The most important days…

If you have a dog, there are two important days in its life and ours, one is marked as the happiest day and one is the saddest.  Both have emotions that go to the extreme and both will have an everlasting effects on you and the dog.  The first day is the day you bring a dog into your life whether a puppy or an adult dog and there is much excitement that surrounds the event.   When most people know they will get a dog, they will tell their family, friends and usually purchase all the necessary equipment that goes with it.   Sometimes it might be toys, beds, tennis balls, clothing, chew sticks and a plethora of things for the anticipated day and it’s a great day.  

When we bred Border Collies, even before the pet is born people would visit the parents and future “Mom” and many times, they would bring shirts and blankets to rub on the parents to get the “smell” for their home.  At times, they would also bring photos of the dog’s new home and show me toys that they were getting and this was even more fervent when their puppy was born.  It was a happy day they shared with everyone and when the big day came to go home, everyone was so excited, including the puppy.  Many times I have watched that very car pull away from our driveway and knew it was heaven for the family and it was pure joy to see this happen and life was good.

The second most significant day is when your pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge.  It’s even hard to write the words but it is inevitable and as Jon Kats said speaking from a dog’s point of view, “By now, you must know that there is always a goodbye hovering in the shadows of a dog. We are never here for long, or for long enough. We were never meant to share all of your life, only to mark its passage.”  And they do.

 For whatever reason, I have been swamped with messages and stories from dog parents that have made that dreadful decision this week via emails and notices.  Just Thursday, I was again “tagged” in a post from someone who had made that decision because of necessities and it took me to that time when we had to do the same thing with one of our pets.  We knew that it was time and we had exhausted all of the Vet care that could be done.  The Vet told us, “you will know when it’s time” and now it was, so we made an appointment as soon as we could but it was several days away.  We loved that sweet pet and dreaded the hours until it was time.  It was true hell and especially the last night as we sat and watched TV and he got in my lap but I knew he would be gone the next day and my heart was breaking.  I brought him home and as he laid between Elaine and me, I cried and stroked his fur as we drove home to bury him.   I will never forget the very day we got him and the precise day his life ended, never.  It is so vivid in my mind’s eye, as if both days were yesterday.  I still have his photo on the refrigerator and his bowl in the hutch and it’s been nearly 15 years.

Because I am in several Border Collie circles and even a German Shepherd circle because of Dahlia, I see this sadness often.  It pains me to see, read and even think about the sting they are experiencing.  All in all, we have been very lucky with our dogs but it is inevitable and something we never think about on the happiest day of our life with a new dog or puppy.  One thing I learned from talking and reading about the worst day, it’s OK to grieve over your pet, that’s part of healing your soul.  I won’t say it’s easy because it’s not, at least not to me.

We can’t change the inevitable but we can change how we look and take care of our dogs now, even supporting a rescue or shelter, they were once a family member and need us because we're all they have.   Life has many twist and turns but one thing we can do, is never have any regrets when it comes to our furry friends.   Give your dog what it needs, today… They give so much, more than we can ever imagine but need so little, sometimes just our attention and a pat on the head.

Run free… to all the ones that have crossed before us.  Run to us as we meet again…   Ken

Note: This story was inspired by Pita, a 15 year old Border Collie that went to the Bridge this past Friday… All of the family came to say their goodbyes and had a family meal together with Pita the night before where he got his favorite meal. The Vet arrived at the home the next morning where a blanket was laying at the fireplace and he walked over into the arms of his owner as if saying “I’m ready, thank you for giving me the best 15 years of my life”   After the shot, he was pain free.  It was the second most important day in the life of Pita…

Pita...now pain free...

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Weather Woes

Well here it is, the 2^nd week of January and a season of the year comes upon us that most of us don’t like.  It makes no difference to the dogs, but to us humans it makes all the difference in the world.  Fortunately we’ve had some sunny days for the last several days but yesterday it started raining and it appears that we will have several more in a row and this morning it is blowing snow with temperatures in the teens. 

There are two things that effects the dogs along with me around here.  The first is when it rains, they get dirty especially if we go for a walk.  

While I don’t mind a walk in the rain because I wear rain gear, some of the dogs do.  It’s usually not a problem if we go on a venture because they are excited, but when you let them out for their last bathroom break at night, some of the dogs will just stand by the back door and refuse to go into the rain.  Now we all know they “got to go” and it’s like taking a horse to water.  If they don’t want to do it, it’s not going to happen and we don’t want to get up in the middle of the night and fight this battle again.  So the answer is to put on your shoes, get your umbrella if it’s handy and stand in the rain and if one is not handy, you get wet because no matter how many times you tell some of them to “go potty” they look and stand still.  But if they think like a human, they have figured out if you’re not going out in the rain, then why should they and you have to go out in the rain just to watch them.  At least they feel better and you won’t have to get up or worse.

The next weather condition is one of my favorites.  A below freezing sunny day where the ground is frozen.  This is one of the ultimate times that we “all” can enjoy the day.  No-one gets muddy or wet and it’s not too hot and we can run all day.  The down side is when the sun starts to warm the ground, its’s always a mess for all of us.  Nothing better to play hard and they to run to us and jump on us leaving their wonderful brown paw prints.      

 The one thing I have noticed about a Border Collie is when they get muddy or dirty but when they completely dry off, they are as clean as if they have had a bath.  Many times in the past I have put them up in their dry warm kennel when they are grubby and the next morning, they are clean.  I’ve also had others tell me the same thing.  Something about their fur and it’s amazing and I’m glad.

Weather can be interesting this time of year and even more so when there are so many changes during a 24 hour period and if you don’t like the current conditions as we all know, it will change soon.  Give your wet and muddy dog a hug today…  Ken

  

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Happy New Year...

This has been a whirlwind time of year at the farm with a few guests and the activities around the holidays.  As we settle into the New Year, a lot of things happened in 2015, some good and some bad but we grow from both sets of circumstances and we are who we are today because of our past.  The dogs had a good year, seems like we had a few more bangs and bruises and one major problem than years past but all in all we are pretty healthy. 

A new year always brings new beginnings, I hate resolutions for a New Year because I usually don’t keep them and get depressed afterwards but the dogs have a few that they wanted to mention to me and I will respond…

In order of their arrival here at the farm,

Molly Mae said, ”I would like to have some couch time with you because you are the first person I ever saw.  I know I’m getting slow and can hardly jump on the couch but I do try and you always help me, you are my heart person”   “Molly” I said, “we’re all getting old and I will always help you.  My job to take of you and the others, but you are my Heart dog”

Clancy,  “I would like to always be in charge because that’s who I am.  You can be first, but can I always be second?”   “Yes Clancy” I said,  You will always be first as long as you are here and if something happens to me, I know you will take care of things.”  And I know he would do a great job.

Dutchess,  “I want more food… no-no-no, I want more Frisbee's, that’s it, more Frisbee's, nothing else just that.  Can you get me a fork that I can hold with my paw, no, no make it a spoon, it will hold more.”  “Dutchess” I said, “I’m sorry, you’re not getting your resolutions because we have hundreds of tennis balls and dozens of Frisbee's and don’t think about a spoon or fork.  You’re on a diet now and you don’t know it.”  “I thought my food tasted a little different, Hmmm” she said.

Meggie,  “I would like to have more sunny days.  I hate all the rain we’ve had, it makes us dirty and cold.  More sun is what I want."  “Meggie” I said, “I couldn’t agree more.  I get blue with the rain and I hate it as much as you do about getting dirty and wet more than you know and maybe it will get better soon.”

Abbie,  “I want to feel better and get rid of this stupid cone so I can run through the woods without hitting a branch and I want to lay on the couch and lick your hand.”  “Abbie” I said “I also agree, I want you to have the best time ever and if you remember, last night I stuck my head inside your cone so you could lick my face, someday it will be gone,"  hopefully someday  I thought.

Annie,  “I want to run and run and run, and have the zoomies throughout the house.  I also want everyone to let me kiss and lick their face. because that's how I say hello.”   “Annie” I said, you do run and run and run and also have the zoomies throughout the house.  As far as you licking and kissing everyone’s face, just watch it and back off when they tell you to stop”

Gabby,  “I want more lap time too, it seems like I get the short end of the stick because I so little and don’t make a fuss except when I stand in front of you while you're walking to get my butt scratched."   "I always stop when you get in-front of you and do scratch your butt and let's try on the lap time."  I said.

Shepp, “I want to play more.  I know I have worn some of my teeth down because of playing tennis balls but can you get me some rubber ones?  "This should not be a problem, I'll stop tomorrow"  I said.

Doc,  “I want to come inside more.  I know I guard the house at night but I love to lay on the couch too.  Can we make this work?  "Doc" I said, we can also make this work.  Just don't climb on top of me when you get close and if you lay real still, I will scratch your head."

Dahlia,  “I want a buddy to play with.”  “What” I said, there are nine other dogs here.”  I said.  “But I am the biggest and too large to play with the little ones” but as she looks at Clancy, she then says “I’m bigger than most, not everyone” as Clancy sits back down and unpins his ears as if saying he is the biggest and top dog.

As I sit thinking about their New Year resolutions, not everything seems impossible.  It’s easy to get a rubber ball for Shepp, more lap time for Molly and Gabby and Doc can come inside more and maybe become an inside dog too, something we’re working at.   Clancy can always be in charge but I will not get a spoon for Dutchess nor a playmate for Dahlia.  Annie and Meggie can hopefully play and run in sunny weather but Abbie, you’re a tough one.   While I do take your cone off when we play, I do need to keep it on when we’re in the house.  I don’t know if you know it, I doing everything in my power to save your life, everything…

That’s the part our dogs don’t always understand, it’s our job to make life better for them and no matter how hard we try, hurt feelings can make you uncomfortable but its best at times.  While I do hate resolutions, this year I will do everything I can to make it all possible even if I need to stick my head in Abbie's cone so she can kiss me.   Hug your dog today...  Ken

  

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A Border Collie Christmas...

This poem goes straight to my heart, I read it last year and loved it but when I read it, I had a feeling of indifference until I revisited it several times and thought about it.  I soon loved it because it was seen though an obedient, loving Border Collie who told the story of his  shepherd “lads” who made the trip to the manger at the first Christmas.

After the very bright light,

And the talking bird,

And the singing,

And the sky filled up wi' wings,

And then the silence,

Our lads sez

We'd better go, then.

Stay, Shep. Good dog, stay.

So I stayed wi' t' sheep.

After they'd cum back

It sounded grand, what they'd seen.

Camels and kings, and such,

Wi' presents - human sort,

Not the kind you eat -

And a baby. Presents wes for him

Our lads took him a lamb.

I had to stay behind wi' t' sheep.

Pity they didn't tek me along too.

I'm good wi' lambs,

And the baby might have liked a dog

After all that myrrh and such.     by U.A. Fanthorpe

The language is so modest-almost simple. “ the singing/ And the sky filled up wi’ wings.” But then you gently catch on to what is going on, it’s the birth of the Christ child and the shepherds are going to see what is going on and the dog is talking about the Angels. 

They leave the Border Collie behind to tend after the sheep because that’s his job and can be trusted. And there’s a hint of sadness in the line,

Our lads sez

We'd better go, then.

Stay, Shep. Good dog, stay.

So I stayed wi' t' sheep.  

“And after the’d cum back/ it sounded grand, what they’ve seen”

And then the presents the shepherds took, ”Our lads took him a lamb”

But the dog has responsibilities. He has to miss the greatest event the world has known because he has sheep to look after- and that’s what sheepdogs must do.

The last few lines are precious,

“Pity they didn’t tek me along too.

I’m good wi lambs”  

I think the Collie regretted he couldn’t go, I know mine would.

The Border Collie understands somewhat why he couldn't go, even as mine do when I can't take them.   They may not agree, but they understand and know it’s their duty of what is expected.  Dutchess will fight me to get her way but in the end, she knows it’s her duty and will bow her head and comply.

As I said last year,  "the Christmas Season is upon us, it’s really about second chances, something we all need.  It is a gift that we don’t deserve but was given because of love many years ago, it’s only fitting that we give others a second chance too, whether it’s for people or pets."

“Some stories are told with Claymation, puppets, and cheesy musical numbers but don’t miss their deep and abiding meaning! These stories have lasted for decades, if not centuries, because their message connects with us on a deeply human level by inviting simple truths into our souls, truths like “beauty comes from brokenness,” “joy isn't about what we own, but who we are,” and “even the worst of us deserve a second chance.”

Christmas is a gift from God.

It is a gentle reminder of the plot to this whole story called Life: that we once were lost and are now found, once broken and now restored. The Gospel of the Second Chance brought by the helpless baby-king born in a barn is a gift for all of us”…  Mike Foster

Merry Christmas from us here at the farm...  Ken...

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A Christmas Story?

As we continue our Christmas theme, I have had another gift from the 10 Magi’s and would you believe, they are Border Collies and live right here at the farm.  While this is not a Christmas story of sorts, I did get a very special gift and a few similar occurrences of the real thing, sorta.

As I have mentioned on the blog, I am in the process of clearing some additional trails through the woods for hiking.  I like to take walks with the dogs and while I take the paths, the dogs will gallop through the woods checking out everything that smells and moves.  If you are a dog owner, you can relate to this but just imagine ten dogs doing this and the things they get into.

Because of the mild weather, it has been great to get outside this December and do some fun yard work along with making plans and getting some equipment out when it’s usually too cold to do anything.   It also gets me off of the couch and makes me productive and even better for my mood.

While I was running the chipper this week, I noticed the dogs running and playing and stopping at one particular place and sniffing.  At one time I saw Annie roll on her back, and I would only assume she was scratching a flea because of the mild weather.  You can’t be too careful you know! 

Once back at the house, the truth was revealed, I noticed one of our old favorite treats, they have found a pile of Poo…  The first word I said to Annie, “NO, you’re not coming in.” and I closed the sliding door while she just sat and stared at us, not understanding at all but I did.  It was late in the evening and most of the dogs got to come in but Annie needed to stay outside which also resulted in a night in the Kennel for her.  As I settled down for the evening, I also found that some of the other dogs had made a visit to the honey pot and also carried the “gift” which also resulted in a trip to the Kennel.  After all the hubbub with the dogs, bath time and bedtime soon followed.

Getting ready to crawl into bed, I went to Dahlia for her good night hug and in my surprise, she too had brought me a gift along with most of all the dogs.  “Well enough” I said, after a brushing, I still hugged them and off to bed we all went.  Clancy, Abbie and Meg stayed with me and as I pulled the covers up, Clancy, as usual jumped on the bed and put his nose on the pillow.  

As I put my hand on his head to rub him, I got another surprise.  He too had made a “visit” and brought me a “gift”.   Et tu, Clancy?  Never have I known him to do this, it must be something in the season…  Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were given as a gift on that Christmas night and they were rare, precious and expensive but not typical gifts for a baby.  Just a few days before our Christmas night, Ten Border Collies Magi’s brought me “their” special gifts and while it’s not that important to me, it’s everything to them.

Merry Christmas and remember that our dogs will give us everything and anything, if only we could be like them, we all would be happier... give your dog a hug, they will give you their life...  

“A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see.”

― John Grogan

Merry Christmas,  Ken and the Gang...

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Pizza Night and more...

Friday night is always pizza night at the Shuck household, and we will bake a pizza pie every week and add all the toppings we love, making it one of the best pizzas in the world.  After taking it out and letting it cool, all the dogs will stand around the counter and just look at it and then look at me, then back at the pie.  Something that will not end as most of you know if you have a Border Collie.

When I was just eight years old; nearly every Sunday afternoon, my parents would take my sister and me to see Aunt Minnie after Sunday dinner.  She and Uncle George lived about 50 miles away, and something we did nearly every weekend to see my Mother’s favorite sister.  We would pile into the 1961 Chevy Bel-Air and hear off for the long journey to Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, which to us kids was near across the country. Me standing on the car's floorboard looking out the front windshield while Mom held me and my sister Diane coloring in the back was the norm. 

After slicing the pizza Friday night, it’s time to make the trip to the family room for dinner to watch TV, but not after getting my pizza slices first and me secretly taking the largest pieces.  Going down the stairs is a challenge to say the least, because all of the dogs are heading with us wanting their piece, sometimes getting underfoot.

During to trip to Lebanon Junction, Dad would always stop at a small town with a small store.  It had wonderful things to look at and things to eat for people making a journey.  It was customary to take a bathroom break for us kids, and we always got a snack for the rest of the “road trip” if we had been good so far.  Both my Dad and Uncle George worked for the railroad, and Lebanon Junction was a small railroad community that made the sights worthwhile and a fun trip for me.

Settling, I placed the plate of pizza on my lap down into my recliner but now have a circle of dogs watching me, and every hand movement is followed by their eyes, especially when I go to the plate.   I always tell the dogs the same thing, “I don’t eat your food, so don’t expect to eat my food.” but I know they know better as they continue to watch every movement I make, hoping I would drop something.

I can still smell that very store on the way to Aunt Minnie’s house on that little two-lane road and see the images of it in my mind, but what I remember the most are the soft-drink machine sitting on the floor.  Dad would always give us a dime, and we would feed the machine sliding our treat through a few channels pulling our drink up through the gate that released it after paying for it, and I do remember Dad helping me because I was too little.

After watching me nearly finish my pizza, the dogs can’t stand it.  “It’s mine,” I said, but I still had a piece of crust left, and I think they knew what was coming because they would look at me and at the crust and then back at me.  I know it’s wrong to feed them human food, and I know I’m making the problem worse, and the drama continues.

Sitting in the back seat of the 61 Bel-Air, Diane and I had our most coveted treasure.  We had an ice-cold, super sweet, and delicious bottle of Choc-ola.  We ran to the car before Mom and Dad, bopping with joy.  Each of us putting our thumb over the opening of the bottle to shake it because of its settled chocolate, drinking it in nearly a few swallows, and then it was over… or was it?

After my pizza was gone, and my soft drink was finished, the looks from the dogs never stopped because there was one piece of crust still on the plate, so they knew there was a chance.

After finishing our CHOC-OLA, we saved our bottles to get our 2 cent bottle deposit back.  Mom and Dad got a single ice cream cone; Mom liked Vanilla and Dad loved Maple-nut.  Without fail, Dad would eat most of the cone except the very bottom and pass it back to me.  The best part of any ice cream cone is the last bite, and he gave it to me.   I never realized until later in life how much he loved me and to think a soggy cone bottom and pizza would flood me with memories like it did on Friday night.

As usual, I took the last piece of pizza crust, broke it into small pieces, and gave each dog a share, just like someone once shared with me.  I now know how much he loved me, and I know how much I love the dogs because the last bite is the best...  Ken

A Little Early…

With the first of December coming this week, Christmas has arrived a little early this season at the farm.   Usually this early everyone just thinks about what they are going to get for a loved one but I have receive a taste of a few of my “gifts” and I will tell you… much thought has gone into selecting them.  Like everyone, there is a lot of planning that goes into picking a gift, not just any gift but one that has much meaning and something that is dear to the heart of the giver and this week, I was “gifted” to say the least.

For starters, I have been given a very early gift for spring which was hard to prepare and took a lot of time.  A few of the dogs have esthetically cultivated the yard, and nearly everything around the farm.  They seem to have worked tirelessly and without any complaints and I’m sure they highly enjoyed it because it shows.  

We have holes, grottos and thrown dirt everywhere.  When they ran up to me to show me, they were so excited and proud of their accomplishments that they jumped on me also giving me another coveted gift of dirty clothes.   But wait, it doesn’t stop there.  Before I could get them all scrubbed off, they ran to the house door and in Dutchess’s eagerness to share, she opened the sliding door by pawing at it, and gave another gift to the top of the bed, their paw prints, until we changed the bed which was very soon..  They were so happy and proud and the excitement in their eyes was wonderful…  Even though the cultivating gift was early it was much appreciated by them, I had a little different thought on this… and so did Elaine and because it rained the night before making it even more wonderful.

The second gift was a stick, many sticks.  It was long and natural, something they labored over just to pick the right ones.  Target and Heidi, knowing they won’t be here for Christmas, decided to give me there sticks this week too.   I will tell you, the sticks are pretty and when we took walks, they would go out into the woods and get the longest one and drag it to me with tails wagging and hearts beating.  Unknown to them, this is now part of the kindling for the house fireplaces.  Thank you girls.

Heidi, Target, and Abbie

Target and Abbie

The third gift was the best.  It goes along with the gift of garden cultivating but with a surprise, one of the most coveted treats of practically every dog.  It’s the gift of a varmint, not one I tell you, but three, just this morning I found one at the back door.  Just think, three moles in one week from different locations of course.  The ground Gods were with them during the digging, all that burrowing for a boat-load of varmints and it doesn’t get any better.  Sadly when I tried to display them in a prominent place in the house, I was sadly overridden, and their final destination of importance was the top of a fence post for all to see.  This way, it’s eye level for optimal viewing and they can’t change their mind for a later play toy.  This is nearly as good as when one of our dogs brought a hind leg of a deer to the porch for all to see and play with and who knows where that came from.

It seems like every dog has had a pre-gift gift to give this week, maybe they have the “30” days of Christmas spirit on their calendar and this is just the beginning.  But whatever it is, I do like it, some gifts more than others, but it’s what is in heart that counts…

Just like Frank Costanza on Seinfeld who created Festivus which is "A Festivus for the rest of us!" it appears the dogs created a “Festivus” just for us at the farm.   I can’t wait to see what’s next, it may be a long December…  Ken

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