A Very Hard Moment...

Since June 1, 2010 I have writer a weekly story about my life on the farm with our dogs.  It has been the best of times and sometimes the worst, meeting many people who I have interacted with and sharing story about my triumphs, fiasco's and funny stories.  The blog takes nearly 8 hours or better to write and I always pour my heart out, sometimes too much info.  It was always about the dogs, mixed with a message or two, and personal experiences.  Even now it is emotional for me to go back and read some of the stories but I do because it takes me right back to “that” day and the dogs I love.   

I have pondered and wrestled about stopping my weekly writing for some time, and right now my heart is just not in it because I feel I force myself, maybe someday, but right now I’m resting.  To the ones that read them, know nearly every word was true and know that I am passionate about my dogs and even yours… but I’m sure you can tell. 

Several times I have written about dogs that were saved by people and circumstances but often I have written about my dogs and the stuff they get into.  When we had to re-homed Shepp years ago, I wrote about the day he left, the day we went to visit him and the day he came back home.

With the development of Abbie’s cancer, going back and looking at some of the stories about her, I know too soon, she will be gone and the stories will be all I have of her.  If I do outlast my dogs, it will be something that I can always reflect back on and spend priceless moments with every one of them.

I never have regretted a story I wrote and hopefully in some small way, I have helped someone or a dog have a better life.   I have built chicken houses, dog houses and even out-houses through the blog, it’s literally part of me.  Just writing this memo, I have gone back and relived my past and hugged my dogs as I did today but unfortunately someday, I may read them and have no-one to pet and I can’t imagine, but I will dream. 

If you were a reader, thank you.  It was nothing but a gift to me to be able to share my thoughts and life with you.  I don’t intend to stop, just reflect, which I do a lot.   I have never written the stories for you.  The stories are for me, it was a release of my emotions and to tell anyone who would listen how my beloved pets make me laugh and cry and they do… One of my favorite passages that I have used often is;

“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. We come and we go. We come when we are needed. We leave when it is time. Death is necessary. It defines life.

I will see you again.

I will watch over you.

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

I do not morn or grieve, but I will miss standing beside you, bound together on our walks through life, even as I know that there is a long line of others waiting to take my place and stand with you.

Thank you. It was nothing but a gift.

And finally, I ask these things of you:

Remember me.”  Jon Katz

I do intend to remember them and many many times I sat at my computer and choked up from the emotions of the story and the circumstances that happened.  I always wanted more than a collar with tags when they’re gone and so the stories came for a reason.  I do read them every so often and it is a both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply.  Ken

Some of my favorite post are;

The long walk

Boone, the circle of life

Answered questions

The untold story

Home is where your dog is

The Angels

A Journey I didn't want

It's Cold Here...

It’s cold here at the farm this week and exercise with the dogs has been at a minimum.  We do go out for limited walks through the woods and that helps, but we do stay away from the lakes just to be safe because I’ve been there before but the dogs see it as a shortcut.   I always keep them close to the house when the water is frozen or I’m not with them. 

Cutting across the ice...

You try to invent things to do but you’re limited with the space inside or the outside wet ground.  It’s a yearly thing and I am so grateful that they seem to understand and seem to like extra naps.   Because of the coldness, Elaine usually has all ten dogs inside.  She says she like’s their company but I wonder if that’s is a reflection on me… hummm, never thought of that.  Well at least I get to come in too and not at the back door, pawing at it.

This last Friday night, while I was checking my email and messages, Abbie and Dutchess was in my office with me.  Several minutes earlier, Elaine was also there but went to the family room to watch TV and the dogs stayed, maybe they wanted something.  They were very quiet and made little noise but I noticed something touching my chair, I looked back and noticed Abbie’s face between the seat and armrest and she had placed a ball on my chair seat.  I reached back behind me and I found a tennis ball and she just stared into my eyes and didn’t make a move.  “Sweet girl” I said and placed the ball on the floor just to find it back behind me again and again.  I thought what the heck, I picked the ball up and knew we would get into trouble but I ever so softly tossed it.  It was tossed  just a few feet away but to them it was game on.  I will tell you that Abbie and Dutchess will knock over, dive, crash, or smash anything that is in their way to get a ball.  My angel self said “What are you doing” but my mischievous self said “it will be alright” and it won. 

I know we had a calamity in the making with all the other dogs just a set of steps away downstairs, and we all know Border Collies can hear a tennis ball bounce from a long distance.  This is not the first time I have played ball in the house.  Once during the Christmas season, everyone had gone to bed but Dutchess and me.  

She wanted to play and against my better judgment, we did.  She played so hard, she knocked over a leather recliner by diving into it to get a ball.  On a spin move, she fell into the Christmas tree, sending it to the ground where ornaments flew in every directions so I know I need to keep this calm and keep the others from hearing.  I knew it was trouble and the adult came out and I said, “We’ve had enough” and placed the ball on a shelf out of reach, such sad looks...

This was this past Saturday... I don't know what she's doing...

Just look at her eyes...

She learned to raise the lid...

Look familiar?

I don’t know what to tell you to do when your dog is bored and with most, it’s an easy fix but when you have a high spirited, energy filled Dutchess dog, you’re on your own…  Some people think I set up the photos of her but as God is my witness, I don't and think of what I don't get.   She is always into something and even if it's bad, she has a good time doing it.  Good luck if you have one of her sisters...  Ken

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Do you need help?

Several weeks ago, I mentioned that we have a Doctor in the house.  Doc loves to come inside, finding his bone to chew on and taking a nap in the chair.  He also had a companion in healthcare and side kick who works with him who also takes care of the needs of everyone that visits and the dogs in our pack.

Nurse Annie...

Annie Belle is someone that’s cares about all the needs of everyone, whether they like it or not.  Our little tinker bell and social butterfly is very good at what she does and tries to soothe the savage beast and fix the hurt boo boo,  but she can also be a pest, sometimes it’s both.  Her usual routine is whenever she sees someone, she wants to make sure they are as comfortable as they can be.  When she will see a dog sleeping or laying in their dog bed, her little ears perk up and she will approach them with excitement.   She has such a kind heart and will crawl up to them and start licking their snout and ears.   While this can be enjoyable to some of the dogs, not everyone is always ready to receive her attention.  Molly usually wants to be left alone and when Annie starts her usual goodwill tour, Molly will start her low guttural growl but Annie will roll onto her back and try to approach upside down thinking this might be the answer but to tell you the truth, it usually doesn’t work.  Annie will put her paws into the air and it looks like she is juggling a ball but Molly is none the wiser and the low grows still continue and Annie will move to another victim. 

Molly is trying to tell her, “Leave me alone” and never not a problem but Molly just wants her space, something we all can relate to at times. During the evening, Annie Belle will go from dog bed to another trying to comfort everyone in the room with her licks, kisses and good will.  She is in heaven when she finds that one dog that will welcome her attention and in just a few minutes, they both are grooming each other and cleaning each other’s ears and face, everyone is in heaven and clean.

Another duty she has taken upon herself is to be the welcoming committee to everyone.  She will meet every dog that comes to the farm kissing and welcoming them, even showing them the ropes.  She approaches everyone wagging her tail and a smile on her face, even bringing a snack at times.  She will prance and dance around any new arrival, making them feel at home.  She is such a character and doesn’t have a mean spirit in her body, always wanting everyone to like her.  

If we have a dog that is a little on edge, Annie comes to the rescue and we will walk with her and the guest, watching Annie do her charms making everyone comfortable and safe.  She is always the “go to” girl and she will go far and wide to help anyone.

She and Doc makes a great pair, Doc knocking you down from loving you and Annie licking you to bring you back.  We nearly have a full Emergency Medical Crew with Doc and Annie.  Dutchess has volunteered to drive the bone box to the hospital and if you see her in a mad dash driving a ambulance, steer clear and know I am in the back, God help us all...   Ken

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Do They Love Us?

Dogs have interacted with humans for thousands of years and in that time, people have learned that dogs have a special way of communicating with them that is unique to dogs. In recent years, there are an increasing number of studies examining the way dogs think and how they communicate and interact with humans.

They are also revealing ways that the bond between dogs and humans has created many ways in which dogs express how much they love their family.

1. When a dog stares at you, it means they love you.  Meggie will sit on the couch with me and she will always stare at me, not wanting anything just staring.  Some people say they are hugging you with their eyes.  One thing I learned, when we did agility with her, it was important to make eye contact and since then, she will always watch me.  Abbie will also stare at me and as I we sleep, she will put her nose right to mine on the pillow, watching and watching.

2. Bringing you a toy means more than just wanting to play. They want to share something they value with you.  While this may be true, usually mine will bring me a toy to play.  Dutchess will set at my feet and if I don’t pick it in a hurry or step away, she will reposition it several times right in front of me.

3. When a dog wants to sleep with you rather than alone, it means you are family to him.  They all want to sleep with us… I guess we’re family…

4. When a dog can’t wait to see you walk through the door, and smothers you with attention, it means he really misses you.  This is also true except Dutchess and I think she wants food or to play.

 5. If you catch your dog looking at you quietly before you leave them alone, it’s because they are relaxed and trust you to return.  Usually, if a dog panics when you leave its separation anxiety, something heartbreaking for dog owners, who often read it as meaning their dog loves you. Of course he does, but this form of anxiety can lead to destructive behavior in the home.

6. Dogs use their eyes and their body language to tell you if they trust you and tell you what they are feeling.  I love to watch their ears, sometimes it’s so comical and the movements they make so quickly.

7. If your dog is cuddly after a meal it’s not just because you fed them, it’s because you are their best friend.

8. A dog leaning or pressing against you is their version of a hug or a “hello”.  A dog will also lean on you sometimes when he’s anxious or afraid because he knows you will keep him safe and protect him.  I remember Roxie, she was the best at leaning into you.  If you stood still, she would walk up to you and push her head into you, it was heaven.

Roxie... Loved her, Great dog...  RIP

9. If your dog yawns…it could be a sign of submission…or that they feel safe and secure… Depends on the situation.

Ever notice how yawning is contagious between people? Well, it can happen between dogs and people too. A study found that when dogs mimic people’s yawns it is because the dog is bonded with that person. This usually happens in a relaxed situation. It should be noted that dogs yawning could also mean they’re anxious or upset, if they are in a stressful situation.

10. If dog sits on your feet, they’re being protective of you and it’s a little bit like he’s marking you. Jennifer Brent, from the non-profit animal welfare advocacy group Found Animals told Woman’s Day, “It’s not just that he wants to be close to you, he’s saying, ‘This is mine; now it smells like me, don’t go near it.’ He does this for three main reasons: to feel secure about his place in your life, to warn other dogs that you are spoken for and because he wants to protect you.”

11. Your dog will want to comfort you when you are upset.  Dogs are sensitive to our moods. A study revealed dogs truly do respond to human tears and will respond to our tears and will naturally try and reassure us if we are distressed. They may get close to you, put a paw on you or try to nuzzle you when you are upset.  I’ve seen this many times, they have a way of knowing us and attempting to comfort us.  Many times one of my dogs will lay next to me and stroke me with their paw…  They are quite remarkable…  Ken

Are there signs your dog’s makes that tell you that they love you?

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Is there a Doctor in the house?

Yes, there is a Doctor in the house but not who you think.   Nearly 4 years ago, Doc Holliday, not to be confused with the real Doc Holliday came into our life to live with us and be part of our pack.  

The Real Doc Holliday

As Clancy was retiring, we were going to carry on our puppy breeding program for a year or so and we need a male stud to carry the program on.  I will tell you, Clancy was not too happy about the decision including what followed with a trip to the Vet.

Doc was nearly 18 months old when he came to the farm and I remember the first think I noticed was that he disliked to be kenneled, even to the point of barking every 2 seconds, slinging saliva from his barking and at times even defecating in his own space.  It was an easy fix, he loved the outdoors and so he ran free on the farm, taking care of everything but he did not come inside the house for several reasons, some of which were his own wants and needs.  

 He enjoyed his liberty and I think some of the other dogs were a little jealous because they also wanted to stay outside because they felt that they were missing something.  Winter came and went the first year and I provided water, shelter and even a heated garage with a dog door but he resisted and still chose to stay on the covered porch with his dog bed.  I always felt for him but it’s what he wanted. 

Last summer, he went to visit Katelyn and Maddie Grace for most of the season and they played and played and played but he still wouldn’t get out of the rain and slept by the door on their open porch.  The one thing his guest home did was to slowly introduce Doc into the house.  He did great and even learned to sleep on the couch, minding his own business.  After his summer visit was over, he came home and we were back to normal, where he rejoined his old life and slept on the covered back porch.

After a few days of his return, I got the idea to build him a super duper dog house.  It was wind, sound and rain proof that sat on the covered back porch, out of the rain.  After much work and expense, he was introduced to it but still loved to sleep in front of it.  To this day, I really don’t know if he has been inside but all of my other dogs have. 

When the cold weather got here this winter, I just couldn’t take it anymore, "he’s coming in" I said.  At first he was a little reluctant but he soon got into the groove and felt comfortable inside without getting into trouble.  When it's cold, he comes and sleeps on our bed with the other dogs but when it’s warm he likes his freedom and goes outside, but he really loves to lay on the couch and stretch out…  Yes, their is a Doctor in the house, what's one more... Ken

Doc and Meggie...

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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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