Tuesday, August 20, 2013

I'm a Helper

Everyone needs a helper.  Someone to lend a hand, or paw.  Someone to let you lean on them. To be there for you.  Someone you howl for when they are gone.

Wallace is that sort of guy.  Except he's a dog.  He's a big goober of a dog.  He drools when stressed.  He's learning the ropes.  Oh, I can't eat that rope?  How about the shoes, or the pillows, or the coffee table?? No???  Well, what can I eat?  How about that nice eggplant you picked? He is learning the finer nuances of being an indoor dog.  Like how not to fall off of the love seat.  How not to tip over the recliner.  Did I mention he's a big goober??  He's teaching me what it's like to have a shadow.  Although, he's like velcro until I go down stairs.  Wallace draws the line at stairs...and getting into cars.  Nope, can't make me.  I lifted him in the other day, had too.  All 57 lbs of him.  I won't be doing that again unless I absolutely have too. But, a good helper will lift you up sometimes.  Either physically or emotionally.



He also helps me laugh and not get too engrossed in busy things.  One must keep on eye on him at all times, less damage that way.  Hence the dog bed currently residing in the trash can, took my eyes off him for too long.  He is digging the worlds largest hole to bury his Kong in.  Helpers will dig holes to bury things in.  I'd go into depth on that but the names are being withheld to protect the innocent. He's not particularly fast, but he is consistently into mischief.  He's a juvenile delinquent in a big dog body. This too shall pass as he matures and learns the routine around here.  Okay, learning the routine will happen way before the maturity develops.

Everyone could use a helper like Wallace.  I'm pretty lucky to have this gift in my life for a while. Someone else will be lucky to have this gift for a lifetime.  All that said, do you have room in your heart for a good helper??





Thursday, August 8, 2013

Old Fosters New Fosters

It's that time again...sorta.  We usually have a one foster rule here.  And, Addy is the resident foster.  She's been with us for a while, since February actually.  She is beyond the "foster" status and more like a permanent resident.  However, we still hope her forever home finds her.



So now the urge to foster another has bitten me hard.  We have the space, at least in the yard we do.  The house is another story.  What's one more for a while.  Well, one more means another life gets saved, and one also who gets the open space in the shelter.  One more means another cool dog that we get to love up on for a while. So I'm happy to announce the Wallace is coming soon.

Wallace hails from the Quincy, IL area.  He'll be our first IL foster.  Add another state to the roster bringing us up to 7 states.  Guess I have a few more states to get dogs from....  Oh honey, guess what!!

That said, kudos to Reno for never faltering when I say I want to foster.  Of course the back story is I say I want way more dogs than we ever get. Probably a very good thing.  Even so, Reno's a trooper and I love him for that.

So the journey continues, and the journey begins again.   Do you know anyone looking to adopt a dog....have I got some good ones for you!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Guest Book

Over the years I should have kept a guest book.  If I had been really organized there would be one for home guests, and another for doggie guests. Maybe the doggie one would have had more paw prints than the human version would have signatures.

Since I moved away from "home" I have a greater appreciation of guests and visitors. Not to mention a deeper understanding of home.  So we have especially enjoyed all the people who find their way to our little house on the prairie.

I have a friend who keeps a guest book...it is in the bathroom.  She figures sooner or later everyone will sit for a minute there and can sign in.  I like that idea, but don't want to copy it.  Most all who come get hugs and dinner.  I don't think it would be too much to ask for a signature or comment.  Maybe just....dang that dinner was good, or, wow you've got lots of dogs, or, pass the pie, or, you really are a crazy dog lady!  

Of course I realize you've touched our hearts by visiting, but it would be nice to see it in writing or better yet a photo journal.  Even if I never get that organized I want you to know that just by visiting you have signed the guest book in our hearts with love.  And, if you'll just give the resident doggies a treat all will be right in the world.