Boomer from OK, Colonel from IN and this female from IA would be in residence right now. Reality finally woke up and I heard myself tell this guy, no, I can't just take your dog. Yes, I said it tactfully, although there was an edge to my response. And rightfully so.

I can't just take your dog. I can only do so much, feed so many, save so many, try to help so many. So I did the best I could - I recommended an awesome rescue program. Now I just pray this dog finds her way there. Please Lord, please St. Francis, please all the angels in the universe.....help this dog, and all the others so desperately in need find their way to rescue.

In Need

To be brutally honest the economy sucks. Okay, so not exactly a news flash. Many of us are feeling the pinch, and frankly, pinch doesn't begin to describe it.

If there is one thing rescue groups are always in need of it is Foster Homes. If there is another it is support of those very same foster homes. If you cannot foster yourself, would you consider supporting those who do?

You could write a huge check to your favorite rescue and believe me two footed and four footed creatures will do the happy dance. You can make a small donation and that too will make tails wag on earth and in heaven.

There are foster homes greatly in need and seriously in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. There are foster homes trying to juggle how to pay the bills and feed the dogs. Many across the country are in this boat. Some though, have also committed to helping animals in need.

Many rescue programs offer the option to sponsor specific fosters. You know the adorable little dog/cat you'd love to adopt? But the time isn't right? You could (yes, its true!) you could still help! A donation can provide food, toys and assist with medical needs. If fostering is not an option at this point in your life, would you open your heart to assisting those who do? Seriously you can make a difference!

You could save a life without having to clean up any puddles or piles of poo! Behind every animal up for adoption is a foster home willing to put their love on the line. Your support matters. Your support is crucial.

Spoken for foster homes everywhere....and followed up by the pleading of deep brown puppy dog eyes in need.

Yard Detail

Of all the times of the year, this is my favorite for yard clean up. Short of the dog's bagging their own poop that is. Since that is not likely to happen today was the next best thing.

Sunny, not cold enough to need a heavy coat, no gloves, frozen turds. It doesn't get any better than that. Isn't it nice to know I haven't lost my sense of humor? I still don't know why scooping poop is such an introspective task for me. Yet, somehow it is. I do know why it's a one-woman job....because Reno's a smart man. Truth be told he does the trash every week, so I can't point any fingers.

Perhaps I am simply more skilled at yard detail. Or, it could be he knows the time in the yard, with me and the poop, makes my brain work. Good to know something does that.

In a perfect world the dogs would clean up after themselves. In a less perfect world, but one I could easily adapt to, Reno, or a yard service would clean it up. Okay, that will happen when I win the lottery.

Until then I'll try to find some peace in the poop. A satisfaction from spending time in the yard, with the dogs participating in their canine recycling program. They say life is in the details. From the number of "details" I scooped up - life is pretty good around here.

Life Changing Experiences

It was one of those gifts life sometimes presents to you. After all, it's not everyday (thank God!) that you drive off a one lane mountain road backwards, plunge 150' and walk away from it. It was a moment of terror that was orchestrated by the hands of hundreds of angels who guided our journey. This happened five days ago and I/we are still trying to wrap our head around it. Why did it happen, why did we survive, what are the gifts this experience brings us.

Life is like this. Ordinary one moment, extraordinary the next. The angels come in many shapes and sizes. Some are two footed, many in my life are four footed. They can be complete strangers or dear friends. They may be fleeting encounters or life-long companions.

I have a greater compassion for those road-side crosses people built for those who did not survive. Emergency responders said "wow, we almost never get to stand around and talk to people who go off the road around here". I would like to hope we wouldn't need such a dramatic event to draw us to gratitude.

But sometimes events like this happen. Life changing events. Some just walk away, some walk away infused with gratitude. I know which camp I fall in.

So on this Thanksgiving Day - I have a list of things I'm thankful for that is too long to include in this blog. Perhaps a lifetime would not be long enough to express them all. It will be my goal to try and I begin that with a profound "thank you God".

Ebb & Flow

I love the words ebb and flow. I think they would be good names for dogs. Flow would have awesome recalls and Ebb would be a wonderful retriever.

Without ebb and flow we wouldn't be where we are today. I have to wonder which I am best at. Ideally, I would have a good balance of ebb and flow. Ironically, perhaps humorously, I do not. I seem to flow all over the place and need to work on my ebb.

One has to wonder what the larger plan is as today while driving we went off a narrow one lane road and flowed about 150' down an embankment. For a while there it didn't look good, but thankfully we all walked away from the experience. Guardian angels held our hands and many came to our assistance. Several locals called out
"Welcome to Maui" after confirming we were okay, and two offered to share their pot with us. Hospitality comes in many shapes and forms. One kindly drove us 18 miles back to town.

For some reason our journey held some bumps and turns. And more excitement that one ever anticipated. Let it be said though, our gratitude for surviving is as deep as the ocean and as wide as the horizon.

Resting Places

We could all stand to have more resting places. Whether they are temporary, final, transitional, familial or just familiar places our hearts and souls go to rest - we need to embrace them.

Today we made a journey to Haleakala, to the crater at the summit of this volcano, on the island of Maui. It was a trip to lay my Uncle to rest in a place his heart and soul found to be a peaceful sanctuary.

It is an area of rugged beauty, zig zagging roads, and a climb to 10,023' above sea level. We started from so many places in life and journeys through it. We came to celebrate one life and release it into the great beyond.

For me, one doesn't just visit a volcano on a regular basis. Actually, never before, and who knows perhaps never again. That in itself was a tender moment. It had all that one might require for a place to rest, and a resting place. There were people who cared deeply, a life loved and lost, wine to toast sweet memories and the words of e e cummings that said "I carry you in my heart".

In actuality, he rests in hearts. He rests, he simply rests. He will be with us, in our hearts whether we are in our homes, on the volcano, or near the beach. He rests, thus, so can we.

So Busy

Ever get so busy you feel like you are on an escalator and can't get off? Ever feel like you don't know how to relax? Ever feel like your nose is always to the grind stone? Ever feel like months fly by and suddenly you've lost whole seasons?

Raising hands and waving the white flag. Surrendering is good. I need to do it more often. Taking a deep, cleansing breath......ahhhhhh......nice.

This is what I've learned this week. Nothing I do is so important that someone couldn't step in and do just as good, if not better than I do. I'm dispensible and that's okay. I'm not paid enough to bend over backwards and do back flips. My best on any day is good enough.

The dogs, and those who love me, will take me as I am, wag their tails and think I'm the best thing since sliced bread. I will take comfort in them, and they in me. I can let go and let God. I can let go and relax. I can let go and laugh. And, I'll do it in the company of dogs and those who bless my life.

Hello Beaches

It's countdown time until we jet off to sunshine and beaches. We are so excited! We are, sort of, lining things up. Laying out clothing - which is easy. It's fun to pack shorts when the weather is forcing your wardrobe into pants and sweatshirts. It's like thumbing your nose at Mother Nature.

The only hard part is leaving the pups. Admittedly I'm wondering if I will be able to get a doggy fix while I am gone. Sure hope so. In addition, I worry about leaving the dogs behind. They are like kids, except ones that can be crated if necessary. Naturally, I think they will only thrive if I am around! I know they won't go hungry, won't be starved for attention, won't wail and moan because we aren't the ones filling the dog bowls. They will have in home care, probably will get away with murder, and get extra goodies. Us being gone will be a vacation for them.

No doubt they are planning for it. Whohoo The Crazy Lady and Scary Man will be gone. The dog sitter is a wee bit naive about the house rules. Hehehehheeeee.....Mick is winking knowingly at Sophie. Let the fun begin! Give the sitter the sad eyed look and she'll fold! Extra treats, no coming when called, sleeping on pieces of furniture we'd never get away with usually. Animal Channel non-stop and no silly football games.

When Hank says to Mick "I really miss Mom, do you?" Mick will look him right in the eye and say "Mom who?" Wait, I didn't need to hear that.

Time away will be good for us. A change of scenery makes home look even better. We'll be rested and refreshed. Someday we will get to hit the beaches with our beloved pets with us. Until that day, they need to behave, stay healthy and try to be good dogs. Let me say that again "try" to behave, "try" to be good dogs, and definitely stay healthy. They will be fine....and so will we.

Boring Is in the Eye of the Beholder

I admit to looking as some other blogs lately. I've decided in comparison mine are quite tame, bordering on boring. There is no sex, drugs or rock-n-roll. Precious little swearing. A friend, also in rescue, leads a life parallel to mine. Her blog is way more colorful, in fact, if you need your hair curled I'd recommend her blog.

Perhaps I don't think in those extremes. I certainly don't speak in that way. I think that's a good thing. Her blog is perfect for her, and hopefully, mine is for me. I do admit to a little jealousy though. It takes a certain wit and talent to string a series of curse words together into a string of verbal pearls.

Maybe her approach to similar subject matter is more explosive because she doesn't take things in stride. Maybe mine is more tame because I do. Maybe I shouldn't even compare the two!

In my wildest dreams the dogs, and the blogs, lead me to publishing these verbal Tete-e-Tete's. In my more temperate dreams the blog has hundred's of followers and leads me to publication. In my mildest dreams they share my love of dogs, increase knowledge of rescue programs, promote some humor and garnish some comments.

Failing all that, I spend some time with the voices in my head that tell me to write. I think it's important to pay attention to the voices in my head. So write I do.

What IF

What if no one ever wants to adopt Sophie? Or any foster dog we care for? Sophie is a good case in point, because she is a bit of a challenge. She is not the type that adapts easily. Adaptability is a good quality in a foster dog. Or a spouse, teacher, boss, friend, coworker, child....you get my drift. Adaptability is a good quality.

Maybe she ended up in rescue because she lacks this skill. Hank ended up in rescue, I believe, because he has cancer. Mick did because he was the last of a litter and the farmer couldn't find a home for him. Pete entered rescue because of divorce. Sidney was dumped because he sunburned easily and lacked the drive to be a good hunter. Kobe was a prince in hobo's clothing who was abused and abandoned.

All entered rescue for one reason or another. Some found homes within months, some much longer. A fellow foster home inquired how long it takes for our dogs to find homes. I think she was looking for encouragement and a definite answer. It takes as long as it takes and sometimes longer. Probably not the answer she was looking for.

All I can say is what if? What if these dogs never entered my life? What if they never got a second chance. What if Sophie is always the way she is. Is she adoptable yes! Is she adorable - totally. She, like many rescue dogs, simply require an adopter with a larger than normal heart. Someone not looking for a perfect dog, but rather a dog who is perfect for them.

None of us are perfect. Sophie may not adapt easily, but she is perfect for someone who wants a little bit of a pointer with a huge quotient of personality and affection. She adapts in her own way and on her own time table. Proof that there are great rewards for patience and persistence. A perfect dog would lack the volumes of character that come with her. That is a politically correct way to say she's a little nut case in a cute wrapper. But for now she's our little nut case, and in time she will be someone elses little nutcase. We just need to find that special person. I have no doubt we will.

My Apologies to the Horse

Remember that little girl who adored horses and wanted one in the worst way? She ate, drank and slept horses. The closest she ever got was owning a stick horse. She joined a 4-H group for horses even though she never owned one. In 4-H discussions she new as much about horses as one could learn from books. Just being close to them and talking them was her bliss. Perhaps I forgot to mention that girl is me.

Fast forward to now. A friend of mine is the grown up version of that little girl She invited me to go riding with her. At first I was excited, then I was fearful. In fact, I was relieved when my schedule delayed our ride! But then the time was right and I had the courage to go for it. My only comment at this point is my apologies to the horse!

I had a great time! Although, at first I was just happy to sit in the saddle. Alright, I was delighted I was able launch myself into the saddle. I asked if there was a hydraulic lift to get me up there. I was told there was a saddle block. I thought that was a kind of anesthetic. That might have been helpful too. The horse stood there like a statue while I settled in. Okay, I could have just sat there for two hours and been happy. But my friend was less enthralled with that method of riding.

So off we went. May I say it was a great time. Yes, I'd do it again. Plus, 9 days later all my tender spots are gone! I am not a woos, I am not a woos! It was simply the equine version of the Princess and the Pea.

However, if horse had the option to take me for a ride again, he might just feign colic. Kudos to the horse for being both experienced and patient. For being sure footed and well mannered. Thanks to my riding partners for taking good care of this tender foot. And, for the timely advice to try to always keep the horse between me and the ground. Good advice, good friends, good fun.....and one happy little rider.

Treats

Treats come in all shapes and forms. Right now, the dogs are enjoying Kong's frozen with mashed potato's and dog biscuits in them. I guess they are lucky I shared the spuds with them. There wasn't much left, and I thought about slurping them down myself. I gave it serious consideration, you know, to share or not to share. But most evenings they get Kong's with goodies in it, and potato's definitely qualify as a goodie!

At this time of night they need something to challenge their brains a bit. Keeping them occupied is important because my brain at this time doesn't need any more challenges. So it's a win-win situation. For me it's a treat to be left alone. For them it's a treat to work on and consume.

When I think about Sophie when she entered foster care, I can see she's come a long way. She didn't know what treats were back then. Now she's doing the happy dance when the Kong's come out of the freezer. In a way, giving treats is as much fun as getting them. Well, sometimes it is.

The Kong fun lasts for maybe 15 minutes, give or take. Then they start rotating Kong's hoping to get one more last bit of yummy out. Then they mill around on the off chance a treat fell to the floor and no one noticed. Not like that happened, but they search just in case.

Thus ends the day here. Goodies in Kong's, weary brains and tired bodies. What a treat.

Things That Mess With Your Head

This morning Day Light Savings comes to mind. I get the premise. But anyone with kids or dogs can give up the ghost of "getting" an extra hour of sleep when you fall back in the Fall. The dog's don't know or care about that. I'm pretty sure teenagers dig it, but they can sleep through anything. Of course, I neglected to set my clock back when I went to bed, so I got up earlier than I really had to. The dogs didn't care though. Time is time to them and it was feeding time for the love of Dog.

This week Sophie learned to drink from the toilet. With her petite frame it is no easy task. A friend of mine refers to it as the punch bowl. Perhaps only dog lovers will find the humor in that. Since Sophie can't reach the sink to refill the water bowl, I think finding the punch bowl and serving herself is the next best thing.

Change of seasons also mess with my head. In the store we are changing everything out from Halloween to Christmas. What amazes me is that consumers are jumping right in and buying it. Really, that is a good thing! But, I'm still wondering where August and September went. I'm also trying to make mental notes about what is popular this season, so I can buy again for next season. It seems I'm always way ahead of the current season, or way behind. I'm not sure which. And when the reason for the season arrives I'm too tired to enjoy it.

So perhaps the challenge is to embrace each day as a season. Each day an opportunity to dip into the punch bowl of life. Maybe Sophie has a lesson for us. Find the bowl, partake, try not to fall in, celebrate that which rehydrates us. To that I add punch bowls come in many shapes and sizes. Thankfully they are not all toilets! Some are, some aren't. Find time to mess with life, rather than letting it mess with your head.

The Big Lonely

What if inside each of us Is the Big Lonely.....It could be the Big Lonely hole from neglect, hurt, abuse, or lack of any of the important facets that help us grow whole and happy.

Sometimes the lonely is easy to mask. Other times the lonely weighs heavy on our heart. Sometime the big lonely is vast as the universe. Sometimes you look like you have a firm grasp on reality, but you feel lost and sad.

I know these feelings. We all do. There it's out there....phfewww. I often tell myself...self, you shouldn't feel this way. Self, you are blessed beyond measure. Self, you have so much. Yet, there are still those other feelings to be worked through.

We all have valid griefs and losses on the path of life. In the interest of moving away from those discomforts, we sometimes dodge working through them. Sophie, runs from most everything and in the processes misses out on a lot of love. Reno has loved her all these months she's been with us. Her fear keeps her from being lavished with love from a kind gentle man.

So what fears keep us - you/me/we from being lavished with love? And, more importantly, how do we release the Big Lonely and move towards the love available to us?