A Good Week

The fireworks and thunderstorms of last week have passed but Jasmine and Pennie were so stressed that they needed drugs. It's much calmer at the Dog Farm this week.

With hot summer weather, the Lab Cab goes to and from the dog park with air conditioning on and windows down. The air is on for the dog's comfort and windows are down so they can hang their heads out. They love the wind blowing their ears and sniffing all the smells. Jasmine discovered the air conditioning and the last few trips she's climbed into the front seat and kept her nose to the vents. Cute!

The past few days, Annie has approached Husband Bob for pats and petting. It isn't happening enough that it's common yet, but Annie's getting braver. Bob is very pleased.

Are dogs suppose to like raspberries? Three of ours do. It's a funny sight to watch Brandy, Maggie and Jasmine plucking raspberries off the bushes and eating them. They end up getting most of the ripe berries from ground level to about three feet up. Then, when I go to the backyard to pick berries the dogs think I should share mine too!

Easy Life

It's a lazy Sunday on the Dog Farm. All the critters are napping - Jasmine under the dining room table, Maggie on the stairway landing, Brandy at Husband Bob's feet in the family room, Pennie next to me in the kitchen and Annie is in her comfortable little cubby hole. The dogs are quiet and resting, but I'll bet if I stand up from the table they will get up too and be ready to go! Go anywhere - the backyard, to the dog park, for a ride.

Maggie had an encounter with a stick at the dog park Thursday. The stick won and Maggie ended up at the vet with an ulcerated eye. She's on pain killers and antibiotic eye drops. Maggie's eye looks much better now and the pain seems to have gone away. She goes in for a recheck on Monday to make sure everything is healing correctly.

Fireworks go on sale tomorrow for July 4th. The coming week will be especially long for Jasmine and Annie. We'll turn on radios and fans to muffle the noise but it will probably be a long week on the Farm.

I am so happy to tell you that Momma Dog and the puppies are doing well. Momma's new name is Faith - Faith because we had to keep the faith as we worked on her behalf. The fear of the justice system returning Faith to the evil man was resolved Thursday. That hurdle is jumped but we haven't forgotten the fight. We are investigating how people can act in an animal's best interest. How domestic animals can be represented. It makes absolutely no sense that a cat or dog would have to be returned to the person who was, literally, starving them to death.

Several North Platte friends participated in rescue transports last week. For those who don't know about transports, it's relaying dogs and cats from Point A to Point B. The task is to move a cat or dog from where they are to where their new home awaits them. Volunteers drive the animals, say 100 miles, to meet up with the next volunteer who then drives to the next and the next and the next. Transports are a wonderful way to help animals who otherwise wouldn't find their forever home. I haven't driven as many transports as some but those I've done have been very rewarding to know I did a little bit to help an animal get to its forever home.

Have a good week ahead.

Momma Dog

Last week, the police seized a momma and her five puppies from an evil man in North Platte. Momma is the most emaciated, starved dog I've ever seen, so bad that even though I can't describe her condition well I'm not posting the pictures of her. I think momma was days from dying. Today, Friend Levaun and I visited the foster home where momma and her family are. Everyone is doing well. The home has children who spend time with the dogs and the dogs have a large kennel and a nice warm bed. Momma has a very long way to heal but she's content in her new surroundings. When we were there, Momma loved being petted - nudging closer when I tried to stop. The puppies are recovering from their own abuse including infected tails from the evil man cutting them off. The puppies are a beautiful brindle stripe. I'll post pictures as the puppies get old enough to adopt.

The situation with momma dog and the puppies has stirred my friends and I to a state of motion. We have been told that, even though the evil man was charged with animal abuse, he is going to fight to get the dogs back. Those of us who have seen the dogs aren't going to let that happen. We are developing a plan and we will find a way to make things right. Please, pray for momma and the puppies and the justice system.

Things at the Dog Farm are going well. This morning, out of the blue, Annie had a happy attack. She burst through the doggie door, ran through the house, up the stairs, down into the family room and to the kitchen where she plopped down. I swear, she had an ear to ear smile on her face. It was a good day to be a dog.

Jasmine is doing well. She went to the vet for a check-up last week and everything is still the same. Day by day, she's far outlasted her predicted life expectancy. :)

We're Back!

After not blogging for two months I'm back! There have been milestones with Annie, funny moments with the dogs and busy times with the family and Paws-itive Partners the past couple months.

You've heard of beauty benefits of mud baths and how women indulge in the spas. Well, Jasmine's found hers - she loves mud puddles at the dog park. On her back, rolling, rolling, rolling until the mud is rubbed in and caked into her fur. Ahh, cool, lovely!

Annie allowed Husband Bob to pet on her for a few minutes awhile back. Annie looked tense and wouldn't have eye contact with Bob but she stayed and seemed to enjoy the petting and scratching her back. Annie is acting more and more comfortable at the Dog Farm. She's out from her hiding spots about 50% of the time now.

Maggie's been limping yesterday and today. She was fine when we went to work but when we got home she was favoring her front foot. Don't know if she got tangled in the fence trying to get at the garden, misstepped going down the stair or what. The vet said as long as it's improving she's probably fine.

Corgi Pennie and Ms. Brandy are bed hogs! For several months, Brandy's snuck into our bed in the middle of the night. More recently, Bob introduced Pennie to the comforts of our bed, too. Now, every evening there's a race to see who gets to the bedroom first. Brandy still thinks she's top dog and gets most of the room on my side of the bed. It's pretty funny how two dogs can stretch out so far.

Paws-itve Partners' 5th annual Woofstock was a howling success. We had perfect weather, great events and lots of dogs and people at Memorial Park. Dogs strutted in best dressed, most look alike, best trick, biggest wag contests. We had Yappy Hour with cinnamon rolls/coffee and Bow Wow BBQ with hot dogs/hamburgers. The day was a complete success as people and dogs walked around enjoying the day together.

North Platte's Platte River is flooding. Cody Park is sandbagged, East Highway 30 is closed and some neighborhoods have been warned they might have to evacuate. All this is a good reminder we need to plan for emergencies and what to do for our pets. Our government and crisis centers learned from Hurricane Katrina's tragedy that people don't/won't leave their pets behind. It's a good idea for each of us to plan before we need it and know what we will do to help our four-leggeds.

I'm very happy to report that Jasmine is doing fine living with her cancer. She eats well, runs as fast as anyone at the dog park, hasn't lost interest in any of her activities and is still getting good checkups from the vet. You couldn't tell anything is wrong if you didn't see the tumor on her face. Jas acts great, is very affectionate, as beautiful as ever and such a delight to have in the pack. :)

The Squirrel

We were at the dog park when Jasmine spotted a squirrel at the opposite end of the park. Jasmine took off running and the other dogs were right behind. The squirrel ran up a tree and seemed to delight in cussing at the dogs from 15 feet up. Drake, the black pit-mix, jumped as high and hard as he could but the squirrel wasn't scared. After several minutes, the squirrel walked the limbs like a tightrope and went to the next tree. After cussing at the dogs a bit longer, the squirrel jumped to another tree, ran along the limbs and leaped to another. The squirrel missed the limb and fell! The dogs and I almost had heart attacks! We sure weren't expecting the squirrel to fall to the ground! You should have seen the surprise of the dogs. (Thankfully, the squirrel fell just outside the fence so he was safe from the dogs.) The squirrel episode was three days ago; the dogs still run to the tree just in case the squirrel's back. Bob and Friend Larry worked tilling the garden, pulling out dead plants and getting the yard ready for the new season. Their hard work is appreciated by the dogs. The garden and flower beds are just right for burrowing and digging in now.

The Clown Car

Below is a picture of Brandy, Pennie and Jasmine in the Clown Car. For years, the Jeep was known as the Lab Cab until Daughter Molly slipped and called the 1989 red beauty a clown car. Sister Robin mailed window decals so the Clown Car is official. We hear comments from people who see us going down the street with heads poking out every window. What could be better than riding along getting whiffs of aromas and having the breeze wave over your ears! Saturday we took the dogs to North Platte's newer dog park - Happy Hounds Dog Park. The park is huge and beautifully landscaped. From the moment the dogs entered the gate until we left, everyone ran full force. There were cedar trees to snoop under, bushes to smell and geese and deer "leftovers" to investigate! Oh, a perfect day!

The Clown Car (formerly The Lab Cab)

Happy Anniversary

Eight years ago today I wasn't thinking about getting another dog. I didn't know about Jasmine, the dog who had been at the shelter two weeks. No one wanted the full-term, pregnant black lab so she was to be euthanized that day. Instead, praise God, everything changed and Jasmine and her four newborn puppies came home. It was Jasmine who led the way for the parade of momma dogs and puppies walking into our lives. What a wonderful experience it's been and our lives are so much richer because of Jasmine.
The earthquakes and tsunamis turned my memories back a long time ago to when I lived in Tokyo for a summer. The family I stayed with had a little dog. Lika was a sweet Japanese dog who resembled a terrier-type. Lika was well mannered and knew commands, but she and I didn't communicate too well. Lika didn't know English and I didn't know Japanese! Lika's diet consisted of fruits, vegetables and rice. Like many Japanese at the time, Lika was vegetarian. I always thought that was interesting.
Last week, Husband Bob was proud to announce another "first" with Annie. Annie let him touch her! We don't know if it was an accident or not because she hasn't done it again, but Annie stood still as Bob reached his hand out and they touched. Annie didn't stay long enough for a pat or a pet, but at least they touched.
The trip to the store today made for happy dogs. Everyone got new ropes and chew toys.

The Picture

Below is a picture that was taken at the dog park Sunday. The night before, along with thunder and lightening, we received rain. Rain in February turns everything to ice when the temperature is only 15 degrees. If you look closely at the picture below you'll see the tree limb is covered in a coat of ice. Rain and ice didn't interfere with the dogs enjoying their dog-given right to romp in the park.
The Dog Farm population grew to seven as we welcomed Kirby and Harley for the weekend. It was nice to have the additional fun and fur with us.

Winter Bliss at the Dog Park

Check Up

Jasmine went to the veterinarian for a check up on Monday. The tumor is a little bigger and has moved to the roof of her mouth too. The vet checked lymph nodes and lungs and they are good. The vet is very pleased with how Jas acts and described her as looking "absolutely wonderful!" No signs of discomfort so we all are just enjoying life on the dog farm.
When we arrived home from the vet all the dogs smelled Jasmine and were very curious about where she had been. Of course, Jasmine got a treat for going to the vet - and the others got a treat for greeting us at the door.
Yesterday's 50 degrees was such a relief from last week's below zero days. Almost all the snow is melted so there is a lot of mud. Not all the mud's in the backyard. There is a lot in the kitchen, sunroom, dining room, everywhere. Dozens of mud prints all over the floor! The paw prints range from little Pennie-size to large Jas-size.

It's a Dog's Life

There have been lots of smells at the dog park the past week. Labs Jasmine and Maggie are in their glory chasing scents. A couple days ago, as we left the park something caught the dogs' eyes. There was no stopping them since I was negligent in putting leashes on to go to the Jeep. Running and yelping they raced to the west. A few seconds later they came running back toward me and a rabbit was leading the pack! Thankfully, the rabbit was safe but the dogs were giving their all! When they finally returned they were so tired they were hardly able to jump into the Jeep. I'm sure they enjoyed a reenactment of the chase in their dreams that night.


Dog Park Friend Garry sold his camper shell for a little extra cash. He left three $100 bills on the chair but when it was time to go to the bank he couldn't fine his money. It was nowhere to be found. Garry tore his house apart looking but the money was gone. Gone. A couple days later, the mystery was solved when Garry found his missing cash in the backyard. German Shepherd Gage and Bloodhound Mystic had eaten $300! Little pieces of green were in dog piles around the backyard! Garry said he wanted to be upset but all he could do was laugh! (He said he'll never make the same mistake again.)

Snow Babies

Below are photos at the Bark Park a couple evenings ago. Seven inches of snow makes for good running and plowing for Jasmine, Maggie, Brandy and Pennie. The single picture is of Lab Maggie.

Brandy has always been a self-appointed couch dog. If Husband Bob and I are taking up too much space on her couch, Brandy will stare at us with penetrating eyes until we move, or at least make room, for her to climb up. We were surprised last evening to see Jasmine curled up on the couch. In her nine years, I'm sure Jasmine's never been on a couch. Since her cancer diagnosis, Jas has gotten new privileges and apparently furniture is a new one she's chosen for herself.

As I'm writing this, the dogs are beginning to circle like piranhas. They know it's time to go to the dog park - wouldn't want me to forget the outing. :)

Happy Birthday, Puppies

Annie's puppies are celebrating their first birthday today. One year ago at this time, Annie had given birth to Little Boy and by noon the other eight puppies arrived via emergency C-section. The vet told us that because of Annie's poor health and emotional state, she might not have milk for the puppies. Hearing that, Daughter Molly, was on her way from Colorado and was ready to help feed the puppies 'round the clock. The exciting birth day ended peacefully as momma and puppies rested warmly and comfortably.

As my friends and bloggers know, Annie still lives on the Farm. Annie loves her dog mates, begs for food with the best of them, enjoys running outside and inside all day long and is a very happy girl. Because of her first 4 1/2 years of life, Annie probably won't ever be completety "normal" but she's totally different than she was when we got her. A year ago Annie was afraid of everything - a phone ringing, cars, dog food in dishes, being touched, human voices, open space; she cowered and trembled continuously. Now, she's content. Annie retreats to her hiding spaces when she wants, but most of the time she's relaxed and loving life on the Farm.

We were fortunate to have Sister Robin and Brother-in-law Bob visit for New Years. It was their gentle mission to befriend Annie and have her accept them. As much as I enjoyed watching Annie develop confidence with Robin and Bob, I was most moved by the patience and love they showered on Annie and our other pack members. I know it isn't easy to be overrun with fur, licks, doting dog owners and drool. Robin and Bob were awesome and Husband Bob, the pack and I loved their visit.

It started snowing in North Platte yesterday and is suppose to continue until Monday night. At the Bark Park yesterday, the dogs were having a blast in the snow. Koda-the-Huskie ran without a care, Murphy-the-chocolate-lab rolled and made snowdogs, our Pennie snow plowed and everyone was thrilled with the fluff. We humans were bundled in coats, scarves and mittens and talked about braving the weather to induldge our dear dogs in their pleasures. Friend Frank is on a cruise so Max-the-Schnauzer and Charlie-the poodle aren't at the bark park this week. Imagine, cruising the Carribean rather than standing in a foot of snow at the dog park!

Happy 2011 everyone!