A Starfish Made a Difference...

“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

Once upon a time, I was not a very wise man and went to work, never writing and only lived for the day, thinking of myself…

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As I walked along, I never looked at anything nor did I see anything or anyone because I was too busy and never smiled at myself.  I walked faster to get more done…

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

As I got closer, I saw myself doing nothing, and I was going nowhere…

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

I came closer, and I said nothing to him…

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

I didn’t listen…

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

I said nothing…

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up, and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

I started to think…

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

I always thought I couldn’t…

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said,
"It made a difference for that one.”

I never helped anyone or anything and then bent down and started to help…

Loren Eiseley  and  Ken Shuck

Sometimes we feel like we can’t help or undertake anything, and it may be that we just haven’t put one foot in front of the other. 

Dutchess...The First dog I took in, that needed a home, and my life changed...

Years ago, when we got our first dogs, I had a different outlook on life.   I am so pleased, and with the help of friends who have our same passion, we have helped find Border Collies a good home.  Not only does it change the life of the dog, it changes the life of the family receiving the dog, but the real benefit is that it changes the person rescuing, and this last Friday "it saved another".  Only with your help and people who have this passion can we accomplish anything.  At one time, I did not care and only “talked the talk” and when I realized that I needed something more, I “walked the walk” and my life changed, when I “bend down, pick up a starfish”… There are more dogs than I can imagine that needs help, and we can't save them all but to that dog that we help... it does.       Ken

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Evolution?

It’s so funny to watch them do the things they do…Of Course Border Collies is what I am talking about.  Even on this page, it says “There are so many things that happen during a week with eight Border Collies and it is so fun to share” and that’s true.  But there is a warning here that we need to heed.  I do not believe in evolution as it is stated from a single cell and if this is the case, and in time, Border Collies will become our masters.  Just look at the things they do and the intelligences they have.  They are thinkers and planners and if they had thumbs they could drive a car. 

I see each one of them cock their head as if gaining more knowledge and when they turn from one side to the other and the smarts actually seems to come to them, because they usually figure it out.  Last night just about killed me from laughter, as Annie is always hungry because she needs the nutrition for the babies.  A big bag of corn chips was finished and it had a few crumbs in it and Annie was interested in it and as usual, I gave her a last crumb by hand and she decided she wanted to clean the bag.  I was on the couch and so was the bag.  She jumped next to me and stuck her head inside the bag, trying to get all the little pieces.  She was not having any success in reaching the bottom and she raised her head up and places the bottom of the bag on the back of the couch and ever so gently, pushed her head to the bottom, licking all the way.  She had figured out that if you push against something and turn your head up, a reward is in the works.  What made it so funny, she would lick the side of the bag as she was pushing her head to the bottom of the clear bad.  She then jumped off the couch where she had more room and would walk around effortlessly hold the bag up in the air and getting the very last tasty fragments.  After she was satisfied it was empty, she held her head down and put one paw on the bag and so effortlessly took it off and jumped back on the couch licking her lips.  No shaking the bag or ripping it up, logic used and problem solved as is done many times with many problems.

I have seen them do things that have surprised me and the way they solve a problem is remarkable.  Each dog is different and I have seen many do things, but the smarts they have can get them into problems because they think and problem solve all the time and at times, I think they can out solve me.  In an exhausted statement, I have ask Elaine "am I stupid or is the dog smarter than me"...and do not want to know the answer. 

If there is any species that can/would evolve, it would be the Border Collie and God help us if Dutchess starts to grow thumbs…can you imagine…I can’t… Ken

Answered Question...

 In March of 2014, as I took my second step onto the ice of the lake…a loud crack echoed, but there was no time to react.   I fell through, and I just pushed forward with more determination toward the middle of our 20-foot-deep lake, toward my purpose.  My tunnel vision had set in, and the only object in my sight was the ever-sinking face of a dog that had broken through a soft spot in the ice that was struggling to keep afloat and was 30 feet from me.  In just a short time, I was witnessing the fear, and its life seemed to be weakening right in front of me. I knew we have a very big problem.

Just a few minutes earlier, the dogs, and I was playing, and I went inside to get warm and clean up and to let them rest.  I heard a dog crying out and looked out the window, and at first, I didn’t see anything, but when I stepped onto the porch looking toward the lake, an explosion of fear bolted through my mind, and the adrenaline flooded throughout my body like a lightning rod and not “one” single second was wasted on anything!  Through the house, I ran as fast as I could to the closest door.  I flew through it, not even closing it as I sped to my mission which was clear and ever-present. 

After I fell through, and was neck-deep in the water, I still had 25 feet to go, and the ice was nearly 3 inches thick and appeared to be getting denser.  My only tools were my hands and fists, and it appeared to be working for the moment, but my movement was slowing, and I was coming to a stop.  With no tools to help and no time to get them, I needed a plan, and in microseconds, I had to think, and the dog’s eyes never looked away and kept me focused on my mission which had to be completed at any cost. I knew there was not a second to lose.  The only thought that came to mind was if I couldn’t break the ice or could I could swim to the dog underwater and while I am an excellent swimmer and scuba diver, I know directions can easily change underwater, and the chances of finding a dog in a small hole 30 feet from shore are nearly impossible.  The chances of surviving are about zero, especially in black water because there is no sunlight under the ice.  Bringing the dog back with me underwater to the very spot I came from was a very long shot.  There is only one chance at it, or you’re trapped.  With that now calculated, I was determined to forge ahead and, with all my might, breaking the ice, there was no other way, and it HAD to break.  

With all the fortitude I had, I pounded the cold hard ice with my fist, forearms, and chest, and it started breaking, it was hard, but it broke, and I made it to the dog that was depending on me to save its life, and we both knew it.  Thirty feet from shore and in twenty feet of black water, the dog latched onto me with all four feet and attempted to crawl on me because I was on solid ground which is a normal instinct.  While in college, I was a lifeguard and was trained in rescue and used the very training to turn the dog around and started pulling it from the back, swimming through the ice chunks to the shore, but when I turned, I discovered another monumental problem… 

My other dogs were now on the shore and attempting to come to me, but, it was not playtime, and they can’t help, only hurt and more possible tragedies could occur.  With all the strength I had, I shouted, “Go…Away” and everyone knew the firm voice, and turned and ran to the kennel but not before stopping, looking and knowing something was very wrong, but they obeyed.  When I got within fifteen feet of shore, and the dog was facing the right direction, I pushed with all of my might, pushing the dog even closer, thinking the dog would swim to shore.  I had a very brief break, but in just a short second, the dog turned and came back for protection, and the challenge to survive was on again in ice water that was now only 10 feet deep but could have been 100.  Breathing air and gasping water, this was going to stop, one way or another.  I again turned the dog and pushed, kicking my way closer, and once I touched the ground, I knew I was home free, choking and wheezing for air; we were on solid ground…we had a chance.

There was no pain or cold…those feelings were gone, and that scared me, and during the long walk back to the kennel, my socks froze to my ankles, and my tee-shirt was frozen stiff.  When I reached the kennel, I dried the dog off, bedding it down in the heated kennel, making sure everything was alright; I got a loving lick and walked to the house on hard rocks without shoes, not feeling any pain.  I got into the shower; I knew to start with cold water, and as it got a little warmer, the pain started.  My legs, arms, feet, and chest started bleeding as the circulation was returning, and blood was now flowing from the cuts made from breaking the ice, but we were alive.

I never understood why a person would run back into a burning building to save someone even if they knew their life would be in danger, but as I sat typing, I now do.  Nothing will stop me, and for years, I have played this very scenario over in my mind a thousand times because I have two ponds and cold weather and never had the answer, but that day I found out.

Everyone is fine, maybe a little wiser, but truly knowing the driving force of love and determination and doing what is needed to be done…is very strong.

One of the factors that may have saved me in this rescue was the fact that when I came in after playing, I took a quick shower, and as I was just starting to dress, I heard the dog whining from outside and went into action, I was not dressed and only had a tee-shirt and socks on, which allowed me to swim…Things could have been so different; I was the only one home and living in deep woods.  Would I do it again?... You Bet!

The Little Tiger...

If you have been keeping up with all that's going on here at the farm, you know we had 8 very cute little bundles of joy that arrived about two weeks ago, but that is not what this week’s story is about. 

Annie, also known as the “Little Tiger” is on guard this week watching and taking care of her pups.  Every one of the dogs thought things were the same and all of them have seen the clean unused whelping area in the family room but thought nothing about it…Until the pups were born and everything on the farm changed.  Clancy who is inside most every night trotted down the stairs like usual and turned into the family room and before he could set one foot into the room, Annie had turned into a 120 pound fighting dog with long two inch teeth and before he even knew what or who it was, he turned and ran up the stairs and Annie went back to caring for her baby’s, but in just a few minutes, he crept quietly back down the stairs and peaked into the room and everything became clear.  “Annie had babies and it’s time for me to pick my battles” he said and knew to stay clear, and this is not a battle he would choose.

It’s something we don’t understand, but all the dogs “know” something is different and will give her plenty of room, which they do.  I have noticed that Annie will allow the other dogs to approach the couch on the other side of the room but the dogs will turn their head toward the wall or couch and Annie will sit like a sphinx outside the puppy area, watching and the other dogs will turn their head away as they walk.  No one messes with Annie.

Dutchess made a very short visit to see the humans and seek out some food that might be laying around and Annie ran to her when Dutchess got too close to the pups.  Annie pushed Dutchess with her body and growled causing Dutchess to turn her head away and leave in a hurry, no questions asked.   Molly is the only one she will tolerate a little better but at least Molly can get near the pups and check on them and at least smell them but nothing more and it’s only for a second.

Just a few days ago, Clancy came from the other side of the room and wanted to sit in “his” spot on the couch and he thought he was fine but as border collies are, he wanted to try again.  Annie sprang from her pups and just watched him.  Clancy was so intimidated,  he jumped on the couch from the long end, over the arm and walked on the back of the couch and jumped off the other end and out the door and Annie went back to nursing…Funny how they remember some things.

When Annie is not near her pups and she is with us or the other dogs, she will play and run with all of them and everything is back to normal, even submitting to them, but when she walks back to care for her pups, she starts down the stairs as a 35 pound dog but when she turns the corner she arrives as a mother tiger…

As I have said before, it is amazing to watch the nature of what is involved with the dogs on so many levels.  Nature is wonderful and so is my Little Tiger…

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We Grow Together...

Tonight, as I drift back to my first dog, I was five years old and there are many memories that I can see like it was yesterday and I remember when “Daisy” came home with my Dad because she needed a home and how happy I was.  She was an unkempt little dog with spots of black and gray and a front white paw and she even had a black tail and I was the happiest little boy in the whole town.  Daisy’s time was short and she didn’t make it too long on this earth, but the time we had together was lifelong.  We bonded and formed a pact and we had each other.  You see my sister was older and in her words I was a little “creep” and to tell the truth, I probably was but we loved each other like brother and sister.  Daisy and I were meant for each other and I loved her so, because she was mine, all mine.  Daisy passed away in just a short time because she was sick.  All I remember, I missed her and cried for days.  My best friend, my only friend was gone to dog heaven.  Little did I know the impact she would have on a five year old boy and how she would change my life, but life goes on and we grow up…

Today, Maddie Grace, my Granddaughter picked her first dog and of course it was a border collie...

This Saturday, they made the trip to the farm and saw all the pups for the first time.  After waiting and being on the “list” for many months, it was finally time to pick and I drifted back to how happy I was and I saw myself, just a little in Maddie.  I remember the excitement I had and saw the same excitement in Maddie and fast forwarded to tomorrow…Frisbee, ball playing and having a best friend to share dolls, under the table treats and sleepy time.  You see, Maddie Grace is no stranger to our dogs and this will be a great fit.

She and Clancy are best friends now and share some special times doing special things together.  What a life she will have and in her old age, she will remember this time, I know I do.  It’s in a special place that not too many have ever seen, and I have.

Daisy suddenly became sick and went with my Dad.  I stood at the window and watched them leave in my blue overalls and Mom was sad.  I just wanted Daisy to come home, but she never did and my heart ached and at times still does.  Dad did what was best for her and I never asked, nor did they ever tell me, even as an adult, but then I knew…

Maddie Grace will live her life with her new puppy, one that I never had until I started raising border collies.  I will tell her how wonderful a dog is and how much love they can give you and they will share so many fun times together, but I suppose she knows all that or will soon learn.  I am so proud that I can offer something she can, and will always have in her mind.  She will always fondly remember the first time she met her new puppy.

They will share some of the most monumental moments in a young life, but a secret that she will realize, is her cute wiggle little friend had grown up and shared the best time of their life, together.  I’m sure she will not see this until she matures or maybe not until “her” golden years of time, but on this Saturday, she spent time with Mom, Dad, Nana, Papaw and a basket full of furry bundles of love, but I will assure you, she will remember… I know I did…

Run Free Daisy…Your life was so short but made such a huge impact on a five year old that is remembered to this very day…Until again...Ken

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What A Week...

It always happens here on the farm when we have pups, it’s late at night, usually on a Friday or Saturday when the Vet’s office is closed and I have to go through the answering service when something comes up or I feel there is a problem and I will tell you, I am particular about my dogs and their wellbeing.  I probably worry too much but I am a dad, and these are my kids.  I remember when my oldest son was a toddler, it was me that called the nurse for advice and she even knew me my voice and always answered my question and solved my problems, but I was concerned.  This was a trying time, but then again, they all are when and hoping everything is falling into place.  I know dogs have giving birth for thousands of years, but not my dogs and I want everything to work like clockwork.

We knew Annie was close when we had her x-rayed last Monday.  She was carrying 8 pups and they looked full grown so I knew we were on track for this week but Mother Nature always throws a few kinks into the mix.

This next statement in not to discourage anyone, but if you think it is a piece of cake to have pups, you’re very mistaken…Here is the short list of the events this week.

Starting 3 weeks ago, Annie did not want to eat and we all know that it is essential that they get good nutrition and exercise so I had to make special food for her every meal because she needed to eat.  Plenty of exercise in the below zero outdoors and doing it frequently and carefully because of the cargo she is carrying.

Vet trip on Monday for the x-ray to measure and count pups and to make sure everything is in place and ready to go. 

Dogs usually give birth in 63 days…but there are exceptions every time, such as, when did she ovulate and when did they breed and hopefully you can come up with a date, but not always…

On Wednesday, she seemed antsy so I slept with her and had an open eye all night.  Thursday…the same thing…nothing yet.  Friday she went into 1^st stage labor and her temperature dropped to 97.4 and a normal temperature is 101. – 102…so birth is within 24 hours or less.  Friday night came and went and I watched TV or read all night with no sleep…nothing.  At 10:30 pm I called the Vet and we discussed options, but he felt sure things would move by morning.  At 7:30 am, I re-called the Vet and discussed the now very limited options.  There was discussions that action needed to take place by 11:30 am to protect the pups and mother.  It was now snowing outside and the last thing I wanted or needed was a C-section on my Annie and driving her in the snow makes it worse.  

Searches was made on the internet and I found an article written be a Vet in Canada that had great suggestions and options for this, but because I had more questions, I started to search for the Vet, via Google.  In ten minutes, I had her on the phone and we discussed the options, but it was getting slim if I wanted total protection for the pups and Annie and then I called my good friend and the Vet that I once worked for and he gave me the best advise…”Don’t jump too fast” 

It is a one hour drive to the Vet's surgery center where they would do the operation and we would need to leave before 10:30, but at 10 am, Annie got more determined to “nest” and at 10:10, she delivered her first pup and 7 more pups by 4 pm. 
And just think, this is just the beginning of at least 8 weeks of due diligence for the little pups to make them the best they can be for the new owner. 

I guess the moral of this story is there is never an ending to the things that can, and do happen.  So as I write this blog on Saturday night after having nearly 3 hours of sleep in 72 hours, I ask myself is it worth it?  

Yes, it is, because you share their love and let someone get as much as you do and especially looking at Annie fast asleep tonight and hearing the little squeaks and peeps from the little ones nursing.  Until next week…
Nothing great comes without great work...Ken  

Note:  Gabby did not become pregnant when she and Doc ran through the woods, but Annie did slip into the grasp of Doc in a very brief moment...which is another story

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What's In A Lick?

It always happens here on the farm, as I get ready to relax and get into the hot tub, the dogs seem to know where I'm going, maybe it’s because I have very little on and I am going outside.  Everyone runs for their spot around the tub and Abbie always jumps on the corner of it and sit’s pretty.  It’s usually uneventful except when the guest dog wanted to get in, and did… and you know, he liked it…

As I sit, I have always thought about “Why do the dogs want to lick me” because they were doing it even as I was sitting in the warm water, Doc had jumped up behind my back putting his paws on the side and licks my ear.  Not wanting to be out done, when I changed positions, both Abbie and Dutchess were licking my face, Dutchess on one side of my brow and Abbie on the other and I can tell you, Abbie is soft and Dutchess will lick your eyebrows off, but why do they do this.  I always thought they wanted water or the salt if you’re sweating, but I have found out that’s not always the case…

According to a known source…Why is the dog licking?  Right from birth that is how the mother communicates with her new puppies, how she stimulates them to start breathing and how she cleans them when they are born, so it's very important to the survival of puppies.  In the wild and in domestic dogs, you'll find they will lick around the mother's mouth as newborns and puppies still retain that instinct.  It's also sort of a submissive gesture — the more subordinate members of a pack will lick the more dominant members and that's important in maintaining pack harmony. 

I can say for sure that this is true.  With the pups that have been born here, it always a lick fest.  Even to this day, Annie and Meggie will lick Molly wanting her attention and will submit to her while they are doing the licking and yes, Molly is the dominate female. 

From about six weeks of age, some pups lick their mom's face and lips when they want her to regurgitate food for them. This behavior is a remnant of their wild ancestry—it was easier for the mother to carry food in her stomach rather than dragging it back to the den in her mouth.  As puppies grow older, they lick to groom themselves and their pack mates. It also becomes a way of welcoming others back into the pack and increasing the bonds between pack members.  Adult dogs lick as a sign of deference or submissiveness to a dominant pack member. The dog doing the licking usually lowers its body to make itself smaller, and looks up, adding to the effect of subordinate behavior. The dog receiving the face licks shows its dominance by standing tall to accept the gesture, but doesn't return the favor.

As I think about this, I remember a time when I thought it was a horrible thing.  I remember seeing a dog lick a person hand and I thought it was gross and I was reminded of this statement as Clancy was licking my leg once while I was wearing shorts.  I only remember it felt so good and I was disappointed when he quit and how things have changed.

When your dog’s tries to lick your face, you might have a better idea of what he's trying to communicate.  He may simply be letting you know that he's glad to see you.  Or he may be hungry and asking for a snack.

But can his enthusiastic licks also represent a sign of affection?  Here's one way to look at it.  A dog's behavior can be encouraged with positive reinforcement.  So if a dog licks his owner's face—either out of instinct, anxiety, or just because his owner's face tastes salty—and that action is greeted with positive attention, such as hugs and human kisses, he'll want to repeat the behavior. While it's probably not a "kiss," you can bet it's a sign that your dog thinks you're pretty great.  Once I was working of the farm and was hit on the leg with a large piece of wood and while holding up a heavy board, Clancy started licking the wound and I just knew it would hurt, but when he got to the injury, it felt better and cleaner.  Now, I don't advocate this and might not allow it again, but is there more here?

So what is a lick…?

Affection?

Love?

Adulation?

Healing?

Submission?

Admiration?

Or all the above.  I can’t think of any other animal that leads itself to another person or animal with a cold nose and a wet tongue flopping from side to side ready to clean out your ears, nose or heal your wound…and, I wouldn’t have it any other way…   

And just think, we thought it was just a lick…Ken

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