Miss Layla is a lovely dog that came into rescue very pregnant…and I mean VERY pregnant.  She popped out 12 pups and was an utterly amazing mother to them all, flooding them with an abundance of love.  Through it, she spent time around my cats, and was perfectly content with them in the room, even w/her babies.  Not too long after I brought some cats into rescue, only to find that she was completely facinated with them, to a point of making me concerned.  As a result, I felt that she should probably not be placed with cats b/c she was unpredictable with them…loved my personal cats, but was overwhelmed by the new cats.  I wrote this in her write up/description.

Well, I was definitely corrected, and therefore I do owe sweet Layla a deep apology.  I’ve since learned that she is not overwhelmed or too facinated with them…she is mothering them.  Layla is the most nuturing dog I’ve ever seen…she is a mama through and through.  Well, she was simply looking at them as she did her puppies.  She cleans them, kisses them, watches out for them…mothers them.  Who knew??  Well, I certainly felt like a terrible mother myself for misjudging her.  She takes care of those sweet kitties and provides them with love.  She is a precious soul. 

I’m sooooooo sorry, Layla!!  You’re simply faaaaabulous, dahling!!!!

Although I’m still awaiting my DSL installation, I have flooded my mother’s computer with some photos taken on my cell phone (Please ignore the unpacked boxes and such).

Layla, Johnny and Hogan like the big shaded trees.

Johnny makes sure to break in a rug…sort of a new house initiation?? 

I am apparently ignorant to the fact that a cat likes a good bone, too.

As you can tell, Lewis is most devastated and struggling through the move….it’s a shame he can’t find anywhere to sleep.

She’s worked hard, you know….

“I’m helping Mom by slobbering on all the appropriate places!”  Not a whole lot stresses Burton out.

This is my cat, Baker….you can see why I fell in love. :) 

Apparently we have a “chair competition” going on.

More to follow as soon as I can. 

It is with deep sorrow that I say Goodbye to my best friend, Fred.  Fred was my first dog when I stepped out into the “real world.”  He was a basset hound/terrier mix that I commonly referred to as my Basset Hound with Rod Stewart hair…this is truly what he looked like.  He was magnificant, and everyone who knew Fred was enamoured by him and his jolly ride through life.

I graduated from college with the longing for a furry friend, so immediately I hit the pound.  As I walked through the lanes of kennels, I came upon Fred, back turned to the kennel door, head drooped low, hair sticking out everywhere.  I stopped in my tracks, and he slowly turned his head around to look at me.  His eyes were forelorn, incredibly saddened, and he looked at me as if to say “I’m going to die.”  I immediately knew he was the one, so he came home with me, no doubt in my mind that he’d be with me forever.

Through the years Fred was my constant companion through moves, trials and tribulations, happy times, men, jobs, and even the many rescues that came through my doors.  I dressed him up and caused him utter humilation, as I excitedly told him how adorable he was and snapped a zillion photos of him.  He hated me at those moments, I’m most positive.  He traveled to and fro with me, slept by my side, and in a nutshell, took great care of his mama.

Fred developed cancer, Lymphoma, and lasted about four weeks.  He handled the move with grace and never complained.  I medicated as long as it worked, but on his last day he could handle no more.  I was heartbroken that I couldn’t let my veterinarian do it, either here nor in TN, and was almost angry that I had to allow a stranger to do the necessary deed.  However, I have to say that they were most kind, and the vet who helped me in my goodbye was very gentle in her demeanor and heartfelt compassion.  He laid there, looking at me, as if to say “It’s not much longer, is it?  I’m tired.”  I ressured him that in just a few short moments he’d feel 100% better, and he’d see his brothers and sisters waiting for him, big grins on their faces.  He seemed to accept my comforts and trust my words and actions.  He always had the most expressive eyes, and I swear we carried on conversations via those expressions.  When he left, tears streaming down my face, I could almost feel him hug me and say “thank you, mom.”  I think I even saw him the next morning, checking up on me to see if I was alright…the way he always did.

Fred came into my life in 1993, 2-3yrs old.  He left me at 16-17yrs of age, stronger than any animal, possibly even human, that’s come into my life.  I wasn’t sure how to walk away from him, for he’d always walked with me, and for a moment I couldn’t do it.  It was almost as if I felt this tug back toward him for one last moment of love.  Then, shortly after, I, too, felt the release, and I was able to walk away and shut the door behind me.

People say that individuals make up the bond in their head…they say that animals cannot develop the relationship with you that holds the strength of such a bond.  I disagree.  Call me the crazy animal lady, but those who have loved their animals so deeply, I do believe, will agree with me.  They speak to us, they teach us, they comfort us, and they hold us dear to their hearts.  They love us with a power that is very, very real.  The good Lord put them on this earth for that reason…to love us…and he expects us to do the same in return. 

Fred began the long line of pound animals that have become a part of my life.  A pioneer of sorts.  Fred led the way…he held the crown…he taught me the joy of a bringing a scraggily and scruffy dog into my life.  This can never be replaced or taken away from me, nor the lessons I’ve learned, the love I’ve received, and the joy that encompassed my life.  As I’ve said many times…we all need a Fred in our lives.

Goodbye sweet boy…I do truly love and miss you.   Your forever mommy. 

Well, I do have good news in the sense that I should have my internet access in about a week and a half.  So, be prepared for lots of fun photos of the varmints.  They have been really easy going about all of this, and have calmed me when I was most frustrated or upset.  They’ve been a bit naughty, too, of course…I suppose to add some spice to my life.  ;) 

So, as many things fail yet again, such as the drier connection, the sun starts to shine with the thought of spreading my animal photos to everyone, bombarding their email boxes with lots and lots of pictures, allowing them to think “Lordy, Alli needs a life!”  Perhaps this will be the begining of a downhill slide into problems solved, and things will slowly get back to normal.  I must say I never valued a washing machine and drier as I do today…especially when you have several animals around the house. 

Here’s to cute animal pictures!

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post -

If you remember in my post about Will, he is very afraid of men.  Well, he was indeed terrified of my brother when he first walked into the room.  He even growled because he was so horribly afraid, , and he trembled so incredibly hard that the kennel shook.  He was utterly terrified.  Well, after a few short hours of intermittent interaction, he absolutely LOVES my brother!  He gave him lots of wags and kisses, and even walked right up to my dad and kissed him, as well!  He wasn’t afraid of his Aunt Crystal either when she stopped by for a visit, even through the stress of the move.  He wagged and whipped that tail across her leg as if he’d known her forever.  Happy boy!

We are quite proud of our little Platypus!  (Although we are trying to help him understand that the growling from fear is not acceptable or desired.  He looks at me very pitifully when I tell him it’s wrong.)

Well, I’m behind on notifications, and will continue to get them out, but the animals and I have moved to South Carolina, back to my home town.  This has been a very emotional move for me, but I have to say that the animals have been a great support system and have truly been remarkable through it all.  With so many upsets, so much insanity, and the simple fact that nothing has gone right in the new house, they have really pulled through for me and been super, super sweethearts.  I am extremely proud of them.

So far I have no internet service, so I have to drive to my parent’s house 35 miles away to do anything, including work my full time job.  I have no idea how long this will take place, but hopefully I’ll have internet service by next week.  Point being, posts and updates will be delayed as a result, but I will get back here with stories and photos as soon as I can.  I’ve found that my photos for “China’s Day Out” are a little screwball, so I’ll have to find out the issue as soon as I get back online, as well.  Darn blog.

In the meantime, the animals are all doing well and wondering why mother has tripped over so many boxes or dropped something on her foot or hand.  We’re having a hard time with our AC unit, but now have to wait for the small business owner to return to fix it.  It’s not blistering, but it’s warm at around 78 degrees, so say a big prayer that it doesn’t blow up or anything inconvienent like that.  ;)  Otherwise the animals will continue to enjoy their travels over boxes, all the new adventures, and get their kicks out of the extra treats they’re getting for being such good babies. 

More to come when we get our internet service….

This is my sweet Will. Will is one of the most loving dogs I’ve ever met. I never knew it was possible for a dog to kiss someone that many times in one sitting. I also never knew it was possible for a dog to wag his body so hard that he can’t sit down w/o propelling across the floor. Yep, this is one happy and extraordinary loving boy.

I call Will my little Platypus b/c of his silly grin. In case you’re wondering, he does indeed look like a Playtpus when he holds his head up and puts his paws on your lap, or when he gives you a hug. His mouth remains closed but the tips of his lips in back curl up, and his mouth gets all wrinkly. His eyes half shut and he looks as if he’s in total bliss, paws on your, tail wagging, big grin on his face. It’s absolutely adorable…and looks like a Platypus. So now when I ask “Where’s my little Platypus??” Will comes waggling up to me, gives me a hug, Platypus grin in place.

Will wags so hard that I often have to doctor his tail b/c it bleeds. It’s a shame to be so happy and get a sort of punishment for it, don’t you agree? He doesn’t care, however, and he just keeps wagging.

Will’s heart is huge, but he is still very afraid of people, especially men. When Will came into rescue, he looked like this:

The sad part about this is someone allowed this to happen…a so called owner or parent to Will. At the pound he was sick and sad, and his depression became significant. He was fine w/the gentleman at the pound b/c they were kind to him. He warmed up to the veterinarians who treated him, and although afraid, he’s been fine with men in PetSmart and males who have stopped by the house (probably b/c he realizes everyone is getting attention but him, and he can’t let it happen!). Overall, however, he’s afraid of them, and I often wonder if it was a man who mistreated him…seems pretty obvious. I am anxious for my brother (major animal sap) to work with him so he can see that not all men are unkind.

Sometimes I wonder if this sweet boy will ever find a permanent home b/c of his fears. I’ll continue to work on them, and he’ll forever be safe in rescue if not, but just think of how nice it would be for someone to come along and give him a chance, take the time and patience required to gain his trust, show him love and watch him waggle. Of course it’d have to be someone that enjoys his Platypus smile. He has so much love, so much joy, and such incredible devotion to those he loves that he’d surely bless someone’s life. Just ask his Grandma! …The boy loves his Grandma….

Silly Willy is a sweetheart…he makes me laugh all the time. One day I’ll be able to catch the Platypus smile on camera, hopefully, and share it with everyone. I think it’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen a dog do…as well as him propelling across the floor from his tail wags.  I’d love to see in swim!

Well, finally I’ve figured out the problem. Yeah! Time to share a long awaited fun day that China had not too long ago with her Aunt Kim and Uncle Steve, and their sweet boy Sidney. Sidney is a German Shepherd who also has his own set of hot rod wheels, so we all had a nice day romping about in the sun. Benny also joined us and had fun simply looking cute and telling off the yellow lab next door. Here are some photos of the “kids” big day!

Well, this has been most discouraging. I have so many photos to share, yet since I updated my blog program, WordPress, I am completely unable to upload photos. I have tried everything, can’t get any resolution, can’t find anyone to help me, and I am extremely frustrated. I have no idea what to do, and I have no idea if I’ll ever get it resolved. So if anyone is a computer wiz and can possibly help, I’d love to have some assistance!

In the meantime, times have been busy. Suzie has finally, after 3yrs, found her new home. Hopefully her new mother will love her as much as I do. It was an emotional placement, as I worry to death about Suzie b/c she’s so incredibly shy, but she has so much love to give someone that I know she can make her new mother very happy after the initial adjustment. She’ll have a sister to play with, who is also a cattle dog mix and just as cute as a button, and they enjoy each other’s company, so hopefully all will go well. She stayed w/me for the weekend while her new mother was out of town, and I’ll take her back tomorrow. I did enjoy these last few extra days with her. She has an enormous heart.

Noelle is on prednisone….that’s fun. She’s always been perfect with her house manners…until she met Mr Prednisone. We’ve since had some major accidents and thanked God for donated towels. I’m amazed at how much she can wee wee…but, if it helps those dawgone ears of hers, so be it. I think she is feeling better in that respect, so that’s always positive. Her poor ears were…well, they were gross. I’d clean and medicate, they’d get better, then I’d check them and shudder at the gook. I finally realized my efforts were futile and she needed to see Dr Brett. She laid in his lap. She kept trying to get closer to him, as if all 80lbs of her lying on top of him was a dramatic distance from him. Thank goodness he loves animals b/c Noelle didn’t give him much of a choice.

I worry about Madison - she seems down. I think it’s because her best friend left (Suzie). She acts fine physically, but if it persists and isn’t the adjustment to her best friend leaving (which she had a terrible time with and actually brought tears to my eyes), or if it’s not the heat, then I’ll get her checked out. She’s so sweet…she walked around and looked for Suzie in her normal places, and slept in Suzie’s kennel when she couldn’t find her…she even stared at the door she walked out of on her way to her new home. How’s that for a mean ole’ pit bull? Not a mean bone in her body…nothing but love is in there.

Oh well - I suppose I’ll continue fighting this dumb error of not being able to upload photos. It’s frustrating when you do all that they tell you to do and it doesn’t work. *sigh… I so want my photos to show…I tend to be a photo-addict, especially when they include cute animals.