I should have done that...

I should have done that years ago…  I don’t like change at all.  But things have changed around here, and I am surprised and bewildered at the same time.  I have finally done it, I have finally moved to the modern age.  I purchased 3 new toys in the last few months, and everything seems to be going well so far.

When I was a kid, things were different in my world.  While in my mind, I’m only 18 years old and I like to think my body is too.  We took Sunday drives every weekend to visit family and have a casual drive and would visit family.  Being someone who had undiagnosed OCD I’m sure, it wasn’t easy for me to sit still in the back of the car.  I once pulled all the hair off of my sisters Tiny Tears doll and bit her nose off laughing the whole time, and once during a Sunday car trip, I threw Tiny Tears out the car window.  Many miles later, my sister told on me, and I didn’t care, it was worth it, and my dad turned the car around and found it, wasn’t a pretty bad day for me after that.

My sisters was minus the hair

I never liked when something would change.  Computer programs and even the grocery store do.  Sam’s Cub is the worst, they seem to change every week.  Being the grocery shopper, I visit them at least once each week.  Love the store hate the weekly changes.  Why can’t they just leave it alone and I have expressed my dismay to the manager, with no results

Something I didn’t think I would ever do is get an iPhone.  Most everyone had one, and I just wouldn’t do it.  Why I thought and until the first of April, I didn’t have one, but now I am a proud owner of one.  It’s not the newest model, but it’s pretty good, and I like it.  I’ve made countless mistakes and phoned people and not know it.  Once, I’ve even “Facetimed” people by mistake, and that was a hoot.

My next project was my new Fitbit… life changer.  Now it’s a race for me to see how many steps I can get even try to challenge myself on how many stairs I can climb.  The good part is on our farm some of my hiking paths have hills, and I usually take those trails when I want to increase my workout.  So far, I’ve done pretty well.

My next project was a GoPro.  Long gone are the days of a video recorder that you carry on your shoulder and I did have one of them, and it was like carrying a suitcase around.  Now I take a camera the size of a cracker on a short stick.  Who thinks this stuff up.

Not telling my age… but when I was a kid, a calculator was not invented.  If you wanted to add or subtract something, you did it wit, a pencil, and paper.  If you had a mathematical project, you used a protractor and slide rule, and I bet they don’t even sell those any longer.  I guess you can say I’ve joined the real world.

Today you can do everything with your phone.  I am shocked at what they can do and don’t want to know all of the other things because I think my brain will explode.  When we were on a Cruise in April, right after I got my phone, I got a test that Molly was not acting right.  Trying to explain things to each other didn’t work too well.  In just a few minutes after our last message, my phone made a funny beeping sound, and a screen popped up, and it was Molly and the dog sitter.  MY God, where does this stuff come from I said to Elaine?  We “Facetimed” for several minutes about Molly and we were like kids talking to her, and she perked up recognized us.  Amazing what this stuff does.

Coming from a simple person from the stone age and while the stuff it’s cool, it can be challenging for me to make it all work.  If it weren’t for youtube, I would be lost.  It’s the simple stuff that gets me.  Just last night, I could not figure one simple thing, and I just wanted to know how to turn the GoPro on.  As God is my witness, how can it be complicated to turn something on when it only has two buttons…  Ken

It's going to rain...

Just when life gets comfortable, and it mellows out, you look at your dog and see a storm on the horizon.  The clouds drift in, and you don’t notice it, but they build until it finally downpours. 

I saw a photo about a Border Collie named Sadie on social media that went to the Rainbow Bridge because of Cancer, the same kind Abbie had.  The family had gathered to celebrate her life and what she meant to all of them when she passed.  It was a very touching photograph, and I immediately thought about our situation here at the farm.  When you get your new dog, old age is the last thing on your mind, but they get old.    This isn’t always the case as for Clancy and Abbie, but most of the time, it is inevitable, and they change, and you don’t notice.

"When we placed our hands on her heart I just wanted the love we had for her
to radiate through her. She was a special girl."  From Sadie's owner.

As I look at Dutchess, I see this several times the day.  You, fortunately, don’t see her age is creeping up because you remember what she looks like from early photos, but I see daily changes at times and if you don’t see it with your dog, believe me, it’s there, it's always the first touch of gray.

Dutchie Doo, my Dutchess...

One thing we can do is to prepare our dog for that time, not physically but mentally.  While I’m sure that we all take physical care of our loved ones, do we take care of their minds?  Look at it from their point of view.  They exist for us, and they are part of our family.  With 9 dogs, I see things differently than most people because the dogs all want the same thing and that’s acceptance from me.  

Abbie Dabby Doo

It’s not unusual for the dogs to all circle around me for their ear scratches and belly rubs.  I always acknowledge them one by one, and they seem in heaven.  Just a touch from me brightens their world just like when they come to greet or comfort me.  I would suspect most of you do, but we have had dogs come into the foundation that rarely had any contact beyond their limited space... I saw a placard a week ago that said, “5 things you can’t recover in life.”  I thought about this and wondered how that could apply that to a dog’s life.

I look at my dogs, and they seem so needy, but all they really want is for me to share my life and love them.  Here is my version of the 5 things you can’t recover when they are gone.

5 things you can’t recover when our dog is gone.

Those eyes that want more and you brushed them off

Not walking them when it’s raining or too cold, they don’t care

Showing them, you loved them when you pushed them away

Not giving your time for them

When they stand at your feet and walk away

Dutchess is getting old, she still always gets into mischief and will usually just watch the other dogs play.  I guess she is now the coach from the sidelines.   Make there life as full as we can and remember to love them to the end, you are all they have.  Run Free Sadie...Ken

Note about Sadie from her owners...

Sadie had gone to the Rainbow Bridge, the last goodbye

"Her name was Sadie and she was perfect. We got her as a puppy and she won our hearts the moment we laid eyes on her. She was easily trained and loved to play frisbee. She loved people and always lit any room up that she was in. She demanded play but used her manners when she was told no thank you. She lived a healthy happy life until being diagnosed with lymphoma in May of this year. We gave it our all and so did she enduring a four-month chemo protocol. She fought until the very last day. Her mind and soul was there but her body could not keep up. Her soulful eyes watched us everywhere we went. She will be furever missed and has been extremely hard to accept that she is really gone."

I'm watching you...

Every breath you take

Every move you make

Every bond you break

Every step you take

I'll be watching you

Every single day

Every word you say

Every game you play

Every night you stay

I'll be watching you

Every Breath You Take – The Police

I don’t know about you, but my dogs see everything I do.  I’m just glad they can’t write.  Did you ever make do something and the dog reacts to your movement?  With my dogs, I really watch what I do and how quick I act or react to something.  For example, no matter how sleepy they are, if I get out of a chair or even in the morning when they wake up, there up.  Tail wagging and bright-eyed and bushy-tailed raring to go.  Not like us, who opens our eyes and look at the wall and wonder how long we can lay there before we need to get up to go to the bathroom.  In an instant they are READY.  The bark and turn circles and run through the house and we can barely put one step in front of the other.  

Open a bag of chips or a snack, even in another room, and you have fuzzy paws right at your feet wanting their part.  I’m telling you, they have super hearing and eyesight and maybe they can read your mind.  They are always watching, even when we think they're not.

A new trick that they have learned if you pick the TV remote up at 10:30 pm, it’s time to go potty, and EVERYONE jumps up from a deep sleep and RUNS toward the back door, and all you did was pick the remote up.  Whether you were going to the bathroom or getting a snack, you are now letting the dogs out too.  What is really odd is this only happens when Elaine does it.  If I pick the remote up at the same time, same circumstances, nothing, not a movement from anyone.  When she does it, and the dogs jump up, my only comment is “thanks for taking the dogs out.”

Just wrap your mind around the things they see us do!  They see us at the worst of times in the morning and at night and all through the day.  I can just see this from Dutchesses point of view;

Do you really need to eat that… all of it?

That’s a big glass, can I have some?

Why do you sit on a white bowl?

Don’t get in that rain box, just jump in the lake and shake off.

You didn’t smell her butt.

Clean your teeth with a stick!

Sleep when you want.

Can you lick your own butt?

What were you thinking?

Each dog acts differently, but the most watchful dogs we have is Meggie and Dutchess when it comes to food.  You can open a cellophane bag, and they will run for 1000 feet to see what is in the bag.  No matter where they are, they are close at hand. I don't know how many times I would get something from a shelf or closet and when I turn around, they have already found their spot near my feet nearly tripping me.

What is amazing is how much they see us do.  Every moment the dogs are around, they watch us, even when we don't think so.  Whether it's eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom to shower or whatever... they are watching.  My only hope at my house is they never write a book, that could be bad,  Ken

Urgent!

Urgent!  WE NEED YOUR HELP!

"Currently, there are 989 animals in our care, and more are coming in every day. Our shelter is at capacity!"  Indianapolis Animal Care Services. September 8, 2018

When you see this word, you sit up an take notice.  Last week some information came across my desk about a nine-year-old Border Collie that was in a very high kill shelter.  The back story was his owner had died a year ago, and he was placed in the care of a family member.  Fast forward to last week and the “Urgent Notice” that was in front of me, and he was to be euthanized in three days.

Apollo's first day at the shelter

In November of 2012, Molly and Clancy had a litter of beautiful Border Collies, and their new owners were very excited to see them.  One particular owner made a trip every week to the farm to see “her” pup and play and kiss it, never missing a weekly visit.  On January 12 of that same year during an ice storm, they made the journey to pick their pup up and take her home where new toys and a beautiful dog bed was waiting.  The last words spoken to me from the new owner was “I'm so excited I cannot wait.”  Three months later, the owner passed away unexceptionally.

Tess

Last week, Clancy’s Dream kicked into gear for a Border Collie.  We talked to the shelter and got the euthanasia date postponed for two days, and on his last day alive, I was on the way to Indianapolis.  It was a rainy Tuesday morning, and I was in a somber mood for several reasons, and when I got there, they were closed, but we had permission to go in through the back door.  I was met by an attendant who took me right in.  Our Foster Director had already submitted all the paperwork, and all I had to do was an evaluation and take him if he passed.  Sounds simple but it was very moving, and I choked back tears for several reasons.

It was the largest open kennel that I had ever seen, nearly a 1000 dogs barked at once drowned out any conversation, but before I stepped in, the antiseptic smell was as strong as anything I have ever smelled, but it didn’t cover the stench.  Six workers were working diligently to clean and scoop up waist, but it was a never-ending task.  You could tell the dogs that had been there for some time because there was no emotion in there face, the new dogs would jump and try to get your attention and after passing many dogs, we stopped.

I looked inside and did not see anything but a paw on the kennel door saying “please.”  My heart broke again, and my mind was screaming “how does this happen.”  I lead him out, and my mind was blank.  He was friendly, his tail was wagging and he appeared happy to get out, something that doesn't occur too often.  Little did he know that I could have been his executioner and his tail would have still been wagging until the end.

We went to a large office where I could evaluate him, but it was brief because he was a keeper, you could just tell.  No issues at all, loving, playful and very friendly but he had mats as big as baseballs in his fur and had been treated for a flea allergy where they had to shave some hair and treat him with antibiotics.  Every time he wagged his tail, he sprayed urine on me but I didn’t care, he had a new owner, and he was going to a home that will love him like he once was loved. 

Apollo in his new bed

The astonishing thing, he is a smart, intelligent and beautiful dog.  While there, I was shown some of the tricks he knew, and I will tell you it was more than all of my dogs know together.  Under the urine, hair mats and flea allergy, he is a beautiful dog both inside and out.  His original owner loved him so much and taught him nearly every trick in the book and would not have ever thought that his dog would end up like this.

The Freedom Ride

When I took him for his “freedom” ride, I had to pause because this hit me pretty hard. I hung my head and asked that question once again, “how does this happen” and there is never an answer.  If you could ride with one of our rescuers or me just one time, you would ask the same question.

Apollo is doing great with a wonderful foster and has been thoroughly updated on his shots, along with a groom and is scheduled for a dental next week.  He does his tricks again and chases the ball as much as he wants with other dogs.  He is living the life of a king which he should.  No-one loves your dog as much as you do and Apollo’s previous owner would have been shocked if he knew the treatment that his beloved pet went through.  I do have to wonder if something happened to Elaine and me, who would take care of our dogs or would they end up in a shelter.  Have a plan for your dogs… 

On January 21, 2012, Tess was put on a Delta flight and flown back to us because she needs a home, and in Tess’s world, it was upside down.  Her home was gone, her loving owner had passed away, and no one wanted her.  Apollo’s world was also turned upside down too.  His owner had passed, and he had not been carried for and was suffering.  He was in a shelter and was scheduled to be PTS the next day.  He was covered in filth and wouldn’t ever look through the gate, his life was over as he knew it even though he was still alive and all he wanted was to share his love and play…

Tess is coming over in October for a play day with her owners, it will be nice to see her again.  While the shelter did it's best, they are limited.  They were dedicated and cared for the animals and did everything they could.  It's up to us to help in any we can.  Think about it, how many slips through.  Spay and neuter your pet and don't ever buy from a pet store, you would be encouraging puppy mills...  Ken

Times have certainly changed…

One of the hardest things on the farm is to schedule our vacation.  It is so easy to pick up and leave when you don’t have dogs, and at times I envy that.  We love to travel and have been to all fifty states and camped in most of them and visited many other countries.  If we didn’t have obligations at home, chances are, we would travel six months out of the year. I love to go but also love our home life with our dogs too.

I sat and pondered what things would be like without the dogs when being home when we returned because I always wonder what they are doing.  Several years ago, I installed cameras around the property.  It wasn't for security, it was to be able to see the “kids” when we are away from home.  On the last several trips, I would pull each camera up just to check.  It always goes like this.  “wonder what the dogs are doing?” one of us would say.  “Let’s see” I would answer.  We have even done a  "Face Time" with the dogs and our phones.

The anticipation would grow. “Oh look, they are so cute.” With nothing going on because they are sleeping on the porch and you would say there name as you panned the camera. It was a great relief because you always wonder…   Years ago, it was a challenge because of the differences that Molly and Dutchess.  Being compelling females, they would tussle with each because of their competitiveness, and I could envision that when we were gone, and luckily it never happen because we would always find a vacation spot for Dutchess.  She would stay with our neighbor who also had dogs that love to play in the water and Dutchess had her vacation too.

Abbie and Clancy went on this Vacation several years ago.

It always the same as we are pulling away, I turned to Elaine and said, "wonder what the dogs are doing."  We always look at each other, and a sign of panic comes across our faces, and then we snicker and say, "Oh, they're all right."  But if you have ever left your dog for vacation, you do worry about them, because no one can watch or love them as much as you can but we have been very blessed with our dog sitters.

This year it was a little easier because Molly and Abbie left us this spring.  It was a little quieter because Abbie, of course, was the “action” dog and always would turn things up in a good way, sometimes.  It was nice seeing them on camera even if they were sleeping on the porch and it always made us feel good just to “see” them.

The best part about vacation is not only ae you refreshed, but getting home to the dogs and the greetings and you know you were missed.

Usually, they will meet us at the gate when they hear us, but this year, they were with the sitters sleeping peacefully on their dog beds.  When they did hear us, they ran to us barking and jumping and of course JoJo would talk a conversation in her “dog talk.”  All was good, and everyone was happy to see each other, but “times have undoubtedly changed.  Ken

A Dog's Purpose - Part 2

Several years ago, Elaine and I saw a great movie "A Dog’s Purpose." after Clancy died.   As we left the movie, I try to look at the ceiling and floor but not at anyone.  I tried to put on a brave face, but couldn’t because it hit close to home, very close.  Elaine was crying as we walked to the car and I just couldn’t understand what was so wrong.  Through chopped words, she said to me after composing herself and said.  “I’m too old to see Clancy again, and he won’t come back to me, but to somebody else.” 

A lot of water has passed under that bridge since Clancy passed away and we saw the movie.  Since then, Clancy’s Dream has grown, and things have changed, but a lot of things are still the same.  I always get misty eyed and choke up when I mention his name or tell his story, the love is still here and always will be.

Our purpose, as well as Clancy’s purpose, has changed too.  From the “boss-dog” of the farm, Clancy went from the leader of the pack to the leader of the foundation he inspired.  Many times when  things come together for a rescue dog and a happy ending for a hopeless situation, for no reason or explanation, someone will say, “ you know Clancy had his hand in this.” In my heart even though I think it would be impossible, I do believe it because there is no other explanation and his spirit may be responsible.

Things have grown as to where we save the unsavable, heal the unhealable and love the unloved.  Is this us working hard or a driving force we can’t explain?  When we needed money for a very expensive operation on a dog that was destined to doom and death, money was raised in less than 24 hours, and the excess that was collected will save other dogs.

I now know why Elaine was so upset after the movie, as the dog in the film moved through the lives of his various owners, he helped many people, always at the end of his life.  Clancy came into our life after our first Border Collie was killed very unexpectedly and tragically.  When we went looking for a new Border Collie and picked one out, that one was taken, and only Clancy was left, little did I know that our life and the lives of many Border Collies would change along with the people he touched.  Why did that happen?

It rained so hard, we had to wear raingear in our tent.

Last week several board members represented Clancy’s Dream Inc. at the Scottish Festival in our state.  At first, we were not able to have a Raffel because I didn't know the state law and we needed a permit which takes up to 4 weeks.  Calling and talking to the lady in charge and telling her our plight I got this response,  "I can do this today" and at 10:30 that very evening two days before the event, it appeared in my email when she finished it at home.  Because of the rain, we could not fully set up our displays.  For the entire Saturday, it rained nonstop, and we received nearly 4 inches of rain on that day.  Late that evening, we moved to an inside shelter and set our booth up.  Because we had more room inside, we used things that we would not have used because of the lack of space to lay out our goods. The weekend was a bust, or so we thought. 

"The" fabric

A large piece of Border Collie Fabric was sent to us several years ago from a beautiful person in New Your state, stating "use it as you want."  We did use it as a tablecloth at the festival where an acquaintance of ours saw it.  She lived in another state and asked about it when she saw it on our social media page.  When she shared her request and motive, I was moved to tears because once again, his spirit moved.  The fabric has now been sent to a group of loving ladies that makes clothing for school children in Africa.  Not only will it be made into dresses for the girls, but it will also be made into shorts for the boys and kids hospital gowns as well.  Who would think that "our" Clancy was responsible for needy children in Africa?  Not only did Clancy help orphan children, but we also made enough money from our raffle to save several other dogs. The weekend wasn't a bust, it was a miracle again.

Somewhere, someone will receive a nudge or a lick from a dog and not understand why.  It may be something you may not be able to comprehend or understand at that particular moment.   Be patient with this dog and take the love and kindness that comes from him, but look into his eyes and see his soul, especially through "those" eyes, that will pierce your heart as they did with us.  Delight in the love and licks on your leg and know you will love him, as we did.  You can’t envision the ride you will have if you choose his path.  If you fortunate enough to meet him, we now share a universal love, and please give our Clancy a hug because he is now yours until he will move on to another deserving soul who needs a nudge.  He now has another purpose with you, and someday, you will understand, but look into those eyes and listen to his spirit…  

Through the tears and concerns that Elaine had that she would never see Clancy again,  I tell you, she sees him every day through the dogs he sends our way that we save and love and start his circle of life again... Ken

For more information about the non-profit organization Sew Blessed Kentuckiana and helping children, check them out.  If you would like to donate, sew or be part of a wonderful group of people contact Peg Weedman at the above link.
From one of the members... 

"Notice no two dresses are made alike. It’s Because children in Africa can’t go to school if they don’t have a uniform. Most uniforms cost between 15-50 dollars. If a girl is lucky enough to have one, most of the time that is the ONLY article if clothing she has. Wears it 24/7. And she looks like everyone else. So, if I want to give you the gift of a dress, I want it to be UNIQUELY YOURS. I want you to know you are WORTHY to have your own dress."  

What a Reunion...

After we raised a few litters of Shucks Border Collies many years ago, Elaine had the idea to try to see some of our pups again.  We tried to keep up with all of them and communicated often.  The pup and new owners were always welcome back to the farm to have a play day and let them run and swim in our lakes.  It was fun to watch the pups and children grow up right in front of us.

One day, Elaine had an idea.  What if we have a puppy reunion and invite all of the puppies and their families back to the farm.  “Great idea but you can plan it,” and she did.  What started out as a one-day event in the planning stage went to a full weekend, Friday night until Sunday afternoon.  Knowing she had some culinary experience,  along with running her own restaurant, it was getting exciting.

 Nearly every “t” was crossed and “i” was dotted we were well on our way to our first annual puppy reunion.  It was a fantastic event, friends and family were welcome and even extended family because they all love their dog and were family.  After the first year, it expanded with people bringing their motor home and tents, and we would have a campfire each night, but the kids had to go to bed before things got too rowdy.  I will tell you, you see people in a different light around a campfire where the spirits are free.  Some I remember, some I don’t want to remember and some I can’t remember.  All in good fun and love and stories were shared.

The best part of the puppy reunion was seeing the dogs thrive and the love shared in the “family.”  They were all grown up, and they could do tricks, swim, and dock-dive and everyone had a ball, literally.  This went on for some years until we couldn’t handle all of the crowd and activities. There were classes that were put on by a Veterinarian assistant, microchips were done, and it was a great time by all, even when it rained so hard, we just stayed under the wrap around porch until it stopped and talked about our dogs. Usually, on the given weekend, we would have nearly 150 guests.

We were dog lovers, and we are together in spirit, and that’s what counts and always will because we really are family.  I imagine the day when I cross that bridge, it will actually be like this.

There's a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a verdant land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet passes, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. Old and ill and frail animals are made whole. They play all day with each other in the beautiful sunshine.

They are happy and content, but there is one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day, they run and play until the day comes when suddenly, one stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The eyes are staring! And Lady suddenly runs from the group!

Ed has been seen, and when they meet, he took her into his arms and embraced her, and his face is kissed again and again, and he looked once more into the eyes of Lady his beloved Border Collie who rescued him, then they cross the Rainbow Bridge and will wait for Liv, together, never again to be separated...."  Author Anonymous (Edited) 

In Memory of Edward Werderits.  Ed was a friend of Clancy’s Dream and loved his Border Collies.  I know we have a connection because of the love we shared with our Dogs.  Rest well my friend and when we meet we can sit together and talk about the best dogs in the world and I will tell you about Molly, Abbie, and my Clancy Man, but I’m sure you already know them…  What a Puppy Reunion again!  Ken