Halloween Prep

I just spent the better part of the last couple of hours carving pumpkins for tomorrow night. Of course, staying true to my nature, I carved dog designs. I carved a chihuahua and a dachshund. I don't think I did too bad for my first attempt. These pictures were made with my iPhone, so they don't show every detail. I'll have better ones tomorrow, when I use the good Nikon. So, without further adeiu:

Chihuahua Pumpkin

Dachshund Pumpkin

Now, I need to get to bed. I have a 5k in the morning!! EEEP!!

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween can be a fun holiday for pets as well as kids. Please remember the hidden danger in Halloween for pets. Some Halloween Pet Safety Tips are:

No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

Chocolate in all forms--especially dark or baking chocolate--can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate--and even seizures.

Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.

To see more tips, visit the ASPCA's website.

Howl-O-Ween, We Has It!!

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More Howloween Fun!

Wordless Wednesday: Howloween Theme

Let the HOWL-O-WEEENERY Begin!!

Awww. Funny Halloween dog and cat pictures. I just can't get enough!!

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More to come every day, until Halloween!

Weekly Walks

It's finally dry enough that I've been able to walk Indiana all week, in addition to my daily runs. He's really enjoyed it, and we've added to the length of the walk too. We've also been going across the highway to the city park. While there, Indy got to see horses for the first time.

We've also met some new furfriends along the way too.

I sure hope the rain stays away, so we can keep up our walks! Everyone have a great weekend!

The Big Trip

We had a great time on our trip to Georgia! Even though it was a quick trip, it was still nice to have a change of scenery. Casey, Jack, and I hit the road early Saturday morning. We had hoped for sunny weather, but had to learn to deal with disappointment. We watched the temps drop all the way up Monteagle Mountain. By the time we got to the top and closer to Chattanooga, it was in the 30's. EEEK!!! It made me really glad that I'd worn my hoodie!! Jack was SUCH a good rider and tripmate! Here he is helping Casey navigate.

We stopped at Nickajack Lake to let Jack (and us) have a potty break. We didn't realize JUST how cold it was, until we got out of the car. BRRRRR!

We got into Cordele around 3:30. We hit LOTS of traffic just outside of Atlanta and rain, which slowed us down. We got to the hotel to get checked in. It was a VERY pet friendly hotel. Nearly everyone there, had dogs with them. The ladies at the check in desk had a fit over Jack. The came out from behind the counter and gave him lots of pets, attention, and treats. We got to the room and grabbed a quick nap, before heading to our friend Linda's house.

Jack enjoys the comforter at the hotel.

We got to Linda's house around 5:00 p.m., and the visiting and hilarity ensued.

Our friend Linda.

Jack and Dixie finally got to meet and became fast friends. Jack got to share supper with Dixie and Linda's mom, Della, gave him lots of treats.

Dixie.

Linda's son, Jason, was visiting from Virginia, so we got to meet him too. We really liked him, and Jack did too!

Too soon, it was late. We headed back to the hotel and a good night's sleep. The next morning Jack was raring to get back to Linda's.

Jack's Georgia Visit from Cheryl Richardson on Vimeo.

After a good breakfast, we went back to Linda's. We stayed and visited a couple of hours, and after a long goodbye, it was time to hit the road for home. Jack had played and had such a good time that he was worn out. So, he stretched out and slept the whole way home.

We all enjoyed the trip so much! We're hoping to go back for a few days, over the Christmas holidays.

Sorta Wordless Wednesday

From Jack's big trip. Full trip details are forthcoming. Stay tuned.

Jack and his new friend, Dixie.

Big Trip!

This weekend, Casey and I are taking a flying trip down to Cordele, Georgia. We are going to visit our friend Linda, her mom, Della, and their Rat Terrier, Dixie! We had such a good time, when we visited back in July.

This trip, we're bringing Jack along. He LOVES to ride, and he also loves to make new friends. So for the first time in years, I'm traveling with a dog. I guess it's like traveling with a baby. There's such a list of things to remember to bring for him: crate, food bowl, water bowl, food, leash, ID tag, blanket, etc. I just hope that I don't forget anything!! Posting will be light this weekend, because of the trip. Check out my Twitter feed and my Facebook page for pictures and updates of the trip down.

Pumpkin Carving

I sure hope my crew doesn't get wind of this activity!!

I Want To Quit

"I Want to Quit" This was written by the woman who founded PyrAngels, the Great Pyrenees rescue network, who passed on a couple of years ago. I'll admit, that I've often felt this way myself.

I Want to Quit (This Is What Animal Rescue Is Like) By Joan C. Fremo

I want to quit! My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.

I want to quit! I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

I want to quit! Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper--- I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.

I want to quit! I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

I want to quit! I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

I want to quit! I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks.. The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

I want to quit! I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

I want to quit! Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters.

I want to quit! I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescues NEUTER! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

I want to quit! It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

I want to quit! There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. They save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk by not being truthful.

I want to quit! I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

I want to quit! AND THEN... My dog, Magnus, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

I want to quit! AND THEN... One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life with out their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

I want to quit! AND THEN... One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting-- -Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.

I want to quit! AND THEN... A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

I want to quit! AND THEN... "Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."

I want to quit! AND THEN... I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

I want to quit! AND THEN... A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone I am blessed with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers. Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile.

Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need. There are Rescuers who see a flailing transport and do everything they can do find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help.

There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit.

Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every Pyr in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

I want to quit! But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my Magnus's head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

I want to quit! But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.

This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.

Joan

Wordless Wednesday

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Animal Adoption: A New Twist?

I saw this over at Theresa's blog, Hatamaran. It's good to brighten up a gloomy day!

Book Survey

I got this from The Mistress of the Dark. You guys know I can't pass up a book survey right? Which reminds me, I'm VERY behind on updating my GoodReads lists eeek!

Favorite Book Store: Chain: I love me some Hastings!! Not only can you get the latest releases, they sell used books too! I've picked up some of my favorites there, in hardback, for only a couple of bucks. You can also sell the books you've read back and get store credit. It also helps, that Kim's fiance' works there, so we get his discount!

Local: The Book Rack used books in M'boro, and McKay's Used Books in Nashville.

What You Are Reading Now: An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon

Longest Book You've Read: A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon clocking in with 1,157 pages.

Book That You've Read More Than 1 Time: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favorite Non-Fiction Book: I Am Jackie Chan: My Life In Action by Jackie Chan

Where Do You Do Your Best Reading: At night in bed.

Do You Discuss Your Books With Friends: Oh yes, I'm a librarian. How could I not?

Touching

This video has been making the rounds on several sites. I've been trying to avoid watching it for days, because I knew I'd be a blubbering mess. I finally got the courage up to watch it this morning. It is truly beautiful and touching. It's just amazing what dogs can do for us.

Wordless Wednesday

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October: Adopt-A-Dog Month

I am asking that all of my friends and buddies please promote Adopt-A-Dog month. All eight of my dogs were rescues, and they are the BEST dogs EVER!! There are SO many deserving dogs living in shelters and rescues looking for good homes. From purebred to mutts, they have them all. PLEASE consider adopting a new friend!

Feast of St. Francis

Today, October 4th, is the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi. I wanted to share the Blessing of the Animals with all of you here....

Most high, almighty Lord, our Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honour and all blessings! To you alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world. May we think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets. Be praised for making us so happy to have our pets and to have them to play with. We ask you, Lord, that we may be good to our pets always, so that they may be happy also. Help us always to take care of them so that they will be healthy. O God, your world is wonderful. May we all come into your even greater world of the kingdom of heaven where we shall see even more wonderful things and where we shall live and love for ever. This we ask to your eternal praise, and to our blessing. Amen.

I Love This!

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Celebration Pet Day Wrap Up

Well, this year's Celebration Pet Day has come and gone. We had a great day, in spite of the buckets of rain that poured down. We were competeing with two other huge events, one in our town and one the next town over as well. Luckily, folks braved the rain and came out and spent the day with us. I even managed to take one of my dogs, for a while this year. I took Jack, because he's very calm and loves everyone. I entered him in the Celebration Pet Day Pet Show in the Rescued Pet class. He ended up taking 5th place, so of course I had to get pictures.

Thanks to my friend, Derek Deweese that volunteered to take action shots of the event for us. To see the rest of the pictures of the days' events, go HERE