Feeling at Home

Betty Boop Bagle

When I have a new dog, it always takes awhile for them to become comfortable.  I often don't know the circumstances under which they previously lived.  I rarely anymore presume they were "abused."  They often were neglected, not properly cared for - I have one dog, Farrah, who we know was truly beaten.  Her story is a miracle but she is not who I want to talk about - I want to talk about Betty Boop.  Betty is now laying at my feet as I type.  She just recently started doing this.  YESH.  To me, this action tells me she is now comfortable with me as her owner/leader, she is comfortable enough in the pack to move out from her crate and off her couch to spend time near me...making herself more vulnerable yet protected.  Betty has stood up for herself, too - baying off someone who wanted to eat her poop (sigh) but alerting me to get it before she did.  While this habit is not unusual, what is tells me is in her previous life she was not fed consistently or with good nutrition.  She now is - but a habit is a hard thing to break.  We are working on it :).  I can't move my chair.  I just looked - her head is touching a foot resting on a chair leg, making her vulnerable to the wheels of my chair.  Betty has become trusting of me.  WOW.  This spells, for me, time to ask her for more - going to Petco and Busch Pet Products, increased socialization outside our pack....this is the type of activity I wait for in a new dog - to be sure they are comfortable here and in their own skin before I start asking more of them. 

Speaking of poop, I let the big dogs in the house last night.  They all rested better than in their warm breezeway crates but oh, my, the large piles I found this morning!  Dogs who are not house broken are why I have vinyl and wood floors :).  They were all much more relaxed. Hoss even stayed in the yard after I let them all out....he bayed ad nauseum but stayed in the yard :).  I'll take that...

Check our adoptable dogs - click the logo

Silverwalk Hounds is an independently licensed small division of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. in Jackson, MO, a licensed, 501c3 tax exempt sanctuary mostly for cats with some dogs and now Silverwalk Hounds. Silverwalk is in Cape Girardeau County, MO, specializing in Beagles, other hounds and senior dogs. There are always dogs needing adoption and sponsorship. Please see Silverwalk Hounds for more information about Silverwalk and Safe Harbor, our dogs and "adorable adoptable" cats needing very good homes.

Twelve Days of Christmas

We have had a very blessed day.  I worked Thursday and Friday nights at the hospital.  Thursday was beyond belief - my charge nurse rocked.  Friday was the total opposite.  We never say the word "quiet" in referring to how our night is going; we say "calm."  Nurses have their own superstitions.  

Today, I tried to nap some though Annie Beagle kept baying almost in my ear.  I met two very good friends for XMas lunch.  Does the "X" bother you?  The history behind is it was used by early Christians as a means to disguise the Person to whom they were referring - it is not a short cut.  It represents the cross and our Savior born this day. 


Todd is doing well in his foster home.  W. told me via text today her other dog thinks Todd is her own Christmas present - they have become such good friends.  YEAH, Todd!

Layla and Todd courtesy Todd's foster mom

I am blessed by those who will foster, those who will refer, those who are adopting.  

Jedi - "Ready for my profile, Mr. DeVille"

Jedi will be going to his new home on Martin Luther King day.   He is now getting laser treatments to what I thought may be an abscess but my very good vet thinks it is more of a calcification of bone from his multiply injured right paw.  He is a very sweet, big klutz.  H. has a large dog bed for him.  I told her this week he needed that as at least once a week he falls off the couch.  He picks himself up as though, of course, he meant to do that :).  As it is Jedi TreeWalker getting the laser treatments, Dr. Monica termed them "light saber" treatments.  I love my vets :).  If I had any clue as to how to put some music on a blog (or anywhere for that matter), I would put some original "Star Wars" on for Jed and Monica.  Once in the lab, I heard another patient's phone - it was THE theme to Star

Wars.  Very cool.  I digress. 

Remember, Christmas isn't over - we actually do have 12 nights; it is not just a song.  The Christmas season lasts till January 6, the Feast of the Magi - which I am formally making Justus's birthday.  I will be sure to remember it that way.  Shopping may be over - Christmas is just beginning.  

Check our adoptable dogs - click the logo

Silverwalk Hounds is an independently licensed small division of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. in Jackson, MO, a licensed, 501c3 tax exempt sanctuary mostly for cats with some dogs and now Silverwalk Hounds. Silverwalk is in Cape Girardeau County, MO, specializing in Beagles, other hounds and senior dogs. There are always dogs needing adoption and sponsorship. Please see Silverwalk Hounds for more information about Silverwalk and Safe Harbor, our dogs and "adorable adoptable" cats needing very good homes.

Somewhere to lay his Head

I helped at Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary this evening.  I did both dogs and cats so this image from my library seemed most appropriate.  Wednesday evening is mid-week church service - emphasis on service.  It is what I was doing with Alice - serving our Lord by caring for his creatures.  Trying to anyway - one dog is an escape artist; a beautiful black cat, Pickle, got out of her section twice on me, though the reward was mine as I held and petted her, listening to her purr as I brought her back to where she belonged.  When we left. all was calm, all was as right as possible for these animals needing homes.

Todd, my red Beagle from HSSEMO, is in a foster home as of yesterday.  His initial response drove home to me how important foster and real homes are to animals.  Here, Todd was always ready to respond to any perceived need or threat to the yard, house, whatever.  Many visitors didn't look twice at this wonderful dog - he is a relatively plain red Beagle but has personality PLUS!  The evening before he left, I noticed him sitting on a table, trying to stay awake but his eyes kept shutting and his head kept nodding.  Sound familiar to any moms?  He did the same thing once he got "home."  Todd was able to really relax, not feel he had to be "on alert."  He is living with a Lab/Great Pyr mix whose job is to look relaxed but be alert.  Todd can just be Todd.  And he was - this little dog fell asleep on the shoulder of his foster mom - she texted me photos.  Todd, you deserve some real Christmas cheer and you will get it in this home.  Thank you, W.!

Hounds on Earth and Heaven

This is a good time of the year to get caught up with those one doesn't hear from or see on a regular basis.  For me, this year is also getting some physical addresses to go with my email addresses so I know where to send cards - real cards by mail.  Be not afraid, trees, I don't send that many. 

Millie Beagle

This past September I heard of Millie's demise in St. Louis.  It was sad to hear this from about a relatively young dog; I know her owner was devastated.  I brought Millie home from the Piedmont, MO animal shelter.  Not knowing her at all, I had a crate.  No need - this little Beagle girl curled up in my lap with her head on my shoulder the entire drive home. 

Jake

In July, I heard Jake was doing well but coming along in years - his home is in NV.  Linda was one of my first adopters and Jake was a dog who smoothly goes through life.  He is still her love among their three dogs.  Thanks, Linda - I still need to answer your email!

Sparky and Virgil

Sparky is doing well in CO with Joy, Virgil and his dog buddy whose name escapes me at the moment.  He has had some seizures and is beloved in a great family - who have become good friends of mine as well.  I have a package for Virgil to use on his horses - have had it for over two years - my name is Procrastination. 

Another Beagle in CO, Katie, has passed to the Rainbow Bridge.  Dan saw her while he was on assignment in St. Louis in 2007.  Katie looked like a dog they had previously had - he twice drove to Silverwalk to meet her and then pick her up to fly home.   She developed Cushing's this past year with all its attendant sequelae.  Dan and Lesley made the final decision for her.  Godspeed, Katie and thanks for a great home, Dan & Lesley - plus keeping me up to date on her life and death.

 
 The photo to left I still use a lot as both Millie and Katie are so happy in trying to get my camera; the one to right is Katie, simply beautiful.

  

I heard from Lauren this week about Rosie, a hound mix she had adopted a couple years ago.  She took Rosie to train and Rosie fell in love with her trainer.  Lauren, with good judgement, adopted her to Jackie with my blessing - the news is Rosie is still at Paws and Claws, playing with all the dogs.  Lauren sees her regularly when she brings out food.  Rosie is a very special dog to me as she came from my late friend Judy's rescue.  Judy was NOT a hound person.  I was able to find homes for two hounds for her - Henry here in Cape and Rosie. 

Rosie with stick

As an FYI, I will be sending, by email, a Christmas greeting to all and any involved with Silverwalk.  I am still putting it together.  You will have a chance to accept or decline future updates.  As a computer novice tinkerer, I am having fun putting it together - and if I send out less than 100, it is free; hopefully, I will have to send out more :)!  THANK YOU to all, mentioned above or not, who have adopted, fostered, donated, volunteered to Silverwalk this year and years past.  I love my dogs and am so glad you do, too.  God bless us everyone!

Check our adoptable dogs - click the logo

Silverwalk Hounds is an independently licensed small division of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. in Jackson, MO, a licensed, 501c3 tax exempt sanctuary mostly for cats with some dogs and now Silverwalk Hounds. Silverwalk is in Cape Girardeau County, MO, specializing in Beagles, other hounds and senior dogs. There are always dogs needing adoption and sponsorship. Please see Silverwalk Hounds for more information about Silverwalk and Safe Harbor, our dogs and "adorable adoptable" cats needing very good homes.

Godspeed + Betty & Hoss

This blog has lost a follower.  I am trying not to let it bother me.  I know everyone seeks blogs and Internet sites which support and enrich their lives (well, I presume so).  I wonder why this person left.  Did this blog simply no longer meet what they were seeking? Did it offend them?  I wish I knew.  I wish I were above it bothering me.  I do say, however, go with God in this Advent season.  Thank you for visiting - and that, my friends, is said with all my heart.

Hoss, Lady Bug

Hoss is now a neighborhood ambassador in the tradition of Shiloh, who, after being here at Silverwalk for 3 years, was adopted.  I don't think Hoss is as welcome as Shiloh was; when he poops, he poops big....and not always inconspicuously :(.  He comes home consistently, whining and banging at the front door.  Good boy - sigh.  "Bah-roooo!"

Lady Bug, Betty Boop, Danny Quinn

Betty continues to slay me. Tonight was actually very nice as we took our final pee run into the yard (well, not me but the dogs; I was just along as chaperon).  She pokes her nose out the dog door, I call to her, she stays for a bit, then back into the house.  I don't know if she had lived outside most of her life and now, having found her corner of the couch, is loath to leave it or has always been a house dog.  What a hoot.

Have a great weekend.  Silverwalk and Safe Harbor will be at Petco today (is after midnight), Saturday and Safe Harbor will also be at its Thrift Store - a double adoption event.  Come visit us - both will be there from one to four approximately - depending on how tired the animals get...

Check our adoptable dogs - click the logo

Silverwalk recently became part of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. in Jackson, MO, a licensed, 501c3 tax exempt sanctuary mostly for cats with some dogs and now Silverwalk Hounds. Silverwalk remains in Cape Girardeau County, MO, specializing in Beagles, other hounds and senior dogs. There are always dogs needing adoption and sponsorship. Please see Silverwalk Hounds for more information about Silverwalk and Safe Harbor, our dogs and "adorable adoptable" cats needing very good homes.

Smelling Roses, Metaphorically Speaking

This has been a long and strange night and day.  I was asked to work last night, which was great but I didn't get enough sleep for multiple reasons.  Did ok till 0800 this morning - put in some charting, then hung it up with plans to come back (and yes, I did).  Went home, let out the dogs - and Hoss, the Wonder Dog, climbed/jumped the fence.  Now, Hoss is not a stranger to the pack.  They live with him every day but oh, no.  He was a dog on the other side of the fence and they gave voice to that fact.  I was so tired, I crawled into my recliner with Allie Mae and crashed - I did not hear them. Actually, they were, on occasion, quiet till Hoss showed up again.  I know he and the barking can be troublesome to my neighbors - it is to me and I love them all.  There was a reward to all this, at least for me!  When I finally roused up enough to realize if I didn't get them in and fed I would be late for my hair appointment (interesting motivation there), I went outside to corral Hoss.  He was crossing my neighbor's front yard, just meandering along.  I called "Hoss, Hoss!"  When he finally heard me, I saw this big smile on his face as he came RUNNING to me.  This big young Redbone is a softy who loves to love and bay.  Some day, I will try to get a video of this - he makes my heart sing when he does this.  Of course, once I got him inside, the other hounds realized they were STARVING.  All into their crates, meds doled out, food passed and off I went for a shampoo (which, frankly, is the highlight of getting my hair cut) and a trim.  I am trying to grow it out some - it will be a long process but we mapped out a plan.  If you ever see me with gritted teeth, I am most likely trying not to say, "just chop it back off!" 

I had not had breakfast.  I was too tired to eat - so haircut was followed by "breakfast" about 3 PM at Panera.  I visited with multiple acquaintances and staff - if you remember "Cheers," that's how I feel going to Panera.  "Hey, Robbie!"  "I'll bring your hot chocolate out to you."  Downtime  or more to the point today, time to wake up more.  Check out USA Today, abhor the new music playing (used to be Mozart, symphonic and jazz), learn a few new games on the iPhone with a friend, talk Nook, dogs and health care with a new friend when she saw me reading my Nook.  While I enjoy other coffee and bakeries as well, this one has claimed me - particularly in this weather with the fire.  Cozy, welcoming and if I don't show up for a while, "where have you been?"

Home after working some more to smell roses.  I try very hard to not talk much with my dogs.  I try to use gesture, attitude and body language.  Doesn't always work - "QUIET!!" too often resonates in my home - a habit I seek ti quell.  BUT, today, today, we had quiet and love and sharing - I simply sat down on the couch, petting each and every dog carefully and attentively, stroking the sides of their mouths and the tops of their heads.  No sound, just 19 dogs and me having a love fest.  Had to move myself to be sure I included Betty Boop, ensconced on her corner of her chosen divan.  I ended up on the floor having my face washed by a Beagle mix, a Husky mix and my newest adoptee, Justus, a Black and Tan Coonhound mix.  Aw, love - it makes the world go round.   Sammie - my first and hopefully not my last rescue, never adopted Lab - RIP.

This is the action which lowers blood pressure, which sends out endorphins, which enriches both our human physical, emotional and mental lives.  I felt the same when I had horses.  Grooming, hanging out, riding, listening to them eat....heaven on earth.  Take time to simply sit with your pet - no expectations, just sit and let the love roll over you both (or all).  Smell the roses...metaphorically speaking. 

Powered by ScribeFire.

Presence - THE best Present

Dog Guardian Angel

As we approach and engage in the Christmas season, we all are thinking a lot of presents.  Who would like what, how much can we budget, how soon do we need to mail them...

I suggest an alternative - PRESENCE.   

• Offer yourself, your attention and your presence to a friend with whom you have been going to have lunch....sometime...now is the time to do it.  
• Have you been working long and extra hours?  I know many of my colleagues have.   Offer that person in your household your presence in a massage, a warm cup of tea, a listening ear.  
• Have you seen the videos of seemingly random choruses on You Tube?  Join with other singers and offer your voices spontaneously at the mall, in a restaurant, wherever others will be uplifted with your song.  Here are two links to inspire you: Macy's in Philadelphia and a foodcourt.  
• Of course, I am also thinking of your dogs as well as those dogs needing homes.  Jedi went home over Thanksgiving.  He felt so at home that when I took him to the vet over a week later,  I swear he thought he was going "home."  Last year,  Lenny went home for the holidays and stayed :).  If your home is full, your presence in volunteer time, dog walking and cat petting is very welcome.  
• Share some hot chocolate or coffee with someone you don't really know - and wish them a happy holiday season.  I no longer get hung up on the "holiday" vs "Christmas" debate - today is the first day of Chanukah....
• One of the most sad things I read is "free dog - needs room to run."  Actually, what she needs is your presence.  Have you walked your dog lately?  Have you engaged your dog in a game?  I don't walk my dogs nearly as much as I would like.  Today, I did hand out kibble treats to those who sat.  I had about half the pack in the house; though all did not sit, there were no fights or even a squabble.  I gave them time to think :).  I gave them my presence.
• A very good friend invited me, who is working both the nights before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to a short, presence-filled lunch on Christmas Day.  This touches my heart.
• Share your own ideas in the comments.  A friend and I have a plan based on this video - perhaps you would like to join us: Brave Girl's Club Black Friday Kindness Truths.  

The Christmas season is based on the birth of a person whose Presence changes the world.   YOUR presence is a blessing to me, to those you love and to those who you don't yet even know.   Go and share your presence.  Happy Holidays!  Happy Chanukah!  Merry Christmas!  Happy Kwanzaa!

Check our adoptable dogs - click the logo

Silverwalk recently became part of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. in Jackson, MO, a licensed, 501c3 tax exempt sanctuary mostly for cats with some dogs and now Silverwalk Hounds. Silverwalk remains in Cape Girardeau County, MO, specializing in Beagles, other hounds and senior dogs. There are always dogs needing adoption and sponsorship. Please see Silverwalk Hounds for more information about Silverwalk and Safe Harbor, our dogs and "adorable adoptable" cats needing very good homes.