I've added a new page on the RR main site Navigation Bar--"Meet The Puppies"--(link below). Today's photos of Miss Moneypenny's seven puppies and Timmy, the Great Dane, are all there for you to enjoy--and hopefully to forward the link to good friends with good homes for them.  They are five months old now, had their shots and are almost ready to be spayed/neutered. 

(Dr. Sears', the anti-distemper doctor, recommends that you wait until after the first heat or similar for boys to do this--this way the animals will have the strongest immune system possible.  Doing it soon, Dr. Sears says just turns off the immune system--leaving the animal suseptible to a lifetime of illnesses.)

The Min Pin mix pups range in weight from about 15 to 25 pounds! They are all silky soft, adorable and loving.We'd like to find them homes with other animals to play with--at least one dog--since there is so much activity here, we don't want to see them be only pets, left alone all day.  They will get depressed and have behavorial issues.  Here, they are never alone and have lots of friends and room to run!

Timmy or really Timujin, was an abuse and neglect puppy--he had been starved nearly to death, while being chained on a two foot lead.  We can only imagine what was going on--but he was surrendered to avoid criminal charges.  Always cheerful and loving, Timmy loves to romp through the house with one or three or four puppies or dogs chasing him--he loves carrying the squeaky toy and the attention of everyone trying to get it from him.

There was a wonderful family who wanted to adopt him but with a little toddler, it was decided that it was best to wait for a family with older kids or adults with fur-babies.  Timmy is just going get bigger and tiny toddlers, no matter how gentle he tries to be, will be knocked over.  

It is difficult to do adoptions--I would rather not have to.  Having to ask for a home check, a vet reference and personal reference seems like a lot but we had to go through it many times just to foster for different groups--so it is customary and reasonable.  The home check is not to check on your neatness or decorating--but to see if the yard is fenced (and has a gate--often times that is just plain missing), that there are no dangers to the animals in the yard, that there is room in the house for the animal to be comfortable and to have a crate and bed and to just talk. 

To just make sure the family really wants an animal forever--not just while it is convenient or on a whim.  Although we will take them back at any time for any reason, we want the animals to be happy and to bond and stay with their new family. The animals have feelings and hearts, too.

If you can adopt a puppy--and don't have a dog, why not adopt two of them?  We'll be happy to guide you along and tell you who are best friends.  You can also adopt one of ours--and one from another group.  Get the other group's first and we can see which puppies will get along with him/her (after it has been out of the shelter for at least two weeks.)  

I've been asked how these puppies will be cats and other small animals.  I don't know.  Some maybe better than others--based on their personalities.  This puppies, though, are Min Pin and probably a Hound mix--which means that they have some kind of prey drive--an automatic chase and catch response built in. This could be dangerous to little animals like hamsters--I don't know about kittens and cats, etc. but it should be a consideration.

The Rescue Ranch needs to make room for medical and special needs cases.  By adopting our wonderful puppies, can you help to clear a space for another animal to come here.   Please take a look at them on our "Meet The Puppies" page on the main Rescue Ranch website.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

PS  If you are able, we would very much appreciate help with our February expenses.  Taking care of special needs and complicated medical needs animals is very expensive and we cannot do it alone.  Please Click Here to go to our Chip In page.  Thank you kindly!

Three days to go until February.  The Rescue Ranch needs your help--if you can.  We have collected less than half of what we need to pay for the care, feeding and vetting of the animals in the upcoming month. I think everyone thinks the other person/people are helping but they are not.  

I know there is an earthquake in Haiti.  I know the economy is bad.  I know that many animals need help--and many people continue to contact us to take theirs, to help, to take other animals.  When a life is at stake, we don't say, "no."  I don't want to change our policy if we can avoid it.

Mike was the sole supporter of the RR--he gave everything to help the animals.  Then, at the end of March, 2009, he lost his job.  Almost a year later, he is still looking.  Thankfully, we had no consumer debt and our cars were long since paid off.  But maintaining the care and feeding of many special needs and critically ill animals is time-consuming and expensive.  Until he gets another job, we need help.  If help doesn't come, we will need to sell the RR soon--credit cards can only carry so much debt--and move to some part of the country that is more affordable, which will limit our rescue work.  The animals will never need--regardless of what we ourselves have to do without.

It is not your responsibility to support the RR. It is ours.  We don't expect you to.  It is your choice to help just as it is our choice to share--to share our lives, our experience, our stories, our joys and our sorrows. We are happy to do as much as we can because we know that it saves lives, changes lives, networks the rescue community and makes a difference. But we cannot do it alone.

Click Here to Help The Rescue Ranch, February, 2010

It is hard to have to write this blog this morning.  I would rather Mike were working and we didn't have to ask. I wish a lot of things but know that we have to wait for things to change in His time.  There must be a reason that Mike is home. I know it has been a Godsend having extra hands at the RR.  I know that I have shared a lot more about our personal lives than I would have had this never had happened. Maybe this has helped someone, too.

Up until last night, I was embarrassed and ashamed that we even had to ask for help.  Donations just don't come automatically or even regularly.  Then I saw a commercial on TV for an animal rescue group asking for donations and sponsors.  We do the same thing--we just don't waste the money on the fancy commercials or TV time. 

I felt bad about asking for help--until I heard about the rescue groups that spend many times our budget just on boarding animals--so they don't have to care for them in their homes.  They are well-funded and yet we are not. Go figure.

The animals at the RR get treated like the treasures that they are--they don't get stuck in a concrete kennel all week in-between adoption days.  We do as much vetting and first aid as we can and provide 24/7 nursing care, saving a ton of money every month--and many times a month, even though we have no income, we share our supplies or food or treats with those who cannot afford any. We are just living in faith.

Something special is going on at the Rescue Ranch.  Please help us continue helping animals who otherwise have no where to go--who have lived through terrible diseases and incidents--and now, have a soft place to call "home."  It really is in giving that we receive our blessings.  We see it every day.

Thank you for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.
Jane

I just finished writing the story about Gideon--a dog who saved a child's life.  Gideon walked alongside a three year old at 2 AM--for over a mile--and a two truck driver stopped when he saw the dog!  A Must Read: Hero Dog Waits At Shelter To Be Rescued

The child was saved because the driver saw Gideon--who has a blue eye by the way--but instead of going home to a $10 steak and a new soft bed, Gideon sits in a concrete kennel waiting for someone to save HER!  This is not the way the world should work.

It is very difficult for me to write about stories like this.  I want to hug the dog and the people--well, I am ashamed of them.  No matter what their circumstance or excuse for doing this, the shelter is not the answer.  If they could not keep Gideon, then finding her a good home should have been their top priority. We can all make do for a few more days--or even a few weeks--to find the right home for our animals.

When I called the shelter today, Gideon was still there.  I was hoping that I would be told that she was already adopted.  This happens to me often--and I am always thankful.  A person will bring a dog in trouble to my attention and as I sit down to write their story, I always call to verify that they are still there.  It happened a few days ago--a Saint Bernard was in danger and the rescue could not rescue her.  She didn't get along with other dogs.  I called her verify her information and was told happily, "Oh, she was just adopted!"  That is music to my heart.

All animals to me are special.  They all deserve kindness, love, special treats and good food and a nice play to sleep that is luxurious and comfortable. Every now and again, an animal is extra special, like Gideon.  For although Gideon probably knew that the child should not be leaving the home and knew they were walking in a dangerous area with lots of cars and trucks, Gideon did not abandon the child.  She was her guardian angel in a way.  Guardian Angels need to be cherished not abandoned.

I hope we have good news today--that Gideon is "sprung," gets a bath, a few McDonald's plain cheeseburgers and some fresh water on her way home.  I hope that she has a comfy cozy bed to lay on and someone whose heart is bursting with pride about having Gideon in their life.  She is something very special and for the rest of her life, someone should tell her every single day, "I love you" and "I am so proud of you" and "You are a good dog."  I don't think they understand our words, per se, but yes, I do think they understand the meaning behind them; and yes, I let each animal at the Rescue Ranch know these things as well--and I mean it.  I really mean it.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

I was exhausted yesterday.  Since April, when I was diagnosed with PBC, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, I have been managing my health and my energy.  I was sick for several months before that but kept thinking it was my life.  I don't get much sleep and I don't eat well. 

The diagnosis shocked me--I don't drink alcohol (Pepsi is my weakness)--but I'm learning to manage everything.  I take frequent rests, naps sometimes and rely more on Mike than I have in the past.  It is a blessing that he is home really.

There is never time to shop, plan and cook--you never know when a sick animal will need help so when I'm hungry, I just grab something from the frig as I'm walking by.  Usually it is my favorite pesto jack cheese and a couple of slices of bread.

Sundays are a day of rest at the RR--we go to or watch church on TV--we don't commit to any outside activities (usually) and try to not go any major projects at the RR.  There are six other days in the week to work.  When I miss a Sunday of rest (the exception is to save animals), I pay for it by needing to take Monday off.  When I have to take a whole bunch of dogs to the vet on Monday, by Tuesday (today) I am pretty sick. My liver is not doing so well.

The vet visit yesterday could not wait. One dog had to be tested for a urine/other infection, another had an ear infection.  Some needed routine stuff like rabies shots.  Nearly $300 and nine dogs later, we left the vet.  Had it not been at rescue prices, we could have spent a small fortune.

On the way home, we stopped at Petco and I picked up four different dog foods.  We have animals at the RR with allergies and conditions that require that we cook for them and/or maintain special diets. On the way out, I could not help to stop and admire the little dog clothes (none were on sale) and pick some compressed rawhide bones and peanut butter rawhide flips (I have only found them at Petco).

As they were loading the food into the trunk, the dogs in the car all had to smell my bag--you would have thought that Santa had just landed--they recognized their treat smells and were so excited!  $150 of food later (for a week or so) we were on our way home.  Other animals eat foods from Petsmart and some can only eat prescription foods...or fresh food.  The food bill at the RR is great.

It takes a lot to run a Rescue Ranch and yet many of us around the country are trying.  I don't think the normal every day pet owner can comprehend what it takes supplies-wise to feed and keep well, a sanctuary or even an active foster home.  I also don't think the ordinary pet owner could comprehend or even imagine how we live or the sacrifices that have to be made.  To save lives, especially in this economy, you have to give up almost everything--your entire life becomes saving lives.  How, Who, Where...Vets, Shelters, Rescues/Rescuers become your focus and your family.

So today, is my day of rest (I hope).  I won't rest totally though until I hear how one of our RR Angels is doing--he was attacked by a dog on his route yesterday.  He is going to the doctor as we speak.  Five men had to pry the dog off of him--he is lucky to be alive but I can tell you, he is in much pain.  I hope you join me in praying for his speedy recovery. I am trying to see if a rescue can work on saving the animal--if its death can be prevented, I don't know.  (Pit Bull rescue...)

The dogs that went to the vet will be fine I hope.  Dizzy had a urine and fecal sample sent out for analysis.  Something doesn't smell right.  Ada Brava, or my Adee Ada girl, has a yeast infection in her ear. All the rest were routine.

I hope you, too, make a day of rest in your busy lives.  Since we have made this a "policy", it has become precious time that we really look forward to.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.
Jane

We had a busy weekend--from working on our distemper project, saving lives with Project Hope, to finding animals, to needing to be a medic to an injured animal.  I normally can do some of that on any given weekend, but after two days of no rest, I need today to be my "Sunday"--our day of rest.

Please take the time to catch up on my stories on www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer or blog entries here you may have missed.

I need several local volunteers (who can travel to The Woodlands, TX) to help this coming weekend with an adoption day.  If you are available, would you please email me.  If you have any contagious disease at home--like Parvo or Distemper--please wait for another opportunity to help.  We will have a collection basket at the event for anyone who wants to bring Dingos or other donations for the RR.  I don't believe that I will be there but Mike will--if you want to come and meet him.  I will be announcing the time/place in the next day or two.

My shredded finger may need to get to a doctor--typing is becoming a problem!  Ouch.  The danger with working with animals is that we can quickly get a staph infection in any wound.  I didn't get to wash the wounds out with betadyne solution fast enough and now, am reaping the mistake.  Please learn from my mistake.

I'll try to write some more a little later.  Have a great day today!

Jane

animalrescuevolunteer@yahoo.com

I love to be on time.  I don't like to make people wait and I don't like the anxiety of being later for appointments or for anything.  I would rather be early.  Then, I have time to get a Pepsi, use the ladies room, walk a dog...

It occurred to me today that it is nearly impossible for us to be on time no matter how much I try.  Today, I started to leave the house at 10:30 AM.  We didn't leave until 3 PM.   

At first, this puppy and that dog had to go out.  Some decide that they want to go out twice--they make such a good case that I think there must be something left that must have to come out.  But, if I watch them out a window, I can see them speeding through the roses and jumping over the Jolly Balls scattered out in the yard (big play balls for horses and big dogs--with handles so they can carry them with their mouths).  The second going out was just for fun! 

Mike made brunch so I could answer any emergency emails and eat at the same time.  Two pieces of American cheese between two pieces of oatmeal bread was my gourmet brunch.  (Skipped the mustard to save time...) As I tried to eat it, the circle of dogs who also wanted a bite began to grow.  There is no way I can just simply eat a sandwich--I had to give everyone their bite!  Add a half hour on to my day.

Now that we have three little dogs here--Jade, Baby and Dizzy--we call them the "Tiny-s"--we have to add another session of going out to our day.  They are too fragile to go out with the bigger dogs, especially right now with Dizzy recovering from surgery.  If we don't walk the property with them, they will just stand at the door--saving their burst of energy that would have propelled them to scream around the yard for the living room or the entire house.  It is easier to walk from one side of the property to the other and back--and let them run and run and run. 

Jade is amazing to watch--she is a tiny Min Pin but she looks like a racehorse when she runs. Baby is getting her strength back after having two broken legs and a broken pelvis (and two surgeries) and is keeping up with Jade some of the time.  She definitely waits for Jade on the return passes and catches her and then lets her run away again.  Dizzy is recovering from two surgeries--and is starting to use his back legs separately more and more.  When he first arrived, he moved them together like much a kangaroo hops.  His little legs are getting stronger and he is beginning to walk like a dog.  He still reverts to his kangaroo moves when he tries to go fast, but catches himself and walks again.

Once the Tiny-s are in and fed, I got myself ready and walked out of my bedroom, closing the door behind me.  I felt bad that I didn't invite any dogs to tag along on our errands, so I opened the door to call four or five of them out.  As I opened the door, P-U!  Pasha came across the floor toward me, having diarrhea all the way.  It was a long, long streak of it that had to be addressed on the spot.  That would take another hour.  

Poppy, Kasey, Girl...OK Ada.  Mike went back for Chula.  I went back for Bunny.  We could not fit anyone else or we would have taken Pasha, too.  Getting them into the car, packing up cold water, cold Pepsi's, finding my wallet, finding Mike's wallet, getting paperwork and stuff for the vet, packing up stuff to drop off to a fellow rescuer...two more hours gone by.

Finally, I just had to leave.  I didn't have everything I should have but most of it.  I had the most important stuff.  I had the dogs, some cold liquids for all of us and whatever else we'd need, we'd worry about it when we remembered it.  After a few errands and a long call with Dr. Sears, the anti-distemper doctor whose work I am participating in getting a DVD and protocol binder together to send out to vets, breeders, shelters, rescues...we finally headed home.  We were so tired and worried about the dogs and puppies who needed to go out, that we forgot to stop at McDonald's for Kasey's cheeseburgers!  (Everyone else gets one but we still say that we stop for him.)

We got home and had to start the whole who-goes-out-first, who needs to eat first, who is excited to see us the most so they get petted first...and what just made me chuckle, was the dogs that were IN the car with us, and who spent six hours non-stop sitting on my lap, acted like they were seeing us for the first time all day and were jumping up and twirling and happy to see us, too!  Dogs amaze me!  I would have thought they'd go lay down and let the others do the greeting work!

It's time for a shower and bed.  I'm pretty tired.  We have a lot of work ahead yet tonight and Mike will be up most of it.  I get a pass since I got up hours before he did today.  My battered comfy-cozy quilt and four pillows (two for my head, one of either side of me) and three or four dogs look like a blessing that I just can't turn down.  I hope you, too, have a nice place to sleep every night.  It makes every day worth it--being able to go back to bed.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

 

One of the problems with being a good sport in rescue, is you may get taken advantage of or the help that was promised may never come. 

When Miss Moneypenny came to the RR, after being hit by a car and close to giving birth, I agreed to take her in IF the rescue group would take her puppies into their program once they were weaned (done nursing).  I usually like to keep them a bit past the eight weeks so they can get in a set or two of shots--this way, when they go out into the world, I know they are somewhat protected.

After request after request to transfer the puppies, and promise afte promise, help never came.  They had a volunteer pass away and her fosters had to be integrated into other homes.  There was a big influx of the breed after a seizure in another part of the state and on and on.  I think because my puppies were safe and sound, and the other dogs were in danger, we kept getting pushed to the back of the priority list. I kept understanding. I can't help but think, too, in the back of my mind, that no matter how gorgeous and wonderful and loving and friendly these puppies are, they are not PB--pure bred.  Shamefully, many a dog has been left a the shelter by the breed rescue groups if they don't look "pure" enough.

The problem with the group basically abandoning the puppies that were supposed to move on, is that it has tied up quite a bit of room and our time at the RR that could have been used to help dogs with medical needs/emergencies.  We have not turned anyone away--yet.  The expenses that we have had to lay out for their vaccines, worming, etc. are all un-reimbursed.  Maybe we can recover some of that with adoption donations.  The most important thing is finding good homes for these animals.

Since we were always expecting the puppies to be transferred, and we really don't want to do direct adoptions from the RR, we have not taken them out to show them off.  They are simply gorgeous--and each is about 20-25 pounds now.  I'll bet they will be 25-30 pounds when full grown.  Little Gracie, the black and tan runt of the litter will be around 20.

This is always the risk of fostering pregnant animals--I agreed to take in the mother because she had a concussion and then we found a broken leg and she was pregnant.  I had the skill set to help her.  But, I needed the puppies to move along.  Leaving them for five months now, is taking advantage of my good deed and good nature--no matter how much I love the breed and the group, I feel very let down. 

These were not the only animals from the same group that were "temporarily" here--we have a few more that never quite got moved after we pulled them from death row.  I am happy to have done that, love the dogs but have drawn the line.  I will not foster for this group again other than an emergency (they are all emergencies I guess--but no more favors.)

So, now, I have seven precious puppies--five boys and two girls--who need loving homes.  They must have other dogs in the home--or two must be adopted together--since these animals have grown up with a lot of activity and play time/buddies.  They cannot be crated all day.  There are a few other "musts" like a fenced yard, loving hearts and the promise to return them if ever it doesn't work out.  

You can see the latest photos of the puppies at www.firststop-laststop.com and go to the "Meet the Pack" page--then, at the bottom, see the "Puppies" link.  They are friendly, loving, cuddly and growing by the day. If you would like to adopt one or two, please send me an email with a description of your family--pets, kids, yard, house, work, etc.  The puppies will be available to meet you this weekend or the next.  They will bring love and laughter, companionship and joy into your life.  

My email: animalrescuevolunteer@yahoo.com

And for new fosters/rescue volunteers, my advice?  Always keep your word.  If you promise a group you'll help them, do it.  If you sign up to volunteer, show up. If someone is willing to birth the puppies, but needs a second foster to take over and you promise to take the puppies when they are two weeks old--with their momma--do it--no matter what the hardship.  People are counting on you.

Plan on keeping the mama and the babies until they have at least two--ideally three--sets of vaccines and be prepared to find them good homes (PLEASE do home visits, vet checks and ask for personal references).  And, when something like this happens to you, don't give up saving lives--just find a group who will support you and keep their word--or even rescue animals on your own. Rescues...fosters are very precious and should be treated with care. Please don't "dump" animals on them and walk away.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

OK RR Angels and Friends--I finally figured out the value of Twitter yesterday.  Please register to be a "follower" of my Twitter ID.  It is fairly easy to do--should only take a minute or two--and then we will be able to do things we could not do before.

Before yesterday, I thought Twitter was a silly entertainment tool.  I listened to the news about how celebrities were tweeting (a 140 max message sent on Twitter) about their lunch choices, their travels and even sillier things.  I kept thinking to myself, "Who would want to be bothered with that information?"  I could imagine their followers sitting in a meeting, driving home, sleeping...and being woken up to "I just had a delicious sandwich..."  Nope.  I was not going to become a part of this movement.  Then, yesterday happened.

A dog, Sadie, that one of my RR Angels just saved got critically ill and wound up at the vets and is being hospitalized.  I wanted to reach out and ask for prayer support for her/her family but felt like I had no way to do so.  I did not have enough information (yet) to write a full story or even full blog--but I did have 140 characters worth.  That's when I realized that there is great value in Twitter, so I registered.

Here is what I see as the purpose of Twitter in rescuing animals:  a sick or injured animal need immediate help; a stray is running on a busy street and we need the closest person to get there; an urgent story was just posted and time is short; prayer support is needed right away; maybe even an important milestone or development at the RR or one of its animals did something significant in their rehabilitation that we all can celebrate. I think there are other ways Twitter can be an asset.  I look forward to your input and suggestions.

In today's story, Why the Rescue Volunteer is Now On Twitter: Please Join Me, I've decided to set parameters for tweeting--from 8 AM to 8 PM CST.  If anything really serious happens--and urgent action is needed only--after that time,  I will send out a tweet but for the most part, I will only send out messages during those times. 

Signing up for Twitter is easy--just sign up at www.twitter.com and add me to your "Follow" list--OR go directly to my page www.twitter.com/rescuevolunteer and click "Follow"--It should be under the Rescue Ranch logo--the one that is in the upper lefthand corner on this page.  I will get a notice that you have joined as well.  If you are concerned whether your efforts were successful, you can email me and I can confirm that I received a notice from Twitter.

I have left the account open for all to join--but I do have the ability to delete users and to block them.  I hope this does not become necessary.  Also, if you receive a tweet, it would be great if you would forward it to your contacts list--that way we can build a giant rescue network.  You can also send out my Twitter address: www.twitter.com/rescuevolunteer and invite people to sign up, too.  I do believe that the more people we can reach, the more animals we can save.

Thank you so much for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.
Jane

I got up to write early this morning and turned on CNN to hear that Haiti has been hit by another big earthquake--a 6.1.  The last was a 7.0.  Mike thinks it is just a big aftershock--but he also said that the first earthquake could be a fore-shock, to bigger quakes yet to come.  I hope that is not the case.

When a disaster happens, usually the capitol city is still in tact and can be mobilized to help the surrounding towns.  In this case, the capitol has been leveled--and people are out at the airport with walkie-talkies trying to organize planes, helicopters and supplies coming in.  It is not easy.  I wish there was more we could do.  

This made me think of our own disaster preparedness at the Rescue Ranch--and maybe I should share it with you.  We are not willing to let chance and mercy be our only lifelines if a hurricane, earthquake, flood or other disaster hits.  It was hard enough living without electricity for nine days during the last big hurricane!

Nine days with no electricity--we had no idea how long it would be--and I thought the lack of a/c would be the issue.  But, thankfully most of the floors are tiled so the animals could all keep cool.  The biggest problem was that we could not do laundry!

Every day, we change the dogs' linens--the crates, floor, pee pads, clothes...we round them up and wash them.  Thankfully, we had extras but by the end of the week, I could not wait any longer for electricity.  We had to start washing piles of laundry in the tub and laundry lines strung outside that we were taking tub after tub out to dry.  Thankfully, the sun was hot and strong and in a half day, one load could be taken down and folded and another put up.

We had spare rope in the garage, but we didn't have clothes pins.  I had to make little clips out of wire hangers.  (I still need to get some clothes pins for our emergency basket.) The bigger things like sheets and towels hung fine on the lines without help.  

We also had, and always keep, ice blocks in the freezer.  Wherever I can find a nook or cranny, I will make an ice block by just filling up a cheese or deli salad container (after its gone through the dishwasher).  In the hot weather, I put them in the center of all of the dogs' water bowls.  They melt over the course of a half day and leave nice cool water behind.  Puppies LOVE to try to play with ice--it is fun to watch them see things especially for the first time!

So, when the temp in the house was climbing and Big Mandy (a Saint Bernard, otherwise known as a "Saint" not a "Bernard")  was panting, I gave her lots of ice, cooled her down by getting her feet/pads wet (you can also use facecloths soaked in Rubbing Alcohol--just keep refreshing them.  I keep this in the car in case I come across an animal having a heat stroke) and tied a wet towel with an ice pack around her neck and placed her near a breeze. 

We have an emergency water filtering unit by Katadyn (we did not have to use), dried food for us and the dogs, and a first aid closet.  We didn't have to use any of these things but we were sure glad that they were already here.

In the end, a friend had their electricity restored a day before we did and lent us their generator and the gas to operate it.  I was so grateful to be able to just use the washer and then the dryer for a day--the unit was too small to do more but what it did do opened our eyes about what we really need on a day to day basis. I think having a generator permanently installed at the fuse box makes the most sense--(we still haven't done it)--because we have not resolved how to get the gas to keep it running.  Once there is a catastrophe--like in Haiti--the gas pumps are all run on electricity--so unless you can use a cipher, you'd better have some stored (I don't want to do this) and that in itself is a whole 'nother issue.

Just take some time while you don't have the pressure of an emergency and become aware of what you really use and need and begin putting things aside.  Week by week, it is easy.  Trying to do it all at once is very hard physically and financially.

I'd love to hear what you, too, have done to prepare for an emergency.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

For the next while, all comments are on "approval."  I wish it weren't necessary but is seems like "crazy" and "evil" have found their way here--and are trying to get a little attention. I finally understand, on a tiny scale, why famous people have body guards!

I hope that by reading this blog and the comments that normal, sane people write, that others will learn what good behavior and language are and I can open the comments up for spontaneous posting again. I don't mind a disagreement--or even being criticized--but it has to be just that and not in the form of a bizarre religious statement or weird, sadistic self-entertainment.

I think this is very interesting though.  Like moths to the flame, the people who are being filtered out are not God-fearing nor animal lovers but they continue to read my writing daily.  With each post, I will be praying that you are touched by the mighty hand of Jesus Christ Himself.  He is the only one with the power to turn whatever ails you, around. Amen and Amen.

Last night, after a few animals had baths and everyone had dinner, I was able to get a half an hour (or less) in of reading.  I usually catch up on veterinary publications or new rehab "inventions" but last night, I opened up an issue of Oprah magazine that has been calling my name for months.  It was the August, 2009 issue.

Once inside, I passed by a couple of make-overs (doesn't interest me--but it was neat to see the difference), looked at some delicious meals that I wish were available to eat then and there, and then found the article on ICE.  The letters were so big that I could not resist stopping to read it.

ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency" and there is an initiative to encourage people to enter their emergency contact information into their cell phones under ICE.  This way, if you are unconscious or hurt, a paramedic or medical professional can check your phone and get your emergency contact in gear--whether they want to come to take care of you or just provide additional medical information to the caller like allergies, medical conditions, etc.

The article went on to say that there is a service at www.myrapidmd.com for you to file away an Emergency Service Profile.  After you enter all of the information, they send it back to your cell phone.  There is a yearly fee for this servie and they provide reminders to update your profile.  (The code OMAG was supposed to waive the sign-up fee.  I don't know if that is still valid.)

This made me think about the animals, some of which are always with us.  I think entering "ICE Me" and "ICE Dogs" may be in order just in case.  But in order to do that, I need to list our regular vets as well as find a 24 vet that we find reasonable and capable and register our animals ahead of time. That is going to be a challenge.

I remember when little Baby, the Chihuahua, arrived here.  She was in a box, her leg was wrapped up in bandages but I knew underneath a bone was sticking out.  Mike drove and I held her while we drove around trying to find a vet who could help her at 9 PM.  No emergency vet would help--the bone sticking out was beyond their capacity.  I even called Texas A&M--we were prepared to drive there is they could help her.  Same story.  No vet could do surgery over night so we prayed that she would be able to keep her leg and that we'd find a vet to help her.  All is well, thank God, but it really made me think.  What happens to animals in the night who are hit by a car like Baby was?

Do your research--for you and your animals.  Even if they don't travel with you, you may want to have your animal's ICE stored in your phone--and know the route to the vet by heart.  I can tell you that in times of emergency, you will be upset and maybe even in a panic.  You also don't have time to look up numbers and information on the computer or in the yellow pages.  Knowing that that ICE is there will be reassuring.  You can put your animal in the car and start driving--calling ahead so the vet is ready for you.  Explain your emergency and estimate how long it will take you to arrive.  Ask them to come out to help you.

In a short fifteen minutes of reading, I had a couple of little dogs at my ankles wanting to play and to be picked up.  Jade and Baby--whose name is secretly Tiger, because she is!--think when I read, it is time to keep me company and pull apart whatever has my interest.  Holding them in my lap, magazines are prime targets but they are so adorable, I can't help but laugh.  

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

PS  All comments will be posted after they have been approved.  Thank you for your patience.

It's taken me a few days to write about it--to even write--but an out-of-line office manager (of a vet) caused a whole lot of aggravation for me on Friday.  Sending thinly veiled threats to me and to a vet, he was crazy-mad about me giving advice in my blog--and on the phone--to animal owners or rescues and caused a big to-do, inferring that I could be sued or charged with practicing medicine without a license.

While I was at their office, having a sick animal treated, he "heard" me on the phone giving someone advice. He doesn't even know who I was talking to--it could have been someone taking care of my own animals! In addition, he is monitoring my blog and this blog, looking for opportunities to stir up some trouble.  Why?

He said (in his emails) that had I been his employee, he would "fire" me for doing this.  Well, let me tell you, that did not sit well with me.  First, I don't work for him/the vet, second, who does this guy think he is--I would fire him for sending out crazy emails and saying crazy things! How do you put an adult on "time out" in a corner?  That is what this man needs. 

The only reason I can think of is that he is concerned that his income-stream will be challenged by our efforts to stop distemper.  Being the only vet in a state who can do a procedure, to him means you can charge an arm and a leg--and another leg.  Having many vets doing these procedures, means that the costs come down--to where they should be. To me, charging the least amount possible is what should be the norm and the goal.  Saving lives, not making an insane profit, is how medicine should be practiced.  Sadly, with many doctors and vets, I do not think that this is the case.

It incenses me that vets open at night and weekends practically rape their customers--the rates are outrageous.  If your animal gets sick at 5:05 PM or on Sunday, you are practically out of luck if you don't have thousands of dollars on your Visa or in your wallet.  It incenses me that vets think this is in the interest of capitalism--no, this is not capitalism, this is taking advantage of desperate people with dying animals.  Like I told the out-of-line office manager, I think this is a sin.

If we are loyal clients of our vets, why is it that they won't answer their phones or emails from Friday at 5 or 7 PM until Monday at 10 AM?  Shouldn't they be available for emergencies, too?  If I were a vet, I would have an answering service who could screen my calls--and would could have instant access to me if need be.  Maybe there can be a home visit charge or an after hours charge but those would not rise to the amounts that these emergency clinics are charging. I think we should support the vets who are willing to help in an emergency.

I went in to tour an emergency vet clinic a month ago--thinking that maybe my view of them was wrong. When I opened the front door, I was overcome with the smell of bleach--that is not good for anyone or any animal.  Right there, I knew I could never come back but I decided to ask what their fees were--they charged $45 for an injection of 18 cents of medicine.  They charged for this, that, and the other thing.  I felt like my eyes were spinning when I left.  They had drained every resource I had--and I didn't even have an animal checked in there.  Why?  Greed--and because they can.

The crazy-with-greed office manager, I hope comes to his senses.  He could build a wonderful practice and have lots of clients--instead of taking such advantage of animal lovers with very ill animals.  That is not capitalism.  That is greed.  Plain and simple.

I have to rethink how I write my blog since I know this guy is just looking for a way to shut me up. He's tried to tell me even which animals I can and can't write about--the ones that his office has treated, he's tried to tell me I cannot mention.  Well, he cannot do that--but I will promise to never mention his office or the address or email of his vet ever again.

Along with saving lives and changing diapers and dealing with a husband without a job and more, I don't need this kind of aggravation for just trying to help and to educate.  It's taken me three days to be able to write about it--I've just been thinking.  

I think the best thing for me to do is to pray about this.  God has a funny way of dealing with situations that we leave in His hands.  He will deal with this in a way I may not even think about.  In the meantime, I'll keep playing with the animals, feeding them and loving them.  No one can fault me for sharing what I do with my own "herd."  

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

I never forgot a local news story about a young woman, who left her dogs in her house, and went to work.  A car swerved off the road and into her house--and the animals all ran away.  They were scared to death, I'm sure!  Because they were indoor animals, she didn't have name tags or anything else on them.  She was hysterical and my heart just broke for her.

The situation in Haiti is similar--but much worse.  The animals, safe in their homes, probably escaped through a window or crevice IF they lived--when the earthquake hit.  They are now running around the city streets--and their owners will most likely never see them again--unless someone starts gathering them in a central spot, feeds and waters them and fixes any injuries--and begins to post their photos on a website.

But, IF their owner does find them, what then?  The people have no shelter to speak of and are practically fighting over the food that comes in on drops.  Will the tent cities allow pets?  Provide pet food? This is a huge issue.

What if the animals are injured?  I can't imagine that the Red Cross--or anyone else--will take surgeons' precious time to sew up a laceration on a dog.  (I know some might IF they see them.)  The animals will become infected.  Rabies, too, will be another huge problem.

I don't want to think about it--but probably most animals in the city confines, probably won't make it.  Whether though illness, man's cruelty, lack of food and water or injuries, their time is probably short. 

On the off chance that I am wrong, or that some will be strong enough to survive, I listed some links in my blog post today Haiti Earthquake Aftermath: Who is Helping the Animals?  Follow along with what is happening in Haiti though the websites of the animal rescue groups, even an Animal Disaster Blog and more.

Please include the people--and the animals--in this disaster in your prayers.  Many are dying and are alone and scared.  Although far away, we can offer some comfort to them--there is no distance in prayer--and some help, too, if you can afford to send a donation as well.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.
Jane

My writing buddies this morning are too cute for words.  Bunny is laying on her bed and the little girl Min Pin puppy, Emmie, is laying next to her, her leg on Bunny's. Fluffy Poppy, Pasha, Monroe is sleeping next to Miss Moneypenny, Girl and in the edge of the light, I see Chula. 

Usually, I just have a few keeping me company but they have started to miss me when I write or answer email for hours and know right where to find me.  Four beds and a handful of warm blankets are scattered at my feet for anyone who comes to be by me.  I feel loved and not alone.

This morning, not much is going on at the RR.  The sun is about to come up and when it does, everyone will want their turn to go out, chase squirrels, jump after birds, dig a little and run after each other.  There are balls of all sizes, tug toys and other things--including big horse toys--out in the fields for the dogs to play with.  Some spend days without being used--and then suddenly, they are the toy of the moment.  Others are a daily favorite.

Since we go out at all hours of the day and night, I have several glow-in-the-dark toys that I charge under a light before we go out.  There is a giant ball and a Frisbee.  I think there were several others but they have long-since been retired.  We have a Chuck-It, too--but our glow-in-the-dark tennis balls have disappeared, probably from over-use.

Every once in awhile, one of the neighborhood kids will be in our fields looking for their balls.  Sometimes, Mike returns them before the kids come alookin'--only to find out that he's returned a new toy that I just put out for the dogs!

Over New Years', I had thrown two big beautiful new balls out in the yard--one was bright red and I guess reminded Mike of one of the kids' balls.  When I looked for it an hour later to toss for Timmy, Mike told me that he went over to a neighbor's and threw it over their fence! Oh, brother!

The neighbor's were away for the week on vacation--and we have a good relationship with them.  They totally support saving animals' lives, thankfully.  I asked Mike what was he was going to do to get the ball back--since we all keep our gates locked for animal safety.  "I'll just hop the fence..."  I started to laugh, just a little.  "What's that about?" he asked.  "Well, you are kind of getting older and fatter..."

Of course, to prove me wrong, he ran across the property, and hopped the fence--and a few minutes later, tossed the ball back over--and then himself.  I didn't have the heart to ask him how sore he's been all week--I let him keep the illusion of being 15 again!  Sometimes, that feeling is priceless and precious.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.

Jane

PS If you are able, please see our "How To Help" page--halfway through January, we are at only a fraction of what we need to sustain the RR for February.  Thank you kindly.

Girl, the Texas Pearl, got dressed up this moring in her favorite bandana!  But once she heard the news about all of the children going hungry and needing water in Haiti, she lay down, trying to think of how we can help them...

 

Monroe is a Texas boy--he's been in Houston his whole life.  Feeling pretty patriotic today, he picked out his favorite bandana to share with you.  He's thinking the same as Girl...

 

Precious, put on a sequined pink collar and rose for you--cuddled on a new blanket from Christmas.

Bunny and Poppy got dressed up this morning, too--and Bunny made sure her new bone came with her!

Pasha and Bunny have matching bandanas, thanks to a RR angel!  They all lined up today, too, to brainstorm about how we can help the people and animals in Haiti who were victims of a very bad earthquake.

The best thing we can do, they decided, is to give you the tools to help--after they gave you a little smile (or laugh) to start off your day--and of course, add their prayers to yours, for there is great power in prayer.

CALL TO ACTION! (from KBXX Radio Houston)

The people of Haiti need your help. Here are the best ways to aid the crisis relief and rescue efforts:

Donate $$ via text message:

1. Donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (Wyclef Jean’s Foundation) by texting “Yele” to 501501 (the amount will be charged to your cell phone bill) or visit www.Yele.org and click “Donate.”

2. Donate $10 through the U.S. Dept. of State: text “HAITI” to “90999″ and $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross, charged to your cell phone bill. Or call (800) RED-CROSS.

Donate $$ via the Internet or US Mail:

1. Save the Children. Donate at savethechildren.org or make checks out to “Save the Children” and mail to: Save the Children Income Processing Department, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, Conn. 06880

2. UNICEF. Go online to unicefusa.org/haitiquake (site may load slowly) or call (800) 4UNICEF.

3. Direct Relief International. Donate online at directrelief.org.

4. Mercy Corp. Go online to mercycorps.org or mail checks to Haiti Earthquake Fund, Dept. NR, PO Box 2669, Portland, Ore. 97208 or call (888) 256-1900

5. American Red Cross. Text “HAITI” to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross and appear on your bill.

NEED INFORMATION?

Americans seeking info on family in Haiti, call toll free 1-888-407-4747.

If there are rescue dog groups needing help, please post the information in the comments section OR send me an email: animalrescuevolunteer@yahoo.com so I can add their information as well.

Thank you for caring

Penny is a Maxi Pin--a 30 pound Min Pin--she has a great personality and loves life--and eating!  A treat, just out of view, was more important than being a beautiful ballerina!

For the very first time since she's been here (Precious came to the RR early in the fall with a ruptured eyeball), Precious was out in a field PLAYING!  It was an OMG moment for both Mike and I!

Mike was changing puppy pads and I was in another room and he called to me.  "Quick! Quick! Just come quick!"  I had no idea what to expect--whether I should grab my first aid kit or the camera.  

He was peaking out a window so I walked up next to him.  There, on the ground, was Precious and Timujin or "Timmy" wrestling with each other, running, wrestling and having a whole lot of fun!  This was the very first time that Precious has had any real interaction with another dog.  It was one of those wonderful moments in rescue that just make your heart sing.

Now, here's the dilemma.  There is a family considering adopting Timmy.  They have met him once but we still have a home inspection and a home test to go through.  I want him to move on to a forever family--on the other hand, if Precious is bonding with him, I have learned a long time ago, that these relationships are rare and not easily replaceable. A penny for your thoughts...

I took more photos of them romping, but it was too far away.  Once I slowly opened the door to try to take photos not through the window, Precious heard me and ran toward the door, leaving Timmy following.

I was going to take today off from writing--but could not wait to share this with you.  I know that you celebrate these little--or big--triumphs with us and this is major.  Precious' healing just took another big step forward!

Thank you for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

Politics and group dynamics (or not) seem to be affecting the ability of shelters to save lives--and now, after receiving the following email, I am outraged that it has gone this far AND that this is allowed to happen.

IF this is true, I also wonder what monster is euthanizing animals like this, and WHY we allow our tax dollars to be used like this and WHY Christians stand against abortion but don't stand against euthanasia? (I have omitted the sender's identity intentionally).  

 

The email below is referring to an animal shelter north of Houston, whose Director has been trying to turn into a no-kill facility.  Because I know our concerns are being addressed, for now, I am leaving off the name and email address so they don't get overwhelmed with our concern.

 

Hello ALL DOG LOVERS!  Well I was told that 1st of all there will be cameras installed on Thursday! Yea for that,  BUT;  I have just heard some very upsetting news at the same time!!   The constable has given Penny sole control over the Pink and Lavender room, she has EU (had euthanized) MANY of them today, and the floor was covered with so many you could hardly see the floor. Dr Ryan (shelter director) walked in and asked Penny why she is putting them down, that some where nice dogs. Her reply was, "I am doing what I was told and you can't do anything about it!"   A worker has said if we want to save any we must get there early, and when we had a dog in surgery today that had been stuck in the pink room for over 2 months, and it has not gotten sick and was a very cute dog, we told Penny. She said no it hasn't--and if it had it would be dead by now!!   PLEASE HELP IN ANY POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  GEEZE its a never ending battle with desensitized cruel people. ********   OK RR Angels--what do we do with this email--and how do we help the animals?  Euthanasia is not the answer to over-crowding and mass euthanasia "for kicks" is against everything that I stand for.  I want to vomit right now I am so mad about this situation.    After the animals were killed, per usual, they were probably tossed onto the back of a truck to be dumped into a mass grave--the on-site crematorium for mass cremations has been broken for several years (I don't know if it has been fixed or not since I was there a few months ago.) Just minutes before that, these animals were  Fifi and Fluffy, Buster and Bunny, Snow and Pumpkin, George and Gladys...   Please give me your insight and guidance.  I can only see "red" right now.  We spend so many hours and days and nights trying to save lives and to see that there is some crazy person going full speed ahead killing them--with permission--is killing me.     I hope, beyond hope, that this is not true but I think it is.    I have often wondered what type of person could work at a shelter and perform euthanasias as a job.  I have often wondered if there should be a volunteer to sit with each animal to make sure they were comforted, prayed for, held and treated with the reverence that they deserve before they were given "blue juice."  It would kill me animal by animal but I would do it--even though it would cost me a part of my soul to do that for them.    But I have to keep asking, why--why do we have to euthanize?  We can move animals to other shelters, in other cities and states where there is plenty of room.  We can all adopt just one more animal...We can promote spay and neutering--and offer to sponsor those who can't afford it.  It is the continued breeding that keeps the shelters--and rescues full.  If we got a handle on the breeding, in just a year or two, the overcrowding would be eliminated.  We need more people to care--and more people to help.   Today, I need YOU to act--no matter where in the world you live--to pray, to guide me, to get involved, to go save an animal--or to help someone who can.  Even if you can foster them, get them out of the shelters--and we can place them later.  Save their lives first and foremost.   What is happening to animals is WRONG.   Thank you for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring. Jane    UPDATE: The same person who sent the original email yesterday, sent an update today.  After sitting down with the shelter director and they have resolved some issues--and she retracted her email from yesterday (no surprise--I expected her to be pressured to do so). They are reducing the hold time on the animals--how long they have to sit in a cell and wait for no one to claim them--counting the weekend time so they can move along early in the week.    Early this morning, after I posted this blog, I sent an email to the Constable asking for this employee to be removed and for him to begin working with rescue to move the animals instead of killing them.  Although I have not gotten a personal response, I do indeed believe that he will take all of our thoughts under consideration and change things for the better.  Thank you all for caring.

This morning Mike and I were feeding the dogs and puppies at the RR and I had to laugh.  In the middle of caring for this one or moving the other, I realized that we would look like the toys on Santa's island of misfit toys--remember the little puppets on the Rudolph the Reindeer shows that come out around Christmas time?

I was helping Bunny walk to her breakfast--her back legs work but I hold her front up with a harness.  Pasha was the fastest of all of the animals, pulling herself across the floor with her two front legs.  Miss Moneypenny has a sore foot and was walking on three legs (playing too hard, someone stepped on her foot, I think--she has to go and have an x-ray)...

Baby is doing so well but has stitches and pins to hold her together...Mandy had a hole in her neck and one of her ears was a bag of blood when she got here...Three or four of the dogs were HBC--hit by a car before they got here, Pasha, Baby, Miss Moneypenny and Bunny...well, I could go on.

I realized in the dawn of the morning light that our life is not so normal--even though it is routine and very normal now to us.  We go through as much food and treats in a day as the average multi-pet owner uses in a month.  We have beds, blankets, open crates, puppy playpens in places where there used to be furniture.  We limp, swim, run, leap, crawl and some actually walk to get in and out, back and forth--myself included. 

Whether we were wounded on the outside or on the inside, all of the animals here--except for the puppies--were all in need of repair.  With time not an issue, at the RR everyone can take theirs to heal--for it doesn't matter if it is today or tomorrow or next year even.  The most important thing is just that it happens.

It was kind of funny this morning to take a step back--to watch everyone getting to the breakfast "table" or entire dining area--for as hard or easy as it was for each, everyone was happy to be with each other and mindful of the others disabilities and limitations. 

Even Precious, after losing her eye and being so traumatized, comes out of my closet (her latest "spot"), to be with the herd when she hears a mass movement.  She wants to go out now with the herd and they know enough to just ignore her--she can be ten inches from them, laying down and no one bothers her.  She wags her tail occasionally now when she sees a friend (a big, big step forward), but she is still learning by modeling.  One of these days, I expect that she, too, will jump up on my bed and visit--but I don't expect that to be until later in the year.

So, the Rescue Ranch, an island of misfit animals, is really a neat place to be--where the unusual is the usual and thank God, we have been able to keep it this way with your love, support and prayers.  Here, no animal is a misfit--they are all equally as gifted, loved, special and considered a great blessing.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

All night long, I've been missing Beautiful Beauty terribly much.  I finally decided that I would write about it and her.  I simply can't hold it in any more.

Just last weekend, she was with us and now she is gone.  I am grateful to have had the last few minutes with her to say good-bye and to hold her before she passed away but it was so senseless and unexplained.  I planned on a whole lifetime with Beauty--and I was really looking forward to it.

I'm glad that last weekend, when we did get pizza from Domino's--the 5.99 specials--and got an extra one for the dogs.  Beauty was one of my best customers, as I cut up their slices, she would dance to and fro to get another bite.  I made sure that she had both pepperoni and sausage bites.  It's funny what we can remember once someone is gone.

On Sunday night, I dressed her and Girl, our Texas Pearl, up in their new bandanas and was taking photos of them.  Chula kept jumping in and wrestling with Beauty so I couldn't get a good photo of Beauty alone for the website.  I decided to wait until they calmed down a bit--and that time never came again.

On Sunday night, I finally opened a special box of cookies from the Barker Street Bakery that a RR Angel sent for Christmas.  All week, I had let the dogs smell them but on that night, Beauty helped me open the box and was the first to taste them--she loved them!  They were dog bone shaped--the size of my palm--and every three bones were tied with a little red ribbon.

I was trying to be fair and let everyone have a little taste of these special cookies--but Beauty was really happy and loved them so much that she had more than several pieces.  After she died, I was glad that I gave her the last piece that I did--I threw it for another dog who didn't catch it, but Beauty was smart enough to find it.  Instead of taking it away from her, I gave it to her.  Now, I am glad that I did.

That last night, I had given Beauty her new toy frog and then I gave her another little yellow stuffed bug.  She loved stuffed animals--she ran all around squeaking them for days until they wouldn't squeak anymore--and then she would take them apart!  I regret that I took the small yellow duck away that night--I thought I'd let her play with her new toys in sequence and now I wish I had let her just have the two. I am asking myself over and over, "What did it matter?"  I will be more generous with my animals now.  I don't want to have these regrets.

That last night, I was watching a movie in bed and Beauty came to visit me so very many times--jumping up on the bed, sitting next to me.  Normally, she would stop by once or twice--but that last night it was constant.  When she finally lay down on me and gave me a hug and stayed with me and was wrestling and having fun--both she and me were laughing together, having fun!

I was thrilled--it was the first time in over a year that Beauty was finally acting like a normal, happy dog.  I knew at that very moment--not as a reflection--that she was healed.  I thought she would live the rest of her life now as a happy-go-lucky dog and one of my closest companions--it never crossed my mind that she would soon be an angel.

I have gone over that weekend and last night with Mike a bunch of times.  He keeps telling me that there was not one indication that Beauty was ill or even feeling differently.  She was in fact, feeling the best that she ever had been.  I guess that's what makes losing her such a shock and such a loss.

Tonight, as the cold weather wanes on, I can't help but think that just last weekend, Beauty was inside and warm like the rest of the herd.  It is very difficult to try to deal with death and dying on an emotional level.  I have to remain rational and accept what happened when in fact, I mourn and grieve and miss her.  I miss Beauty. I really really miss her.

No, I wouldn't ever ask her to come back from heaven--even if I could.  I want her to be happy and joy-filled and doing whatever special job God has for her.  She danced like an angel on earth--I'm sure she is dancing like an angel in heaven.  I would rather miss her and know that some day, I'll see her again--at least I pray and I pray hard that this is true. I have to hold on to that hope.

There are too many wonderful animals that you and I have known who have passed over--to not think that there is heaven somewhere up there.  Thankfully, our animals had warm beds, milk and cheerios, pizza, special cookies, marrow bones, Dingos, and hugs--and then they went on. 

But, what about all of the poor souls locked up in the concrete shelters, who barely get a bowl of dry, cold, cheap kibble before they are put to death a few days later.  My heart is breaking because I don't know if I can change enough hearts, fast enough, to save so many of these animals.  The Rescue Ranch is so full that I think I'd have to live in a tent if we brought home more animals--but the truth is, there are so many more who need to come here--or there--or anywhere but where they are. 

Tonight, I'll let myself miss my Beauty girl.  I miss her slight frame, with soft-as-silk black fur.  I was just thinking last Sunday night that it was time for her to have a bath this week.  I was just thinking last weekend, that it was time for her to go see the dentist to have him look at her bottom teeth. In fact, I had just met with him before Christmas to discuss her case.  (She must have chewed through a wire to get free and as time went on, she had worn off the enamel even more.)  I was just thinking last weekend, how proud I was of her and what a great dog she had blossomed into.

Then, in the blink of an eye--literally--God called her name.  I was writing in the living room, Mike was in the kitchen.  Beauty was about 15 feet from both of us, with her friends, by the back door.  Mike said, "Hey, what's wrong with Beauty?"  We both ran to her and she was on the ground, laying there and let out a single whimper.  She was still with us.  

I picked up her head and starting crying, "Beauty!  Beauty!...." and Mike looked to see if she had an injury.  I put my hand down her throat to clear any passages--I never forgot that Oprah lost her dog when it inhaled a tennis ball by accident.  I made myself a promise that if ever that happened to a dog in my care, I would keep my hand down their throat to compress the ball--and learned the maneuver to expel a ball as well.

The rest, well, is doesn't matter.  We could not bring Beauty back but boy, did we try.  When they prounounced her dead at the vet's office, and the vet tech kissed her good-bye, I remember starting to wail so loud that I probably could be heard outside--and down the street.  I was thankful that no one made me be quiet and they let me grieve, right then and there--for Beauty, and I think for Hope and the Mama10, too, a litter of puppies that we lost over three days at Thanksgiving.  I had so much sadness just pent up inside that it all came out as I held my Beautiful Beauty's lifeless body.

I'm going to find a beautiful Memory Tree and when the weather is right, plant rosemary bushes around it--the plant of remembrance. We decided to bury Beauty with the Mama10.  All of the puppies, including Hope, are bured right next to Beauty.  She is surrounded by puppies which is right where she would want to be.  I need a place to bring my pebbles--the rocks that I pick up along my way as little "I'm thinking of you.." prayers.  I need a special place to take a lawn chair and just sit outside and send my prayers to these special animals. 

Losing Beauty so suddenly makes me so aware now that we must live in the present moment--we must appreciate our animals (and our friends and family)...have fun with, love, enjoy, hug, kiss, call them by name, don't walk over them or around them...our animals are here but for a brief time and we should not let that time pass.  I am so grateful that the last weekend of Beauty's life, we were together and it was special.  She knew love and I knew love. 

What pains me greatly, is that all of the animals are special--there are so many to save.  They all deserve a great life and to be laid to rest in peace.  If one person saves one animal, and we keep reaching people, we'll slowly but surely save a lot of animals--or really, we may be saving a lot of people...for it is truly in giving that we receive.  It is in saving--and loving--these animals, that our lives are made better--so much better.

I consider my life blessed by each animal that crosses my path, no matter how difficult or how long their journey is.  Tonight, as I miss Beautiful Beauty--and I want her so to come dancing across the room to share my Twinkie and to hug--I will smile instead through my tears.  Beauty's soft fur and soft nature, her loving spirit and kindness, her love of babies and small animals are all making heaven a more perfect place than it already was.

I miss you, Beauty.  We all miss you Beauty.  Ada misses you, Jade and Baby miss you, Chula is missing you...and we will always love you.  Always.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

In Beauty's name, please save an animal today or help someone who can. 

Today is kind of a nothin' kinda day.  We're tired (up all night) but it is a good tired.  All the animals have been fed, taken out, have clean linens and something to chew on.  Finally, for just a few hours, Mike and I can take a nap.  That is how we sleep these days--in naps. 

If we had to work outside of the RR, it would be nearly impossible to live this way.  By the time it would be time to leave the house--the morning--we are too tired to!  If and when Mike gets a job, he is going to have to prepare a week or two ahead of time to reset his bio clock--to be in sync with the real world.  

We also eat a little different here, too--dinner is in the middle of the night, most times.  Breakfast is a 5 AM snack and a 1 PM booster.  I'm not sure we bother with lunch.  I remember the days when we had a "normal" life--but then, caring for very sick animals, everything gets rearranged.  The critical times to be awake seem to be from 2 AM - dawn it seems.  I can never rest during that time.

It is interesting, too, to see what animals keep me company while I write.  Mike goes to sleep first--and takes most of the herd with him.  On a given day, I have my Poppy next to me, or maybe two dogs--but today, four dogs--Pasha, Bunny, Miss Moneypenny and Poppy are at my feet.  I'm not sure what makes the difference on any given day but it is interesting to notice each time.  Whoever does stay awake with me, gets to share my breakfast--whether it be Twinkies or a cheese sandwich.  Today, it was mini-Snickers bars!

Today, it is so cold that no matter how warm my socks or layered clothes are, I can still feel it.  Sitting here writing, makes me want to jump back into bed under my warm quilt.  I know when I finally get there, I'll have to more four or five dogs first--some will be on top and some will be under it.  I can never just sit down in bed!

Thank goodness for indoor heating, I keep thinking.  I am so glad someone invented it so long ago.  Even though we have the temperature set a little low (to conserve), it sure is better than being outside.  Just a quick few minutes out last night to round up the herd, chilled me so deeply that it took a few hours to feel warm again.  Yes, I should have gone out with a coat--and shoes--but who can think of those things ahead of time! 

Please keep warm today--and as your animals' advocates and caretakers--please make sure they are warm and provided, for just like you would do for your child/children.  They all need someone to watch over them.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

As an arctic front sweeps over the entire country, I can't help but worry about all of the animals lost and not yet found, those being kept outside--many without even shelter, never mind warm blankets or hay. Even the shelter animals, who are at least inside, are locked up in concrete pens with concrete floors.  They have all got to be freezing--some probably to death.

We can't tell a freezing animal to do jumping jacks or run or do something to get your core body temperature higher.  I wish we could.  Their instinct will be to hunker down and bury themselves under leaves or bushes or somewhere safe and hopefully sound.

When I hear about such bad weather, I think back to a story in the news which affected me for a long, long time.  A Golden Retriever had gotten out of the house on a cold, snowy day.  A little boy, named Corey, went outside looking for him and got lost.  Overnight, the dog returned--just fine--but the boy never did.  The police found him snuggled under bushes trying to stay warm--but he had frozen to death.

I keep Corey's photo (that was in the newspaper) in my Bible and I pray for him all of the time.  I wish I could comfort his mother or say something or do something to reverse what happened on a cold, cold day so many years ago.  I always took cold weather warnings very seriously after that happened.

Please take the cold and the warnings of dangerous driving seriously.  Black ice is tricky--one minute you are driving and the next, you are spinning around and around in the middle of the highway.  Stay home, have some hot cocoa and cuddle in front of a fireplace with your furry friends.  I have five or six Min Pins who all cuddle under my quilt and generate great body heat. 

I wouldn't mind some snow, even in Houston.  If I could, I'd live in the mountains where snow is the usual--not the unusual.  There is nothing quite as peaceful as sitting inside watching snow falling outside.  

Bundle Up, Everyone!  Bundle Up!  If you have little animals, let them go potty on pee pads or on the tile or get some baby socks to protect their feet, along with a sweater or coat to give them added body heat. Err on the side of caution until the temps are above freezing. Cold weather like this is nothing to be laughed about. 

If you just happened to be lucky enough to have today off, how about going through your closets/attic/basement and donating a warm blanket or comforter to your local shelter?  You can make a difference--especially to a shivering animal.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

This beautiful Hope stone was sent along in a Christmas collection.  Mike forgot to tell me who sent it--so I want to say thank you so very much.  It sits next to my laptop to remind me to live in Hope, to have Hope, and of little Baby Hope...

With a sore finger today, I need to keep my typing to a minimum, so I thought I'd share a few things that RR Angels have sent to me in emails.  This particular piece may be something I need to post also on my Houston Chron blog as well! What do you think?

Just before Christmas, a family surrendered a 14 year old family dog--because they were expecting a new baby!  Before I could save it--or even post it in a blog--the shelter said she had gotten "sick" and euthanized her.  I wish someone would only tell people the true fate of their animals when they are trying to surrender them--and if they would only care.  Shelters are not rehoming centers--and our pets give us their love and their lives and are not disposable.

This was the piece sent to me in an email by an RR Angel:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Average Pet Owner:

Thank you for contacting us animal rescuers, shelter volunteers, and foster-homes about your inability to keep your pet. We receive an extremely high volume of inquiries and requests to accept surrendered animals (and none of us is getting paid, OK?). To help us expedite your problem as quickly as possible, please observe the following guidelines:

1. Do not say that you are "CONSIDERING finding a good home" for your pet, or that you, "feel you MIGHT be forced to," or that you "really THINK it would be better if" you unloaded the poor beast. Ninety-five percent of you have already got your minds stone-cold made up that the animal WILL be out of your life by the weekend at the latest. Say so. If you don't, I'm going to waste a lot of time giving you common-sense, easy solutions for very fixable problems, and you're going to waste a lot of time coming up with fanciful reasons why the solution couldn't possibly work for you.

For instance, you say the cat claws the furniture, and I tell you about nail-clipping and scratching posts and aversion training, and then you go into a long harangue about how your husband won't let you put a scratching post in the family room, and your ADHD daughter cries if you use a squirt bottle on the cat, and your congenital thumb abnormalities prevent you from using nail scissors and etc., etc. Just say you're getting rid of the cat.

2. Do not waste time trying to convince me how nice and humane you are. Your coworker recommended that you contact me because I am nice to animals, not because I am nice to people, and I don't like people who "get rid of" their animals. "Get rid of" is my least favorite phrase in any language. I hope someone "gets rid of" YOU someday.

I am an animal advocate, not a people therapist. After all, for your ADHD daughter, you can get counselors, special teachers, doctors, social workers, etc. Your pet has only me, and people like me, to turn to in his or her need, and we are unpaid, overworked, stressed-out, and demoralized. So don't tell me this big long story about how, "We love this dog so much, and we even bought him a special bed that cost $50, and it is just KILLING us to part with him, but honestly, our maid is just awash in dog hair every time she cleans, and his breath sometimes just reeks of liver, so you can see how hard we've tried, and how dear he is to us, but we really just can't..."

You are not nice, and it is not killing you. It is, in all probability, literally killing your dog, but you're going to be just fine once the beast is out of your sight. Don't waste my time trying to make me like you or feel sorry for you in your plight.

3. Do not try to convince me that your pet is exceptional and deserves special treatment. I don't care if you taught him to sit. I don't care if she's a beautiful Persian. I have a waiting list of battered and/or whacked-out animals who need help, and I have no room to foster-house your pet. Do not send me long messages detailing how Fido just l-o-v-e-s blankies and carries his favorite blankie everywhere, and oh, when he gets all excited and happy, he spins around in circles, isn't that cute? He really is darling, so it wouldn't be any trouble at all for us to find him a good home.

Listen, we can go down to the pound and count the darling, spinning, blankie-loving beasts on death row by the dozens, any day of the week. And, honey, Fido is a six-year-old Shepherd-Lab mix. I am not lying when I tell you that big, older, mixed-breed, garden-variety dog are almost completely unadoptable, and I don't care if they can whistle Dixie or send semaphore signals with their blankies.

What you don't realize is that, though you're trying to lie to me, you're actually telling the truth: Your pet is a special, wonderful, amazing creature. But this mean old world does not care. More importantly, YOU do not care, and I can't fix that problem. All I can do is grieve for all the exceptional animals who live short, brutal, loveless lives and die without anyone ever recognizing that they were indeed very, very special.

4. Finally, just, for God' s sake, for the animal's sake, tell the truth, and the whole truth. Do you think that if you just mumble that your cat is "high-strung," I will say, "Okey-doke! No prob!" and take it into foster care? No, I will start a asking questions and uncover the truth, which is that your cat has not used a litter box in the last six months.

Do not tell me that you "can't" crate your dog. I will ask what happens when you try to crate him, and you will either be forced to tell me the symptoms of full blown, severe separation anxiety, or else you will resort to lying some more, wasting more of our time.

And, if you succeed in placing your pet in a shelter or foster care, do not tell yourself the biggest lie of all: "Those nice people will take him and find him a good home, and everything will be fine." Those nice people will indeed give the animal every possible chance, but if we discover serious health or behavior problems, if we find that your misguided attempts to train or discipline him have driven him over the edge, we will do what you are too immoral and cowardly to do: We will hold the animal in our arms, telling him truthfully that he is a good dog or cat, telling him truthfully that we are sorry and we love him, while the vet ends his life.

How can we be so heartless as to kill your pet, you ask? Do not ever dare to judge us. At least we tried. At least we stuck with him to the end. At least we never abandoned him to strangers, as you certainly did, didn't you? In short, this little old rescuer/foster momma has reached the point where she would prefer you pet owners to tell her stories like this:

"We went to Wal-Mart and picked up a free pet in the parking lot a couple of years ago. Now we don't want it anymore. We're lazier than we thought. We've got no patience either. We're starting to suspect the animal is really smarter than we are, which is giving us self-esteem issues. Clearly, we can't possibly keep it. Plus, it might be getting sick; it's acting kind of funny..."

"We would like you to take it in eagerly, enthusiastically, and immediately. We hope you'll realize what a deal you're getting and not ask us for a donation to help defray your costs. After all, this is an (almost) pure-bred animal, and we'll send the leftover food along with it. We get it at Wal-Mart too, and boy, it's a really good deal, price wise...."

"We are very irritated that you haven't shown pity on us in our great need and picked the animal up already. We thought you people were supposed to be humane! Come and get it today. No, we couldn't possibly bring it to you; the final episode of "Survivor II" is on tonight."

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Pet Owner, for your cooperation.
Author Unknown, but could be any shelter worker or rescue worker.

One of the Christmas presents that arrived at the Rescue Ranch contained this beautiful cross.  It was sent to me in remembrance of baby Hope, but now, it is in remembrance of Beauty as well.

Beauty loved the excitement of opening boxes whenever they arrived--she would be wagging her tail and dancing around the box until I showed her what was inside.  Then, she would wait for a taste of whatever was inside and would take her treat and dance off to enjoy it on her bed.  

The day Beauty died, I received an email from the mother of the young woman who sent this cross to me.  This past year, her husband had passed away and the cross was given to this young woman in remembrance of her father.  She and her sister were so moved by the Rescue Ranch and Hope's story, that she wanted to pass it on to me.  I can tell you that I cried and cried after reading that--for as much as I may touch your lives, you reach out and touch my heart deeply and often. 

In addition this precious gift, the two sisters, who are putting themselves through school, saved up and sent a box of blankets and treats as well other gifts.  I know that this was a sacrifice for them--for I, too, once upon a time put myself through school. I also know that many of the things that you do for us or send to us are all sacrifices and I can tell you, that we treat your gifts with reverence and appreciation.  The blankets all feel a little softer and the toys a little squeak-ier!

Today, the animals at the Rescue Ranch are all particularly affectionate and watching over me.  I have been surrounded by them since yesterday--at least five or more always at my side, lapping up my tears and making sure I am OK.  I will be OK.  I keep telling myself, I will be OK.

Thank you everyone who cares--who emailed me and who posted comments here or on my other blog, www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer.  I have read them all and your thoughts and words and prayers and love really, really do help.

This is the risk of caring for so many animals over the course of time.  I just wish I had known that Beauty was sick.  I had just talked to a dentist before Christmas about bringing her in for an exam!  As far as I could tell, she was the picture of good health--other than maybe needing a little dental care.

My life is better, richer, happier, more joyous for having known Beauty and I will be forever thankful for this.  When we finally let her go, I replaced her collar with a new pink one--and put her pretty heart charm on it that she was so proud of.  Then, I reached into the charm box from Norma's event at Christmas (see this blog, December 18, 2009) and pulled out "Beauty's" charm--it was "Faith"--and put that on her collar, along with the "Love" charm from my own key chain. Beauty left us with love and carrying love.

The cross (above) says, "Always Remember.  Time and memory will heal our soul, And comfort us because we know, Our loved one is in heaven above, Living again in Christ's unending love." There are two cherubs on either side and a beautiful praying angel underneath these words.

I am glad that Beauty also was able to see this cross--meant to comfort me for the loss of another puppy--and now, it will be of great comfort to me for her passing as well.

Treat every day as if it were your last--laugh and dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one is listening,  never pass up a chance to hug your animals and let them know that you love them and think that they are special, share your pizza or your steak--and leave no regrets along the way if you can.

Thank you all for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

My eyes are so swollen I can hardly type but I cannot let Beauty's life pass by unnoticed and without prayer. I miss her so terribly is hurts just to think about her.

This morning, as I was writing my updates, about 15 feet from me, Beauty just collapsed--let out a whimper and held on until Mike and I ran to her side.  We did CPR in the car on the way to the vet and by the time we arrived--even though we continued CPR there with oxygen, she was pronounced dead.  She either had a stroke or a heart attack.

I have not recovered from the loss of the Mama10 litter in December and was not expecting Beauty or anyone to die today so my wails of sorrow could be heard far away, I'm sure.  I love and adored Beauty--a little black dog who had been here almost a year and a month.  

Just last night, we had many hours together--she opened a few late Christmas presents with me, had cookies and hammed it up for photos.  She played with Chula, shared my Twinkie, even jumped up on my bed and gave me her very first full body hug--she lay down on top of me and let me hold her.  It was the first time since she came here and I will cherish it always in my heart and soul.

I don't know why these things happen.  I wish I could ask God.  I know that in my brokenness, it is my job to trust Him and to not question.  He needed Beauty in heaven and called her name. The Rescue Ranch has another special angel in heaven now.  Beauty so loved puppies that maybe the Mama10 puppies needed a wonderful mama dog to help them along.

In my sobs and wails today, Mike said that I have to put this in perspective.  We save so many animals that this is bound to happen.  They come from bad homes, without proper nutrition, medication, care or love and then we try to make up for all of that.  Beauty was finally totally healed just hours before she passed away--and I recognized that very moment when it happened.  She had gone from a feral/untamed, very pregnant dog, who was skittish and nervous to a happy, loving, funny friend and companion that I would have been grateful--every day--to spend the rest of my life with.

I miss Beauty.  I have from the moment she went on to heaven.  She was something special--I guess it was a gift that I was blessed to have just known her and spent time with her.

The lesson I keep seeing being reinforced, over and over, is that there is no time like the present to love and laugh--to sing and dance--to celebrate life no matter how you do it.  When the end comes, to be at peace, you must be certain that you did all of those things and said all of the things you wanted to say.  Just hours before she left, Beauty and I had a wonderful weekend and evening together.  I knew she loved me and I know for sure, that she knew that I loved her and that I thought she was one very, very special girl.

As bitter as this time is, when I finally get to heaven, I will be overjoyed to see my animals, friends and relatives again.  It will be a time to look forward to and not a time to fear.  

I will write about Beauty's time at the Rescue Ranch in a little while.  For now, please say a prayer for her--just look up at the sky and send her a simple, "I love you" or "God bless you, Beauty"--that's all it takes if you don't know how to pray. God hears it all and I'm sure Beauty will be handed your prayers by another dancing angel--for Beauty was so beautiful that she was heavenly.

I love you, Beauty.  I thought we'd have a lifetime together--not just a year--but for the time we did have, I am eternally grateful.  

Rescuing animals is not always this hard--and we know that taking in last chance animals has many risks--but the gift that we give them of a warm home, good food, toys and a soft bed is returned by their unconditional love and admiration which is truly priceless. Help save a life today--or help someone who can.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.

Jane

Beauty, spring, 2009, after returned from an adoption trial after just three weeks--she wanted to be at the Rescue Ranch and would not settle in anywhere else.  When she came "home," she was so happy and joy-filled that we knew she would stay with us forever--and she did.

Welcome back from a well-deserved vacation or winter break or a few days off--or even a few hours off.  Now, it's time to get back to the business of saving animals!

Today, Mike and I are trying to piece together several crates that were donated--some need doors, some latches and screws, others have to be glued back together and need all of the parts!  Whenever possible, we try to save the crates from being destroyed--but it is like a puzzle trying to figure out the brand, size, part number...and after a few hours of slow going, we are almost done but can't place the order until we talk to customer service--there is still one part we can't identify!  Ah, well.

Over the weekend, we didn't get as much done as I would have liked.  For every thing we got done, the puppies or a special needs dog sent us two steps backward.  They had a blast playing with some of their new Christmas toys but when one popped open and the stuffing went all over the yard, that was even more fun!  Now, Mike has to go out and collect it all and I have to try to fix the toy.

Once the puppies have the idea that stuffing is "in" things, everything is fair game, I guess.  I left a few of them in my room to play while I was trying to work on ordering crate parts.  When I came back, it looked like it had snowed in my room, too!  My well-worn quilt--that I just put about 500 stitches in this weekend to piece it back together again--apparently had a hole that I missed or has a new hole--because the stuffing was all over the place.  The puppies and Chula were still having fun pulling it out of my quilt as I tried to run in and rescue it.  I went over the baby gates so fast that I slipped and almost broke my ankle.  Thankfully, after a little rest, it is OK.

Bunny has decided that she is in love with one of the boy Min Pins, Bobby--who Mike has renamed Racetrack Willie.  Before he will go outside, he has to race around the entire main part of the house and then darts out the door.  He does the same thing when he comes in.  He is the dog that was fostered for a week in Galveston by Miss Moneypenny's rescuers--he had a big bull dog to play with and loved it there--but he was too high energy for the family.  He needs a huge yard to zoom and zoom and zoom around in.  Thankfully, we have plenty of that.

This year, I've decided has to be the year that we either move to a new property made for this many animals OR we have to get some work done at the RR to adjust to what we really need here.  We simply cannot keep shampooing carpeting three and four times a week to keep up with incontinent disabled animals "oopses."  It just isn't practical any more.  Mike says we need to build a new RR with drains in the floor so we can just hose it off when one of them has an accident!  I think tile would be just fine--but we need to get the crates all in operating condition so the animals can be kept away from renovation work going on.  

Tomorrow, I'll write a state of the state of the RR blog--I was planning on writing it today but we had so much to do all weekend that I didn't have a chance to assemble my thoughts.  Precious took a lot of our spare time this weekend--continuing to come out of her shell, wanting to be included in the "gang" going out, coming out to visit, wanted to be petted...each and every time that she made an effort, we stopped and made an effort no matter what we were doing.  Getting a dog who was so traumatized to voluntarily come out of her hiding spot to visit is a big, big deal--and we have to keep rewarding and acknowledging/reinforcing that behavior for months even, until she finally lays down and rests with the "herd" in the open.  That will be the next big step.

We've had some great collections come in--with lots of quilts and blankets and some treats.  We've even packaged some things and gotten them to a few other rescuers in need.  Thank you to everyone who is working on this.  As requested, we've decided to extend this a little longer for those who wanted to help but who were traveling or busy with the holidays. We really need the longer term chews--like Dingos and Rawhides.  Everyone is asking for them but I don't think people who have one or two pets understand the quantity per day that a rescuer needs--probably what you would use in a month!

That way, too, we can acknowledge Belle and Angel who were the motivation for the first collection.  This will be the second annual collection in their memory.  They passed away toward the end of January, 2009, on the same day.  Angel was born and never came to life in the morning and Belle died of cancer in the evening.  They would be so very proud of everyone working together to help other animals.

Time to do the morning medicines, shampoo the rug (Pasha had an 'oops'), take out the puppies and put everyone down for a nap--while you are starting your work day, we are just about done with ours--at least for a brief few hours when there is peace and quiet and a lot of snoring going on--human and canine!  

Welcome back--we missed you!  There are a lot of animals who already are being returned to rescues and to shelters--"presents" that didn't work out---and who need homes, whether foster or forever--right now.  If you can make a place in your home, please do.  There are so many animals in need that euthanasia will be the solution to over-crowding, I'm afraid.  The economy is bad, too, so many people are turning in their animals, thinking that they will be better off.  They don't realize that they will most likely not live to see the next hour--especially owner turn-ins.  

So, animal lovers, make this year a year of action--either save a life or help someone who can.  We all need every single effort and prayer that you can muster right now.  

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

With a pile of laundry almost up to my neck to fold, floors to wash, dogs needing baths...some work on the website that needs to be done, I'm going to take a few days off to catch up on these odds 'n ends.  I seem to loose eight hours at a time when I open my laptop and start writing and answering email.

Rest assured, we'll be taking photos, thinking of you, keeping you in our prayers...there just isn't a dull moment at the RR, that's for sure.

If you have not seen Princess Bunny and Pasha's photos yet, please check my Houston Chronicle blog, www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer and see my "Happy New Year's!..." story.  

The dogs and puppies have been enjoying their Christmas presents--and they all know enough to sit and wait for their turn to get their own Dingo or treat--we are taking turns with filling the Kongs that we have with Peanut Butter or Cheese Wiz--and by accident, figured out that they like Almond Butter as well!

When I was eating some almonds, I noticed that almost every animal at the RR had begun to circle around me and was quietly waiting for a taste!  Who would have thought that they would have such broad taste buds! So, since they cannot chew whole almonds, I gave each one the opportunity to taste Almond Butter (like Peanut Butter but made from Almonds) just out of curiosity.  Some gobbled it down, others took a lick and had to think about it--but by the second tasting, they were all "gobblers"!

There are puppies calling to go out--and a few who need their medicine so I need to say good-bye for now.  I'll be back on Monday--hopefully, our website will be updated by then as well.

Happy New Year!

Jane

PS Just had to share...on my way to bed, I made myself dinner/breakfast--two pieces of cheese on two pieces of bread. As I walked from the kitchen to my bedroom, I stopped to give any one who was alert and interested a bite--I just broke off a little piece of bread and cheese as I went along.  By the time I got to my side of the bed, and put my Pepsi down, my sandwich was all gone!  I had to go back and make another one--of that, I'm going to try to eat a half of this one myself.

Mike says I shouldn't share everything but here is why I do.  First, I want all of the animals to learn how to take food and treats nicely.  For some animals, that takes many, many times to learn this, especially if they had been starving before they ever got here.

Next, I want them to have an expanded taste appreciation--so if they go to forever homes, they will have been exposed to many different things and they will be familiar. Third, I just cannot turn away from an animal who is so happy that I made "us" a cheese sandwich at 5 AM!  I'm happy to have the company during my late nights writing and caretaking--and the only fair thing to do is to share with those who kept their candles burning to stay up with me!

Can you believe that it is already 2010?  Just yesterday, it seems like we watched as the year 2000 turned on the calender.  I still can remember watching the festivities in Times Square--people had "2000" glasses on that were so goofy that they were unforgettable!

Our New Year's Eve was quieter than normal.  Usually, I will cut up cold veggies and make a dip with sour cream and Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix--along with a cheese platter and crackers, some cold sparkling cider and maybe chips, and we'd (dogs, Mike and I) would have a small feast as midnight neared.

This last year, though, took the stuffing out of me, really us.  There is no pre-planning left in us.  We both knew that the grocery store was open until 10 PM and figured we'd get there.  By 9:30 PM, Mike lay down to watch a band playing in Times Square and I could hear him snoring less than a few minutes later.  There was no sense in waking him--he needed the sleep more than we needed a veggie platter.

When he finally woke up, the fireworks were in full swing.  He loves to go outside and stand there for an hour if he isn't needed elsewhere and watch and listen.  I stay in and comfort whatever animal is more traumatized and try to find places in rooms with no windows for them to hide.  

Every time I heard a "Boom" or "Bang," I kept reminding myself that these were good noises--someone was celebrating and welcoming the new year in with a literal bang!  I didn't want to be a "Bah Humbug" kinda person who couldn't find joy or happiness in most things.  But after hour after hour of the constant loud noises, I began to thank God that we were in a secure building and safe inside.  I began to worry about the animals who were left outside to find for themselves or who were lost and couldn't find their way home.

After New Year's eve, there is a huge influx of animals into the shelters.  They panic and run from the noise--often times running far away from home.  If they don't have any tags or microchip, the animals may last for this weekend, maybe not.  So, if you have a runaway, start looking fast and furious for your animals.  Their lives literally depend on it.

When I talk to people looking for lost animals, more times than not, they will not have called the local shelter--or listed their animals on Craigslist.  Everything must be done and done simultaneously.  Animals have been found hundreds of miles away from their homes--so you must begin contacting your local shelters and then branch out to surrounding cities and towns as well as the breed rescue groups.

We lock down the RR on nights that there will be fireworks.  No animal goes out until there is no more risk of noises that will scare them.  It is too risky.  Yes, we sometimes have to clean up messes but that is much less work and heartache, than searching for a missing animal.

When midnight came, a sleepy Mike wished me a "Happy New Year" with a brief kiss.  I asked him what his resolution was and he said, "To get a job..."  I knew he was very serious.  Being out of work for nearly a year has taken its toll on him, on me, on us, on the RR...I hope there is an angel somewhere who takes his resume' and places Mike on a "Waiting for a Job" wish list up in heaven. That would truly be a blessing.

Thankfully, as this new year begins, the RR animals--or herd--want for nothing--thanks to those of you who have sent help.  Your kindness and mercy means that they have not wanted for food or for Dingo bones or Greenies or blankets or treats or...so far, we've been able to provide a still wonderful life for always wonderful animals.  Our love and hugs, laughter and tickling, silly songs and walks...don't cost anything and they get plenty of them from both of us--and hopefully, through my blogs, we can share some of that with you.

Happy New Year!  Really and truly, we wish you a Happy New Year!

Jane