Twas the night…

Yes, it was a night like no other here at the farm.  As I watch you in your new bed, you are at peace and now all warm and comfy, not on the concrete floor without a blanket.  Your dreams have gone from uncertainty to a future.  You are now in a place where people love you, as you can now trust people again and always. Destiny awaits you with new loving parents and possibly a dog and kids to play with who will welcome you and maybe even let you sleep in their bed.

I saw the sparkle in your eyes and the smile on your face right from the start and saw you change from a scared little girl to someone who has hope, faith, and a fresh start.  I watched you the day you came to us and saw you run, actually run with all your heart, just to keep up with the other dogs. You weren't as fast, but you had fun trying. 

You acclimated into our rescue family in just a few hours, and I know you were unsure of what would happen next because your past was so unstable and scary.  You met new friends and companions and loved each one of them as they loved you, but this time it was different.  You got to wrestle and tumble in the middle of our floor and run up and down the stairs when you scampered through the house.  Something you didn’t know how to do until you watched the other dogs go up and down, and you did too. 

You learned many new things in just a few days.  A bath is good even though it is a little scary, but it gets the dirt, shelter smell, and any little critters off, and now you are clean and safe with a clean start, something not everyone gets like some of the dogs you knew.  I will never forget walking out of the shelter and hearing the other dogs bark that was left behind.  Did they wonder where you were going? You have seen other dogs go with a shelter worker before, and it didn’t end very well.

When I arrived at the shelter, it was busy, and people were going and coming at a quick pace.  Walking into the “dog” room, as usual, I heard the barking before I went through the door and even smelled the urine, feces, and antiseptic before I went in.  A little dog was crouched in the corner with her eyes covered, hiding from the world and everything around her, and it was you.  

All but given up.

I went into your 3 by 5 kennel with only one empty water and food bowl.  Setting on the floor with my back to the gate, I patted the floor, and you wanted to come to me but were scared.  When you did, I cried tears of joy; maybe there is a chance.  You licked my hand to thank me, and I thanked you for not giving up.  I asked God how this happened, but I was told that it didn't happen today. This time she was saved.   Twas this night occurs at the farm frequently and every week throughout the year.  To many, it was just another night, but to this dog, little did she know that the night before, sleeping on the bare cold concrete floor, was a special night.  It Was the night before rescue…

Twas the night before Christmas, and the shelter was dark,

The whole place was silent, not even a bark.

The dogs were locked in their pens for the night,
The staff had gone home and turned out the light.

As I lay my head down on the cold concrete floor,
I fondly recalled the home I had before.
The family I loved who loved me right back,
We'd shared everything from a secret to a snack.

Things couldn't be better at this time last year,
But that has all changed, and now I am here.
I won't see the tree, the lights, or the snow,
I'm scared and alone; my spirits are low.

Others like me were put up for adoption,
A new home for me isn't an option.
We've been locked up in cells as if we're all crooks,
We don't deserve homes because of our looks.

While families celebrate with holiday cheer,
I know in my heart that my end is near.
The vet will arrive, the lights will go on,
By the time you awake, we all will be gone.

A stranger will come and take me away,
I'll never awake to see the next day.
As I at last close my eyes I won’t shed a tear,
The fond memories, with you, I'll always keep near.

-- Author Unknown

I'll show her...

Elaine left Thursday afternoon to see her father, and she will stay the night with him.  She will then drive further south and spend the weekend with her daughter in another state and won’t be back until Sunday night.  Elaine is making her rounds to see family, and I will stay home and take care of things  Well you know what that means,  It means, I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING…

I have 11 dogs to watch, and it has rained for two days, it’s muddy and still raining, but it will clear up Sunday night of course, when she gets home.  What do you do with 11 dogs when it rains solidly for the entire time, and of course, there needs to be potty time in the rain.  We have a wraparound porch, but if I let them out, they can go as needed and come back to cover.  Great idea, but Dog Dad is required to be with them when they go so they can look at me, so I grab my galoshes, raincoat and hat we take a walk, and you know what that means… I get to dry off 11 dogs and then do a load of laundry.

Yes, I'm right here

Usually, when Elaine is home, some dogs will stay with each of us.  She has her pack, and I have mine, well… until she gets back, I have a big pack of critters that hang on every word and movement I make, and you know what that means, there is not a bed big enough for all the dogs and I will get very little sleep. I’ll fix her…

I’m one of those guys that don’t like to be by myself.  Just knowing that someone is here keeps me comfortable and I like the company, and when she leaves, I feel even more responsible to keep things in shape, the burden lies with me, and I am in charge so to speak, so to speak…

“I’ll fix her” is my motto, I’ll show her…  As I go through the house, I’ll vacuum the steps and floors, that will teach her.  I’ll catch all the laundry up, she’ll be sorry, and I’ll even clean out the refrigerator and wipe the inside out, she’ll know I’m upset.  The coup de grace will be when I clean out the pantry, I'm sure she won't mind.

As the evening wears on, I am exhausted after dusting, washing, wiping and doing all the chores.  The dogs watched the whole time because it was raining and nasty outside.  I only got wet a few times taking them for a long walk, and when it stopped, I used fewer towels, and the sun came out.  After a restful night, everyone slept soundly and even slept in a little later than usual and realized tomorrow is another day…

Tomorrow is another day

What makes things work best for me when she leaves for several days is to plan ahead.  You purchase pre-made meals that you can microwave and have ready in minutes and with paper plates or just using the container it comes in, that makes it fast and easy and clean up is a breeze.  Stock up on your favorite non-alcoholic beverage, and that makes the night more enjoyable keeping the chill off.

Keeps the chill off

All in all, things worked out, and we made it, you learn as you go and life is good.  The house is clean, and she'll be sorry for missing all the fun but maybe next time.  I just have one question when she gets back, "where do you keep the toilet paper?"  Ken

The Christmas Present...

My sister bought my mother an extraordinary Christmas present many years ago.  Diane had a small dog, and my mother seemed to like it, and Diane thought she would share the joy and love with Mom.  Diane would have topped everyone's present by giving the "best" Christmas present ever.  I remember the day as if it was yesterday.  The celebration was in full swing when my sister arrived with the bundle of "Joy."

To say my mother was surprised was an understatement.  The look on her face would stop a freight train, and a forced smile came upon her face; not wanting to hurt my sister's feeling, she took the dog.  After everything wound down that evening, there was poop and pee in various areas to clean up, and Mom was exhausted from chasing her new family member around the house.

While Diane thought it was a great idea and would give Mom some company, it wasn't.  Later, Mom told me, "if I wanted a dog, I would buy one." the day after Christmas, Mom called my sister and told her to pick the dog up and return it to the pet store.  The incident was never spoken of by anyone in my family again.  I guess my Christmas present was the show-stopper.  Mom loved her new kitchen rugs. I got her, and I often saw them, sorry Diane.

When we bred Border Collie puppies, it was a magical time to be with them as they grew, and I loved to see them go to their new home full of love and energy.  One year, we had Christmas pups, it was not planned, but you can't control those girls.  They were born in the middle of September, which meant they could go home around Christmas.  As a past detective, I got that gut feeling that something was not right, and I had it with one of the future pup owners.  We always screen our prospective owners, but that feeling was there.  The day before he was to pick up his pup for the kids, I called him and told him my thought and that it would not be a good idea to get the pup.  After much begging, he wanted to talk in person, and he came over.  After much talk, and as we were walking, he put his arm around me and said: "I promise you I will do everything I can do to give your pup a good home, besides, what will I tell the boys?" One year later, I got that call, the pup was coming home.  He did, and he was a train wreck and even bit me when I tried to work with him.  

I have beat myself up a thousand times, and I promised myself it would never happen again, and it didn't I worked for months trying to fix all the wrongs in the dog.  He would not approach me, much less let me touch him for weeks.  Once, while sitting on the floor in the same room, he approached me; I turned my head away and bowed.  He licked my face, and I knew there was hope.  Years later, and with much work, he succeeded in life.

With the Christmas season coming up, from experience, don't surprise anyone with a dog.  Everyone needs to know what is going on and is on board with the entire process, even children.  Dogs are expendable to some, and that's where we come in.  Some dogs Clancy's Dream brings in have issues of some sort, it lacks love, attention, and exercise. It's never the dog but the past owner.  They are given all of it here, and they live happy lives.  The other strong suggestion I can give is never to purchase a dog from a Pet Store.  While they look beautiful and healthy, their parents are sitting in a cage and will live their entire life there.  As of 2020, in Indiana alone, there are over 250 puppy mills and over 6,700 adult dogs trapped, which they know about, and over 10,000 in the United States.  They only exist because people purchase the dogs...    Ken

 FORGOTTEN DOG'S CHRISTMAS

~Author unknown

T'was the night before Christmas, when all thru the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nick soon would be there.

The children all nestled snug in their beds
With no thought of dogs filling their head.
And mom in her kerchief and I in my cap
Knew the dog was cold but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash.
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Clause, with his eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog once so lively and quick.
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully sick.
More rapid than eagles, he called the dog's name
and the dog ran to him despite all his pain.

Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen
On Comet on Cupid on Donner and Blitzen.
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall
Let's send this dog a home where he's loved by all.

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing we missed
A dog should be family and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him explain as he rode out of sight,
"You" wasn't given a gift; you were given a life.

They Grow...

At times we get dogs into Clancy’s Dream Rescue that could be compared to a blank sheet of paper no matter how old they are.  What I mean, there is no structure or obedience, and some are just a bundle of joy bouncing everywhere, but others come with a heavy heart.  Here are a few things I have observed.

From the dog's point of view.

I have learned that there is more space than a 6-foot area of dirt and a chain

I have learned that you can keep warm in the winter

I have learned you can go into the house

I have learned I can eat every day

I have learned to go up and down stairs

I have learned what a human is

I have learned what a toy is

I have learned what a bath is

I have learned what other dogs are

I have learned what peace is

I have learned what trust is

I have learned what hope is

I have learned what love is

When you rescue a dog, it can be overwhelming, and every time, I get a queasy stomach because of what we run into.  Each dog is different and reacts in many ways.  Some are eager to see you, and some are apprehensive, but most haven’t a clue of how their life is about to chance.  Every point of view, I have seen and some I have seen them all.  As most of us are dog lovers, we may have never seen these points of view and can’t imagine ever seeing them, but in my world, I have.  I can tell you when I go to a shelter, I will whisper to the All Mighty, “Please let me be able to save this dog.”  And when the dog is in the car, I have cried to him, “how can this happen because it was to bad.”

From my point of view.

I have seen you run at the farm, something you have never done

I have learned that you love to be in the house and sleep in the bed  

I have fed you every day

I have taught you to go up and down stairs

I have seen you love humans

I have seen you play with a toy

I have given you a bath

I have seen you play with other dogs

I have seen you at peace

I have seen you trust

I have seen you now have hope

I have learned what love is

Doing this rescue thing can be hard at times, there is never an easy one, and some are more complicated than others.  I have literally seen a dog run for the first time off lead or have a soft bed that is not the ground but is usually is in our bed.  They are safe inside the house during the rain and not sleeping in the snow.  You would be surprised because of their lack of socialization that it’s hard for them to meet strangers and most don’t know how to go up or down a set of stairs.  Once they do it, it’s usually Okay, but the easiest way for me is to pick them up, holding them tight and speaking softly, set them down in the middle with them.  Once there I talk and encourage them to move, and they do.  When the pack goes up or down the next time, without any hesitation, the new dog will follow.

It’s heartwarming to see a dog blossom into something that would benefit there life and the life of there new dog parents after the rescue, and sometimes it’s pretty easy, and at times it takes a little longer.   The most difficult situations are when you can’t help a dog and unfortunately, we can’t.  Monday morning I am traveling to eastern Indiana to evaluate a dog as we do every week to see if it fits into our program and as I sit in the car getting ready to go in, I will whisper to the All Mighty, “Please let me be able to save this dog.”   Ken

Let's Eat...

Probably the best holiday for me is Thanksgiving.   It involves one of my most basic and coveted needs, “food,” I always ask Elaine to make a lot because I love the leftovers. This year, I wanted to include the dogs to help me share my beloved and much-anticipated holiday.

In 2011, I wrote my annual Thanksgiving tribute about my dogs. As I looked back and re-read it, 3 of them had passed, and now we have three different dogs.  Clancy, Molly, Dutchess, Doc, Shepp, and Abbie have passed but are waiting for me at the bridge; Dahlie, JoJo, Tink, Levy, and Whiskey needed a home and even share their same kennel when it was time to eat.  It is bittersweet when they go in, but I always look at my past dog's name above their door; it’s never been removed. 

A lot of water has passed under that bridge, but things and lessons have been learned.  I have always said, “We are who we are because of our past.”  You can forever be looking back, but it can be a lonely place.  Things happen for a reason, and we will never know why things seem so cruel.   

While I will never get over the pain of Clancy's death, I am thankful that something good came out of it.  I can’t tell you the times I’ve cried when I looked into the eyes of a rescue dog with no hope.  Some were on chains, some had broken bones, and some were scheduled to be euthanized (a nice word for killed), but they were saved because of Clancy.  In honesty, if Clancy were still alive, we would not have helped these dogs, and who knows where they would now be.

June 20, 2018, This was her life.

June 23, 2018, This is the same dog.

When I look at Thanksgiving, it’s not about the food and football; to me, it’s really about the dogs and how thankful I am that our foundation has the Directors, volunteers, and supporters who care about the plight of these dogs as much as I do.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2011, I wrote this in my Blog;

“Well guys, you told me what you are thankful for; I guess it’s my turn.  It’s a little more complicated than what you are thankful for. But let’s start. You are my friends and my companions.  You listen to me and have no idea what I am saying except, “Let’s Eat, Ball, and Frisbee.” But your vocabulary will far exceed mine on many fronts because you say so much with your eyes. Watching you enjoy life makes my heart skip a beat because you really do enjoy life, something we all should learn to do but never have time until it’s too late.

You have saved me many times in so many ways, even once when I fell and knocked myself out on a cold and icy walkway. I was home alone, and you all licked my face until I woke up. Undoubtedly, you would give your life for me, and I hope you know mine for you too. I remember once Max fell through the ice, was trapped, and couldn’t get out. My shoes were off; I knew my duty, just like you know yours.

You pick up my spirit and allow me to wander through your world, making me part of "your" pack, an honor not every human has done. You love me for just being me, taking me as I am. I never have to dress up, comb my hair or put on my fancy clothes.

You have always been loyal and have never left my side; even when I have scolded you, you crawl to my feet, looking up from your bowed head, your eyes take me straight to your heart, teaching me another lesson. You are more dependable than most humans, and we should all take lessons from you.

Thank you, Clancy, for making me what I am today. I am living your dream I didn’t know was possible.”

And I further add to those who can’t speak except through their eyes that they say, “Thank you Clancy, for hope, shelter, freedom along with a warm bed and loving people who will not only give me my basic needs but a family to call my own. 

While my Thanksgiving Day will be bittersweet, I know a lot of dogs and new dog parents are thrilled that something happened and fate came together to make a better life for everyone.

I hope, in your grief and loneliness, that you will consider how sad it would have been had we not had this time together and not had the chance to give each other so much.

I do not mourn or grieve, but I will miss standing beside you, bound together on our walks through life, but now there is a long line of dogs to save.

Thank you. It was nothing but a gift.

And finally, I ask these things of you:

Remember me.

Celebrate me.

Rescue for me.

And then, when you can, let me go, freely and in peace.

Do me the great honor of saving another dog so they can have a life like mine and give and receive love and life again.  Jon Katz

Have a great Thanksgiving Week, Ken.

All Quite…

Friday night Elaine was working late putting up Christmas decorations at her work, and I was on dog duty.  Knowing that I was to fend for myself, I planned for a nice dinner of Orange Chicken and homemade fried rice.  The dogs and I went for a long walk in the crisp air, and they got some of the zoomies out before my gourmet meal.

After dinner, we settled down to some quiet time, and I read and watched a little Television.  Everyone settled into their special place, and some spaces is first come first serve arrangements.  Whiskey is always quick to claim her spot and can outsmart everyone.  She looks at me, and as soon as I make eye contact, she circles around all the others and run along the top of the couch and leaps into my lap.

Once the spots fill up, everyone settles in for a long nap until you pull out your snack.  This is the critical part.  After you decide to settle into a relaxing evening, you must plan ahead.  This night, Elaine was not home, and I did not have anyone to fetch and tote for me.  I had to plan my evening because I couldn’t get up.  As a general rule, I have Whiskey of Dutchess in my lap, JoJo’s head on my leg with Meggie, Gabby, and Annie sleeping on the rest of the couch but this changes daily.

Note… do not forget this.  Before you settle in, make sure that you go to the bathroom and by all means get your drink and snacks together because you can’t get up.  Now if Elaine is home, she is great at keeping me supplied me with my provisions.  I had to get a bigger glass along with a large bowl of shacks. 

The reason for this is when the dogs are settled in, you don’t want to disturb them when they are so comfortable.  This is our wind-down-time, and it’s heaven for all of us.  There is nothing better than seeing them so content that they totally trust you and there is peace in the there world and yours too.  If you can get by the puppy stage, this is what it’s all about.

They make a point to find a place to lay down, but the most sought-after location is when I settle into the recliner.  They will look at me with there soulful eyes and as soon as I say “come up,” they will climb into my lap where they sleep for hours in-between my legs as I rub their head, they dream of younger days, occasionally licking my hand with gratitude.  As I rub there face, as I do with each one, I too think of the younger times that we all have shared with each other and the life bridges we have crossed.  

We’ve seen the good and bad in each other, but we also know we are family and love and respect each other.  As I rub their faces and stroke their fur, I too remember the days when they all had the zoomies, wiggling, running, twisting and barking.  I do know that they have “slowed down” and there is not a better place than in my lap as we both drift off to dreamland.  And then off to my bed.  Ken

The Visitor...

When Jackson came to the farm, he walked and smelled things and seemed to be searching for something. We all take journeys searching for things we know and like, and it’s nice to be in a familiar place. Jackson came into the house and went to a dog bed, folding his front paw under his body as I had seen someone else do so many times before. He seemed to be home, if for just a little while, but I remembered he “is” a rescue dog.

Later that night, Elaine said, “It’s almost too painful to look at Jackson.”  “Don’t go there, I know, it’s killing me too,” and we both knew what we were talking about.  Jackson is the spitting image of Clancy, and all my emotions were coming out as I knew Jackson only had a few days with us, and it was getting shorter because he was going to his new home in a few days.   I am torn about what to do.  “Do we need another dog?” I asked myself, but my question was answered.

“No, I’m passing through; you needed me, I’m more than you know, and yes, you do know.”  In my mind, I could hear Clancy talking, but could I?  “We all have bumps in the road, and sometimes things don’t go as planned; I have seen you struggle, and I came to help.  I’m always close by, never leaving your side, just like you told me once.  I must leave, go where I'm needed because others are waiting."

I closed my eyes and had to think. Why did a dog come into my life that looked exactly like my Clancy? He had the same ears, hair, eyes, and build. He even has a half collar on the same side, which is unique. There must be a reason.

Jackson left this Sunday morning for his new home in upstate New York.  His new parent has acres of land for him to run and play on. 

I have to ask myself why "That" dog, who looks identical to Clancy, comes into a shelter in another state.  I took the evaluation on a fluke because I was traveling through Kentucky and had just stopped by.  Why does Jackson feel at home and sleep in Clancy’s old dog bed when we have nearly 10 of them?  Something may be in the works that we don’t know, but I sat in the Adirondack chairs at Clancy's grave just a week ago and said, “Clancy, we need some help on this one.”  It’s been a rough week, and a visitor just happened to stop by the farm to help out.  His Dream Lives…  Ken

The last night...

Friday night, I was sitting in my chair and thought about Jackson, a Border Collie in a shelter in Kentucky. Earlier in the week, I was notified by several tags and emails that stated he needed help because he has been caged at a kennel for two months; imagine what this can do to a Border Collie! Unknown to him, we were on the way.

Jackson

From the post;

Jackson - NM border collie, 5 yrs. Old, 62 lbs. Found as a stray on 8/29. Jackson has been at our shelter for a LONG time, and Jackson came in very matted with burrs in his coat. Jackson has little time left before he is euthanized. He is a brilliant dog who wants to be safe and loved badly."

This weekend, Clancy's Dream is evaluating two dogs that need help. The dogs are in a situation that is not suited for a Border Collie and are having issues coping; this is a typical story in their world that can cause many problems. Also, four other dogs need to come to us this week.

Every dog in every shelter has the last night in that shelter, and everyone is preparing for it but in very different ways when that night comes. After an excellent evaluation, in Jackson's case, Clancy's Dream submitted the paperwork necessary to get him released. Transportation to foster needs to be arranged. This in itself can be difficult because of the locations of all the people involved. Dates need to be set, schedules need to be cleared, cars gassed up, directions printed, and forms filled and completed by Clancy's Dream and the shelter. Medical evaluations, shots, surgery, exams, tests, and grooming are on the shelter's end. Everything needs to be coordinated for one pick-up, and this is with every dog.

Dreaming

The next day is the big day; everything comes together, and all is set for the new life for the dog, whether it's the transporter coming or the executioner. The transport drives to the shelter; sometimes, it's up to 3 hours away, and some transports can take 8 to 10 hours one way. The animal shelter will assemble paperwork and forms and contact us to reaffirm the arrival. Everything is checked and double-checked, with many people working to coordinate the plan. Messages are sent, timetables set and kept, and everything goes as scheduled.

Safe

Every dog in every shelter has the last night, and that's a lot of dogs and coordination. Every dog is on a timetable when they arrive, and the countdown starts on the first day they arrive. Hopefully, they all will live a happy and loved life when adopted.

Jackson arrived safe and sound in the arms of Clancy's Dream Saturday afternoon. He walked around smelling trees, never running or playing. Jackson has all but shut down and given up hope. Last night, he refused food and was content in his kennel, not wanting to move. He had to be coaxed out with a lead but sauntered back inside the kennel, where he laid back on his dog bed. Hopefully, the spark will ignite again, and he will come around. Jackson is the spitting image of Clancy, pricked ears, the same markings, a large head, piercing brown eyes,  and even a half collar. As I sat in the kennel with him, I wept as I stroked his head. How does this happen…

Unfortunately, all the dogs in a shelter are not always adopted, but the last day has come and gone. The cage is cleaned and sanitized, ready for the next dog. Freshwater and food are placed in containers for the dog already waiting at the shelter, and the countdown begins. Many dogs spend their last night in every shelter in a noisy, smelly place, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. You decide where that will be…  Ken

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 is a downpour. 

I saw a photo of a Border Collie named Sadie on my 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 I talked to the owners whom I had never talked to or know, I knew there pain too well.

"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 now 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, and you really don't want to see it, 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 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.  Many times Dutchess will bring a ball to me.  Years ago, I would throw it as far as I could, today it's maybe 5 feet, but she is so excited and content.

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 about the weather.

Showing them when you loved them and you pushed them away.

Not giving your time for "them."

When they bring you a ball, and you're too busy.

Dutchess is getting old, she still always gets into mischief and will usually just watch the other dogs play now.  I guess she is now the coach from the sidelines but I know she wants too.   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 were 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."