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!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to our two- and four-legged friends. We hope the day has been a good time spent with loved ones. God bless you from the Dog Farm.

Jasmine Maggie Brandy Pennie Annie

Oreo

On his way through North Platte to visit our parents, Brother George stopped at the shelter to "just look." Now, who can "just look"? Anyway, George stopped, went inside, walked down the row of cages, pondered the future and thought about a dog who might fill the empty spot that dear Sasha's death left. Well, it was meant to be. The timid, lost-looking border collie who was scheduled to be euthanized walked up to George and picked him! Within minutes, the two became best friends. That day became the first day of 11 years of mutual love and devotion. George, Girlfriend Nancy and Oreo became inseparable. Oreo mountain climbed, escorted George on bike rides, hiked the Moab Desert, frolicked in Summit County's snow, white water rafted, hung out at the fire station and traveled hundreds of miles to Mexico on a sail boat. Oreo led a life of adventure. She went from a shelter to all parts of the country. Oreo's life on earth ended Thursday but her afterlife has just begun and there are lots of unexplored clouds in heaven. God bless Oreo.

Our Jasmine went for a check-up yesterday. The vet is amazed at how good Jas looks and how well she acts. Although she is still terminally ill, there's no longer an estimated time frame because Jasmine's responded so well to her medication, pampering and prayer. :)

This and That

Daughter Molly sent a photo of a puppy who is visiting her fire department/911 center. Puppy Julep is in training to become a service dog and she is being given as many social opportunities as possible. I'm going to try to post Julep's photo for you to see. Definitely a ahhhh-picture.

Yesterday, Husband Bob was pleased to announce that Annie had a milestone. Annie stood close enough for Bob to reach down and touch her. Not a pat or pet, but she allowed him to touch her. Bob said it was only a moment before Annie hurried off but the event was important enough that Bob considered it to be good progress. The end of this month marks the one year anniverary since Annie arrived at the Dog Farm.

I wrote Brother Chris about Jasmine getting special treats while she's sick and mentioned that all the dogs appreciated the additional snacks. Chris' response: "Tell the other dogs to enjoy the extra treats but to not look so excited to benefit from the misfortune of their roommate, it makes them look like animals." I love Chris' humor!

The house looks festive with the Christmas decorations up. No gifts under the tree yet - we've learned that the dogs' curiousity gets the best of them and they have to poke around under the Christmas tree and open packages.

A Good Day To Be A Dog

It's cool outside but the weather's nearly perfect for the dogs. A rabbit was in the back yard earlier so its scent has been cause for lots of investigation today. As I've been working on the computer most of the past hour, it's been nice to have the company of Jasmine, Maggie, Brandy, Pennie and Annie in the room with me. Every one's napping now, but if I were to get up it would take only a second for the dogs to be ready to move to their next project of the day - the dog park.

Friday afternoon, King was strolling around enjoying the dog park. Apparently, something startled him and when King jumped it startled Pennie. Pennie snarled at King and King jumped back and fell over. I'm not into violence at all, but it was a little bit funny to see Pennie, the corgi who stretches to a whopping 12" tall, scaring King the 112 lb. dobbie.

Anytime I leave home, I fill the dog's Kongs with treats. It occupies them a few minutes as they gnaw to get the treats out. Jasmine always takes her Kong to the dining room. Maggie goes to the stairway landing. Brandy retreats to the family room. Pennie takes her Kong to the sun room to munch and Annie gets her Kong in her kennel. When I got home last time, Jasmine had rounded up Kongs and four of five were under the dining room table. It was cute to see the collection of Kongs in Jas's secret hiding place.

Life is good.

Vacation Day

I'm off on a vacation day today so life on the Dog Farm has started our wonderfully. The dogs are napping, I'm still in pjs, no schedule to follow; you know how it's suppose to be on a day off work. I'm packaging up treats for the Dog Barkery and getting ready for tomorrow's craft show. The dogs were circling the table like sharks hoping to catch a treat that might fall their way.

Friend Dianne brought dog ice cream to the Farm. Including Granddog Kirby, we had six happy, salivating dogs waiting for ice cream. None of them had this kind of treat before and at first, a couple of them weren't quite sure about the cold stuff. It only took a moment and everyone was totally enjoying the snack. Yummy!

Last Saturday, Daughter Molly's friend Odie travelled to North Platte to teach Dog CPR/First Aid that Paws-itive Partners sponsored. Friend Odie is an excellent instructor and the information was very good. If you have a pet, or know a pet, you should consider finding a class such as this one. You hope you never have to use what you learn but the class gives you confidence to help, if needed. I felt good when Odie said we are Pet Medics - before we were just people who loved pets. Now, we have been trained to help if an animal needs us.

Thank you for your emails and calls about Jasmine. The tumor has grown a bit the past week but Jas doesn't seem effected by it. She acts fine, her appetite is excellent and personality is the same as ever - perfect. Everyone is happy on the Dog Farm. :0p (That symbol is a dog with its tongue hanging out. )

Have a restful weekend.