A Shepherd's Voice

Winter is getting SERIOUS!

2012-01-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

It is snowing in the Bluff Country and the dogs are having a blast!

Sable, Cisco and BoGo

Jill continues to get better!

The race is on!

(BoGo and Cisco)

"Hey! Where's everybody going???"

"I'll just wait here until they come back..."

Here they come!

Heading back for the house.

It's COLD out there!

next up:

SHEEP in the snow!

Having Fun with Fiber!

2012-01-19T21:31:00.001-06:00

I promised I would share some of my recent fiber exploits. Somehow, in between cleaning up dog disasaters, training dogs, hauling dogs to the vet, giving medication, vacuuming up dog hair, letting dogs out, bringing dogs in and separating jealous canines when the tension gets a bit too high, I've found time to SPIN...

I'm currently working on some white Shetland/kid mohair roving from my Shetland sheep and Mc Steamy, the white Angora goat wether that I used to own. It is heaven to spin!

I'm using my "Roberta" electronic spinner. The truth is, I haven't used my treadle wheel since I bought the Roberta!

"Betty" just spins so much faster and effortlessly than a treadle wheel. And I can sit back comfortably on the couch while I spin!

I'm in love with the soft, shimmery yarn this roving is making!

This is a damp skein, drying in the sunshine, on the back of one of my dining room chairs.

Heck, I think it even makes pretty pictures!

I've been pre-drafting roving in the morning, spinning in the afternoon (better light) and KNITTING in the evening...

This is a pair of socks that I'm making for my baby Sister, Penny. It's a Thank You gift for all that she did for me (and my animals) when I was so sick last year.

I would have knit her anything but she wanted wool socks!

This is the first pair that I've made using double pointed needles.

Jill (who is feeling MUCH better!) supervises.

The socks are NOT knit from the yarn I'm currently spinning. They're from a bulkier, musket yarn that I spun months ago.

I'm going to use the white yarn that I'm spinning as part of these:

And this:

They're the "Drifty" mittens and hat patterns by Mandy Powers on Ravelry. Click on either image to take you to the pattern!

What are YOU working on???

Riding the Rollercoaster with Jill...

2012-01-17T08:32:00.000-06:00

In my latest Facebook update, I was cautiously celebrating the improvement in Jill's health.

Unfortunately, as I had feared, the next day Jill seemed worse again. In the morning, she wouldn't even get off my bed to go outside. I offered her food (drizzled with bacon grease) right on my bed but she wasn't interested.

Since Jill wasn't even tempted by her food, I had to force-feed her the pain pill that I give her every morning. Within a half-hour to an hour, she had eaten all her food and wanted to go outside.

Yesterday was a much better day.

Jill was still miserable first thing in the morning,

but she ate her breakfast and by noon was clearly feeling better than she has in quite some time!

Here she's shown, trotting off to the pasture with BoGo!

Of course, it almost goes without saying that this morning, Jill doesn't want her breakfast nor will she get up to go outside.

The good news is, Jill does seem to be slowly improving. Even her bad days are not as bad as they were a week ago. And on her good days, I have to intervene to keep her from overdoing things in her celebrations of feeling better! I will be speaking with the vet again today to see about getting a few more of the pain pills. Jill only gets a half a tablet, once a day but it really does seem to make a huge difference in how she feels.

While I'm finally posting on here, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the generous folks who have reached into their hearts and their pocketbooks to help fund the added expenses that Jill's illness have brought about. Many of the people who have donated are actually in the 'dog rescue world' themselves yet still reach out to help others. What an incredibly kind and generous group of people they are! Several people have contacted me for my address as they are not comfortable donating on-line. I've added my snail-mail address to my ChipIn page for those who prefer to send checks.

Later: Updates on Spinning and Knitting progress!

Yes, I still am keeping up with my fiber arts!

;-)

For the love of animals...

2012-01-13T01:06:00.000-06:00

Why I do what I do:

I could sure use your help!

(Sheep!) Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T23:01:00.000-06:00

Sunday Shadows...

2012-01-08T19:38:00.000-06:00

Live and learn...

2012-01-07T20:45:00.001-06:00

I was not exactly in the mood to film a cute little video like this:

...when I walked in my front door after visiting 'Doc' for a couple of hours last night. But I did manage to take a few photos before staying up until three o'clock in the morning, cleaning up the mess:

That WAS two large bags of roving that I recently paid to have processed! One of which was a beautiful, honey-gold, mioget color and one black. In the forefront is the plastic bag that contained one of the batches.

If you look closely, you can see my purse (rust colored) on the left/top side of the photo. My billfold was destroyed and there was change scattered throughout the house. They must have played catch with it! The bright orange object next to my purse is/WAS a cone of CASHMERE, laceweight yarn. . There are also two DOG TOYS laying near the mess.

A third bag of (white) roving was laying in the hallway.

What was left of a pair of sunglasses and a roll of toilet paper!

I got everything picked up and the roving separated back into the individual colors as best I could before crashing on the couch so that I could sleep near Jill. She was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday and I want to keep a close eye on her breathing until I know that she's through the worst of it. Jill is the only one that I know for sure did not partake in destroying my house. She was too weak to get off the love-seat! I suspect that BoGo was the bandleader but can't know for sure.

The dogs let me sleep 'till 10:30 this morning (my couch is pretty comfy!) and I vacuumed as soon as I got up. One would never even know that there are four dogs who are all lucky they aren't back in the POUND!

Ooops! I forgot to put my pillow away.

I hope your weekend got off to a better start than mine!

...sigh...

(the reality is, it is MY fault. I should have put BoGo in a crate as I knew he tends to chew stuff up if I leave him alone. Thank goodness I put away my books and knitting before I left the house!)

Wrapping up the Old Year...

2012-01-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

Sheesh!

It feels like I'll never be done with 2011.

But I will.

I'm going to finish it RIGHT NOW...
(click on any photo to go to the blog post it was a part of)

September

Ocotober

November

December

I AGREE WITH BELLA!!!

There.

That's it.

2011 is over and done with.

Behind me. Sianara. Adios. Good-bye!

Here's to 2012

It's gonna be a great year!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T23:42:00.000-06:00

I originally posted this on January 1st of 2006.
I still love it...

Today I'm starting a new Tradition for this blog: I've decided that every New Year I'm going to post "My Mantra". I hope you enjoy it....

GONNA BE A BEAR...

In this life, I am a woman.
In my next life I'd like to come back as a bear.

When you're a bear you get to hibernate...

nothing but sleep for six months.
I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.
I could deal with that.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children, who are the size of walnuts, while you are sleeping...

and wake up to practically grown-up, cute cuddly cubs.
I could deal with that.

If you're a momma bear, everyone knows you mean business.
You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too...

I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate expects you to wake up growling.
He expects you to have hairy legs and excess body fat.
I could deal with that.
Yup..

gonna be a bear.

DREAM says....

"Me Too!"

Wishing each of you a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous 2012

April, May, June, July and August!

2011-12-31T12:48:00.000-06:00

*Remember: clicking on the photos, as well as the links will take you to the related blog posts

Please join me in prayer for my Dear Friend Kim at "Golden Pines" as she has lost yet another beautiful, golden friend. Kim gives so selflessly to the magnificent dogs that she fosters. She brings love and peace and joy into their final days, or weeks, or months ~ sometimes even years! And she suffers so when one of them passes from this life into the next. This has been a year of too many loses for Kim. Her heart is heavy. Pray for her to find the strength to go on doing the wonderful work that she does. Pray for her to know what a blessing she is in the lives of the many dogs ~ and people ~ that she touches.

When I think about it, I realize that no one gets through this life without suffering. At least no one who has a heart and cares deeply. I believe that just about anybody could write a riveting novel about the joys and the sorrows of their lives. I don't think anyone that lives a life worth living gets by without suffering and pain. Some of us just tend to be a bit more vocal about it than others... ;-)

(I'm referring to mySELF here!)

In many ways, 2011 was a year of tremendous hardship for me. Of couse, that also means that it was a year of great joy. Somehow the two always seem to go together!

April

In spite of my accident and subsequent surgery in March, April means lambing and this year was the 10th (and final) "Alice Watch"
Sadly, I missed most of the lambing this year, due to ongoing pain and repeated surgeries and infections. Fortunately, I was blessed with a loving family and friends who took care of me and the sheep throughout my ordeal...
It seems I missed most of April. Even had a couple of 'guest bloggers' fill in for me when I was hospitalized. But I came home on April 30 (my BBG's birthday!) and actually wandered out to the barn to meet the lambs in "She's Home!"

May

The lambs were coming like crazy now that I was home! Godiva had a gorgeous white ewe lamb and a stunning moorit/smirslet girl, quickly followed by four HST lambs, two of which can be seen in: "Dilemma's Twins"

The ONLY good thing about all the pain I was in as my body attempted to recover from the accident that I had in March was that I was constantly in the care of family and/or friends. My Beautiful Baby Girl even got an 'emergency leave' from the Navy to come home and take care of her mama!

It may look like Katie spent her time "Loving the Lambs" but trust me, it was a good thing she came home. By the end of May, my health deteriorated to a crisis point. I told the story in: "A Memorable Memorial Day" Suffice it to say, Septic Shock is NOT something you want to ever experience!

June

Due to all I had been through since March, and because I was still weak and in pain, I made what seemed at the time like the only decision I could make regarding "The Next Chapter" in my life. June was also the month when the tiniest lamb ever born in the Bluff Country graced my life for four short days. Although posts were few and far between in June, due to ongoing problems with my arm, I did get the opportunity to ride with my Brother and his Wife to Georgia and visited with my Beautiful Baby Girl, one week before she got married! While I was in GA., the very last week of June, for the first time in months it occurred to me that I was HEALTHY! After three surgeries, two infections and Septic Shock, I was finally regaining my strength and out of danger. My arm was healing and I was getting STRONG! I was no longer a patient and didn't have to go back to the hospital again. What an awakening!

July

Unfortunately, before I could relax and enjoy my new-found good health for long enough to start halter training lambs, I was scheduled for a Stereo Tectic Core Needle Biopsy due to abnormal results on a mammogram and subsequent ultrasound. No worry ~ after everything I'd been through, there was NO WAY I'd have Cancer. Or so I thought.

August

I had my mastectomy on August 10th.

The thing about cancer is that nothing is "Black and White"

Lucky for me, I was surrounded by my loving family as I faced what lied ahead.

Upon looking back, I have to admit, I'm proud of how I managed to keep my sense of humor through (almost) everything I went through this year! One of the most difficult things that I faced was selling my beloved flock of Shetland sheep. Especially when it was time for Dream and Alice to leave! Alice in particular made it very obvious that "She Knew"...

That's enough for now!

All that's left in this review is Sept., Oct., Nov. and December.

Piece of Cake!

Later!!!

Looking Back ~ The Year in Review...

2011-12-28T11:14:00.004-06:00

2011

I have to admit, I don't think that I have ever, at any time in my life, been so happy to see a year draw to a close. Not that there weren't plenty of good and wonderful things that happened in the past year ~ of course there were! Still, I think that 2011 will probably go down in my personal history as one of (if not THE) most difficult years of my life.

I've decided to use my blog to reminisce over some of the happenings of the past 12 months. Please join me as I look back at the good and the bad of 2011 in the Bluff Country. I will select a couple of favorite, or most significant blog posts from each month to highlight the events as they transpired...Click on the links if you'd like to revisit them with me. Each photo will also take you to the blog post that it was featured in!

January

Once of the things that I enjoyed doing in January ~ and I definitely think is worth repeating is "Making A Happy Card". I was delighted to find that there are SO MANY things in my life that make me happy that I couldn't contain them all in one post, so we have:

"Happy Card Part Two". Of course, not everything last January was fun and games. In fact, "In a Pig's Eye" may have may just have been a forewarning of the year that was to come. For sentimental reasons, "A Letter to My Daughter" still makes me smile & tear up. And for a good laugh, you can "Listen to Those Piglets!".

February

In February I shared some of my favorite "Black & White" photos, while complaining about being sick (seems to be a recurring theme here!). Last year, I did my reminiscing in February in a post called "Looking Back". Sometimes reminiscing makes me very sad...like when I see photos of animals that I've known and loved but are no longer part of my life.

I suppose that I could deal with the sadness of loss the same way that I dealt (or didn't deal with!) our snowy winter last year in "I Refuse!"

March

Aside from what was apparently becoming the norm (I was sick), March started out GREAT with a visit from my Beautiful Baby Girl & her (at that time) Fiance. In "My Beautiful Baby Girl Helping out ...aka Pig Rodeo" you'll see Katie helping take care of the piglets. What a HOOT! I discovered a fun new way of "Dying Mohair Locks" and made many beautiful colors in March of last year.

And of course, the beginning of the end of Life as I Knew it happened in March...Unfortunately, on the advice of my attorney, I have removed all posts about the accident that shattered my elbow ~ and my life. I'm not sure if this will work but I just found an unpublished DRAFT of a post I was planning on doing. You can tell I was on some pretty heavy duty pain-relievers at the time! Speaking of heavy duty pain killers: This is a video that my daughter, Pam, took of me in the emergency room ~ shortly after getting IV pain meds:

Ya gotta love that "La-la Medicine"!

Just so that you know that I was being "Well Cared For" This is one of my very favorite photos:

I have my three kids in photos on the wall above my bed (sorry about cutting off your head Ben!) and my much loved dogs and cat keeping me company and keeping me warm as I recover from my painful injury. I am loved!

Coming up next:

April, May and June.

My! How time flies!

Update at 2:45pm: Since Michelle said, in the comments, that the link to the Draft didn't work, I've copied and am pasting the text here:

Incapacitated. Incapitulated. Impossiblated. Inebriated!

ij you havent heard by now, i'm hurt. i took a nasty fall last wednesday at the local gas station/civenience store. i tripped over little concrete curb-thing that you pull your vehicle up to, when you park. unfortunately, this particular curb is wider than my jeep, so when i walked around the jeep i tripped over it and went flying. i landed hard. very hard. i scraped both of my knees and my left wrist. and hurt my left arm. i couldnt get up. i laid there for few minutes, worrried that some one was going to run me over. lucily, no one did. a kindly elderly gentleman pulled me to a sitting position. i was in a great deal of pain so, of course, wanted to go home.
'the manlifted me up so that i was staning and helped me get back into my jeep. unfortunately, i was in so much pain that i couldnt even turn the key in the ignition let alone drive. store personel and a parimedic who happened to be in the store came out to see what was going on. the parimedic was sure that my arm was broken and worrid that i might go into shock. a policemn came and asked me if there was someone in the area that i could call to take me to the hospitable. i told him no because i didn't want him to call pam and have her drive all the way out here (45 vmiles one way!)) Pam's therinlaw had suffered a stroke the day before and she and her husband were yring to take care of his mom. i didnt want to dump another problem on their shoulders. so the cop called an ambulance. FOR (what we thought was just) A BROKEN ARM! How embarassing,
to try to shorten this (i'm typing with one hand) let's just say that they gave me massive doses of
'la-la medicine" in the emergency room BEFORE even looking at my arm. i felt pretty good until someone touched it. then i screamd. Pam met the ambulance at the emergency rrm ~ she and karl had just taken his mom back home. i felt SO badly for my princess. she held my hand so tghtly and kept her fce right up against mine as the er doctors unwrapped my arm and then started an iv. it had to be so harde for oam because i wasw in so much pain that i was screaming and sobbing like a baby.

it wasnt until thursday when an othepedist looked at the x-rayys that it was discovered that i had much more than 'just a broken arm' ~ i had "shattered my elbow1' i guess the end of the radius was broken ino pieces (some of which were now floating around between the shattered and dislocated radius and the ulna. no wonder it hurt so bad! i felt vindicated. not that anyone implied that i was being a baby, but i felt like i was. i've had broken arms befre and never screamed and cried like i did with this one. it's silly, i know, but i actually felt better when the orthpedist sowed pam and i the x rays and explained the exstent of the injuies.

so much for short post, =my arm really is killion me soi i'm going to go lie back down in the recliner (thats where i have to sleep because it hurts too much to lie down in a bed.

Holiday Knitting...

2011-12-23T08:56:00.000-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me

There was unfinished knitting not under the tree,

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care'

Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

But I had not finished the caps for their heads.

Dad was asleep---he was no help at all.

And the sweater for him was 6" too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I put down my needle to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash.

Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow

Reminded me how far I still had to go.

When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,

I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired--my brain a bit thick,

I knew in a moment that it must be St Nick.

Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed

For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.

"Move Rowan! Move Koigu! Move Addi and Clover!

Move Noro! Move Cascade! Move Be Sweet! Move over!

Brown Sheep, don't circle around, just stand there in line.

Pay attention you sheep and you'll work out just fine!

I know this is hard as it's just your first year

But I'd hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:

Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!

And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door

Santa's big boots stomping on the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.

As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe

And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.

A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.

And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.

His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace

A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.

The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,

And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.

And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:

"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff. So I asked,

"Hey, Nick, did YOU knit all this stuff?"

He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.

I learned how to knit when I was just a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a well dressed old man,

And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,

And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap

Where I had laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He began then to knit, first one cap then 2--

For the first time I thought I might really get through.

He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,

While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.

Quickly like magic his needles they flew,

Good Grief! He was finished by two!

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,

And over his shoulder he looked back at me.

I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,

"Next year, start your crocheting sometime around JUNE!"

~ Author Unknown

It's GOOD to be ALIVE!

2011-12-22T07:29:00.001-06:00

I had a spectacular day, playing outside with the dogs, yesterday. Jill and BoGo and Cisco just ran and ran and ran! It's as if they are making up for all the time that they spent in cages or shelters or cars. My Bella and Sable have accepted the three rescues as 'part of the family'.

BoGo and Jill have appointments with the veterinarian this morning. Once they've recovered from their surgery, they'll be ready to move into Foster or Forever Homes! As much as it is incredibly difficult to see "one of my babies" leave, I know that the best thing for each of them is to have their own home where they will be loved and can give all the love that their hearts are overflowing with! Plus, then I have room to rescue another dog facing death in a 'shelter'!

I'll be updating the Bluff Country Canine Rescue Blog as well as the BCCR Facebook page later today....

ADOPT A DOG.

SAVE A LIFE!

CLEARLY, I am insane!

2011-12-20T10:26:00.001-06:00

FIVE dogs in the house???

I MUST be nuts!

Meet "Jill"

I absolutely adore her!

But she is a PUPPY.

ALL puppy!

Who has reminded "Cisco" that he's not all that far from being a puppy himself...

And then there is "BoGo"

(the Old Soul)

This chubby, Aussie-cross is such a sweet, kind, gentle dog!

(no, that's not a growth ~ he's chewing on a bone)

He quietly sits before me and just waits for me to pet him, or comes up and lays his head gently on my lap. If ever there was a dog who lived to be loved, it is Bogo!

The resident pooches have amazed me with how well they have taken all of the commotion and upheaval in their happy home...

"Bellamica"

"Sable"

I am so proud of how tolerant my girls have been of the crazy newcomers! Sable actually PLAYS with Jill and although Bella makes nasty noises at almost everybody, I have caught her 'flirting' with BoGo.

This afternoon, my realtor/best friend will be showing my house.

I know.

CRAZY!

I'll probably be sitting out in the barn with five dogs...

Five dogs really is a lot in one house.

I'll probably look to set up a couple of them into foster care until we find 'forever homes' for them. Then again! It IS Christmas...

And I do have THREE Grandsons...

;-)

Don't worry Meem ~ I know that I'm the only lunatic in the family!

P.S. For those who may be wondering, Jethro has totally taken over his Forever Home with my sister, Penny! She fell in love with him on the day we picked him up in Milwaukee and her husband and kids now love him as well. Jethro is one, HAPPY boy!

We owe them ....

2011-12-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

I think that the only thing that is equal to the unquestioning love and loyalty of a soldier is that of a dog. For that reason, among others, Bluff Country Canine Rescue will wave the adoption fees for dogs adopted by any members (past or present) of the United States Military.

Let them know the feeling of being loved unconditionally. They've earned it!

One year ago in the Bluff Country...

2011-12-14T13:32:00.000-06:00

Because ~~all of the snow has melted and it's UGLY outside~~ it's raining out and I don't have any new photos for today, I thought it might be fun to see how things looked a YEAR ago. I copied and pasted my post from 12/13 (apparently I didn't actually post on the 14th) of 2010 and I hope that you enjoy this "rerun" as much as I have!

Princess and Kiss are in the paddock by my backyard.

They have the calf hut for shelter.

They seem to appreciate having the calf hut for shelter!

There are snow drifts four feet deep between me and these girls!

Fortunately, the wind cleared a little opening, right in front of the door to the hut.

Sable goes out to check on them when I go out to feed and water.

She so wants to play with her friends and doesn't understand why they won't leave their calf hut!

But Princess and Kiss are not about to brave those snow drifts.

I can't say that I blame them!

Yes, I DO crawl through the drifts to put hay and water in the calf hut for the poor babies...

DREAM says...

"Awwww! Poor Mom! There aren't any snow drifts in HERE!"

" te he he h e he..."

"Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!"

I apologize for the NEGLECT!

2011-12-13T23:50:00.002-06:00

I realize that I have not been very consistent at posting on here as of late. Truth be told, I had NO idea how incredibly time consuming setting up and running a canine rescue would be! I did have some idea of how rewarding it would be and I was definitely right about that!

Here's a little video that may give you some idea of how adopting a shelter or rescue dog can change the world for that animal...

If you watched that without getting a tear in your eye
you're a lot tougher than I!
Wouldn't it be wonderful to make a homeless dog's dream come true?
Consider adopting a dog before the year is over. You'll start the New Year with more love than you can imagine!

Did you happen to notice the "Chipin" gadget in the sidebar?

I am SO grateful to everyone that's made a donation to help me help homeless dogs! There are only seven more days left of this fundraiser so if you've been thinking that it might be a worthwhile cause, maybe now is the time for you to pitch in. I realize that not everyone wants ~ or is in a position to have ~ a pet. Perhaps adoption isn't an option for you. You can still make a difference! You can be instrumental in making a lonely dog's dreams come true. Your donation to Bluff Country Canine Rescue helps me to rescue a dog that is scheduled to be euthanized, and give it a second chance at a life where it can experience kindness and love. A life where it can do what dogs do best: shower someone with unconditional love and affection and devotion that isn't found anywhere else but in the heart of a dog.

OK
I hear you.
It's time for this blog to get back to being about sheep & shepherding! You may be happy to know that I just finished a blog specifically for Bluff Country Canine Rescue. Now, I won't have to do all the posts related to rescue on here. If you'd still like to know what's going on in my world of Rescue ~ just follow along on the new blog! I even have a Facebook Page devoted to the world of Canine Rescue! The blog is still a work in progress and I have much more to add but I feel like it's a good start. The new blog will be the "Official Home" of BCCR. Once the initial set up is completed, it shouldn't take up too much of my time ~ just updates on new rescues and promoting dogs that are available for adoption.
(and of course, the never ending plea for money to make it all possible!)

Thank you all for your patience, your encouragement and your contributions. I am truly blessed and...

Live is GOOD in the Bluff Country!

Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!

2011-12-12T01:03:00.002-06:00

I want to say Thank You VERY much to those of you who have generously donated to Bluff Country Canine Rescue! This is our first fundraiser and I'm SO happy to see the dollars coming in. I've got 3 or 4 new dogs coming next week (since I've already found loving, "forever" homes for my first two rescues). Three of the new pups will need spaying/neutering and they'll all need vet checks and heartworm medication! The only way that this rescue will be able to keep on saving the lives of wonderful, deserving canines is if people like you continue to support us.

"TETRA"

(Boxer cross)

I can't wait to meet this girl!

Can you believe that she was scheduled to die on Monday, 12/12?

UPDATE: Tetra will NOT be coming to the Bluff Country after all. It seems that someone in North Carolina also offered to rescue her and it will be easier for Tetra not to have to travel so far since it won't be essential to saving her life. HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE, TETRA!!!

"CISCO"

(Pointer cross)

The handsome brute!

Also scheduled for euthanasia tomorrow.

Cisco will be arriving next Saturday (12/12)

"JILL"

(Shepherd cross)

Just LOOK at that face!

How could they kill her?

Who WOULDN'T want to adopt Jill?

I hope you realize that together we are saving

these loving animals lives!

My hope is that they will bring many years of LOVE into

some lucky people's world.

They may be coming to my house,

but I couldn't do it without YOU!

P.S. I've got the BCCR Blog/website under construction!

It should be up and running in the next day or two...

Ladies and Gentlemen...

2011-12-10T19:06:00.000-06:00

For you viewing and listening pleasure,

I am Proud to Present:

"THE BLUFF COUNTRY CANINES"

Happy Saturday!

2011-12-10T08:23:00.001-06:00

I was doing a little blog-hopping, while sipping a cup of steaming cappuccino this morning when I came upon Georgia Farm Woman's blog: "Life on a Southern Farm". It features a close up photo of a donkey smiling and the title of the post is: "Saturday Smiles".

Instantly, I had this song swirling through my mind. I drifted back to the nineteen sixties and the drive-in theater on a warm summer evening...

And I'm SMILING!

I'm working on putting a smile on this big guy's face too:

Meet "Cisco"

He's a Pointer cross who was scheduled to be euthanized Monday!

Instead, he's heading for the Bluff Country.

Have a Happy Saturday

and

Keep Smiling!

This is a Saturday Pet Blogger Hop Post

Life at Golden Pines: I Love a Parade!

2011-12-07T18:38:00.000-06:00

Life at Golden Pines: I Love a Parade!

Mixed Feelings...

2011-12-06T09:10:00.000-06:00

It is with very mixed feelings that I am announcing the adoption of my very first Rescue dog.

I got a call the other day from a friend of mine who moved to Rochester, MN. a while back. She had seen my blog and FaceBook page with the pictures and stories about Jazz and Jethro.

Apparently, Virginia did the same thing that I had done:

She fell in love with Jazz the first time she saw her!

Virginia said that she had been thinking about getting a dog for quite some time. We talked long and hard about what a commitment getting a dog is. I want Jasmine to have a home for LIFE!

She deserves a Forever Home, where she is part of the family and could no more be discarded or left behind or chained outside than a young child could!

Virginia called me back a couple of days later to tell me that she had dreamed about Jazz. That she knew, in her heart, that Jazz is meant to be her dog!

Now, that's all well and good and I should have been rejoicing, Right? Then how come I felt so SAD??? Because I love Jazz! She wormed her way quite deeply into my heart the very first night that I had her at my home. I really did think that perhaps I would keep her forever!

Virginia and her significant other and his young daughter came to see Jazz yesterday. She adored them and they her. When Virginia walked to the front door, as if she was going to leave, Jazz eagerly accompanied her and stood happily at the door, wagging her tail as if she was going with Virginia.

And so she did.

Good bye my Beautiful Jasmine! I know that you will be loved and cherished as you so deserve. You'll be the star and get all of the attention. It's what I want for you. Just know, that if there is ever ANY reason why things aren't working out for you with your new family, you will always have a home, here with me!

I love you, you big, beautiful, goofy hound!

Don't worry. I'll be OK. But I do miss Jazz. A LOT!

I know that I did the right thing by placing her with Virginia. And I'm doing a follow-up home visit in two weeks ~ just to make sure that it's a 'good fit. I'll do home visits (as I will with all of the dogs that I place in adoptive homes) at one month, six months and one year. Part of the adoption contract states that if for any reason Virginia is ever not able to keep Jazz, she is to be returned to me. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen but it's good to know that Jazz will never have to worry about be left chained outside again.

Now I have room to rescue another needy dog!

Getting into the Spirit of the Season...

2011-12-04T16:18:00.000-06:00

We got a decent amount of snow last night.

And it's plenty cold outside.

I got the Christmas decorations out.

I guess it's time to get into the spirit of the Holidays!

Atta Boy, Jethro!

I know you're not really thrilled with the hat and antlers on your head.

I can tell...

But you're SUCH a good sport!

Sable thinks I'm NUTS!

She refuses to relinquish her dignity!

Even in antlers and a Santa hat!

Sweet Jasmine isn't too sure about this silliness!

But she'd never complain!

Even when she's TIRED!

And THEN, there's

Bellamica...

"You can't MAKE me behave!"

Oh yes I CAN!

"Bah, Humbug!"

We hope that no matter what you believe in, you are enjoying the buildup to the Holidays and that your life is full of good health, good friends, and GOOD DOGS!

Of course, if you don't happen to have a dog, we probably could help you out with that! If you already have a dog that makes your life more joyful, perhaps your DOG would like to make a donation to our "Chipin", on the sidebar of this blog to help us save other deserving dog, so that they too may one day bring unconditional love into somebody's Christmas!

Laughter then smiles...

2011-12-03T20:25:00.000-06:00

I'm getting forgetful in my old age.
I may have posted this video before. I really can't remember! But I watched it again on UTube and laughed so hard that all the dogs came running and were all concerned that something was wrong because I was laughing so hard that I was choking!

This could be titled: "How NOT to promote dogs looking for adoption"

I swear, I've seen this before (and read the comments from the curmudgeon dog experts) and it still makes me laugh until I'm crying and coughing and almost pee my pants!

I SWEAR, Jethro is almost as bad as that Pit! He's got a tongue as fast as a frog's...
Now that we've all had a good laugh. As we catch our breath and wipe the tears from our eyes and try to convince the animals and people who came into the room to see what the heck was so funny, I'll give you a bit of a breather.

I sought out this video and chose to post it in honor of two cyber friends. Both found solace in the first song, one specifically recommended this version.

For John and Kim (with love in my heart!)

The fundraising campaign (see sidebar) is going well but please don't let it stop! Every single donation helps me to rescue innocent, loving dogs from shelters where they face euthanazia! Imagine how good you'll feel by helping to save a dogs life. Think of all the joy that dog could bring into the life of some individual or family someday. Please "share the love" and make a donation today.

How they Did It...

2011-12-02T10:55:00.000-06:00

If you're like me and absolutely fell in love with the singing Brooks Brothers' Sheep, (even though I have never shopped there and am not likely to!) and found yourself wondering how on Earth they did such a good job of making it look like the sheep are really singing,

here's a 'Behind the Scenes' Look!

How could anyone not love sheep???

homeless dogs???

Whomever said that money can't buy love obviously never owned a dog!

Please visit Bluff Country Canine Rescue for information on how you can find love or save a dog.

I'd hate to have ANYONE miss this...

2011-12-02T10:36:00.001-06:00

I've seen this video on several friends' blogs but it is

SO DARNED CUTE

that I just had to share it. I'd hate for anyone to miss it!

And if THAT doesn't get you in the Holiday Spirit and put a smile on your face and a song in your heart,

You'd better...

ADOPT A PUPPY!!!

(I know. That was sneaky!)

;-)

Buy American!

2011-12-01T23:25:00.002-06:00

How cute is THIS???

Fellow Shepherdess and Potter Extraordinaire, Tonya, has a whole bunch of beautiful pottery that she makes herself and would make excellent, unique, American made Christmas Gifts! I bought a yarn bowl (which I LOVE) from her in the past and I just ordered two of these adorable sheep ornaments. She has all sorts of mugs & vases & plates, etc. With or without sheep designs!

I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want the sheep design!

Although Tonya does do custom orders. Perhaps I'll have her make me a DOG...

*****

P.S. THANK YOU to those wonderful people who have donated to my "help me help the dogs" fundraiser! We're a third of the way to our goal. Only nineteen more days for this fundraiser! You can help give a homeless dog a Merry Christmas by making a donation. See my sidebar for how to donate.

Word (and MOTION) less Wednesday...

2011-11-30T17:23:00.000-06:00

And then there were TWO...

2011-11-29T17:52:00.000-06:00

Tia Maria (left) and Kahlua ('panda face'/yuglet) are the only two sheep remaining in the Bluff Country.

TIA

KAHLUA

I feel very fortunate to have them here!

Bacardi, Firecracker and Kiss left for their new home yesterday.

We do still have one guest:

'My' beautiful Zaria is still here until I take her back to Jean's later this week. I sure hope she was bred during her brief visit!

This is my favorite photo of Tia.

She reminds me of a peanut butter cookie!!!

Good news from the vet today.

Jazz (my lab cross rescue) tested negative for heartworm and is already spayed. That saved me a lot of money! Now she's up to date on her shots and dewormed and ready to really enjoy her new life...

Jazz is SUCH a sweet dog!

THANK YOU to those of you who have contributed to our "VET FUND"!
Every penny donated will go to the care of dogs that I rescue.

Gone to the DOGS....

2011-11-28T15:33:00.000-06:00

* as always, click on any image to biggify it

You may barely be able to see her, but in the above photo Sable is laying between the couch and the coffee table. On the couch is "Jackson", a handsome Golden Retriever - Bernese Mountain Dog cross. Lying next to the couch is "Gertie"

Gertie is a beautiful, 10 year old, St. Bernard who was rescued a year ago by her "forever family". Gertie is a BIG girl!

I "puppy sat" for Gertie and Jackson over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sable spent a lot of time hiding under the kitchen table!

My poor girls have got to be wondering ~ what in the world has happened to their world?!

Gertie and Jackson left on Saturday. They were SUCH good dogs. I hope to see them again. Do you suppose that things settled back down to 'normal' after Gertie and Jackson left? Heck no!

Meet Jethro:

"Jethro" is a gorgeous, neutered, 2 year old, male Pitbull who is the most LOVING dog you could ever want to meet!

My sister, Penny, drove down to Milwaukee, WI. on Saturday to meet the drivers who helped get him from Illinois to Bluff Country Canine Rescue in Minnesota.

Everyone is so happy when a rescue is a success.

Especially the DOG!

Of course, by the time Penny got Jethro to my place, she was totally in love with him. The feeling does seem to be mutual, doesn't it? Penny will be talking to her husband tonight. She would like to be the lucky person who gets to adopt this awesome dog.

Speaking of Rescue dogs...

Beautiful Jasmine has been SO good!

She thinks every dog that shows up is here to play with her. The longer she is at my home, the more I am falling in love with this gentle girl. Tomorrow she goes to the vet. Ouch! That's going to cost a pretty penny. If you're willing and able, the dogs and I would be ever so grateful if you could chip in (see widget on the sidebar) to help cover some of the vet costs. I know that it's not your responsibility. I'm just hoping that some of you will enjoy being a part of the "rescue world". Just Jazz will need: a complete exam, treatment for her injured leg, (her eye seems better but I'll be glad to have the vet look at it), all of her shots, heartworm test and (hopefully ~ if she's negative) preventative, and spaying. ANY amount would help.

Fortunately, Jethro was completely vetted before he was released from the shelter he was at!

One of the nicest things I've discovered about the world of dog rescue is all of the wonderful people who care so much! There are networks of "transporters", all over the United States and Canada, who give up their time and money (for gas) to drive the lucky dogs who get saved from a shelter and possible euthanasia, to meet up with someone from the rescue that will give them (at their own expense) another chance at a loving home. There are 'transport co-ordinators' who spend countless hours trying to break down long-distance transports into shorter 'legs' so that no one volunteer has to drive too far. Most transports are broken down into one hour legs! There are groups of Truckers as well as Pilots who will take on a canine passenger or two (or three...). Just think of all the caring men and women who are doing this just because they feel it needs to be done and it is the right thing to do. It is so refreshing to be reminded of the GOOD that lies within people.

Not everybody can take in a needy dog. Not everyone can volunteer to transport them across the country. There are many ways that you can help out! Volunteering at your local animal shelter is one way. Helping me to help homeless dogs could be another.

If you can't volunteer and you can't give, you can still help! Consider supporting legislation that bans puppy mills and demands harsher sentences for people who abuse innocent animals.

You'll feel a real sense of satisfaction when you do!

Each one of us can make a difference...

SO much to be thankful for...

2011-11-26T08:32:00.001-06:00

I know that this is a bit late.

Surprise, surprise.

;-)

It's not that I wasn't thinking about everything that I have to be thankful for. In fact, it has been VERY much on my mind!'

I think that most importantly of all,

I am thankful to be ALIVE!

Lord knows how close I was to dying when I went into septic shock and spent three days in intensive care. Although, at the time I was angry that the doctors kept me alive (because I was in so much pain ~ I just wanted them to let me go!), now that the pain is no longer intense, I am ever so grateful that they pulled me through!

I am thankful for my incredible family and awesome friends who gave SO much of their time to take care of me when I was too sick to take care of myself.

I still can't believe that Corry even fed the PIGS!

And the chickens.

Not to mention the sheep:

I am so grateful for the love of friends like Corry and Katie Wise and Jean Meuller, and the unending devotion of my daughters Katie and Pam and son Ben that kept my life going for me while I was so sick for so long.

And then I got Breast Cancer!

With Pam by my side, every step of the way, and my sister keeping my home and animals going, I got the very best treatment and I feel optimistic about my future. The one good thing about having breast cancer is that it gave me the chance to spend much quality time with Pam and my three grandsons.

The love and support that I received from family and friends ~ including notes of encouragement and strength from my blogging friends ~ got me through my second major crisis of the year.

Heck, I'm even thankful that my house did not sell when I put it on the market!

Now, I'm doing something that I love: rescuing homeless dogs from a death that they do not deserve. I know how much I missed my dogs when I had to stay in town at Pam's, in order to be close to the hospital, and I know how much HOPE and PEACE their presence brings into my life. It feels good to be able to give a little of that back.

Speaking of hope and peace...

I'm Thankful that my sister Penny bought two of my ewe lambs

So that I'll have the opportunity to rebuild my flock!

(it will have to stay very small though, due to my limited physical strength)

I am also grateful that my friend Jean, who bought Alice and Dream and Zaria (so that they will always be close to me!) Jean is letting me breed Zaria again and I will get to keep one of her 2012 lambs.

I'm thankful for the beautiful valley that I live in.

And my magnificent dogs who make every day a day filled with love.

My heart is full of joy knowing that my Beautiful Baby Girl found and married the man of her dreams. A man who is her equal in strength and courage and commitment.

I am thankful that my family and friends are all healthy and that, once again, I am looking forward to the future...

We interupt this Blog...

2011-11-20T17:33:00.002-06:00

For this VERY important, commercial message:

I've got FIVE dogs coming!

(don't worry, six is my limit)

(for now, anyway!)

They will all need to be vet checked, wormed, tested for heartworm & put on preventative, updated on shots and a couple even need spaying or neutering! I think most of my blog readers know the kind of situation I am in financially. ie: NOT GOOD! I'm hoping and praying that my Dear blog readers will help me by donating to the cause...

A $100.00 donation lets you chose which dog you would like to sponsor. You would then be listed on the BCCR webpage (on Facebook until I get another website built) as that dog's "HERO" until it is adopted to it's forever home. I know that not everybody can afford $100.00 so please know that any amount that you can donate is GREATLY appreciated! Wouldn't it be amazing if one person donated the entire $1000??? Which reminds me, just in case, by some miracle, we do manage to reach our goal, the expenses will be ongoing so please don't stop donating just because it looks like we've reached our goal! It would also be great if you could share this project with everyone you know...

Stay tuned for PHOTOS of the lucky dogs that will have another chance at finding their "forever homes".

I've got some VERY hopeful news on the job front.

Something that will allow me to work from home and still take care of the animals.

(I'm thinking I may have already told you about this?)

But I'll tell you more about it once I know for sure...

I made a FACEBOOK page and other news...

2011-11-16T16:30:00.000-06:00

For Bluff Country Canine Rescue I'm hoping it will help spread the word and get more people interested in helping homeless animals! If you're on Facebook, please look us up and "like" us. You'll get notified whenever the page is updated to keep you informed as to what is happening with the Rescue. If you're not on Facebook, the link will take you to their sign up page. It's free... ;-)

In SHEEPY news:

ZARIA has come over to visit with Firecracker and boy has she stirred things up!

I'm heading over to my friend, Jean's, to spend a couple of days with Alice and Dream while Jean and her husband are out of town! I stopped by twice last week and Dreamer practically climbs into my lap.

;-)

DREAM says...

"We'll get off the computer and get your lap OVER HERE!"

On my way Dreamer, I'm on my way...

Prayers Answered!

2011-11-15T17:21:00.000-06:00

Thank you God!

They're home.

Bella and Sable are safe and back home where they belong!

I think perhaps they even feel a bit guilty.

*click on image to biggify*

You see, they ran away last night!

I let them out into the 'side pasture' (which has electric fence around it but the fence is not hooked up). It's the dogs favorite place to be at night and I usually just leave the gate from the back yard open so that they can go out there when ever they want. They sit out at the top of the hill and bark at everything and nothing. I don't let my dogs run loose but last night something must have really got them excited because they either jumped the fence or ran through it. They did that once before but were only gone a couple of hours. Anytime that the have ran off on me, they have always been back in a few hours. Usually full of burrs, but back home. They have NEVER been gone overnight.

When they still weren't home this morning, I was terrified. I called and called for them. I opened the garage door so that they could come in for their breakfast. And I prayed.

With everything that I have been through in the past few months, I have never been as frightened as I was this morning. My dogs are my daily dose of love. They love me and I love them. They make me smile. I talk to them and they make me laugh. I can't imagine my life without them. I could not stay out here if they weren't with me. I'd be lost.

Needless to say, I was over joyed when I saw Bella trotting down the gravel road across from my place. When I rushed out the front door (thanking God like crazy!) to greet her, there was Sable in the front yard! I'd been calling and calling all last night and this morning with no results. Now, they both "appeared" ~ as if by magic.

But I know it wasn't magic...

Sable was quite full of burrs and smelled like she'd had a run in with a skunk! I don't think she took a direct hit, but she definitely had a close encounter. She can't come in until I'm ready to give her a bath. I didn't want to put her through the torture of trying to brush & comb all the burrs out of her long coat so I cut it off!

She looks quite ridiculous but I don't even care. I'm just so glad to have my dogs back.

Now it's time to bring them in for their bath.

So that I can snuggle with them and they can sleep on my bed with me tonight!

Thank you God.

For always knowing when I really can't take any more and then, giving me a break. I am so very grateful.

My Prayer...

2011-11-15T09:45:00.000-06:00

Dear God,

Please watch over Bellamica and Sable and

bring them home safely to me.

Please!

I could use your help...

2011-11-12T01:11:00.003-06:00

I am working on a document that I can give to potential sponsors of my canine rescue. It's purpose is to inform them as to what exactly we are asking them to subsidize. I would be very grateful if you could look this over and offer (as comments or email me) suggestions or advice. Please note that the format is somewhat jumbled. It wasn't happy with being copied and pasted from the "Open Office" document I've been working on!

BLUFF COUNTRY CANINE RESCUE

(A rescue, rehabilitation and adoption facility for dogs)

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to stop the flow of unwanted animals into shelters that euthanize pets. Bluff Country Canine Rescue is committed to partnering with the community to provide safe shelter to lost, abandoned, surrendered and neglected or abused dogs and to care for and rehabilitate them until they are able to be placed in loving, adoptive homes.

VALUES & GOALS

We believe that all dogs deserve to be loved and treated with kindness and respect.

BCCR is partnering with the community to:

* Educate the public about the fate of unwanted dogs, puppy mills, and unscrupulous breeders.

* Promote and provide humane protection and shelter for abandoned, abused, and homeless dogs.
* Seek adoptive homes for dogs under our protective care.
* Promote the principles of responsible dog ownership and care through community education.
* Advocate the spaying or neutering of all dogs not intended as breeding animals.
BCCR does not euthanize except on the advice of a veterinarian in the case of critical injury, terminal illness, debilitating pain, or severe behavioral problem in which the animal is a danger to themselves, other animals or humans.

POLICIES & PRACTICES

All dogs will be spayed or neutered and micro-chipped
All dogs will be examined by a veterinarian and pronounced healthy or information regarding special needs will be provided.
Dogs will be personality tested, including reactions to other dogs, strangers, cats,
children, etc.
Every dog will be bathed and brushed and treated for internal and external parasites.
When possible, dogs will attend obedience training classes.
Adoption fees will be waived for all military personnel (past and present) Because of the service and sacrifice that our military men and women make to serve our country, BCCR feels that they each deserve to know the unwavering, unconditional love that a canine companion will provide.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED! If you love dogs and would like to become involved with helping loving companions find new homes, won't you consider being a foster home? Our foster providers will bring the dog/dogs into their home, where they will live as part of the family. The foster families will be expected to give the dogs a safe and loving place to live until they find the perfect “forever home”. A thorough evaluation will be done to identify the dogs' strengths and weaknesses and to determine what type of home/owner will be the best match. If possible, we encourage the foster family to enroll (at BCCR's expense) the dogs in obedience training. BCCR will provide all food, veterinary care, crates, food dishes, collars and leashes needed to care for the dogs placed in foster care. Foster families will be asked to socialize the dogs under their care as well as attend fundraisers and adoption “events” when ever possible.

If you would like to make a huge difference in a lonely dog's life, and are willing to invest the time, money and most of all, love needed to best serve these wonderful creatures, please call BCCR to arrange for an interview to determine if fostering will be right for you. If it is, we will put you on our mailing/phone list to receive information on dogs that need to be fostered. For these dogs YOU might be their only chance before they enter a shelter that euthanizes healthy, adoptable animals, or are shot or abandoned to fend for themselves.

Please CONTACT US to offer your services as a foster care provider for a dog in need.

MORE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Kennel helpers/dog walkers: Assist with exercising and socializing the dogs. As well as help keep the kennels and community areas clean and sanitary.
Website creation and maintenance . Creating and maintaining the BCCR website with photos of adoptable animals as well as information regarding how the community can get involved. Maintaining a calendar of upcoming events and a current list of sponsors (“Heroes”)
Fundraisers. We'll need people willing to contact area businesses and/or individuals to ask them to help support Bluff Country Canine Rescue financially. It's going to take a lot of money to keep this Rescue going if we want to provide adequate care and support to the dogs that need our help. Finding sponsors and creating public fund-raising events will be a vital part of the success of BCCR.
Transports: We'll need volunteers with safe vehicles willing to pick up strays and/or surrendered dogs as well as take dogs that we are caring for to veterinary appointments, adoption events and fund-raising events.
Legal adviser/s. We will need the advice of an attorney to guide us in legal matters ranging from establishing a non-profit (or 'not for profit') organization as well as liability issues and adoption/fostering agreements.
Advertising support: We're going to need to do lots of advertising! Everything from printed brochures and posters to articles in local newspapers, to appearing on area Television and radio stations. Hopefully, we'll find printers, newspapers and TV and radio stations who will support us by offering free services or exposure.
Dog Trainers: I will seek to enlist the services of professional dog trainers who are willing to help us work with behavioral issues with dogs that are under our care as well as to assist foster families prepare their charges for placement in an adoptive home. My goal is to have each of our dogs, at the very least, started in basic obedience.
Board Members: In order to become a non-profit organization, we will need to establish a Board of Directors ~ People who care about dogs and want to help alleviate the pain and suffering of homeless animals. I am looking for people who are willing to get involved in any number of ways. Perhaps in an advisory capacity or as a resource for information or advice. If you feel that you may have ideas, abilities or access to something that could benefit BCCR and/or the dogs that we serve, please consider joining our Board of Directors.

I also typed up a "Wish List" of things that we'll need but I can't find it right now. I'll look for it tomorrow... HAPPY DREAMS!

Thank you for your Service!

2011-11-11T14:48:00.002-06:00

To all the members of all the branches of the US Military, past and present and future, I want to say THANK YOU.

As my one small attempt at showing my gratitude for the sacrifices made by all of our military personnel, it will be standard policy for "Bluff Country Canine Rescue" to waive the adoption fee on dogs adopted from us by any men or women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military. Each and ever one of you deserves to know the unconditional love of a loyal canine companion. Each of you deserves to be welcomed Home...

May God Bless You and keep you safe.

* To Katie and Carter (and all of your friends!), I am so very proud of you and so grateful that you have chosen to serve your country. I truly feel safer, knowing that you are looking out for our nation's well being. Thank you for your service.

There is SO much going on!

2011-11-10T22:27:00.000-06:00

I really want to get back into posting regularly but it's difficult to find the time right now because I've got so many things that I'm working on. One of the things is an attempt to find employment that will be fulfilling and let me keep my place. To that end, I have been busy filling out the myriad of paperwork that is necessary to apply for a license to become an adult foster care provider. I have plenty of room (two spare bedrooms) and feel that I could help make someone's life a little better. This would allow me to work from home and still continue my other interests while I feel that I would be making a difference in somebody's life.

At the same time that I am jumping through the hoops to become a licensed adult foster care provider, I am also in the process of creating the "BLUFF COUNTRY CANINE RESCUE AND ADOPTION CENTER". I am working with several members of a nearby animal shelter to take the steps that will get this rescue up and running. Time is of the essence because the nearby shelter is owned by the city that they are in and the city has notified them that they are no longer to accept dogs from outside of the city limits! What on Earth will happen to the lost, and stray, abandoned, neglected or abused animals that have no safe place to go? We are contacting area law enforcement officials to advise them that these dogs can be brought here.

Yes. To my home. The nearby shelter is donating several kennels and chain link runs to get me started. I have several dog crates for transporting animals. I am in the process of lining up area veterinarians who will donate their time and give free or reduced rates for exams, immunizations, spaying or neutering and micro-chipping. I am also TRYING to get a website put together to get the rescue in the public's eye. I will meet with several area newspaper reporters as well a local television stations. Needless to say, I will be looking for VOLUNTEERS!

I'll need volunteers to help with socializing, exercising, training, and fostering dogs that come into my care. My intent is to place as many dogs as possible into foster homes where they can be loved, socialized and evaluated, making it more likely that we find the best forever home that we can for each animal.

More tomorrow.

I've GOT to get to bed!

A Little Caffeine with your Kahlua???

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-06:00

I don't know what's up with me staying up so late at night. I used to always post in the morning but I find myself doing it more at night now. It seems that I'm always busy until 10 o'clock at night.

Guess who thinks she's pretty special...

"Bluff Country Kahlua"

I LOVE her fleece!

AND her attitude.

"What attitude?"

I love the crimp...

and the tippy ends...

AND the staple length!

Kahlua's fleece also has the soft, silky feel of her dam's (Zaria).

Neither of these photos really shows the true color but you get the idea by combining them both.

I don't know what had alerted the girls but I thought this was a pretty picture. Even if Kahlua does have her front feet in a hole!

Bella and Sable are so happy that we'll be staying here for the winter. They have so much room to run in the fenced in areas.

No wonder I'm feeling happier!

My infections seem to have finally cleared up.

I don't have a doctor appointment for a MONTH!

I spent the day with my Princess and three handsome Princes (it was Matt's birthday and we had a blast). My handsome son-in-law grilled us burgers and bratwurst for lunch.

I'm home with my wonderful dogs.

I still have sheep living here.

And

I have a secret.

I'm working on something.

I'll tell you about it soon.

It's something near and dear to my heart...

"MuuuuhhhWAAA!"

S.W.A.K.

I got my Mojo muse back!

2011-11-06T01:27:00.000-05:00

Actually, it's my camera.

Apparently I am incapable of blogging without photographs.

Recently taken photos, to be specific.

My camera has been at my Dear Friend, Jean's, since she hosted a Fiber Farm Tour almost a month ago. Hence, no pictures. Hence no blog posts.

Sheesh! Who'd a thunk that's all it would take to shut me up?

Now for the REALLY good news:

There are still sheep in the Bluff Country!

You may remember that my sister, Penny, bought "Kahlua"

(here she is, almost all grown up!)

and "Tia Maria"

(I'm such a sucker for moorit ewe lambs!)

Not only do I have these two beauties to satisfy my longing for snuggling with sheep, but there are MORE:

"Bacardi"

This handsome boy is such a sweetheart that he steals the heart of everyone that meets him! He loves nothing more than to be petted and scratched. For that very reason, it was decided that the best life for Bacardi would be that of a beloved fiber pet. He was recently wethered and is going to live with

"Kiss"

Beautiful Kiss and Bacardi are sure to be pals living their lives out in a small, rural community about fifteen miles from me! Their new owner, Angie, will keep them as fiber pets but she does want her children to experience the miracle of lambing ~ just once.

To make that miracle happen, Angie has also purchased

"Firecracker"

Our Fourth of July ram lamb has eagerly accepted the job of making sure that Kiss has lambs next Spring. At first, Kiss resisted his charms (note the blood on Kiss's poll from the scur that broke when she & Firecracker butted heads) but the two of them are "getting along famously" now and I am sure that Angie will have her babies next April. After which, Angie will probably wether Firecracker as well so that she can keep him as a 'forever pet' too.

Before Bacardi, Kiss & Firecracker leave the Bluff Country for their new home, Firecracker may just be paying a visit to my friend, Jean's house. We're thinking that "Zaria" really should have some more lambs...one for Jean and one for ME!

What the heck? My house may NEVER sell...

;-)

POOP!

2011-10-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

I left my camera at my friend, Jean's, over the weekend so have no lovely fall photos to share. That's why I haven't posted in the past few days. I still don't have my camera but found this Video at "Life With Dogs" and had to share it. Do you realize how BIG my dogs are? Bella's only around fifty pounds but Sable is over one hundred ~ that's a lot of poop!

It's not too much of an issue out here, in the Bluff Country ~ the dogs are pretty good about going out into the pasture to 'take care of business', but if I ever do sell my house and move into town, this may just be better than walking down the street carrying a small garbage bag...

I wonder how much they cost???
:-)

Heading for Home...

2011-10-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

*As always, click any image to biggify...*

I left off Tuesday on the return portion of our walk:

The dogs didn't even seem to notice this red-tailed hawk when it flew above us and roosted in a tree.

There's something soothing about seeing this 'preparation for winter".

The turn towards home.

Note the mailbox in the bottom right corner.

Something about this mailbox has always appealed to me.

In fact, I was looking at a post from 2008 and found a VERY similar picture.

Several very similar photos, in fact! It seems that no matter how much things change, they also stay the same!

The creek across the road. This is the creek that my Grandsons love to throw rocks into.

My place from across the road:

A nicely established patch of Pampas Grass makes a nice foreground for this picture. I'm going to cut some today to put in a rusty old milk can that I bought for twenty-five cents at a yard sale. I think it will make a lovely Fall decoration in the house!

Now THIS, is something new...

October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

2011-10-05T11:30:00.002-05:00

I had planned on 'finishing our 'walk' today but felt it more important to share this wonderful video. I found it on the Breast Cancer Recovery Facebook page. Along with the video, there was this awesome quote:

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway."

Emory Austin

Thank you Pam.

A walk in the Bluff Country

2011-10-04T00:29:00.000-05:00

*As always, click on any picture to 'biggify'
(especially the very last one!)

We're having gloriously beautiful weather in the Bluff Country of South East MN., so I decided to take the dogs for a walk this afternoon.

Perhaps you'd like to join us...

Off we go.

Both leashes strategically held in my right hand.

Our chosen route for today.

We'll be hiking part way up that hill!

The colors are just beginning to change.

Bella & Sable stay patiently while I take their photos.

Bellamica

Sable

The street sign that marks the intersection of the two roads where I live.

Everything is so beautiful!

The neighbors are baling hay.

If you click to biggify and look very carefully, you can see my house in the lower center of this photograph!

Tomorrow I'll show you our route back home...

A Love Story Part 2 ~ It was a HAPPY Day!

2011-10-02T12:25:00.002-05:00

Alice here.

I just want to set the record straight.

Mom's visit with us on Thursday was a HAPPY occasion.

Not sad.

Oh sure, Dream had to have her little hissy fit at first, but we were all very happy to see mom again.

You all remember what a prima donna Dream can be!

Why she'd pin her ears if Mom so much as looked at another sheep!

Poor Zaria and I are the ones who were feeling neglected!

Observe Dream's ears in the following picture...

And then she acts all sweet and innocent!

She sure has Mom fooled though!

I guess they do have a special bond...

DREAM says...

"Yes we DO have a special bond and I feel MUCH better now that Mom is feeling strong enough to come see me! I didn't realize how sick she'd been. Things are good now cuz Mom said she's going to come visit me three times this week! Stay strong Mom!"

A Love Story...

2011-10-01T13:11:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I found myself 'pulling' away from my sheep once I had accepted the fact that I was going to have to sell my flock due to my myriad of health problems.

Don't let anyone tell you that animals don't have feelings.

They do.

Dream was HURT.

And she was PISSED OFF!

Jean (my Dear Friend) who purchased Dream & Alice (and Alice's ram lamb) and Zaria from me) had told me that Dream wouldn't eat for the first two days at her new home. And she is the last of the three ewes to tolerate Jean petting her.

Yesterday was the first time that I've felt strong enough to go over to Jean's and visit 'my Girls'. For the first half-hour, Dream would have nothing to do with me. Oh sure, she came right up to the fence, with the others, when I got out of the car and called to them. But when I went into their paddock, Dream walked away. Wouldn't even LOOK at me! (at least not when I was looking at HER) To give you an idea of just how angry she was, I was feeding Alice and Zaria cookies by the handful but Dream wouldn't even accept a cookie from me! For a whole, half hour.

ZARIA

Finally, I noticed that Dream would stand right behind me, as I was petting Zaria. But as soon as I turned to face her, Dream would walk away. Little by little, she stayed longer.

Until finally:

She forgave me.

Just try to tell me that this animal was not sad and confused!

Don't worry Dreamer

I will ALWAYS love you!

To be continued...

The Dance...

2011-09-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

It was a rainy, drizzly day yesterday.

Wouldn't you know that on that kind of day I decided to go out and sit with the sheep for the first time since I started selling them in the early summer?

I know that I was avoiding being close to the sheep to try and minimize the pain when they left. Now that I'm finally home again, I've decided that rather than avoid the pain, I'm going to enjoy "The Dance" while I still have them!

The ram lambs have gotten so big that I almost didn't recognize them!

I'm completely in love with "Bacardi" ~ the big white, Polar Bear son.

If someone doesn't jump on buying him soon, I may just wether him and KEEP him. At least for as long as I'm still living here...

My sister Penny now owns Tia Maria and Kahlua.

Kiss is the only adult ewe still residing in the Bluff Country.

That little Tia Maria is adorable!

And Kahlua is a COOKIE MONSTER!!!

It is SO good to be back home.

DREAM says...

KEEP DANCING!

A FUN Saturday...

2011-09-25T11:58:00.002-05:00

Guess who came to see me yesterday?

Yup. My beautiful baby sister brought Bella and Sable over to visit me again.

We decided to take the girls to a local park and play out in the sunshine.

Pam 'gave me permission" to go as long as I promised to be very careful with my left arm.

;-)

(notice both leashes are in my right hand)

I love getting outside with my beautiful girl dogs.

Sable

Bellamica

(Italian for "Beautiful Friend")

I also love this bridge!

AND my Beautiful Baby Sister!

Thank you Penny ~ for another great day!

And for taking good care of my sheep, my dogs and my LIFE while I've been laid up. Most of all, for not getting upset about Sable's MUDDY FEET in the car on the way home...

We love you!

DREAM says...

"Well, I can see that Sable is STILL disgusting. DOGS!

Guess what? Mom's got good news. She's going back home on Tuesday and is going to come out and see me and Alice and Zaria and Tanqueray next week! We can't wait to see her! I'll make sure that she takes plenty of pictures!"

I cried...

2011-09-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

My wonderful sister and precious daughter conspired to surprise me today. Penny brought Bella and Sable into Pam's house so that I could visit with them! I was SO happy to see my beautiful dogs. I can't tell you how much I have missed them. Bella stuck by my side the entire time that they were here and Sable came up for her hugs and attention, then checked out Pam's place then laid down where she could keep an eye on me and the rest of the house. I love the difference between the two dogs' personalities! It was such a wonderful surprise but like all good things had to come to an end. Penny had to be to work by noon and was taking my girls to her house for the day/night. I cried so hard when they left...

When I was finished crying, the rest of the day was very nice. My bestest friend, Corry, came over for a visit. She always makes me laugh and makes me feel loved. My handsome son came over and went for a walk with Pam and I. It was a glorious day for a walk!

I'm hoping and praying that I'll be able to go back home next week. I have another doctor appointment on Monday and if things are improving I might be able to get my drains out early next week. It's difficult trying to balance how desperately I want to go back home and be on my own and how much I enjoy being with Pam and the boys and how grateful I am for the wonderful job that she has done of taking care of me through all of my medical crisis this year. I can't imagine being anywhere else through such difficult times but I want to give Pam & Karl and my grandsons their normal lives and routines (and house!) back...and then watch ~ once I'm home, I'll be whining about how much I miss PAM!

Thank you Pam and Penny for the wonderful surprise!

I love you

Another week another operation and a fun WALK!

2011-09-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

Yes, as sad as it may be, I'm finding that if I let too much time go by between blog posts, I forget to mention my latest surgery. When I posted last Thursday, I was preparing for surgery later that day. I hate it when they schedule my surgery for in the afternoon as I can't eat anything after midnight the night before any operation. Thursday's surgery went fine. The doctor felt that he got the 'close margins' from the cancer cells and cleaned out and debrided any tissue showing signs of infection. He was able to close the incision up which is a relief to me as the sight of that gaping wound was really starting to get to me.

I had recovered enough from Thursday's surgery to participate in the annual "Steppin' Out in Pink" fundraiser/awareness walk in La Crosse, WI. with Pam and Ben on Saturday. What a fun day! Over 5400 walkers raised money for Breast Cancer research and awareness programs in the La Crosse area.

Thanks to my wonderful Princess, I was able to complete the five mile walk. I would say that Pam pushed me in a wheel chair about half of the time. We found that going over all the lumps and bumps on the sidewalk in the wheelchair were almost worse than the pain from walking so I ended up walking more than either one of us expected! Ben zoomed ahead of us in his motorized wheelchair because he had to be back to his house by noon when his noon aid comes to make him lunch. It was a busy but FUN morning. Needless to say, I slept like a log for the next two days...

Unfortunately, catching up on sleep was probably a good thing as I was back to the doctor on Monday and once again scheduled for surgery on Tuesday! (as in the day before yesterday) I seem to have a recurrent infection that they just can't get control of so another surgery was deemed necessary. The surgeon was extra focused and determined to get any and all remaining infected sites this time so there would be no more returns to the operating room. However, he gave us some warning signs to watch for and one of them is developing so Pam is calling him this morning to see what he wants to do...

...sigh...

I'm hoping to go watch my oldest Grandson compete in a track meet this afternoon. So if I DO have to go in for more surgery, I hope it can at least wait until tomorrow!

I'm HUNGRY!!!

2011-09-08T10:16:00.001-05:00

I am SO hungry. Famished. Not that I normally eat breakfast anyway but today I can't and therefor I am hungry. I am also very thirsty. Parched. I'm having more surgery early this afternoon and can't eat or drink anything until I'm in recovery. Sure, then I won't WANT anything because everything will taste and smell like metal or a salt block and I'll have no appetite at all...

whine. whine. whine. Katie (BBG)~ want to help me out here? ;-)

This blog will resume when I stop feeling sorry for myself!

P.S. I did post a new update on my CaringBridge site. I wanted to spread the whining around! You can click on the link in my sidebar to go to my CaringBridge page...

Under Siege!

2011-09-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

The past couple of days have brought rain and even some strong storms to the Bluff Country.

If you look closely at the upper left corner of this photo (click any image to bigify), you'll see something else that has completely taken over my place.

They may be difficult to see in these photos, but if you stepped out of my house you were likely to be bombarded by...

DRAGONFLIES!

Great, big suckers!

They were hard to 'capture' with my camera because they move so quickly and blend in with grassy backgrounds but my entire yard was buzzing with them. When they'd bump into the metal siding on the barn, it sounded like someone was throwing ROCKS at it. I swear! These guys were the size of hummingbirds!

KAZILLIONS of them!!!

Apparently, dragonflies migrate. I had no idea. Although, I do know that this dragonfly 'seige' is a yearly occurance in the Bluff Country. There's lot's of information out there, if you're interested...

BELLA says...

"There's a lot of information out there even if you're NOT INTERESTED! All I know is that those puppies were huge. And FAST!!!"

As we prapare for our long, holiday weekend ~ A Challenge...

2011-09-02T12:46:00.002-05:00

As we prepare for the "Labor Day Weekend" here in the United States,

I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to this young lady and think about what she has to say. The quality of the video is poor but her words are a plea to each of us...

What if each one of us ~ and all of our family and friends ~ did just ONE thing today, to make this world a better place? It doesn't have to be something big ~ perhaps just picking up a bit of litter along the road or handing a $5 or1$10 gift card to a grocery store to a homeless person. Maybe just say something nice to someone to bring a smile to their face. Instead of fussing while waiting in line at the grocery store checkout, smile and say "Hi" to the people around you. Wish them a nice day! Sure, they'll probably think you're nuts, but I bet they'll smile and be in a better mood. Put your cell phone down for a minute and talk to the people around you! Instead of honking and flipping off the idiot driver going slow in the passing lane, smile and wave at them. Think about it: you're already angry because they're going slow in the passing lane. If you honk your horn and flip them off as you pass them, it just reinforces the anger. Chances are it also ticks the other driver off and now we have TWO angry drivers on the road. But if you smile ~ you'll probably find your anger melting away. You'll certainly brighten the day of the poor soul who probably didn't even realize that they were in your way. Perhaps they'll be more aware of their driving habits after that nice person smiled at them...You may just be the nicest thing to happen to them that day! If you are blessed to have a comfortable home, bills paid, plenty to eat, clothing for your children and even a little extra ~ why not send off a check ~ maybe $10 or $20 to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice? You may think that $10 or $20 won't make a difference, but how many people live in your town/city? If even half of them donated to a charity it would make a BIG difference. If EVERYONE did something, not just today, or tomorrow, or on Labor Day but EVERY day, just think of what a beginning it would make towards making the world a happier place for our children and grandchildren as well as those that we will never meet, from all corners of this planet.

Those kids and Grandkids are not exempt either! It is our (that means YOUR!) job to teach them. To teach them to do better than we do! To stand up against air/land/water pollution. To protect our environment and the less fortunate amongst us who also share this great planet. To be kind to animals and respectful of other people ~ no matter their differences. To reject foods, beverages, textiles and products that are produced with toxic chemicals and so widely available that we think nothing of putting them in our mouths, on our bodies and in our homes. After all, "everyone does it" and you "don't have time to cook or read labels and certainly can't afford to buy local or organic". How much healthier our children would be if they were taught to see what is really in the products that they use and make an informed decision as to weather they truly want to put that into their body/environment. We warn our children about strangers and inappropriate touch ~ but we don't even bother to mention all of the poisons in the foods that they may eat? It's up to you to teach your children to protect themselves. YOU have to set the example. If you sit down for a meal with your family, perhaps a nice dinner conversation could begin with: "what did you do to make the world a better place today?" Make an effort to keep improving the world in the forefront of our thoughts. If you don't consciously think about it, odds are you will forget about it...

It's not going to just "go away" because we ignore it. Sure, you doing one thing a day won't make a bit of a difference. But you doing one thing a day may inspire someone else to do one thing a day and they may inspire someone else...It has to begin somewhere.

Are you willing to make a difference?

If you can think of something (big or small) that YOU could do to make the world a little bit better, please share it in the comments section. I'd love to see what you come up with. I also suspect that each person that actually follows through with this challenge will actually feel better about them self as an added bonus. What have we got to lose? It doesn't cost anything to smile, or pick up a piece of garbage, or give a hug or thank a teacher or wish a stranger a happy day....

My Baby Sister and her Lamb...

2011-09-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

* as always, click on any image to enlarge *

Although I don't feel strong enough to attend the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival (and MSSBA Shetland Sheep Show) this year, my sister Penny will be attending and showing with her daughter, Alicia, and the two ewe lambs they bought from me.

The show is next weekend (9/10) and Penny & Alicia have been working hard trying to get their lambs halter trained. Alicia is doing pretty well with "Kahlua" but Penny's a bit behind with "Tia Maria"...

Even though Penny tries to bribe Tia with cookies (animal crackers), Tia Maria is a stubburn little soul:

I don't think I've laughed so hard since my BC diagnosis!

Penny has tried talking with Tia...

But there still seems to be a bit of an 'attitude problem'!

Luckily for Tia Maria,

Penny still loves her very much!

If you're going to the WSWF please watch for Penny & Tia Maria in the ewe lamb class and cheer them on for me!

MOM's HOME!

2011-08-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

Mom's home

And she missed us as much as we missed her!

She knew...

2011-08-08T17:30:00.000-05:00

Today was the day.

I had called my friend, Jean, yesterdday and asked asked her to pick up Alice and Dream and Zaria before I went into the hospital. I'll be away from home for around three weeks so figured that this would be the best time to make the move.

I tried to take lots of pictures.

I don't know why the color is so strange in some of them and others are blurry.

Zaria was the first to come up and get a halter on.

She's usually the hardest to catch!

Next was my beautiful Dreamer

Although not thrilled with the idea, we had already had a long talk about today and she behaved like a proper lady.

In fact, I think she's rather fond of her new Daddy!

And then, there was Alice.

Alice was NOT happy.

In fact, she refused to walk with her halter on.

Her son "Tangeray" tried to console her.

In fact, Jean is so sweet that she said she'll take Tangueray too!

But it didn't make any difference...

Alice wasn't budging.

Even when Jean carried Tangueray to the truck and Dream and Zaria walked out front and waited for her,

My Lady wouldn't move!

DREAM says...

"She knew."

The last photo of me...

2011-08-07T16:44:00.000-05:00

...BEFORE I turned into a walking SCAB!

My wonderful "Princess" (firstborn daughter, Pam) took this picture of me with my Grandsons last week. I love those boys SO much! However, that is not why I'm posting the photo today . I posted it on my CaringBridge site and introduced the boys as my "post-operative medical team". On here, I'm using this photo to show me before I turned into a disaster area ~ not that I look all that great in this picture but everything is relative...

A couple of hours ago, I put my hand to my face, only to discover that I had a great, BIG PIMPLE, right on the end of my nose! I went into the bathroom to use the mirror to witness this atrocity, where I noticed that I not only have a rose like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, but I also have a second pimple, on the tip of my chin! As if that weren't bad enough, I have a great, big, honking COLD SORE in the corner of my mouth.

My mastectomy is scheduled for this Wednesday morning.

I figure I'll be a walking scab by then!

...sigh...

Cancer's turn...

2011-08-06T20:43:00.000-05:00

I try to keep my cancer related discussions to my CaringBridge site but I don't seem to be able to embed a video there. The link to this video was posted on the Breast Cancer Yahoo Group that I'm a member of. Since I've already done a 'sheepy' post today, I thought it would be OK to share the video.
I think it's awesome:

Gotta go dig out my boxing gloves...

The Deed is Done...

2011-08-06T07:26:00.000-05:00

De-worming my flock, that is.

Penny & Karma

My wonderful sister, Penny, and her daughter, Alicia, came out to help me worm all of the sheep yesterday.

"HELP!"

I don't usually use chemical dewormers but a couple of the lambs had pale eyelids so we did the whole flock. The weather has been so horribly hot and muggy that I don't want any added stressors on the sheep.

Some took it better than others.

Penny with Kahlua & Chance

(yes, Penny has a bag of cookies stuffed down the front of her shirt!)

Notice Karma standing tied behind Penny in the first photo? We decided that now was as good a time as any to start halter lessons on the girls that were harder to catch.

As always, that went over very well!

That's Tia Maria in the death throws. Penny's trying to bribe her with a cookie. Mimosa is looking on. She's already halter trained.

Everyone else seems pretty interested in that cookie!

I absolutely love the look of total disgust on Chance's face as Tia continues to fight the halter.

Mimosa was more than willing to demonstrate how to take the cookie out of Penny's hand!

When the ewes and lambs all had their medicine, it was time to move over to the ram pen.

I'm happy to say that my beautiful "Polar Bear" will be making his new home in Oregon ~ with LOTS of beautiful new girls waiting to make his acquaintance!

For those of you who are still hoping to add some Bluff Country genetics to your flock, I've still got a couple of awesome Polar Bear sons for sale...

Black & White

2011-08-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted any black and white photos. I had fun going through my albums and picking out which pictures to use. I hope you enjoy them!

Kahlua

Zaria & Sable in the barn

Katie & Mimosa

Jack Daniels

Tia Maria

Lambs by the tree

DREAM says...

"I always knew that Black & White is the best!"

Take off your BRA!

2011-08-03T08:15:00.001-05:00

I just joined the Army!

The ARMY OF WOMEN that is...

Won't you join me?

There are lots of organizations looking for the CURE for breast cancer. The Army of Women is different. We're looking for the CAUSE. So that we can prevent breast cancer from occurring in our daughters or granddaughters. The Army of Women is looking for any woman of any age or ethnicity, with or without breast cancer, who might be willing to participate in studies that will help researchers learn what causes breast cancer to develop.

Please check out the Army of Women website and see if this could be something that you (or somebody you know) might be interested in participating in...

DAMN!

2011-08-02T01:40:00.002-05:00

I tried posting this on my Caring Bridge Site but it wouldn't let me embed the video.

Not too sure that I like the voice (or perhaps the 'type' of music) but I love the words and the meaning behind them. I would love to hear someone with a 'softer' voice sing it. Or someone like Chris Daughtry. I have a friend who is also battling breast cancer and she's feeling kind of down. This made me think of her so I emailed her the link...

One last time...

2011-07-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

The sheep will all be leaving for their new homes soon and I decided that I really should start halter training some of the lambs.

"Jack Daniels"

(Shaela, HST)

As per usual, they were THRILLED...

But eventually came around.

"Bacardi"

(white, Alice grandson)

This is one, VERY athletic ram lamb!

I wish that I had caught some of Bacardi's flying leaps but the delay on the digital camera takes too long and I never clicked at just the right time.

And then, there was:

"Jim Beam"...

I REALLY like this ram lamb!

Then again, I think Bacardi is awesome as well.

Talk about "athletic" ram lambs!

These three boys are still for sale.

I was going to work with some of the ewe lambs as well but it was just TOO HOT.

I've got ten more days before I go in for my mastectomy ~ I'll get the girls started

soon...

What's that?You want to see SHEEP???

2011-07-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

Well, OK then:

The boys are getting big!

This is Jim Beam, feeling frisky.

He is an awesome ram lamb!

Who should probably be separated from his mom...

SOON!

Of course not all of the ram lambs are all that grown up...

Firecracker

Still cute as a bug and his fleece is coming in with wonderful crimp!

Both of these boys (as well as several others) are available for sale.

Email me for more information