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Carol's Blog for 2012

 Be who you are and say what you feel...Because those that matter... don't mind...And those that mind... don't matter."

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are the personal views of Carol and are not necessarily intended to reflect the views of the
Ozark Dogs Rescue Organization.

 FYI: LGD=Livestock Guardian Dog, Pyr = Great Pyrenees, OES=Old English Sheepdog,  ASD=Anatolian Shepherd Dog, GSD= German Shepherd Dog, AC or ACO=Animal Control (officer) or Air Conditioner (as appropriate to make sense), HV=Home Visit. HW=Heartworm,  HS=Humane Society, HC = Health Certificate, Doxy=Doxycycline (a medication)
 
 

2/21/12:  This is gross, so if you can’t handle gross, skip the blue. 
    I was woke up hearing regurgitation.  I threw the covers back and chased Sweetness outside.  She throws up about once a week and it is really getting to me.  She is a poop connoisseur.  Anyway, I thought I had gotten her outside in time. 
     There are night lights all over the place so most areas are pretty visible.  Most.  I climbed back in bed and brought the covers over me.  MISTAKE!  I grossed out and leaped out of bed only to land my bare feet in something very wet and gushy.  I turned on the bed side lamp to light the only area in the bedroom that the night lights don’t cover.  There was puke on the bed, puke on the floor, puke on the drapes, puke on the dog bed, puke on my face (from flipping up the covers), puke on my night shirt, puke on my legs and puke between my toes and the soles of my feet.  There was puke beginning to resonate from my gut. 
    I wiped my feet on a clean area of dog bed, ran to the kitchen and grabbed paper towels and Wal-mart bags (Wal-mart is good for something).  Wiped my face on the way back to the bedroom then began picking up the piles, yes piles, of puke that so closely resembles poop.  Then I began to gag.  It is really hard to keep my mind focused on other things when my eyes and nose are actively involved in what I am doing.  One bag was scooping up the biggest mass, another bag was open for my convenience.  Then out came the paper towels.  I had lost it by then.  Luckily my last meal was at 1 p.m. yesterday so my stomach was totally empty.  Of course it was trying to throw itself out.     
      I’m racing through the kitchen, puke bags in each hand.  One full and one ready for me.  By the time I get them into the trash, my stomach and gut both feel like they were torn loose from the rest of my insides. 
      The drapes were long overdo for cleaning but 5:30 a.m. is not the most desirable time to be up on a chair unhooking them.   Thankfully I didn’t fall.  Got them piled on a chair, the pukey one rolled into itself.  I don’t know if they will survive cleaning because I don’t know the fabric content.   Fabric came from a discount store.  I made them 4 years ago.  Made the bedspread, which I rarely put on.  Removed the dust ruffle years ago because it got so dirty from the dogs.  Covered the room chairs in the same fabric.  I made area rugs to match.  If they don’t survive,  I’m looking at total decour replacement and a shit load of money even doing it all myself.  And I’m sure I’ll have to pay something to the dry cleaners even if they don’t survive.  So how much can a pile of puke cost?  A lot.
     I took a bath.  Felt like I needed to follow it up with a shower but I had wiped it all off me before getting in the tub.   BTW, before getting in the tub I noticed some tiny things floating.  I didn’t have my glasses.  It could have been just frizz from the towel I wiped it out with.  Naked, I was not going to go off across the house looking for a pair.  I took a Dixie cup and began scooping them out.  They went down the sink, what every they were, never to be reckoned with, or recognized, again.       I had plenty of help getting dressed, but Sweetness was not among them.  She had settled over on another rug with a Nylabone.  But Zelda was present for attention.  That is very unusual.  She doesn’t like Sweetness.  Maybe she was celebrating that Sweetness was in trouble.  They seem to know these things.  
2/19/12:  A good nights sleep but frustration this morning (4 a.m.)  Now they won't even let Goofy come to the deck.  He normally comes to the doggie door and barks to be escorted past the meanies.  He didn't even get past the gate this morning.  I heard the barking and got up only to see him go back in the garage.  I got my robe and shoes on and brought him in, giving the threesome a lecture as we passed.  I am just at a loss as to what is going on.  I do see the 3, Zelda, Parker and Sahara  vying for position among themselves but then it is join forces against Goofy and Fez.  They only do it when they don't think I will notice.  I'm dealing with a bunch of canine bullies. 
     Maybe I'm just taking too much 'me' time in the shop.  But I need this me time.  I so enjoy it.  It also allows for special time each day with the 4 outside guys.  Shylo and Jericho in the morning and Sarge and Penny in the afternoons.  That is not going perfect either.  Penny is going down hill fast.  She is getting bossier by the day.  Poor Sarge.  She tries to get between him and me all the time.  He really needs to be at the house.  He is still in great physical shape, but he is old and living in the yard is just wrong for an old guy.  But they  would bully him too. 
     Yesterday I got 11 urgent notices of Pyrs in animal control facilities, all within driving distance, although some a long drive.  These are dogs that are on death row because all dogs in AC are on death row.  AC are not Humane Societies.  They are a temporary housing facility where, if unclaimed by the owner or not adopted within days, they die.  One dog is 8 hours away but he is really breaking my heart.  An unsocial goat dog.  No aggression, just scared and confused.  I failed the one out here a few weeks ago.  That still haunts me.  I hope the neighbor who killed him is suffering from every pain imaginable.  My heart is sure heavy that I failed the wonderful guy who was just doing his job.  I know saving this one  would not bring the other back, but it would ease my mind somewhat, and my heart. And give him a chance he is not going to otherwise get.  A 'hard case' no one is going to want to take on. Another Sahara that took me 4 months just to let me touch her.  Who, after 4 years is still so timid of strangers.  Who considers me her goat since that is all she ever knew.  But I have more then I can fairly juggle as it is. 
    I just need help.  I need people to just come and visit a dog.  Like a Big Brother program.  If they can't adopt, then come pick one up for the day or a few hours.  Take one to Petco for a doggie ice cream and to the park for a walk, or home for a few hours just to let it sit on the sofa with them while they watch TV or on the floor next to their feet while they 'Facebook'.  My 2 volunteers are wonderful, but the dogs need so much more people time. 
    Shylo may have an adopter.  I need to get him out into the world this week and next to see if he has the potential as a therapy dog.  I just don't know him well enough yet.  Taking him away for a few hours is going to be hard on Jericho.  I'll have to do it in the mornings when Loren is feeling good so Jericho can be in the shop with him.  Jericho gets nervous when he is alone.  It reminds me of Sherman when Leo left.  Dogs bond just like people and they move on, just like people.  But I want to make it as painless as possible.  Happy new beginnings for all with that very special person.  Sadly, there are probably 8 of those 11 in the emails that will never get that chance... if I could just take one...
2/18/12:  Past 2 days went into cyber space.  Had them typed but the cyber gods did not see fit to let me save them.  I hate that little circle that goes round and round working it's little heart out to 'save'.  I give up, go to bed and it's still working it's heart out next morning with no results.  Click again and you are doomed.  I may have to go back to typing in word and then copy/paste as I never get it that same if I do it over.
      Lacy comes today.  I hope it gives Julia someone to feel good around.  She needs a confidence builder and Lacy is the one to do it. 
      I had 3 good nights in a row.  Then night before last was a bark-fest and last night was even worse.  They just gave up telling me to serve breakfast.  It's still dark.  They will survive although Sahara does not think she will.
     Political:  We are doomed.  Romney puts his dog on the roof of his car for a 12 hour ride.  It may have been a long time ago, but instead of apologizing for being young and stupid, he has the audacity to say the dog liked it up there.  Santorum is against anyone who does not 'fit' in his self righteous world.  Is there hope Ron Paul will be able to hang on until we see what he's really made of?  Obama will eliminate the middle class, bring back slavery in reverse and turn the name God into Allah.  Are there any other states besides Arkansas that you cannot write in a candidate?  Voting machines do not have that capacity, at least not the ones I've experienced.  We are in a lot of trouble, folks.  The really smart people out there are smart enough to not want the job.   Loren says there should be a 'test' to pass before you can run for government office.  I think there should also be a test you should have to pass before you can vote. 
2/15/12:  Took Fez and Goofy to the shop with us.  I felt really good getting a second nights sleep.  Had the stereo going as always and started dancing around.  Goofy was getting the hang of it, so I was trying to teach him to move with the music with my hand directions.  I had him turning when I turned and circling me when I directed him to.  I yelled for Loren to come watch.  Fez came running and wanted in on the action.  Fez has 4 left paws and no rhythm.  Fez went bounding off into the other room and then came back.  He decided humping my leg was appropriate.  Goofy was still just being goofy.  I walked into the other room and then turned my back to walk back.  Fez hit me full force in the back.  Luckily I was walking as if I had been standing still, I would have went face first onto the concrete floor.  All of a sudden my back felt better then it has in years.  He must have put it back in place, something the last chiropractor failed to do.  So now he is Dr. Fez, up there with Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil.  Now he just needs one of those internet diplomas and I can write off his care as payment for medical expenses. 
     It really hammered rain off and on all day.  It is so loud in the shop.  I ran up once to open the bedroom door so Parker could hide in the tub.  Glad I didn't bring him to the shop.  Julia is scared too.  There is only a slight chance of rain tonight, but I am afraid to put Jericho and Shylo in the shop incase it does rain.  The noise is so magnified under that metal roof.  It is only suppose to get down to 40 tonight, so they should be fine in their yard. 
     Don't know why Julia did not stay on the bed with Loren.  She got off and came in here with me.  She is asleep right by my feet.  If Sissy would be ok with it, I'd teach Julia how to get on the bench to get on my bed.  Sissy is ok with Sweetness, but she doe not even like to have other dogs resting their chins on the bed when she is up there.  If Julia was up there first, it would probably be ok, but that ESP would probably freak her out and she'd get off the side and not use the bench.  She might hurt that leg even more.  So she will have to settle for the blankets on the floor.
    Here's hoping for a third night of sleep....  Miracles can happen, but this is really stretching it.  Chances are akin to winning the mega millions without buying the lottery ticket. 
2/14/12:  I felt NORMAL!  I said a little pray that Shylo not to get into anything. I dozed off in a hot bath. I settled the house dogs in.  I settled me in.  I watched a movie.  (It made me cry).  I was asleep by 10.  I vaguely remember getting up once.  I woke up a few minutes ago (5 a.m.) totally refreshed for the first time in a long time.  It is still dark outside so wondering "will it last" when I go down to check on Jericho and Shylo.  Lets just say that what ever awaits me, I am rested enough to 'clean it up' and calm enough not to have a nervous breakdown.  The real kicker is, it didn't even freeze last night.  They would have been fine outside.  Life is full of un-predictables and 'hell if you do & hell if you don't' s.
     Fez has moved onto the bed with Loren.  Jealous of Julia.  When Fez gets on a queen size bed, there is not much room for a human, let alone another dog as well.  Julia slept beside my bed.  She is in here squeaking.  Loren says I need to 'oil' her.  Hounds do squeak.  Julia is the epitome of squeak.
     Shylo and Jericho have discovered my light on.  They are barking their greeting.  Will be light soon so guess I will dish food bowls and see what awaits me in the shop.
2/13/12:  Jericho and Shylo enjoyed the shop so much yesterday and this morning, that I am crossing my fingers and saying a prayer tonight that all will be intact in the morning.  Just too freezing cold for them outside.  Jericho really suffers in the cold with his arthritic knee.  He planted his feet when I went to put them back earlier today.  So I brought them back down after feeding.  I left the light on, confined them to my room and the small outside yard of they need to potty.  Covered everything up and set a few 'scare traps' if Shylo tried to get into things he's not suppose to.  Leaned dust mop handles against some places and some empty boxes on top of others.  If he gets into stuff, something is going to fall without hurting him.  Just scaring him enough to leave it alone, I hope. 
     Woke up to snow this morning.  Came down until around 2.  Very wet.  Fez looked like my poke-a-dot material.  White dots on black.   I really don't think he was aware of how wet he was. 
     Early to bed after a hot bath... and a peek out the window to see who is barking.  Hope it's not Jericho.
2/11/12:  So cold today.  Sun came out and it looked nice outside, but it was freezing.  Dogs kept begging for a walk.  Didn't happen.  Bad enough just feeding and breaking ice.  The yard behind the house obviously stays less cold then the one with the dog house.  Good thing I built down there as Penny and Sarge really need it.  I turned up the heat in there.  I know it's going to be another $500 to $600 electric bill month.  No choice.  I just don't see how dogs can survive without heated shelter or at least wrapped and covered. 
     Fez was jealous, I guess.  He got on the bed and slept with Loren last night.  Julia has been sleeping there and is again tonight.  I was wondering why she was in with me last night.  Anyway, Loren said Fez does not know how or can't jump on the bed.  What he did was drape his front half over Loren and then pull himself up using Loren as a gripping post.   That must have been something to watch. 
     I worked in the shop a good part of the day.  I should have brought Shylo and Jericho in but got side tracked.  Before I knew it, it was 1:30 and I needed to fix lunch.   By the time that was done and eaten, it was close enough to feed the dogs. 
     It is almost midnight.  I tried going to bed several times but the barking... They get real quiet and I think I am sneaking in there and they sense that I am going to bed.  Time to protect mommy and the property... woof, woof, woof..... 
2/10/12:  Finally!  Julia is going out on her own.  Still coming back to the house to find a puddle, but I know she gets trapped by some and still reluctant to pass.  It's only taken a month!!  Well, actually 2 weeks since the first 2 weeks she was in the shop with Millie.  No accidents there at all.
    I do not know what was outside the yard, but they barked at it all night.  I suspect a stray dog or cat.  If it had not been 19 degrees and the wind making it feel like 40 below, I would have went looking.  All I could think of is 'if I see it's a dog and I do get it to come to me, where would I put it?'  It was one of those self preservation choices.  I don't make them very often, but (1) I don't need to expose myself to frostbite and (2) if I didn't catch it, I would have laid awake all night worrying about it.  It was just one of those better to not know situations.  Of course, this morning, still with frozen water and freezing temps, I still feel guilty for not at least going out to see.
     I finally got to sleep about 4 this morning.  I know the barking continued, but I was too tired to hear it.  Bear was really on a roll.  He wants in with the others so bad.  I don't have the courage.  Nor do I have the money for the potential vet bills.  Nor the emotions to allow one of my precious guys to be hurt.  It sucks.
2/9/12:  Jericho and Shylo joined me in the shop for awhile today.  They were curious but very good.  They have been in a house before.  Guess they just figured the dog house was not a full size human version so they weren't going in there.   Jericho has someone very interested in him.  It will be wonderful if it is a match for him.  He will miss Shylo, but it is just so hard to get people who want a huge pair.  Jericho will still be back and forth for the HW treatment and then I'll still pay for the knee replacement surgery.  Paying for it is even easier when I know he will be in a wonderful forever home and not just one of many here for the rest of his life. 
     It's 6 p.m.  Loren is already asleep.  Julia is on the bed with him.  Bear is in my room on my bed waiting for me.  I have some movies recorded so guess I will join him.
2/8/12:  Computer froze up as I was writing yesterdays entry.  I have no idea what went unsaid, but who cares :-)
    I got updates and photos on Toast, Tucker and Millie the past 2 days.  They are all just doing so good.  It keeps me going when I know I made such good choices for these dogs.  I just wish I had more confidence that EVERY decision was the best.  I am still agonizing over one from several months ago.  Good people, just not a good 'match'.  Sort of like they say about a 'soul mate'.  Everyone has one, but not everyone will find him/her so we either do without or we settle.   In rescue, we just can't wait forever making a decision for each one, but thank the Doggie Gods, we get lucky way more often the not.  Hundreds of dogs and we did have one soul mate touch our lives.  It just took him 11 years to find his way to us.  The best 23 months 2 weeks and 6 days of unconditional love we could ever experience.  I am certain I have placed a few that truly were their adopters soul mate.  I am also confident that, most of the time, when I settle, it is still in the best interest of the dog.
     Julia and I are making progress. It just takes a lot of patience to stand out in the cold with her.  I think she is starting to get the idea so hopefully in a few days (or weeks) she will not be afraid of the dark (or the other dogs) and go out on her own.   I have just been so lucky that is has not been a real winter yet.  I dread what may come before spring, so we got to get this 'understanding' solved.  Pyrs love snow and cold.  Hounds hate it.  Thus progress could end before we are done. 
     I am going to have to get proactive about Jericho and his knee replacement.  It is better for vet to refer to vet, but I'll just have to take the initiative.  I need to know he is a candidate for the surgery before I start begging money for it and the begging needs to start soon, if so.  $6000 is an awful lot of money.
2/7/12 Evening:   I thought dogs had good night vision; better then people, but I must be wrong.  At least in Julia's case.  She did do her 'jobs' outside, but I was beginning to think I was going to have to come back in the house and get a flash light.  I understand a dog 'holding it' so as not to go inside, but 'holding it' because they don't want to be outside is strange.  But then I deal mostly with Pyrs, not hounds.  Somebody's crying.  Most likely Julia.  There is probably a dog in her path and she is afraid to come to the computer room. ... She just made it.  Licking my leg under the desk.  It was her squeaking.  She is still squeaking.  I think she wants me to either go to bed where she can feel safe, or help her onto Lorens bed.  She is still limping.  It should be better by now. 
     Everybody got walked this morning. 
2/7/12:  I transported a beautiful Golden to Golden Rescue yesterday morning.  My mind actually thought about canceling and keeping him once I picked him up.  WOW, what a dog.  But that would not have been right for anyone including the dog.  But boy was he a keeper. 
     When I went down to feed Jericho and Shylo I got the third degree.  Jericho was jealous!!!  He always smells the other dogs on me and is use to each of their smells.  But this was amazing.  He went over every inch of me.  Could have been because the Golden was unaltered.  Or just a new dog smell.  Anyway, it actually was a bit unsettling.  I was already feeling sick (more on that next paragraph), but I spent way more time with him then usual.  I didn't want him to feel shunned or replaced.   Anyway, it was quite an interesting experience.  I'm still not sure how to interpret it.    
     Being able to go to bed and sleep off the flu is a luxury a rescue does not have.  I started feeling sick yesterday afternoon.  My gut felt like someone had been using it as a punching bag.  Being head butted by Goofy and Fez didn't help matters any.  Got the dogs fed and went to bed about 5:00.  One of those "I just want to die" sick.  I asked Loren to be sure Julia went potty just before he went to bed.  She is so afraid of being outside at night without an escort and will pee on every area rug.  Guess she does not go on the tile because it would get her feet wet.  I just brought the area rugs back in the house from out on the deck after being 'rain' cleaned.  Well, I know what a challenge it is to get her to pee outside.  Obviously Loren failed.  I don't fault him.  She has to have the gate to the garage and the gate to the house closed and you have to stand out there with her, sometimes for half an hour.  Most people would figure, no, she doesn't have to go.  Yep, she does.  She just doesn't want to be outside.   Anyway, I found the 'failure notice' on the rug in front of my bathroom... barefooted.  I am dying.  Loren has went to bed and asleep (or ignoring me) and I am up sopping up a gallon of urine on a rug that is "L" shaped and way to difficult for me to get out the door by myself. 
     Fez had sympathy for me.  He took charge of the doorway.  He always sleeps with Loren, but he knew I was sick and stayed right by me.  I thought that was so sweet even though it drove the other dogs crazy (and made them bark inside).  When Fez lays in a doorway, there is no passing through.  Once he moved, it was the usual ritual of up and down being door monitor. 
     Being door monitor is not optional.  The choices are simple.  I either get up and run interference past other dogs or they bark continuously.  I have tried ignoring them but after 2 full hours of non-stop barking, whom ever is stuck outside wins.  And it is not just one or 2 or even 3 that are intimidated or intimidating.  It is all of them. 
     It was about midnight when I got everyone settled in to stay.  It is not like I can get all 10 dogs inside at the same time so I can close them in.  Someone is always out on patrol until shift change... or security breach alert.  Critter in the yard. 
     So 3 a.m. I am awake.  (it's now 5 a.m.)  And I made Julia go out.  Closing gates, standing out there freezing, begging. "please go potty, Julia, and we can go back inside".  When finally she goes through the motions, only letting a little out (must save up for inside) and I praise her "Good potty, Good girl", and we go back inside.  She curls up next to the bed and is content.  I'm wide awake.  Sometime you can just will yourself well.  We women have a nurturing instinct that men don't seem to have.  If one of our children (2 legged or 4) need us, we are going to be there.  Anything less then death is not going to keep us from taking care of them.    Back to bed for hopefully some more sleep.
2/5/12:  There are certain things you learn from experience.  Many during childhood, like you don't stick your tongue to freezing metal.  One I didn't learn until old age was: Don't hold paper in your lips if you don't have lip gloss or anything like that on them.   I have had a very sore and very puffy lower lip for several days. The challenge was simple enough.  Standing on a step stool, scotch tape in one hand and a stack of notes I needed to tape up in the other.  I'm not coordinated enough to separate one piece of paper at a time to stick up on the peg board and I had nothing to lay them on so where else would I possible put them except between my lips.  It only took one second to discover that was a very bad decision.  They sucked all the moisture out of my lower lip and then clung for dear life while I tried to peel them off with as little lip loss as possible.   Not little enough.
     Julia is still carrying the hind leg.  About an hour after she gets her pain meds she is almost walking on it, but a few hours later I can tell they 'hit' wore off and she is carrying it again.  She is doing better going out to potty.  I still have to escort her but not all the way.  I can just take her to the second fence and she will go on out and go.  I am slipping on shoes now for these middle of the night outings.  My bedroom slippers are still soaked.  Fuzzy terrycloth does have a tendency to absorb all the available water on the ground.... sort of like paper sucking on your lip. 
    We had an over abundance of eggs last week so I boiled up a dozen for the dogs.  They love them boiled.  I peeled 3 a day and split them between the 14 dogs.  No one got much, just a treat in their food bowl.  They do hide pills good, though.  Another lesson it took 66 years to learn.  If you are going to share your bedroom and especially your bed with a dog,  don't feed her eggs with dinner.  I had 'it' coming at my olfactory system from all directions.  My only escape was to get up and go in the other room for awhile. 
   One more thing, if a dog pees on a 6 x 8 area rug, don't lay it out on the deck when rain is predicted.  It also has the capacity to absorb 10 times it's weight in water.  I did manage to get it over the railing to 'drain' but it may not get dry enough to bring in to steam clean before the next rainfall. 
   Enough lessons for the week. 
2/4/12: It's 3 a.m. and I took Julia out to potty.  Just a drizzle of rain but ground is saturated.  I should have put on shoes and not slippers.  Usually rain is a good thing, but earlier when the thunder was so loud it rattled the windows, even the bravest of dogs took to hiding.  I found Sahara in the bathroom trying to figure out how to hide in the bathtub with Parker.  Julia was shaking so bad she could not even walk.  I've seen a lot of dogs shake, but never with such total fear as she did.  Even Bear was banging to come into our side of the house.  I was so tempted.  I think Bear is ready but I don't think the others are ready to trust him.  I know Goofy sure isn't.  After Bear scared him by going after him, he does the Zelda thing and growls and barks when he passes the sliding door and sees Bear.  Anyway, all is quiet.  Back to bed to snuggle with Sissy and hope Sweetness kept my spot warm.
    Evening:  My poor daughter is the victim of a cyber hate attack.  Some deaf just never grow up.  They have the mentality of a teenager.  Luckily my daughter is not one of those.  She is a responsible adult, wife, mother, grandmother and business woman.  Some of her acquaintances quit maturing in 8th grade.  Anyway, I still want to go kick butt.  She's my daughter!
     I never seem to get as much done as I plan.  I always feel like I am working in slow motion.  It should not take 2 hours to take pix of 17 samples of terrycloth, photoshop them onto a chart and write information.  But that is what it took.  Of course there are always small interruptions.  I think I am totally set as far as charts, instructions, labels, promotional sheets, pricing and physically organizing the collars.  I spent about 2 hours sorting and categorizing by price and size so when I get 'starter' orders, I can just grab and box without having to sort and size and price.   This has also given me perspective what I need to work on.  Too many of some and none of others. 
     My email program crashed again yesterday.  Lost everything in my inbox.  If you are awaiting a reply, please resend.  I know I needed to respond to at least a dozen emails when it crashed.  At least is was only the inbox, sent folder and all my 'saved' files and not the address book.  That is still in tact.  I don't like change.  If it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it.  I could still be living very happily with Windows ME, Outlook Express, Front Page 2003 and Photoshop 2.  But no, I'm Windows 7, Mozilla (because it is suppose to be simple), still holding onto FP 2003 but have to transfer before I upload and using Photoshop PS something, almost newest.  "Latest, greatest" is not a true statement for me and technology.  Give me old and dependable and made in the USA.  
2/3/12:  Don't have a clue where the past 3 days went.  Sure know I didn't sleep through them.  Maybe just sleep walked through them.  Short term memory is almost shot.  Trouble is, when you don't remember 5 minutes ago, how can it make an imprint on your mind to remember later, thus no long term memory, Right? 
    Julia hurt her leg yesterday.  Into the vet for x-rays today.  Nothing showed up.  She is definitely hurting.  Now if it were Zelda or Sweetness, they are really good at faking it for sympathy. 
     The change in medicine for Sissy from over a month ago is sure working.  She can walk the full distance with the other dogs.  I use to only walk her half way.  And she barrels around the house jumping on the bed and mattresses and leaping like a puppy sometimes.  Maybe the medicine has some happy pill narcotic in it.  Maybe I should try it.  It is for humans and came from Wal-Mart pharmacy.  Anyway, I am so glad she is so perky.  Several months ago I was sure she would not make it to her 10th birthday this April 1, but now I think she may make it to Birthday 12, which is really old for an ASD. 
     Got a call from Linda at Green Forest.  A black lab, Lincoln, that has been there for almost a year just got adopted.  If we had not gotten the numbers reduced 2 months ago, and kept them reduced, he would have died.  I know there is a miracle out there for every dog, but sometimes they just show up too late.  I'm so glad Lincolns miracle made it in time. 
     The 2 border collies at AC here both had good adopter prospects but they are still there.  Such nice and great looking dogs so really a shame.   I met them both for a guy who was going to come get one.  Guess he changed his mind.  Really sad. 
     Jericho and Shylo really want to be part of the 'family'.  They won't eat now until I sit down on their beds and pet them for 5 minutes.  Not so bad yesterday, but today was so cold.  At least the tarps kept the beds dry.  I was concerned since there is a gap at the top.  Luckily the rain must have been falling in the opposite direction.  There is no way to seal the gap, at least that I can think of. 
   Well, Julia is at my feet.  At least her rear end is, and she is smelling up the room.  I think I will vacate.
1/30/12:  The weather was like spring!  Gorgeous.  The dogs have really been enjoying it.   Me too.  Snow is predicted for the weekend so I want to savor every minute of this.  But the wind just kicked up this evening and Sissy is bound and determined to bark it into submission.
     I spent the day cleaning the shop.  Every muscle aches.  Most of them do all the time anyway, but I added a few to the list today.  I re-arranged all the collar stuff and moved several rolls of carpet to the basement.  I have some beautiful purple commercial carpet never unrolled.  I was not sure how much was on there.  26 feet!!!  My room in the shop is 30 x 30 so it made a nice center area where I work.  Only bad thing is it shows every little speck of  anything.  I brought Julia down with me because she is pottying in the house all day when I am not there to run interference for her to get past the other dogs to go outside.  She thought I rolled it out just for her.  Anyway, I still have to figure out where to put a roll of padding that is 12' long and about 20' on the roll.  Weighs about 100 pounds.  Loren and I together could not move it.  We worked together on the same end and got it onto the work table a little at a time.  I had lowered the table to about 18" off the floor (it is on a hydraulic lift) so we didn't have to lift too high.  The table is back at work height but I have this huge roll of pad in the way and not a clue how or where to move it.  I suppose common sense would have been to put it under the carpet.  Too late now. 
     While I was in the process of all this, Julia got past me and out the door.  That was another un-needed event.  I really thought she would come when called.  Yah, right!  We left the doors open and eventually she came back inside.  And took a nap...
     Right now she is out in the garage.  I took her out to go potty (yes, she does need an escort past the others) and she made a turn and that was it.  I tried coaxing her out, but I guess she feels safe in there.  Before I go to bed I will take a leash out and bring her in.  She sleeps beside my bed and I think it is important we keep that ritual even tough it is only been a ritual for 2 nights.  She has had enough loss in her life in the past 2 weeks; her owner, her canine friend Bonnie and then her new canine friend Millie all gone.  She is probably pretty insecure and confused.  I'm her only constant that is left that does not scare her so I need to be here for her. 
1/29/12: Yesterday was busy and so was today.  I'm ready for a nap but it's after 3 and Sahara will start her dinner time notice in half an hour.
     Millie went home with a really nice couple yesterday afternoon.  Before nightfall, she hit the door a runnen'.  We went out to help look this morning.  Heard her very unique vocal but with the wind blowing, I think it impeded us getting her to respond to our call.  Anyway, just got a call that she returned exhausted!  Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing.  They are the kind of people who will welcome her back with love and treats.   Then she will always know it is good to come "home" when they call.  No traffic or bad neighbor concerns, but there are bear, cougars and wild boar so I'm sure if she ever encounters one, her traveling days will be over.   Fez terrified her and he just wanted to be friends, so I'm sure she is not going to hang around if a bear approaches.  She will never want to step foot out of her peoples sight.
    Brought Julia up and that has been a difficult transition.  They all intimidate her so I have had messes to clean up.  She is just afraid to go past ANY of them.   No one is being mean or threatening to her, she is just nervous.  Maybe it's a hound/ Pyrenees thing??   Anyway they are all closed outside right now.  I am hoping she will realize they will not hurt her. 
    We worked in the shop for awhile.  I'm re-arranging and finally cleaning.  With dogs in there 24/7 I have not made much effort.  I'm ready now to really clean.  Mopping in sections and mostly trying to figure out what to do with all the carpet from that endeavor.  Some of it's plenty big to re-carpet the one bedroom but moving the furniture out is such a pain.  Anyway, we have just way too much stuff and some we just aren't going to give away.   Need to sell it. 
    I let Bear in for awhile.  It has been way too long.  He is asleep by me feet.  He gets to sleep half the night with me and I pet him while I watch a movie before I go to sleep.   It's still not in the main part of the house.  He just looks so eager to come in and join the pack.   But I am just too afraid.  Breaking up 12 dogs all averaging 100 pounds is not in my capabilities or my range of insanities. 
1/28/12 Barely:  I wish Goofy would use the doggie door.  Parker was in the kitchen in his usual spot and Goofy won't come in without an escort.  If it's Zelda or Sahara, then the other girls bark to get me up because they won't come in without an escort.  None of them fight (Bear is on the other side) so no reason they need my guard escort service.  They are all sleeping so quietly.  I'll just lay awake for hours now.  If I go to the shop, they will wake up Loren.  I am their goat AND their guardian.  I think we have roll issues. 
1/27/12: Called the Pyr info into the radio station this morning and within a few hours they were on their way back home.  Lovely people.  Amazingly these were goat dogs, but the people had enough sense to spay them and socialize them.  
    I was glad to get Penny back in her yard and Sarge was actually happy to go back with her. 
    Another really nice man came and met Millie.  Meeting 2 honest to goodness dog loving people in one day was really great.  Anyway, he will talk it over with his wife and call me tomorrow.  I would love this for Millie.  She is such a sweet girl and it makes me feel so bad she is scared of Fez. 
    I needed twist ties for packaging the collars.  I raided every box of trash bags I could find.  Loren went on eBay and found a bunch.  they are expensive.  Over a penny each.  But then I found some for a little over 2 cents each and had to have them!!! Paw prints!!!  It will look so cool sending out the collars with the paw print tie.  If I had found any way cheaper then a penny each, I would have just went with plain, but if I had to spend that much, I might as well get something really cool.
     We are going to pick up a sheet of pegboard tomorrow.  I re-arranged part of the shop.  Trying to get things where it is easy access.  I wish I had a place to put all the carpet rolls and the rugs I made.  I loved making them but when the gas prices went so high, so did shipping and it was more to ship then the asking price.  So the endeavor flopped.  If I could ever get all the excess stuff moved, I'd roll some of it out over the tile.  If Millie gets a home, Julia will come to the house.  Then no dogs living in the shop and the carpet would stay reasonably nice. 
1/26/12:  It was so cold today.  I got chilled and like to never warmed up.  But this evening was nicer then the day time.  Friend was going down the road and found 2 Pyrs.  They are here.  Obviously someone will be looking for them.  They are in really good shape aside from burrs and smelling like they rolled in horse manure.  And friendly!!  They did not want me to leave and of course they are forever indebted to me for getting the burrs out.  One had 6 clustered in the hind foot and could not put the foot down.  I spent about an hour with the flash light pulling the burrs out and they were so appreciative.  I had to put Sarge in the shop and Penny in the house.   Already had to clean up 2 puddles.  Either they scared the pee out of her or Parker was protesting her presence and he did it.  She is always submissive the first day.  An equal the second and on day 3 she has taken over!!  
    Sadly, we believe the goat dog we spent most of Saturday trying to catch got shot by the neighbor.  That will weigh heavy on me tonight.  If I had not seen it. Had not look in it's eyes and had it look in mine, I would not be so emotional.  He was trying to trust me but he had a job to do, to protect his goat.  I guess he was protecting their chickens too because this morning all the chickens were dead.  Something had killed them.  The neighbor should be held financially accountable for the loss.  The dog did not go on his property.   The neighbors dogs came on theirs.
     I've been up since 3.  Got my sleep out and figured why lay in bed.  Of course as soon as I left the house for the shop they all made a loud protest and woke Loren up.  It would have been pointless to go back to the house then.  Anyway, I got a lot done.  The sample collars are ready to send with the swatches and all the promo stuff.  I need to find that business card for the store in Springfield.  I don't know where I put it.  Probably in a pocket that went through the wash.  Guess I could look on line.  I do remember the managers name.  There is still a tad of memory cells left up there... but I still have not remembered where or found that dozen big bottles of Glucosamine Chondroident I "put up". 
1/25/12:  I know I need to 'let it go', but that adoption 'donation' was a slap in the face.  I took over an almost full $10 bag of dog food the dog had 2 meals out of and a partial box of Heartguard and enough frontline and Advantix to cover 6 months AND I didn't get my new lead back. So I am out about $85 above the shortfall on the grooming.  I'm just working so damn hard to make some money only to have someone take advantage.  I hate to be a hard ass on adoption fees, but the rescue can't survive.  I value every single donation, no matter how small but those donations should not be benefitting cheapskates who don't want to give a fair amount to adopt a dog.  Those donations need to be for dog food and special needs vetting.  Normal vetting and 'special' grooming and stuff that comes with the dog should be covered by the adopter. 
    I'm just stressed and scared.  Adopter/ dog friends are dying and Loren won't go to the doctor.  Things come in threes.  Marilyn died just before Christmas and Clyde a week ago.  Dogs Trevor and Gigi died recently.  Maybe the thirds, I just don't know about...yet...or maybe they are to come. 
    I need to figure out how to raise about $5000 - $6000 for Jericho's knee surgery and re-hab, if he is a candidate.  It would be cruel to deprive him of a pain free life because lack of money stood in the way.  Or to amputate a leg that CAN be fixed.  Or to euthanize him.  He is only 5 years old and most of that life has not been happy.  It is obvious from the knee x-rays he has suffered a very long time.  It is heart wrenching to watch him walk across the yard to find a place to poop.  And then the agony on his face when he tries to squat on a leg that will not bend.  Or to watch him try to pee and almost tip over.  The bad leg won't 'hike' so he has to put his weight on it.  I hold his food bowl even though Loren made him a great elevated bowl holder.  He is so wobbly I have to move the bowl as he wobbles to keep his balance and moves trying to find the right place and the right position.  The yard is not level so that adds to the problem.  Just slightly on a decline but necessary for rain runoff.  Building it up under the carport would only create an insurmountable step which would make his potty trips that much more difficult.  And he can't bend to use a doggie door.  He needs one custom made 3' high and 2' wide with only the slightest step at the bottom.  He's not my Keeton, but he needs me right now as much as Keeton once did. 
  Evening:  Poured rain all day.  The rain on the shop with the metal roof is so loud.  Poor Millie was so scared.  She kept running outside so I finally just closed her in.  I've been with her most of he day.  I wish so much I could bring her up to the house, but I am so afraid she will go over the fence again and not be so lucky getting home. 
     We did go out briefly.  There is a hardware store closing in a few days.  Loren bought me a 3 sided revolving rack to hang collars on.  I was running out of room.  I was able to make it 6' tall so I can utilize all the surface space above dog hair level. 
     I need to remember to 'look' at Shylo tomorrow.  It is a dumb name for a male and I noticed on the paperwork it said female, but at the vets when she called, she said 2 males.  I never gave it a second thought.  Groomer didn't correct me when I said male.  So maybe?  Would not be the first time someone got the sex mixed up on a dog. 
    There is another dumped Pyr in Georgia.  I should probably see if Perry is making a run that way.  She is old and in pretty bad shape.  Their euthanasia rate there is horrific and their animal control intake of Pyrenees is way more then any other area I know of.   I get at least one notice a week of one who only has days and sometimes just hours for a rescue.  But where would I put it and how can I afford another mouth to feed let alone vet bills out the kazoo.
    Off to bed.  I'll cuddle with Bear and Sweetness.  Then Bear leaves somewhere between midnight and 2  then I open the door for Sissy and she takes his place.  Parker is probably already in the bathtub. 
1/24/12:  Updating the memorial page.  It brings such sadness AND such doubt.  The doubt is with the dogs that "I" had to make the decisions with.  Could I have done better?  Tried harder?  Researched for more opinions?  Holding life in our hands is such a big responsibility.  We say so often how it makes no sense that we are considered compassionate when we 'let the dog go' to relieve it's suffering, yet we are inhumane when we wish the same for humans we love.  But maybe I understand.  The difference is those questions.  Those same questions.  For the general population, they are more daunting when a human life is involved.  We would beat ourselves up harder and longer with those questions.  Those same questions.   
Afternoon:    My patience is wearing thin.  Not with dogs, but with people.  Two idiots in one day is too much.  I got screwed over on a dog.  The donation didn’t even cover the grooming that I am paying for that they requested.  I was just paying for a bath, but they wanted a clip.  Then there is a person who I have been trying to help find a dog.  She does not have a computer and does not understand them.  I have found so many great ones but they are never ‘quite right.  Well, she called this afternoon wanting to know what I knew about a certain breed.  This puppy she is going to BUY from a PUPPY MILL is nothing like what she had me spend hours looking for.  She wanted an adult of a different breed.  She knows nothing about dog personalities.  She thinks if it is a certain color and coat length, it will have the same personality of her dog that died.  I am NOT kidding.  Nice lady, but the brain is just not working.  Neither in mine today.
    Loren got up just long enough to go with me to pick up my doggie door that was at Clydes and to get the adoption agreement signed for Bonnie.  He is back in bed again.  He refuses to go to the doctor. I think maybe his medication needs changed or adjusted.  It looks like a pharmacy in his medicine cabinet.   
    Jericho and Shylo did not want to eat.  They just wanted me to pet them.  They are such loving dogs.  I found there is knee replacement for dogs.  I sent the link to Rob.
1/23/12:  Got the order finished and boxed.  Dropped off some ear solution to Janice on my way to get some dog food for the expensive eaters.  Paid the vet bill.  Went to the grocery store.  Got home around 3.  The house dogs did win out and got fed first.  I had not eaten anything all day, so had a sandwich.  I would have probably passed out before getting the other dogs fed if I hadn't put me before them.  Sometimes you just got to get your priorities straight.  Wonder if they smelled the sandwich and were disappointed at being last? 
    I got a very sad call this evening.  The adopters of Gigi had their house burn down day after Christmas.  A total loss.  Gigi and 2 other of their dogs died in the fire.  Gigi's human almost died too.  She has 2nd and 3rd degree burns all over her body.  The house just literally exploded and blew her outside into the yard.  My heart really goes out to them.   They are living in a friends camp trailer while the insurance company plays games over the claim.  They got a dog from the local humane society to keep them company.  To realize how a life can change in the blink of an eye.  Sasha's mom learning she had stage 4 cancer and within weeks, she was gone.  Clyde knowing he was dying, but reality did not set in until he got into the hospital.  Having ones house blow up while you are feeding your dogs.  The tornado that devastated Alabama today.  We walk that fine line of uncertainty every day.  In way we have to expect tomorrow and plan for it, but yet we need to prepare incase, for us, it does not come.  God be with CJ and Catherine as they put their lives back together.  Rest in peace sweet Gigi. 
1/22/12:  Spent the better part of yesterday afternoon trying to catch a goat dog that had no intention of being caught.  Poor thing is just doing his job.  He does not realize if he is not moved, he is in danger of being shot by a neighbor.  Heart breaks for him.
    Penny is getting an attitude after just 2 days up at the house.  She growled and snapped at Chipi last night out of jealousy.  She had run of the house yesterday while I was gone and Loren was in the shop.  When we both came back, she was the only one inside.  This is totally not normal.  Fez and Sissy prefer in and Goofy is usually in during the day.  I may have to set up a crate for when we are away or when she pulls her jealousy crap.  She needs a dog with her energy level. 
    I got a few hours sleep.  It is not quite 3:00 a.m.  I was awakened (I say 'woke up' even if it is bad grammar)  about midnight.  Penny was outside barking at Sissy.  GRRRR!  Goofy needed in also.  Penny is curled up sound asleep two feet from me right now.  Anyway, I have been cleaning my desk.  I have several things I have put off and have lost my contact notes.  I have a work number for the man that has Sherman, but lost the home number and the address.  As I was going through all my stack of notes, I entered what I understood in my email address book, saved a few that I may someday remember what they involved and threw away half a trash basket full.  Checking those twice and retrieving a few.  I've thrown away important stuff before that I never did find, even after dumpster diving.  I'm tired.  My brain is tired.  I feel so overwhelmed with all the things that need done, things I have neglected.  I seem to accomplish nothing.  I need a volunteer to do data entry.  I need a volunteer to do dog adoption follow ups.  I lay in bed after being woke up (I like that phrase best) and wonder about certain dogs that I have not heard about in some time.  If even one ended up rehomed and not with good people, I would be devastated.  Not knowing takes it's toll on me.  And I need to follow up on Bonnie.  That was my intention yesterday before the goat dog dilemma. I have 4 emails and 4 callers wanting to adopt her so I don't need some guy who can't decide after 4 days!  Wrong kind of people in my book.
    Hopefully I can get back to sleep for a few hours.  More then hope, once I get up in the real morning (this is still night) I can finish the collar order and those swatch charts.  I do not have a clue the best way to make the charts so the fabric can be laid over the different colors of terrycloth.   Plus my printer ink will not be here until Tuesday.  Totally screws me up.  Staples commercials about printer ink LIE!!  They do not carry for this new printer and the part for the old one just doubled in price.  Twenty inks and no printer for them. 
  Night time:  Evening's done past.  One very long and hellish day.  Was considering taking on another dog.  The perfect 'look' and sounds to be a perfect girl but the morning went south and I realized I just could not handle another dog in the house. 
    Jericho and Shylo will not go in the heated dog house.  I could not even coax them in with food or sitting on the floor with the door wide open.  No point in them being in that yard if they are not going to utilize the dog house and heat.   I decided to put them back in their original yard.  They seem to like it best.  Rather then moving the one bed that I so creatively created shelter for through hours of freezing labor and darkness setting in, I decided it was easier to leave the bed there and make another one.  Moving them went well. 
    Then I decided I would put Sarge back in the shop since Penny was in the house.  He got really grumpy at Julia.  So I decided to bring Julia to the house.  She got so excited while I was slipping the lead over her head, her head came up and gave me a fat lip.  It still feels swollen. NEVER open the door with dog in tow and 4 other dogs on the other side.  I lost hold of the handle when Julia backed up.  Fez, Goofy, Penny and Sissy all ran out.  Fez was easy.  He came back.  Penny was not bad to catch.  Sissy took a walk.  Her arthritis slowed her down.  But Goofy was gone!  Cutting across the field and through thickets and on to other roads.  Totally ignoring my pleading then commanding to come back.  Loren got the car out and went looking.  I had a breakfast cake in the oven.  Ran back to the house to turn it off.  The only thing that went right at that moment.  Loren finally got back with Goofy.  In the mean time, I had decided this was not a good plan.  I put Sarge back in the dog house yard.  Moved Penny down there with him and put Julia back in the shop with Millie. 
    About 1:00 we went back to the house to make lunch.  There is one sure way to vacate the dogs from the house instantly.  Set off the smoke detectors.  It works wonders.  Not a one remained behind as, like idiots, we began waving away smoke.  Loren grabbed the dust pan and I grabbed a feather duster and we are waving them like crazy to no avail.  Turned up the ceiling fans but they were still screeching like hyenas in heat.  Then sanity returned and I grabbed a chair and Loren took them off the ceiling and I took them into the other room.  DUH!  His toast was charcoal.  My beacon was close.  I need to mention the beacon is a separate incident.  Loren turned my beacon off thinking it was the culprit while the toast continued to smolder.  Anyway, after the detectors became quiet, I turned the beacon pan back on, got sidetracked and whallah, extra crispy, soot colored beacon.  Since it was the end of the package and I was really wanting a beacon sandwich, I ate it anyway.  Loren put some more toast in and stood over it like a guard.  Now, 6 hours later, the house still smells like burnt toast and beacon. 
    Between all the chaos, I did work in the shop a few hours.  I figured out how I would do the swatch charts for the collars.  I have way too many choices.  But by eliminating just one color or one fabric, I knock out maybe a dozen different designs... and I love the creativity and individuality.  It will be my un-doing.  Anyway, I have got to get the order boxed tomorrow but know it will not ship until Tuesday.  Too time consuming to make just one chart so I will spend several hours assembly-lining them and making a bunch. 
   Now it is time for a hot soak in the tub... and then crawl into fur lined sheets.
1/20/12:  I worked on collars all morning until 2:00  I figured when Loren keeled over from starvation, he'd complain :-)  After food, I was going to do some more but decided I really needed to shuffle dogs.  Fed them and then moved them.
     I put Sarge in the shop with the hounds. Neither them nor he was thrilled, but so be it.  Millie and Julia have really made friends with Bonnie gone.  They run and play and wrestle.  It makes me feel so good to watch them have so much fun.  I moved Penny to the house.  As long as I keep certain doors closed and all shoes out of reach, all should be fine.  She is curled up on the bed with Loren sleeping. 
    I moved Jericho and Shylo to the big yard with the heated dog house.  This morning when I went to feed they were shivering.  Pyrs should not shiver.  I knew it was just too cold for them even with all the tarps and quilts.  Anyway, Jericho learned 'out' on the doggie door but I could not coax him to go in.  Shylo wanted nothing to do with the room.  I tried for about 20 minutes, even sitting on the floor in there with Jericho's head in my lap and the door open letting all the heat out.  Shylo would not even look in. 
    There is a lean-to next to the dog house and a big thicket of cedar on the other side of the fence which makes for a great wind break.  I decided to enclose that area with tarps and move one of the beds under there.  Of course the lean-to is only 6'4" and the bed is 6' 7".  I draped a tarp over the top, put a board on it and screwed it all down.  Then did the same with the backside.  It is pretty secure, I hope.  It got dark just as I was finishing up.  Shylo was investigating it.  Jericho was laying out under the carport watching.  Then as soon as I left, they started crying!  Why do they do that?  Made me feel so bad.  They will get a lot more attention down there because I will have a warm place to sit with them.  I'm sure Shylo will decide the dog house is a good place in a few days.  In the meantime he has his lean-to UNLESS Jericho decides to take it over.  would be just my luck. 
1/19/12:  A really good day.  I got an order for 30 collars.  Millie and Julia are going to be seeing a lot of me the next few days! 
    Jericho has all of a sudden become comfortable and happy.  He completely trusts me now.  I can reach out to pet him without having to practically crawl to approach him.  I can stand up straight and reach out over his head to pet him.  He almost smiles when he gets on his new bed.  Did I mention we made a second one as they both would not fit on the one.  They trade around and are happy doing so.  They don't even pull the quilts on the ground.  they actually leave them nicely folded under them on the beds.  Maybe they could give Penny lessons in good manners and good housekeeping.  Loren made him an elevated bowl holder.  He thought about it yesterday.  When I gave up and put the bowl on the rug, he laid down to eat.   Tonight he ate from his elevated bowl.  They have both very quickly stolen my heart. 
    Bear is on my bed waiting for me to join him.  I'm ready. 
1/18/12:  Bonnie may have a local home.  Things will be easier.  I may try Penny at the house again.  She just needs an attitude adjustment.  I'll put Sarge back in the shop with Millie.  I am sure he and Julia will be fine.  I need to get Julia into the house, but I can't put Penny in the shop because she made a disaster last time using my expensive cones of thread as chew toys.  There ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough to keep her from getting my stuff.  Bet if you are old enough, the tune is running through your head:-)
    Just printing up my pamphlets and ran out of one ink.  Went to replace it and discovered only 3 of the inks are the right ones.  Loren ordered all 8 colors and 5 of them are for a similar but different printer.  They won't fit.  Not his fault because they come as a 'set' and 3 are correct, but of course not the color I need.  It will take a week as Staples or Wal-mart do not carry it.   Crap!  Time to buy the part for the old one.  I have way more value of ink for it then what the part will cost. 
     Well, since I  am not waiting for the printer to finish... which it did... but not from being done,  I guess I will just go to bed.
1/17/12:  Jericho had x-rays this morning.  He has a good solid spine and hips, but his right knee is a mess.  Obviously an old injury that was never taken care of.  Terrible arthritis in it.  He can't bend it.  That is why he has such a hard time squatting.  Try it.  Even with humans, you got to bend the knees.  They don't have knee replacement for dogs, just 'elbow' repair like when Sahara dislocated her elbow.  Anyway, he is just 5 years old.  He looked so old before he was cleaned up.  Plus the way her walks.  But he is not old after all. 
     We make another bed this afternoon.  Jericho had taken over the one intended for him so needed to make one for Shylo.  They are very happy each to have a soft place to stretch out.  I picked up a quilt at the thrift store after we got some lunch.  Pizza buffet day.  The quilt is not as fluffy as the other but went to 3 thrift stores before I even found one worth buying. 
    Met the nicest people today.  They have a doggie motel and day spa down in Little Rock.  Don't know how they heard about me but have been following my blog for some time.   He took Fez for a walk and loved the collars so bought the ones I had done up and a few other dog items.  The money was sure needed.  
     Fez met Jericho and Shylo.  It was very friendly.  Never sure when dogs have claimed a space, but if I bring them up, I won't have to worry about Fez not accepting them.  Zelda would probably have a fit.  She thinks the house is way over crowded with white already. 
1/16/12:  I had the most pleasant surprise this morning.  Jericho was sleeping on the new bed we made.  I was so glad!  He and Shylo got groomed this morning.  I stayed and helped because they came in special for me.  They are usually closed on Mondays.  Shylo was pretty easy so he got done while we were picking up Jericho.  That was an experience.  Jericho is getting much more friendly and trusting.  He also got a bit bossy to Shylo when they were put back in the yard.  A real turn around in position.  They may not have even recognized each other since they both smelled so nice! 
     Loren went to bed right after helping me get the dogs home this morning.  He did not have a good night.  Not the dogs, just feeling lousy. 
    Just before I left a man came in looking for a small dog to adopt.  I am crossing my fingers he will come look at Bonnie.  She is just annoying to me.  I don't care for bouncy little dogs.  Give me a 125 pound drooling lap dog any day.
    I did toy retrieval this morning.  Found 7 and all still squeaked!!!  They got a wash and dry and then Fez got to pick 3.  The others went in the cupboard.  
    It is so windy.  I wanted to secure another tarp but I don't think I can handle it alone.  If I hung on too tight, I'd probably become air borne.  I am not fond of wind.  How I ended up in a state with tornadoes is beyond me.  At least it is not freezing. Actually it is quite warm. 
     I mustered up the energy to give Zelda and Goofy a walk but was not up to additional trips.  I could have taken Sahara and Parker as I can handle those 4, but getting them in and keeping Fez from breaking down the door is too much to handle alone.  We could walk tomorrow but Jericho has a vet appointment at 9:45.  That means starting to load him at 9:15 for a 5 minute trip. 
    He just does not fit in the back seat.  I made a small bench to set on the floor to make it almost level with the seat.  Luckily I found boards close to the right size so didn't have to cut into anything big.  Covered it with carpet and then put a blanket on top.  Hope it works.  Hope when he gets in he does not go all the way across as it is only behind the drivers side.  I needed foot space for me in the back seat with him and don't really want my chin resting on my knees even if it is only a 5 minute drive. 
    Feeding time and they are letting me know. 
1/15/12:  Talked to Janice yesterday about Jericho.  Actually both dogs.  She has a neat calf hut and wanted to know where she got it.  I figured it might work for Jericho.  He is not going to go inside of anything easily so thought the openness might be ok.  They have to be ordered.  Anyway, she gave me some great info on what to do for the 2.  I was headed in the right direction, but had not thought about some of the stuff she said.  Anyway, I made a trip to the health food store for them yesterday.  Glad they like hot dogs because they sure won't eat a lot of other stuff I try for pill consumption.  Hot dogs and that kind of crap are always my last resort.  Anyway, I decided to put them both on grain free.  That is going to suck up $100 a month over the other dog food cost.  I just need to make Shylo healthy and make Jericho comfortable.  It is the best I can hope for with his age and condition.  My nerves are shot.  I have an appointment on Monday for them both to be groomed.   I will stay there with Jericho.  He is so physically fragile and too insecure to experience more strangers without a familiar face.  I worry he might struggle and hurt himself.  Those legs and hips are just scary bad.  Then Jericho sees Rob (the vet) on Tuesday.  I think he was on vacation the entire time and did not examine the dogs.  (Which he would not have done anyway for dogs that are just there for boarding).  I just want to hug Jericho but he is not ready to let me. 
    Back to bed.  Started this at 2:30 a.m.  Got up at midnight.  Dogs are quiet.  Just nerves woke me up.  Sissy will start missing me soon and bark and get everyone going so need to crawl back in bed beside her before she notices I've been gone. 
  Evening:  It's 4 p.m.  That's evening when you are thinking about going to bed.   I fed the non-house dogs about an hour ago because my back is killing me.  Too much bending, lifting and cleaning.  Anyway, because the house dogs saw me go out with food, they have been demanding fed for an hour.  First Sissy came and tried to climb in my lap.  That hurt!   Then when she was unsuccessful at getting me to feed, it was Sahara's turn.  She barks and then just stared at me.  Intently.  As if to send me a message via ESP.  Then it was Chipi's turn to try.  She rested her head on my arm very heavily.  She has a small chin, but she can sure make it weigh a lot. 
      Before I crash, I need to do the squeaky toy retrieval.  There is only one left in the house and it is among the dead.  I suspect most of those outside are also. 
     Fez just began his demand, very loudly.  They win.
1/14/12:  I am saddened that the dogs trust fund is "missing."   The last real conversation I had with Clyde was about the money for the dogs.  He had pulled it out of savings several months ago when I found the home for Bindy.  He knew he was dying.   Each of the 3 dogs had a cash 'trust fund'.  He gave me Bindy's and I have doled it out according to his wishes.  For Julia and Bonnie it was cash in the envelope with the dogs papers.  The final conversation about it was the day before he went into the hospital where they stuck him on morphine and took away his functionality.  He trusted his neighbor with the house keys.  There was no money in the dogs paperwork envelope when the neighbor handed it to me Tuesday.  Now in looking back, he said "this is all that was in here" (the envelope).  It never clicked.  I had not mentioned where the money was suppose to be, just that it is was set aside and that it was there in the house.  When I called today to get my doggie door I had lent Clyde, the neighbor was very rude, said I would have to take up anything with the daughters, but was not forthcoming with how I can reach them.  I guess the hospital or Hospice would have their information.  I at least want to send a card.  He talked about them a lot.  Intimate feelings I doubt he shared with anyone else.  I think they would like to know how much he loved them and why he moved so far away from them.
     Loren helped me make Shylo and Jericho a bed.  We used a bi-fold closet door as the base, put it on some 2 x 4's so it would stay dry off the ground, covered it with carpet and then put a big fluffy comforter on top.  It was mostly intended for Jericho but he is not ready to go near it.  He is really unsure of everything.  Shylo took to laying on it shortly after I set on it and showed him it was to lay on.  Hopefully Jericho will use it.  It was so simple and I have plenty of those doors. I may make another one tomorrow.  It is big enough for 2 dogs but they never lay together.  And Shylo kind of makes the decisions for them both.  I also put up a tarp in the corner where I put the bed.  It would get rained on if I had not.  Only disadvantage is now I can't see from my window if either one is using it.  I do have 2 tall windows I could secure to the fence in place of the tarp so I could see, but I need to think on it first. 
    Having Bonnie, Julia and Millie together is a bit stressful.  Especially at feeding time.  Clyde free fed Bonnie and Julia.  I think Bonnie survived on 'treats'.  I had to go buy a 'small dog' bag of food.  She could not eat what was provided.  She really struggled.  She likes what I got but so do the others.  Millie thinks I am starving her to death anyway.  Julia is catching on real fast that you eat twice a day, not all day.  Bonnie just runs in circles barking when I put her food down.  She won't eat in the crate where her food is safe from being stolen by the others.  I really don't have time to sit for 30 minutes while she decides she wants one bite, then runs in circles again.  I could crate Millie to eat but that is not fair.  She'd finish and be in there for hours before Bonnie finished.  It is not like Bonnie missing a meal is going to starve her.  She needs to lose about 20% of her weight.  Maybe more.  She should weigh about 13 to 14 pounds.  She is near 17 pounds. 
    Bonnie and Julia have taken over Millie's favorite window spot.  I feel so bad for Millie.  There is enough room for all 3, but she just won't go up there when Bonnie is there.  If I could move my work table, I could move the carpet rolls out of the way and build 3 "window seats" but the table is on a car lift and it ain't going anywhere, not even a few inches. 
    I wish I knew how to correct Fez from jumping on the glass doors.  He only does it when we are on the other side so it is hard to stop him.  He is going to come crashing through one of these days.  I need to gather his toys up again and give them all a squeaker transplant.  He has not torn them out, just squeaks them to death.   Several are out in the yard, but just can't find them.  He loves the brown ones best.  Of course they are the hardest to find out on the brown ground.   I may make him one like I made for Penny which ended up being Bonnies.  I just took some heavy upholstery fabric, cut it in the shape of a clover and put a squeaky in each petal and 2 webbing 'tails'  hanging from the bottom.  Stuffed it lightly with old terrycloth.  Light weight and squeaks easily but durable. 
1/13/12: Always messes up a day if I have something to do, but have to sit around waiting to know when.  The dog food distributor meets me in Gainesville in the middle of his route.  Until he is into his run, he does not know what time he will be at the meeting place.  It is an hour drive and he calls when he is an hour away so we have to be ready to hop in the SUV and take off.  From 11:00 a.m. on it means staying off the phone,  not leaving the house together, not even walking to the shop at the same time.  I could only get 20 bags this time. 
     When we got home from getting the dog food, I called Hospice.  I wanted to go and visit Clyde.  I wanted to tell him about the dogs and that they had settled in and about Bonnie playing with the squeaky toy.  I knew it would cheer him up.  Something told me to call first.  He had died while we were on our way to Gainesville.  I guess he knows now without me having to tell him.  I knew but one never knows when.  I really wanted to be there to hold his hand.  He needed it.  Everyone needs it.  Someone who is not a stranger to hold your hand in those final moments before you move on.
     Nothing really got accomplished other then the food run.  
1/12/12:  Jericho and Shylo (weird name for a male) are so sweet.  Shylo, the smaller one, is a bit too commanding over Jericho.  I have to run interference when they eat or Jericho will get backed off.  Not an aggressive thing, just herds him as if he were the goat instead of his elder and twice his size.  They did not get much of my attention today as it snowed and never got above freezing.  I did spend several hours on their well being.  They will not go in the dog houses and Jericho is usually laying out in an uncovered area.  I can't make them go where they don't want to so I had to protect them but tarping the area.   I put up about 100 feet of tarp on the fence.  It didn't even cover half, but ran out of both tarps and daylight.  The wind kept switching directions on me.   I analyzed where it was coming from and tarped that side first.  Before I was even half way done, the wind came from the exact opposite direction, blowing through the yard and pushing the tarp out.  I finished that side and moved across and started tarping the other side.  Got half way done and wind comes from a third direction.  The house blocks the fourth side.  Anyway, I got all of the north side done.  Half of the east side and half of the south side.  I came up about 40 feet short on the south east corner.  I know there are more tarps around here, but it was dark, I was numb and was just not up to looking for them.  They are sheltered good if the stay to the north west where the dog houses and carport is.  Hopefully they will. 
    I have been up since 4.  I woke up and got to worrying about Bonnie, the little dog.  What if she went through the doggie door and could not gat back inside and was freezing.  So I bundled up and went to check.  Her and Julia were sound asleep curled up next to each other.  I tried to get bonnie to come out on leash and then I'd put her in the yard to potty but it did not go as planned.  However, there was no puddles or piles.  When I finally gave up and headed back to the house, I saw Julia hold open the doggie door for her to go through and hold it open for her to go back in.  It was so precious.  And worrying about those little legs overcoming the step.  HA!  She had no trouble jumping into the rocking chair I have in the shop, nor any problem stealing Millie's favorite resting place on top of several rolls of carpet and some blankets.  I will not be going down and checking on her tonight. 
    I moved Millie back into the shop with them.  Millie is not sure of them yet.  Julia wants to be friends but Millie is timid and unsure.  Poor Sarge is still with Penny but he won't let her push him around like Penny does to Millie.  I was afraid Penny would not let Millie into the dog house and she would freeze.  Millie is happy in the shop even though uncomfortable with the new residents.
    I actually got a lot done today.  I sewed for several hours.  My back can attest to it.   Cleaned floors.  Six loads of laundry... Five and a half.  The last load is ready for the dryer but the dog dishes are all stacked drying over the washer lid and I don't have the energy to move them.  Since I misplaced several bowls yesterday and found them this evening, there are 21 bowls there.
    Oh, I almost forgot.  I get 'herded' a lot around here, but this morning was really weird.  First it was Parker.  Everywhere I would try to step, he would block me.  When something else caught his attention and I escaped, Fez took over.  Fez does a body block, literally pushing me where he thinks I should go.  This was 4 a.m. and dark so my memory is a bit fuzzy.  One of the 2 decided to circle me.  Round and round and round.  It was making me dizzy watching.  Why I can't remember which one is beyond me.  I just know it happened... Maybe I am ready for the nut house after all.
1/11/12:  If I am not transported off to the nut house, it will be a miracle.  My emotions are over the edge as is my dog population.  How did I go from 12 to 16 in just hours?  At least Sherman didn't come and the female Pyr person never emailed back. 
    I spent the morning with Clyde.  He was 'in and out'.  I wish I could have stayed longer.  They moved him to Hospice House this evening but I didn't get a chance to go again to see him.  Tomorrow morning if I get any sleep.  I picked up Julia and 'Bonnie' the little Shih Tzu (sp) and it was almost dark by the time I got them settled into the shop.  Poor Millie and Sarge don't understand being in the yard with Penny all night.  It breaks my heart they can't all be in here, but the little dog would not fare well and it does not understand the doggie door.  I don't need 'stuff' between my toes in the middle of the night.  Anyway, situating new dogs in at night is not good.  They need comfort and people and a sense of security, not just put in a room and left.  I did leave the lights on in the shop.  I just hope the little one does not figure out how to get out the doggie door and not how to get back in.  I didn't even get ID tags on them yet. 
   Now for the rest of the adventure.  I got 2 male Pyrs.  Unsure of the story, but they ended up at my vets office.  They just asked if I knew anyone looking to adopt, but of course, I had to go meet them.  They are a mess.  My heart broke for the condition they are in.  The vet is taking care of current health issues since they are now rescued.   Shiloh is a delicate muzzled male.  He weighs 71 pounds but is a walking skeleton.  He should weigh close to 100.   He is very affectionate.   Walks on leash fine.  He loaded into the car fine but I got a drool bath on the ride home.  I was in the back seat with him and he laid his head in my lap.  When I got out, it looked like I had had an accident.  My pants were soaked.  Got him settled in and went back for Jericho.  Ended up having to get one of the office girls to come out and help get him into the car.  He was going to have nothing of it!  He is not fond of the leash either.  Finally got him in.  He was way too big to fit all of him on the seat.  I hung onto him as best as I could on the ride home.  One of the longest 5 mile trips I've had in awhile.
    Jericho is huge! He is as tall as Goofy.  He weighed 141 pounds.  He is also just a skeleton.   He needs to put on 30 pounds.  I took about 5 pounds off of him with the scissors.  His tail was so matted, he could not lift it.  His butt is also full of poop.  I did what I could.  I didn't want to stress him out his first hours here.  Once he realized I was helping him. he laid down on the ground and let me 'go to work' on him.  I think we are bonding.  There is just something about cutting poop out of mats that either endures you to a dog or makes you throw up.  We will do more 'bonding' tomorrow as I work on another 5 pounds of mats.  He was recently shaved.  Probably last spring.  Makes me crazy.  A lot of good it does.  That is part of the reason he is such a matted mess.  The coat grows back like cotton.  All you get is undercoat.  The outer repellent coat does not come back.  He looks just like Keeton in almost every way.  Keeton was always cotton.   Lastly, I think he is much older then the 5 years they were told.  He is HW+ and I think he has sever back and hip problems.  I am hoping some of his inability to walk normal and total inability to squat to poop are partially from matted hair pulling under his legs.  Honestly, it's just a prayer; not much chance of reality.  Anyway, he will just stay here, know he is loved and we will make him as comfortable as possible.  
    I do not regret saying yes to any of the dogs that came today.  Actually, very rarely do I regret saying yes when it is my decision and I know they are destined to be here until adopted.   I'll just give as much love as I can as long as I can... it's just hauling the water that stands in the way of serenity... oh, and the barking!
10 minutes to 1/11/12:  Watching the clock tick into a new day.  My friend is dying.  He has known for some time, but he thought he had a few months left.  He won't make it to the weekend.  I will be picking up the dogs tomorrow.  It is going to be very hard on them.  Julia knows me, but I don't even know the little dogs name.  I wish they could go to the hospital and tell him goodbye.  He is so doped up on morphine, he probably would not know, but he might.  But I know the hospital would not even consider it.  When I die it is going to be at home.  Period.  Unless by freak accident.   Too many people I know are dying.  We get old and so do the people we know. 
     I talked to my grandson for a long time tonight.  He was at my moms.  He has learning disabilities and adult ADD.  He has always struggled, but the medical world... well, he can't get help without money or insurance.  He has never been able to hold a job long enough to get on insurance and it would probably not cover that anyway since it was originally diagnosed when he was in kindergarten.   My heart breaks for him, but I don't have a way to help. 
    People don't understand what they don't personally experience.  It is an "I can so why can't you" world.  And then we get old and we are the "I can'ts."  I use to be short with my mom because she could not lift her arm.  Now I not only understand, I get to experience it.  As I have said several times in blogs long past, I believe we get a chance to right all our wrongs.  To understand all the not understoods in our life.  To overcome our sins of omission.  And to forgive... but only of ignorance, not evil. 
1/10/12:  1 stolen dog.  1 fried squirrel.  1 tree through the fence.  1 rain storm.  2 soaked dogs and 1 wet human.  So how was your day? 
    Sherman never made it here.  Long story short, a lot of misinformation was passed around thanks to the jackass at the nursing home.   An employee who quit took Sherman with because he thought he was going to be euthanized if sent back here.  He sounds like a really nice person and given the information he was given, I'd have done the same thing.   As of this moment, it looks like Sherman has a home.
     Millie was just shaking from the rain on the metal roof on the shop.   I brought her to the house.  She peed on the floor.  I let her out to go potty and had to follow her all around the 2 acres... in the pouring rain.  I should have grabbed an umbrella, but I didn't know I was going to be on a 20 minute journey.  On our travels I found an electrocuted squirrel hanging from the fence.  The hot wire is just a mild dog type, but obviously a bit too much for a squirrel who chomps down on it with it's teeth.   It has been there long enough to be stiff.  I knocked it loose with some branches and did manage to get it on the outside of the fence before I had any help eliminating it from the yard.   There was also a large branch through the fence so obviously the squirrel came first before the branch fell.  Or maybe the squirrel just rode it down and grabbed hold of the wire as a life line.  Bad choice.
     I am so afraid Millie will get out and get cold and hurt.  I tried her in with Penny.  Millie would not go in the big dog house.  Penny is soaked too.  She has a carport and the big dog house and a heater and blankets but she is out in the rain!  I ended up putting Millie back in the shop. Opened all the doors to all the rooms so she can go in the office where it is very quiet.  Put a blanket in there for her.  At least she will have a choice if she gets scared.  Penny destroys stuff so she can't be in the shop unattended and I don't want to crate her.  Millie and Penny are currently having a long distance gab fest.  I am not going out in the rain again.  They both had their chance.
     Parker briefly came out of the bath tub.  I imagine he is back.   I hope he is in Loren's and not mine as that is where I am headed to get out of these soaked clothes and warm up.
1/9/12:  Zelda whizzed right by Fez this morning and took his new squeaky toy he just got last night.  After I fed, I traced her path and then zig zagged.  She has one heck of a good hiding place as there are several missing and I cannot find them.  Most of the missing are brown, but one is a bright red parrot so you would think it would be easy to find, even on 2 acres.
    Sissy had some bad dreams last night so it woke me up several times.  Not just the noise, but wiggling her body and taking over my piece of the bed.  I usually sleep good with her up against me, but butt in my face is not one of those positions, especially when the legs are going out towards my stomach.  A good massage before I rolled over calmed her.
     Not heard anything on Sherman.  They canceled Friday and was suppose to call me today to bring him either today or tomorrow.  I just have an uncomfortable feeling.  
    I got pix yesterday of Tucker at his new home.  It looks and sounds like everything is going great.  I am so happy for him.  His health really turned around the past 2 weeks.   Gained 7 pounds, stopped limping and became less clingy.
    I worked on collars for the past 2 days.  Loren is working on his HO train track.  It is nice we are at the shop together and in adjoining rooms.  Sarge, Millie and Penny travel back and forth for attention.  I really wish I could bring them all back to the house, but Fez will scare Millie and she will go over the fence.  Penny will be growly to anyone who gets too close when she wants attention plus she may get into things she is not suppose to have, like a chair leg or blanket or my slippers.  Sarge would probably settle in, but he is the balance for Millie.   And Penny has ruined her chances of being in the shop without supervision. 
      It is going to be really hard as the weather gets colder.  It is heartbreaking to have 2 huge yards that I cannot use when it freezes because I can't carry water.  Dogs I can't save even though I have the room.   Isn't there someone out there who knows how to write grants???  It would not do death row dogs much good right now, but it would sure help me save a whole lot more year round if I had money for more dog food, vet bills and hired help in the winter.
1/6/12:  the guy bringing Sherman back got sick so it will be sometime early in the week. Mixed emotions.  I really want him away from a place he is not wanted, even if it is only unwanted by 1% of the place.  My guys need 100%.  I'm just sad he has to go through another home.  Counting twice here, he has been uprooted at least 7 times since he was a pup all in less then 4 years time. 
     As best as I can remember, the 'wake up' call was around 5:45 this morning.  Sahara is on summer time schedule.  She is suppose to crow at dawn, not a good hour earlier.  They all went 'off' about a half hour later.  Goofy really does need voice lessons.  If this were an old time theater, he would have tomatoes thrown at him.  Chipi, on the other hand, would shame any wolf.  Loud, high pitched and vibrates down your spine.  Sahara, you just want to pat her back and dislodge what ever it is caught in her throat making that weird baritone sound.
     Had a small riot this morning.  Had to get Tucker to the groomers and everyone thought it was time for a walk when I got the leash.  I should have known better.  I should have snuck him off in the family room or gotten the others outside.   Sissy and Fez went at it.  Luckily Loren was still in the house.  I'd pull Sissy off and Fez would come back at her and vs. versa.  Got Sissy into the bedroom and opened the door to Bears room so she would not be confined.  She is leery of Bear but they never have issues... knock on wood.   Anyway, Tucker looks so great.  I'll get the 'Fresh Groomed' pix up tomorrow afternoon.  Tomorrow morning we are meeting his adopters half way.  That will allow a longer settling in time before bedtime.  I was looking forward to cuddling up with him tonight beings it is his last night here (I do it every night anyway, but this was important).  But only Fez and Sweetness are in the house.  It is 8:p.m. and all the others are outside enjoying this fantastic weather. 
     I am hoping to try Penny back in the house full time.  It is going to take a lot of work.  I bring her up and within a few minutes she is snarky to somebody.  She knows who she can push around and who she doesn't even dare.  She was never like this before and never destructive before other then my slippers.   She has just not been the same since Mazi left.   I think some dogs do form a bond and just flat love each other and never get over a grieving process.  She doesn't know that her friend is living just a few miles away. 
     It is very strange when I bring Penny into the shop with Millie and Sarge.  Penny cowers and acts all submissive.  But she and Millie have a good time for awhile.  Then Penny goes off and lays down and just watches me.  There is a definite communication going on but I have not figured it out. 
1/4/12:  Took the day off...sort of.  Went to Springfield.  I wanted to go to the fabric store and see what bargains I could find for the collars.  I got some great stuff.  While we were stopping at another store, there was a privately owned Pet shop so I stopped in.  I had a collar and brochures with.  When I went in I gave the spiel.  The lady said she was not the one I would need to talk to and I'd have to make an appointments and come back.  Then I laid the collar on the counter.  She went and got the manager!  Instant sale.  I'll be bringing up a bunch in a few weeks and she will be selecting and buying.   She wanted an exclusive for Springfield and I said fine.  When I take up a bunch in a few weeks, on the way home I will find the privately owned one in Branson and in Harrison so the trip will not be for just the one store.  I can't afford the gas for just one store.  What I like about this is I can make any design I want.  I won't be stuck to certain patterns and colors.  I will still do the orders for the Chicago stores.  That was one reason to purchase the fabrics, so I can offer certain ones continually.  Can't send to hand pick that far away. 
    Poor Penny was alone all day.  I hated that.  I did leave her with a tuffy toy to destroy.  I will try to give her time tomorrow.  Only thing I have for tomorrow is Mariah getting groomed and Tucker getting his stitches out.  Those 2 things should eat up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as Mariah is about 18 miles from me so about a 40 mile loop from my house to hers to the groomer to home.  Then repeat in reverse when she's done.  
    Tucker was so funny this morning.  He has really gotten into the Squeaky toy thing.  He is not tearing them up.  He is just squeaking them.  It is as if he wants to out do Fez in the music department.  This morning I knew it was him in the living room because of the frequency of the squeaks.  I could hear him heading to my bedroom.  It was a squeak squeak squeak, then several half squeaks.  Then full squeaks.  He was carrying it squeaking it, then he'd drop it and push it with his foot as if to see if it were still alive.  Then step on it several times.  Then back in his mouth, squeak the life out of it, then back on the floor for resuscitation.  I tried to watch as quietly as I could because he had not noticed I was awake.  I finally just burst out laughing.  He got so excited, he grabbed the toy, threw it and the top half of himself on the bed and nuzzled his muzzle into my neck.  He stayed that way for several minutes until Sissy demanded attention and I was kind of trapped.  Sissy can sometimes be unpredictable so I bailed.  I did not wanted trapped under the covers if she decided to get jealous. 
1/3/12:  All is so quiet.  Too quiet.  It is 2:42 a.m.   Guess I got a good rest but will head back to bed when my stomach settles down.  Everything I've eaten in the past several days, except donuts, has not wanted to cooperate within my digestive system.  It's not the flu.  Probably just a massive ulcer.
     Mariah aka Gracie was picked up from her visit last night.  She will get to start coming into their house again.   I have enough concern over the ones I have lost contact about without knowing one is not getting to be inside.  I feel everything will be just fine now.
     I was going to board an ASD for a friend so spent the freezing afternoon securing the fence.  Fortunately it was for nothing.  Plans have changed.  I was so worried she would get out and try to make the 25 or so mile trip back to her home. 
     Sasha's mommy passed away Dec. 13.  She was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago.  I just learned of her passing when I emailed to find out how she was doing.  Even though  I'd only met her once many years ago when she adopted Sasha, we communicated a lot over the years and I really feel like I have lost a wonderful friend.  Sasha will stay with her husband.
     I am also very concerned about another adopter.  He has known he was very sick for some time but they finally diagnosed it as cancer.  He is 80.  Julia and his little dog will come here.  The little dog is young so I can find it a good home.  Julia will just stay here if it is determined it is in her best interest. She might be overwhelmed by so many dogs, but then she might blend in just fine.
    Sherman is still an unknown.  I figured I'd let the holidays get past before I called to see what is going on.  I hate to uproot him, but I don't want him where he is not wanted by someone who could mess him up.  Some people are just mean and the man I had communicated with is just that.  Just one drop of poison in a glass of a hundred drops of water can destroy a life. 
    Hopefully sun up will bring a smile and some laughter as Fez squeaks and Goofy bounds and a pack of white dogs surrounds me for their morning attention and a beg for breakfast.
Sun up:   Hardly a laughing matter.  I put Penny in the shop with Millie and Sarge last night.   I spent about an hour putting everything out of reach and covered and locked up.  She can get into things.  Well, I was not as thorough as I thought.  I was near hysteria and not from laughter.  I won't go into details, but if she could reach it, she got it.  Have you ever seen a 6000 yard (1 pound) cone of thread used as a chew toy?  How about 3 of them?  Retail $28.99 each.  You don't exactly roll it off and rewind it.  Four sewing machine needles for my new machine are still missing.  Loren took the magnet thing he has and went over the floor but they were not found.  Two others had been broke in half.  A good indicator we may end up with an emergency.  I just can't consider x-rays right at this moment.  I am still too off balance from the mess. 
     After I finally calmed down a bit, I let Penny out of the crate I had put her in while I cleaned up.  Then Penny chased Millie off her favorite window seat.  I have blankets up on some rolled up carpet so Millie likes to lay on them and get warm in the sun. 
    Then I get a call from the Sherman guy.  Someone will be bringing Sherman back Thursday or Friday.  I would have offered to meet part way, but my schedule is totally full both days. 
    Loren went and got me donuts.  The only thing my stomach can handle.  I brought Penny with back up to the house.  She just needs to have humans.  She needs someone to be her very own.  She was so good until Mazi left.  They were so bonded.  She was great with Mariah/Gracie for the week.  I don't know exactly what all she needs but she is obviously not getting it here. 
    Irene is still with her adoptive family in Colorado.  I have been afraid to email.  It was pretty uncertain last time.  It sounds like they have went the extra steps to get her to accept the other dogs in her 'domain'.   What a relief. 
    Tucker will leave for his forever home on Saturday.  I am so happy for him.  I feel really good about this family.  She impressed me with her willingness to learn and immediately picked up on what I was showing her about behavior correction.  I think she is on the right track to being the boss over him. 
1/2/12:  Fez thinks every time we come home from somewhere we should have a new toy for him.  I had several in the cabinet so he got a new one yesterday.  The squeaker is a different tone.  More a raspy sound.  He does not seem to want to kill it, just squeak it into submission.  He is in his usual prone bear rug  position right now with it between his paw and head.  He was pulling at it's ear and I told him not to dismember it, just squeak it.  Guess I hurt his feelings.  A few days ago I gave him an ostrich with rope legs.  I'm not sure if he amputated on it or Tucker did.  But the squeaker is still working. 
    It is so cold this morning.  I didn't get much sleep last night.  Sarge was on a bark-a-thon with Bear so noise from both directions.   They are really enjoying the onset of cool weather.  I just dread the thunderstorms I am sure we will get.  Rain is good.  Thunder is not. 
Happy New Year:  A little distant commotion at midnight.  Don't think it had an affect on the dogs as they are out there barking, drowning out any other noises that might be going on.
     Sewed collars yesterday.  I had been doing the terry cloth base for a week and decided I was not having fun.  Creativity is what drives me and makes me happy so that is how I spent a good part of yesterday.  Putting 'tops' on the collars.  It took me some stitch pulling out to get back in the groove.  It sucks being a perfectionist who is far from perfect... at anything. 
     Put one of the new, pretty collars on Fez this morning for a photo shoot.  I needed to get more brochures printed and wanted to add the collars.  He was not the best choice but he was the only one inside.  If I were to have called in another, they all would have come and all would have seen the collar and expected a walk.  So Fez is the poster boy with a yellow and tan collar.  Anything darker then pink or yellow and it would be lost in all that black hair.  It was almost covered up anyway.
    Tucker did meet his new potential future human and canine friend on Friday.  It had a bit of a rough start as Tucker thought Angela was here just for him.  Once I moved a few dogs in and shuffled a few around and let them in the back yard to play, they got along fine and had a great time. 
     This morning I was half awake and kept telling Sweetness to 'leave me alone'.  Then I realized she was by my feet.  I was in the center of the bed, yet Tucker had no trouble keeping his hind feet on the floor and still reaching me with his head to get attention.  He is one long dog.   I talked with Cindy, Jane aka Bella's mom and she is doing great.  I was concerned she might have a health issues since Tucker did, but no signs of anything.