Is My Mama a Monkey?

Adorable Puppies from The Sexton Family Farm in Tennessee

Love to My Special Girl, Abby

Abby, in one of her happiest moments, playing fetch with grandson Peyton. This is the way I will always remember her. I held Abby this afternoon at the vet. She has been so sad lately. She had no more joy. She gave me a couple of kisses, which she hasn't been doing lately since she has been so sick. Then quickly and gently her little spirit returned to the breath of God.

(Posted 10-18-18 on FaceBook)

A New Story in My Life - Rizz

Well a new story in my life has begun. Donna Curry has been my friend since she began staying in my home through Airbnb. I have met her daughter Nayo (No. 16) who plays volleyball for Ole Miss. As mentioned in an earlier post, I also have met Nayo's Dad, Brother DJ (he is a senior in high school, plays football and is 6'2" - off to play college ball in fall) and Grandmother as well as her dog Rizz. This is a fine Christian family.

Rizz is about six months old, 40 pounds. He is a black golden doddle. This was an oops as Nayo realized that she needed to rehome Rizz since she travels all the time with the volleyball team and in classes, away from home so much.

To make a long story short, Rizz has a new home with me with the family backing my efforts. He is adorable - sweet and loving. Great to hug and follows my every step. Soft hair and asleep at my feet at the moment. His father was a black poodle and mother a golden retriever. He loves my big yard and runs and runs while we play pitch. Sweet Ben, my malti-pom, does not know what to think but he knows how to growl to set boundaries. I no longer need to work out at the exercise facility, and I no longer sleep late as Rizz wakes up at 7:00 am. He sits on command and gives me a paw to shake.

We are in love.

UPDATE:  As I learned more and more about Doodle puppies and experienced Rizz, I realized that I was too old and he was too young for me.  We went through obedience training together, and he did well.  However, he needed a playmate his size - another dog.  I contacted IDog Rescue for doodles in Texas.  They picked him up and in a few weeks he had a new home with another doodle.  He left me weighing about 55 pounds and still growing.  I know he is so happy in his new home.  I highly recommend IDog Rescue. 

Rizz and his new brother Sully.

The 2nd awoo stole my heart

HAPPY DOGS & CAT in AUSTRALIA - Pharrell Williams "HAPPY" song

Dearest Rosie

Rosie, lying down, and Pal

I am sad to write that the vet said today that it was time to let Rosie go.  She had lung cancer and a cancerous, infected, bleeding tumor with large opening on her tummy.  I kept her bandaged and was no problem to deal with, but the tumor was dangerous for her because it was getting worse and worse.  She could not have survived being put to sleep and having it removed.  Even if treated, it was only a matter of weeks before the lung cancer would win.  I did not want her to suffer.

She was a trooper.  She did not act sick, kept eating and taking happy strolls every day, around the yard with wagging tail.  Although she was blind, she was able to find her way around very well and could find me when she wanted to.  She had no teeth, and this last year,  I fed her one of the best canned dog foods available.  She thoroughly enjoyed.  She would jump for me to pick her up, even this afternoon.  She had habit of barking and barking and barking when she wanted something:  to eat, to go outside, to lie under my chair while I worked at the computer or to be put to bed at night (in my bed).  Otherwise she was quiet and slept lots.  She loved to be held and sighed often when snuggling in my arms.  She was very old but acted very young.  Her estimated birthday was in 1996.  She would have been 18 this year.  The vet was amazed when we talked about her age. 

She was truly a gift from God and gave me far more than I gave  her, as they all do.

I realize tonight that Rosie's passing ends a special period of my life and a special group of five dogs, our original group of very sweet and lovely ones.  First there was Poppy, then Juniper, Pal, Tashee, and Rosie.  They are all gone now along with my husband Tom who loved them more than I can describe.

A new and younger group began with the adoption of Abby and Ben.  I am so grateful for their presence now and sweet kisses as I could not bear coming home to an empty house with no one to greet me.

Hotty Toddy

I Love You Tashee

June 5, 1996 - April 4, 2013

I lost another precious Maltese today, the third one since my husband passed away almost 2 years ago. Tashee returned to the breath of God late this afternoon. I felt that it was going to happen soon. I was with her when she seemed to be having a heart attack and then was gone in 20 minutes or so. Tashee was almost 17 years old - a little old lady, she was. She was given to us by her owners when she was about 3 years old.

We originally had 4 Maltese dogs (Poppy, Pal, Tashee, and Juniper - Tashee's baby who came to us before his mom), and they are all gone now. They were all different and very special in their own ways. Each one was my favorite. They were one of the greatest blessings of my life.

My mother used to worry about me because she said they were all so close in age that I would lose them all almost at the same time, which is what has happened except Poppy who passed away in 2008. I am grateful that I adopted again and did not come home tonight to an empty house. I am also grateful that Tashee did not have a long illness but simply chose today to go to Rainbow Bridge. She was an independent woman and spared me the pain of not having to put her to sleep.

I love you Tashee, my darling girl who always slept by my side and loved me more than I deserve.

Flower Mound, TX, Maltese, 10-12

Memories of My Little Family

Pal, I love you.

Yesterday, my precious little one, Pal, went home to the breath of God. May God bless ...

his little spirit, so kind and so gentle, always ready with sweet kisses. He was 14 years old. His little body simply gave out.  I will miss him forever.  I love you, Pal.

 

Authorities bust puppy mill in Stone County

Stone County - The Humane Society of South Mississippi is on the scene at the bust of a Stone County puppy mill. The Humane Society of South Mississippi, Southern Pines Animal Shelter, Humane Society of the United States, and the Stone County Sheriff's Department have recovered more than 70-dogs from an alleged large-scale breeding operation in which animals were kept in deplorable conditions and bred repeatedly without regard for their health. The dogs ranged in age from two-weeks-old to fully grown, and ranged in conditions from having broken bones to being somewhat healthy. The owner of the property allegedly sold the dogs at a flea market along Hwy 49. Approximately 50 of the abused and neglected dogs were sent to the HSSM shelter on the coast and the remainder went to Southern Pines. An arrest has not yet been made, but authorities say the owner is expected to turn herself in on Wednesday. Her name has not yet been released.

SOURCE: Puppy Mill

Rachael & Georgie, Two Special Needs Dogs

This story is too sweet not to share.  It came from Vickie, about her Maltese dogs, Rachael and Georgie:

"Our little first Maltese Rachael is 15 1/2 and she had fluid on one of the joints in her front leg last week. She walks on her elbows now and it is hard for her. She does not have pain thankfully but surgery was not an option for her. Anyhow, she gets fluid at that elbow joint sometimes and we were doing antibiotics and warm compresses. Georgie is very curious of course! At night his bed is between our pillows and Rachael’s bed is just below his. Ever since she has been having a problem and even now that she is better he crawls out of his bed part way and puts his head in her bed. Best of all she has now started to crawl up to him and their heads are side by side and they sleep that way. It is just too sweet. Two little special needs dogs comforting each other. What a blessing for both of them! They are just so special."

(pictures lost - removed)

The Amazing Skidboot

Snoring Dormouse

An Evening Prayer for the Dog in the Shelter

An Evening Prayer for the Dog in the Shelter - source


Tonight I go to sleep with my dogs. My long legged lurcher (an adopted rescue) is roaching against the pillows. The new little fellow (another adopted rescue) is contentedly asleep in his crate in the closet. My older girl Lucy lies on the dog bed by my side, tennis ball still in sight of sleeping eyes. My boy Linus spoons against me. Time for bed. The quiet, contented sighs of dogs who feel safe and loved…. secure and at peace. As my eyes begin to close, I picture a dog in a shelter I have been working with.

At the end of a session I spend some time with her in her kennel. I hear the barking and whining of the other dogs that make her alert her head and ears. I can see how no matter how well things are arranged for her, she is still surprised and alerted by the passing of another dog. She is dog reactive. We make good strides but there are still challenges for her. Each day after I work with her and bring her to the gate of the kennel, she hesitates, then quietly follows me in through the gate. She has come far with her training. She loves to learn. She has done a brilliant job today. She lets me brush her. We play a game of search for the tennis ball under the blanket on her bed. Then it is time to go. I close the gate and secure the lock. She sits and watches me as I go. I am haunted.

Tonight I say a prayer for her, and for all of the dogs sleeping (or not sleeping) in shelters near and far.

May a person with realism, vision and acceptance walk past your gate.

May they see that the jumping dog in front of them is desperate to say hello.

May they realize that with a bit of training, you can learn polite greeting manners.

May they understand that you are not perfect, but that you can be trained to be a good dog.

May they understand if you are shy and overwhelmed, and see that with love, encouragement and confidence you will come out of your shell. May they understand this may take quite a few months.

May they see that the thunder and bluff is just that; and with training that teaches you in a peaceful way to get the distance you want from whatever “monster” that scares you , you will learn to resolve your conflicts with the world constructively and gain confidence.

May they understand you are curious and inquisitive and need to explore the world, but also you will need clear boundaries and kind but constant guidance.

And may they decide to make a life commitment to you. For who you are. The brilliant, the challenging, the aloof, the goofy, the exhuberant, the serious, the silly, the reserved, the obnoxious, the funny, the athletic, the laid back, the complex and beautiful; the real dog that makes you the completely unique you.

Divorce is not an option in adopting. This is not fast food or Disneyland. This is real dog, real relationship and real commitment.

May you feel the touch of a kind hand and hear a gentle word.

May you take a car ride to your forever home.

When you mess up, may you be forgiven.

May your new family understand that it can take months and sometimes years of training, guidance and learning to help you be the best you can become. May they make that commitment to you.

May they accept you for the dog that you are in spite of all of the training. And may they smile at your imperfections as much as your achievements.

May they protect you, nurture you, give you exercise and adventures together.

And may you someday fall asleep on the bed, sighing in deep contentment, peace and security, spooned against your forever friend.

This I pray for you my friend, and for all dogs. This I pray.

Sleep in peace and we will both dream and pray for your forever home.

The Old Ones

One by one they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his prime he can't run and play,
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail,
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly and want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

-Author Unknown

A Post from Poppy's Mom

I live on the coast of Mississippi, in the county where Katrina hit the hardest (yes, harder than New Orleans).  I am now classified as too old by a certain dog rescue organization who would not allow me to adopt one of their dogs.  I am 71.  I am retired from the U. S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans but work part time at a paying job and constantly doing volunteer work, especially on the computer, and especially for my high school friends (I have a blog for them) and my Franciscan friends (blog and website for them).  I also have this blog for my dogs. 

I lost my husband last year along with my best friend, my daughter-in-law and one of our dogs, Juniper - four extremely important ones gone in less than six months.  I miss them all very much and am so grateful for the company and comfort of my dog family.  I have fostered once since my husband passed away but cannot do this again.  I am still trying to adjust to my new situation (I'm sure you understand) and don't think I am capable anymore of loving a foster and then letting go.  It takes being able to love lots but with a certain detachment that I no longer have.

I have four children:  3 Maltese, Tashee, Pal, and Rosie, and a Yorkie, Abby.  Rosie is a permanent foster for NCMR and is blind.  Tashee is almost 16, Pal, 14, and Rosie will be 16 this year.  Abby was adopted a couple of years ago and is estimated to be about 7.  There is great likelihood, of course, that it will not be too much longer before only Abby and I will be left.  She is my darling girl. 

Most of the seniors sleep lots and Tashee, who was the love of my life, is now distant, lost in her aging world.  She gives some kisses, sleeps nearby but no longer cuddles or wants to stay in my lap, growling often at everyone who comes near.  Pal remains adorable and affectionate, sitting in my lap right now, but is a little old man who still likes to play fetch.  Little blind Rosie must be the healthiest of them all, taking no medicine and when she is excited, jumps a couple of feet off the floor and twirls and barks.  She loves to be held and swoons and sighs with delight.  They taught me about love, and now they are teaching me about being old.  

Tashee was given to us by our groomer/breeder, and Pal was adopted from NCMR after recovering from heart worms.  I rescued Rosie and her best friend, Teddy, from the shelter.  They had been adopted but returned.  Teddy suffered with a severely collapsed trachae, loved me and Rosie with all his heart, and was young and healthy except for this one problem.  After several months, he had to be put to sleep.  Abby was rescued from a bad and neglectful situation, not receiving good medical care.  She has a mild case of heart worms and one eye that has been damaged by infections and dry eye before I adopted her.  The eye problem is being managed and has improved a little.  I pray that she will not have to have it removed one day.

All these sweet ones came into my life when I was not looking for another one - they just knocked on the door and I asked them in to love for the rest of their lives.  We all sleep together in the "big" bed.  Before I turn off the light at night, I look around at all them, and no matter what is going on, I feel grateful and believe that life is good. 

I seek to make God the center of my life, but on another and lesser level, my dog family is a center, and I have cried more for those dogs in my life - Poppy, Juniper, Teddy, Sammy, Lucy, Molly, Sophie and Nikki - who have passed away than most people family members and friends.  I know my mother understands.

My love to my little grandson, Peyton, who has blessed us all more than he will ever know. 

Love and Prayers, Ouida