Remembering...

All of us will “go home” at some time, it’s inevitable.  I remember when I was a kid, we drove for what seemed like days to visit my Mom’s family in the country for “Decoration Day,” which is also called Memorial Day.   It was an annual trip that we took to decorate the graves of family members that had passed before us.   As kids, we had such a good time, and it was a whole weekend of fun, excitement, and things I had never seen before.  There were 13 children in my Mom’s family of which my Mother was the youngest. We were the city folk side of the family, everyone else lived near the homestead.  We would drink out of a well, ride cows and even ride on a drag on the back of a tractor through the fields.  

When we would visit, we would stay at Aunt Maggie’s house because it was the only home that had indoor plumbing, something that I took for granted at our own home.  On Sunday after decorating the graves, we would gather at the homestead for the giant potluck/pitch in dinner.   I remember that if we needed to “go,” we had to go to the “barn” to do our business, which as a kid, I thought that was pretty cool.  All in all, it was a great weekend, and I got to see my many cousins and play in the fields and get dirty.  We always brought home fresh eggs and homemade butter, something my Dad said always reminded him of his youth when he was a boy.

Several weeks ago, and with the help of Google Earth, I went back home to the farm my mother grew up on, and sadly, everyone had passed-on some time ago.  Not knowing the address except for RR2, I scowled the location from a satellite.   Low and behold, I found it, I saw the farm, and I was thrilled.  Things had changed and my mind flashed back to when I was 12 years old.  I will always remember the well that we got the water from by dropping a rusty galvanized bucket down a hole and cranking it up for some cold, clean water and going to the bathroom in the barn.  When I expanded my Google Earth search, I also visited the graveyard where we went to decorate the family graves.  With the technology today, I was at the very spot and could even rotate my view to see the graves of my family.  There is no one left to have a reunion, and it’s sad, and my visit was bittersweet, but I did enjoy it and the trip down memory lane.

Abbie and Clancy

As for this Monday, Memorial Day, remember to honor the men and women of our armed services who gave everything for us but remember our past pets too and the funny, cute and loving way they loved us.  Take a minute to look into your present dog's eyes, stroke their fur and assure them that they are everything to us because someday before we know it, it may be too late, trust me, I know...  Ken

How did this happen?

This was something that just crept up over time, and it has gotten worse over time.  It started years ago when we would put the dogs up for the evening and when it was time for bed.  We were lucky enough to have a kennel with heat and air that always had the best interest of the dogs in mind along with their comfort.

Molly wanting in

I do know how it happened and it was Elaine’s doing.  Every night we would keep several dogs inside with us and while the others slept comfortably in their own area.  They had food, water, heat/air music and even a monitor.  This worked well until it was Elaine’s time to put them up, we would take turns.  When she came inside, the dogs followed her back in, and I ask “what happened?”  Making perfect sense in her mind, she couldn’t decide because of their sad eyes.  “I couldn’t do it,” she said, and I usually agreed, but it changes our household in several ways.

JoJo found her pillow

I would say that our house is dog-friendly, almost too much in a couple of ways and it started nearly five years ago.  As a rule, it’s not a problem or concern, and they all have their spot.  Dutchess is on the table or begging for food, Doc is checking Shepp out and following him around.  Meggy is under my desk, and Molly is in “her” bed.  JoJo and Dahlie love their human beds and run to get their “spot.”

Guess who

Everything has developed into a routine.  Every morning, Elaine will sit on the couch in her bedroom with Gabby who will go back to sleep with her, and they will ponder life and snooze.  I’m an early riser and take the dogs that want to go out, but most will stay on the bed waiting until Elaine gets up.  Night time is always a piece of cake and rather than saying “let’s go to the kennel” not it’s let’s go to bed.  The dogs will separate, and half will go with Elaine to her bedroom, and half will stay with me where everyone finds their space, and I will tell you, the beds are full. 

At least I have a little room

Many changes have taken place doing this, we have a vacuum cleaner on all three floors which is frequently used, but someone needs to tell Elaine you have to empty it.  You don’t go up or down the steps with things in your hands because they will try to race you to see who is first.  You shut the bathroom door when you’re visiting, and you don’t eat with Dutchess, offering her anything or she will be in your lap.  When you get a bedtime snack, you make sure you have enough for each dog who will form a semi-circle in front of you and watch every bite you take and many other things.

This is what it's about

Dogs can change your life for the better or make it worse, and I have looked the other way several times, but there is nothing better than to sit with a dog next to you or sleeping on your pillow at night.  I wouldn’t have it any different…  Ken

Getting knocked down...

Most of us run into adversity every day, and at times we deal with it, but sometimes it’s not so easy to deal with.  I have experienced this first-hand many times seeing it in my dogs and in my personal life.

As most of you know, Doc is going blind.  To see him, you would never know it because he still gets around and does the things he wants to do.  He has such a pure heart and is full of love.  I’ve said many times that Doc will love you until he knocks you down, which is true.  I have noticed some subtle changes in his behavior and things he does because of his blindness, but he seems to muddle through which I have been told he would learn to do. 

He can see in the daylight much better than when a room is dark.  Just last night, when I sat the remote for the TV down, they jumped up and ran to the door because they think they are going outside.  Doc jumped up too, but he ran into the wall.  He got up, shook his head and repositioned himself and got back on course, which he made.  Sometimes life is like that, and you need to reposition yourself when you get knocked down, it’s hard, but usually, it’s a lesson well learned and not forgotten.

I’ve seen this all the time with most of our dogs.  You watch their ways and see them adapt to changes.  My pack is getting older, and Molly and Dutchess are approaching 13 years old, and it is showing.  Mollie does the best at getting around now, and where Dutchess would be in every activity, I see her now sitting and watching as things go on around her, she has lead a pretty hard life.

But what do you do and how do you deal with life changes?  My take is to treat them unique in their separate needs.  With Doc, he seems to need more company with me and all of the pack.  Where once, he loved to be outside and hang on the porch, including sleeping outside, he has changed.  Now, he wants to be inside and even sleeps on my bed every night.  If he’s on the porch by himself, he will now bark to come inside and will lay by my feet.

Several days ago, I was outside just with Doc.  I was cutting the grass he was in heaven, not because of the mowing, but because he was free.  He would run circles around the house and always end up back where he started.  His hair was flowing in the wind, and he seemed to be smiling as he was running, even stopping to cool off in the lake.  He had quite the day.

When you get knocked down by that wall, get up, shake your head and reposition yourself and at times, it’s hard, but you’ll be stronger for it, I know...  Ken

Our Trip...

As I sat on a plane traveling west at 40,000 feet over Ireland heading home and while sitting next to a window, I pondered my life and Clancy and Abbie.  I took another kind of journey several years ago, and while it was in the works, I never sensed a thing, much less ever thought it ever possible.  The view from the window was speculation but gave me a sense of smallness in a vast world, making me feel so incompetent in a world of wonderment and how small we really are.

Late last year, some friends of ours moved to England and purchased a house in the charming town of Great Malvern.  It has been well established for a thousand years or more and is full of history.  Our friends also own two of our dogs, Xena a Daughter of Clancy and Molly and Jack a Grandson of Clancy.

As we were looking for a vacation for the fall of the year, I came across a transatlantic cruise that was traveling to the Azores, Ireland, France and finishing in England.  When our friends were leaving the states to go to England, goodbyes were said, and the statement made “if you’re ever in England, come and see us.”  I laughed inside knowing it would never be possible, timewise or financially or so I thought.

The 1^st of April, fate had its way.  All the cards came together, and we booked the trip, how did this happen? No way could we swing a 3-week vacation in several foreign countries much less travel in areas we never knew about, finding someone to watch the dogs, Elaine’s work schedule and getting someone to care for Elaine's aging father, it's not going to happen, but it was not my decision.

Abbie had been in remission from her cancer for 30 months and was doing great.  In fact, just a week from our departure date, I posted that she had had a birthday and how well she was doing, but in following three days, she had passed.  She was buried here on the farm just two days before we left for vacation.  Going through the usual customs that we do for our dogs when they cross, I brushed her and clipped part of her hair and collar and placed it in safe keeping.

As we left on the trip which was very timely, I took a small bag that was only aware to me of its purpose and knew what I needed to do.  I kept this secret to myself not because I didn’t want Elaine to know, I just couldn’t talk about it, and I would embarrass myself trying, I’m very emotional about my dogs.  Just a few days before the cruise ended, early one morning, I went to the salon and had my hair cut.  For some reason, I had been determined to let it grow since early last year.  When in the chair, the stylist was surprised I wanted it cut and ask several times, “you sure?”  My only request is to keep a braid of it. And I did for my mission.

After settling in at Malvern Hills and deciding what to do while we were there, I also requested a trip to British Camp which was very close to where we were staying so early one morning we were off on my mission.  The day was vibrant, and in the early morning, you could see the beauty before us, even telling our host, “this is spiritual,” and it was.  After hiking through switchbacks and looking at the sights, we finally climbed to the area that was meant just for us. 

Our host knew what was coming and she laid back giving me plenty of distance, and I took out the small bag that contained the hair of Clancy, Abbie, Oreo, Elaine and myself.  The wind was fierce heading directly due North toward Clancy’s birthplace in Selkirk UK.   I took out the fur, smelled it one last time, kissed it and released it watching it travel to distant places.  It was very bittersweet, comforting, and I felt my heart tugging again.  I watched their fur sail into the heavens while it was carried long distances.  After I was finished, I turned into the northbound wind turned my face to the heavens and wept like a child, I miss them so.

Jack and Xena with me.

During every vacation since Abbie got sick, we have had a plan in place for her in case she got ill while we were gone and never needed it.  Abbie’s birthday was just a week or so before our departure, and again we worried, we were on borrowed time. Only three days before we were to leave, I had some blood work done for her, and she got a clean bill of health but without the results which were due the next day.  I knew something was wrong even before the Vet called and he confirmed it.  The cancer was back.  Abbie went downhill very quickly, faster than any dog I have ever seen.  Later that day, she crossed the bridge to be with her dad, Clancy.  It's only fitting that Abbie traveled with us to England, you see, her heritage is also from the United Kingdom too.

British Camp has it all; a 365-degree view of all of the surrounding territories and heavy in history.  It has had castles, Romans, battles and has been fought over by many cultures but today it is owned by the public, never to be changed and space to walk your dogs where sheep are allowed to graze on the hills.  It also has the fur of Clancy, Abbie, and Oreo which is always present in spirit with the greats of history that is there. 

It’s hard to leave some things behind, and as we were leaving England at the train station, our host said “I will visit them,” and I know she will.  I took my last look toward them and felt that I left part of me too and I believe I did.  I don't know why I am so passionate about the dogs, and I'm sure you have wondered that also about yours.  They give so much and need so little, but when their bright fire burns out, nothing shines as brilliant, and it's not replaceable and never will be.  Do I believe in fate, maybe if things happened once ever so often, I don't know, but in my world, I see it all the time through my dogs and the rescues we deal with.  Everything came together for this trip for a reason...    Ken

I'm Free...

I was born nearly 4 years ago, and as soon as I was old enough to be on my own, I went to a house in the country far away, I was free from my littermates and sharing my food, but I was free to explore my new world.  I was with a man who was not so nice and tied me to a post in the yard with plenty of chain.  I saw the kids getting on the bus, and later that day, I saw them come home.  They were having so much fun running and playing, and I loved to watch, but I had to guard my little house and couldn’t leave, at least that's what I thought.  I even got to sleep in it; it was nice except when it rains, I kinda got wet and cold.

OREO

Several Summers and winter came and went, and I was taken from my chain and went for a car ride.  This was my first ride, I was free.  I went to an inside cage in a huge building where lots of dogs were barking.  They were all unique, and some would go away together after being there for a few weeks.  Some man would hang a big “X” on their kennel door in the morning, and by afternoon they would find a new home because they never came back; they were free, but I had new friends to bark at that very afternoon.

Sometimes I would lose my balance and fall over, and when I would come to, I didn’t know where I was, but things would clear up, and I could walk again.  I saw the Doctor, and he would give me some pills, and then I didn’t do it as often as before, but I remember I would shake a lot and run in place on my side.  They said I had seizures.

“Heartworms” I’ve never heard that word, and I heard from the friendly people who were talking next to my cage, the people who would feed me my food.  They were looking at me but seemed very sad.  Maybe someone was sick, but the next few days were a whirlwind, and I got to see the Doctor again.  The man with the cards with the big “X” was walking down the aisle.  “Pick me, Pick me,” I said, “I want to leave. I want to be free; I’ve been here almost 4 months; pick me!” 

I had to go to the dog hospital and got a couple of big shots in my back, something about that Heartworm word.  It hurt, and no one would let me run and play, but then I never really knew how to do that, but I wanted to try.  “Where am I going? I didn't have an "X" on my door?” I wondered when they put me in a car driving me to something called Indiana.  The lady that took was so nice, I miss her.

Oreo with friends at the farm

“WOW,” I said when I got out of the car.  No cages, lots of room, trees, fields and LOTS of dogs to play with.  I can play, play with the other dogs on grass all I want to, is this heaven?  I’m free!  I slept in the house anywhere I wanted to and even went outside and walked and explored every time I wanted to, but this was short-lived because a GREAT home with my buddy Jessee was waiting for me, and we played. 

Oreo with Jessee

We had so much fun, and they took such good care of me; I was free, which I always wanted, but I got very sick.  Going to the dog hospital, I had so many seizures, and I was so hot because my temperature was 106 and in a coma; I was lucky because some dogs don’t make it when it gets that high.  When I came home, I was confused, I didn’t know where my doggy door was, and I didn’t know where I was at times, I needed special help.  I even became mean to my best friend Jessee, I couldn't help it.  I wasn't as free as I once was, my mind was foggy, and I couldn’t think.  

Elizabeth, my friend in my new home, was so much fun; they were with me all the time and could take care of me.  Life was good until one day it happened; I don’t know why but it did, and I don't know what came over me, I couldn’t think, and my mind went blank; I couldn’t function.  I went back to the farm because something bad happened, but I don't remember.

I met my old friends and got to see my human friends and slept in the bed again.  The next day, we drove to the Doctor; I remember being hugged and loved on; things are fuzzy and confused, but a face I have seen many times was right next to my face; he was always at the farm.  I heard the words "I love you" I shut my eyes, and I was free… Thank you!

"I know you; I have smelled your scent at the farm, have I meet you before?” Oreo asks.  “Only in spirit until now, I’m Clancy.”    "Am I in heaven?"  "You're free, yes, you're in Heaven.

Oreo and I went to the Vet I once worked for in Louisville.  She rode on the front seat, and I rubbed her head and body the whole way down.  She was put to sleep in my arms, and I was with her until the end, I stroked her face and hugged her through it all.  I brought her home, and she rode next to me again.  She is buried here at the farm just a few feet from Clancy,  Ken…

In the middle again…

Well I don't know why I came here tonight.

I've got the feeling that something ain't right.

I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair

And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs.

Clowns to the left of me!

Jokers to the right!

Here I am stuck in the middle again.

Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle With You Lyrics

Two times in my life I have been in the middle with dogs, and today I just realized it.

Many years ago, we raised Border Collies as most of you know.  It was so rewarding to see the pups born and to play with them in their early weeks but my favorite times were when they were 6 weeks old.  They form a bond with you, and I became their leader when they were weaned, one of the few times I was in charge of something, just ask Elaine… We had a heated and cooled kennel, and they lived a life of Riley.  

Sometimes I would sit down in the middle of them and let them craw on me and nip my fingers.  They would untie my shoelaces, and if you put them up to your face close to your nose, they would nurse the tip.  Life was GRAND and the puppy breath… nothing better, and every night at bedtime, I would sing to them…

Because of our website and word of mouth, we would get several calls a week from people wanting a Border Collies.  Having restricted litters, we didn’t have extras to sell because of a waiting list.  Whether they got a pup from us or not, I would always try to direct them to reputable breeders that I knew.  Before the end of the conversation, I usually heard the reason they wanted a BC.  Nearly 90 percent of the time it was because they had one and it had passed from a tragic event or old age.  It was always devastating to both of us to re-experience it again.  Usually, they would cry, and I wouldn’t talk much because I was choked up too.  I was in the middle and hated it…

Several weeks ago, I had been going back and forth via email about a family that had to give up their border collie of 5 years.  Not going into the reason, it was necessary, trust me.  When the week arrived for the transfer, I contacted the owner, and we talked the mechanics of the handover.  I notice her voice starting to break, and that was enough for me because mine did too.  I told her I understand because I have been there and we both broke down.  I gave her directions to the farm and said we would talk and walk around the farm, and discuss Clancy’s Dream and assure her that we will find the perfect home, and we will. 

Because of a family emergency and she was on the way from out of state I told her to put her dog in the kennel and someone would be there soon to take over.  When I arrived back, he was out playing with the other dogs and one of our Board members, and he was beautiful and perfect.  After settling in, I checked the bags and material that she left in the kennel that was his.  Exploring through all of it, I came across a small bag paper bag that was neatly folded over.  Inside was a single decorated dog cookie for him.  They had celebrated his birthday early because he would be gone, I gave it, and it broke my heart for both sides.  I have seen this scenario many times.   It breaks my hears, and I know I am a softie and wish there was an easy answer…

When we find homes for the dogs, regardless of you’re a short time foster, or they are with you for a few weeks you fall in love with them.  Just ask Elaine, out of the 10 dogs we have, seven of them were given to us.  When they leave, you miss them and wonder if the new owners will love them as much as you.  Many tears of joy have been shed when that match is made in Heaven.

You see, as a rescuer, you’re in the middle just like when we raised pups.  You see both sides and feel the pain and shed a tear from a tragedy and a success.  Maybe I’m just a softie, but I’m stuck in the middle again…   Ken

Clowns to the left of me!

Jokers to the right!

Here I am stuck in the middle again.

Together Again...

For nearly 18 years, Smokey and Sapphire were best friends and lived together.  As much as they look different, they are the very same age and from the very same litter.  They were best friends to the very end.

The day sapphire died

“Early Thursday morning of this week. I walked down the driveway toward the end of our lane to get the mail.  As usual, I walked to Clancy’s gravesite for a visit, and I stood there soaking in the early sunlight and the cool breeze I reflected on the events of the past week and the things to come soon.  As always, the wind chimes were talking, and life was good.  I pondered for a moment and soaked everything in and felt grand and in an audible voice as if I was speaking to someone, I said “it’s a beautiful day,”  and it was.”  Two hours later, Sapphire was laid to rest here at the farm.

I got to know Smokey and Sapphire several years ago.  Their owner moved from out west when life circumstances changed for her.  The owner moved to our community, and we became friends because of our dogs.  We exchanged pleasantries and ideas and spoke of the topics of the world.  When Sapphire passed, it was decided that she would be buried here with Clancy and our dogs.  Saffey, as we all called her, loved the farm and enjoyed rolling in the leaves as she would slide down the hill on her back. 

One of the hardest decisions that anyone can make in the dog world is when is “it time.”  I have pondered that decision for years.  We had a cat that we brought from Louisville that was our only pet, and we loved him so.  He came to us as a stray and just stayed, I guess he liked us.  He loved it and had trees and meadows to run in and explore.  He got sick, and when an ultrasound was run, he had a large tumor that could not be removed.  The Vet said to take him home and love him and when “it’s time” come back.  “How do I know when that is?”  “You’ll know,” he said.  And I did.   “Tat’s” food bowl is in the china cabinet and his photo is still on the refrigerator even after 18 years of his passing.  It was "time" for Smokey...

Several weeks ago, Smokey took a turn, but not for the better.  He always fought a good battle, always winning the fight, but he was not to win this one.  He moved a little slower than the other dogs, but after all, he was 119 in human years.  He loved to take long walks at the farm and doze in the sunlight. When Sapphire passed, it was plain to see just how much he missed her.  He was a robust, gentle dog, taking nothing from anyone and he loved life and lived it to the very fullest.

On an early sunny day, I got that call, “it’s time,” from Smokey’s owner.  After doing everything that could be done, there was nothing left to do for him.  I grabbed my shovel and went to a peaceful place where there are several Adirondack chairs and a canopy of trees that lets sunlight in and started my task.  The spot had already been picked, right next to his best friend and littermate Sapphire and they were to be together again along with Clancy.

Smokey and Sapphire led a whirlwind life.  Living right on the California coast, meeting celebrities and living the good life and it was grand.  They both were greatly loved by their owners, friends, and neighbors and spent their time doing the things they loved to do and being outdoors.

Smokey, Mark, and Saphirre together again

Smokey was placed in his burial shroud, but before he was gently lowered to his new final resting place, he was loved on and caressed, and tales were told of his happy life.  It wasn't a sad day, it was a beautiful day,  Smokey, Sapphire, and Mark are together again.   Sometimes it hard to imagine how much dogs make an impact on our lives and some will never know.  Ken...