The sweetest old Suffolk Sheep passed away today on her own, but not until after the vet was on her way to help. I am not surprised and it isn't the first time that the call to the vet prompted either a recovery or a passing. I'm convinced that the animals wish to pass on their own terms and we try to allow them that dignity as often as possible. Dogs have died in my arms at the vet as the room is being prepared.
Odie, our 34 year old Tennessee Walking Horse is our most laughable case. He is OLD and many times he has appeared to be unable to rise after lying down. A horse's gut can only take so much down time. We get up to three people pushing and pulling, trying to assist him and sometimes it just doesn't happen. I can't tell you how many times I've told people "Odie's really getting close this time." We know the time will ultimately come, but for now we laugh. Twice I've called the vet to come administer "pink compassion" only to have him immediately rise. Once he had been down for nearly 24 hours and the second time, he laid in the pond with his nostrils just out of the water. All in his good time. I think he feins as he has realized his frailty scores him special priveledges, such as unmonitored time at the feed cans and free roam of the front yard. For those who have been around a while, you know he would sometimes come to the front door, as if asking to be let in. Now we tell him, "Odie, I'm going to call the vet!"
Without looking, I'd estimate that Woody and I have experienced close to 60 passings since Chance and Bliss called us to this work. It's been an interesting journey.
I lost my Father in 2003 at the age of 59 to cancer. It was the only time I had been present when a person passed and the feeling in the room immediately lifted. It was palpable and my Mom and brother felt it, as well. Surreal. It caused me to really contemplate death and do some reading, such as "On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. I came to understand that death is an important metamorphosis for our soul and that it can be quite beautiful. What a gift to be with Pop at that moment.
Euthanasia is such a unique and difficult issue. I've long held appreciation for the ability to administer such relief to a suffering animal friend, but now I see that it can often be a mere convenience. The dying process can be difficult to witness and we almost always utilize the talents of our animal communicator for insight. Only TWICE have animals asked or agreed to that end. They want to do it in their time, their way.
There are circumstances that call for intervention, of course, but it is such an individual and minute by minute decision. We are BLESSED to be seven minutes from a 24 hour clinic. Another reason our location is so important to us.
The insight from Sophie Wednesday afternoon via Jane St. Croix was that she was FIGHTING to stay here. We honored her. We got her up, fed her, spent time with her. At midnight last night, I fed Sophie a banana and grapes and she literally drank from a 16 oz water bottle, using her lips and tongue to manipulate the water flow. Amazing. But I knew she wasn't getting up again.
The seizures are a clear marker for me. Maybe its a convenience to prevent me from bearing witness, but that's my bottom line. There are people in our circle committed to hospice work who hold firmly that there is no such thing as a humane euthanasia as it relates to the larger picture for the being, but I disagree.
Team Bliss, as I like to refer to us, doesn't always agree about details (imagine that!), and another case, Windsong, has tested my beliefs. Windsong is a mare in her late teens who has inoperable cancer growing in her left eye. It was removed by UC Davis in 2008 and came back mid-2009. For a while, it was an ugly pink mass protruding and Rachel and I argued to call the vet on several occasions. But lo and behold, it somehow changed directions and is completely contained behind her lid. Her eye waters and itches, but doesn't appear painful by the head rubs I get. What's more is that her body condition and attitude are excellent. Jane's insights reveal that it does take energy to maintain and that she is sometimes tired, but it doesn't show. She has friends in the herd that she clearly adores. And she enjoys being adored by Atlas, just recently gelded. Obviously, this isn't indefinite, but her quality of life for the time is clearly good. I'm glad we didn't make the call.
So Sophie's choice to pass in the 30 minutes between the call and the vet's arrival was not surprising at all (if we need help sooner, we go to the clinic as opposed to a ranch call). I tried to coach Sophie last night that it was okay to let go of her failing body. Why did she want to stay? She'd already lost her two lifelong pasture mates, Abby and Nina. That's not mine to answer and Sophie may not have been able to stay as she desired, but Sophie certainly made a point about the way she chose to go.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September Newsletter Available
The September newsletter, available here, includes a short introduction to Sam, upon which I'd like to expand.
Sam-I-Am is a ten year old Boston Terrier who belonged to a woman who once had six at one time and adored them all. She lost three over time, leaving Sam and his biological parents. Sam's guardian was diagnosed with cancer in early June and died in late June. Somehow, Sam and his folks ended up in the drop box at the Martinez shelter until Linda from Wonder Dog Rescue saved them. Sam's parents were adopted right away, but Sam is a special boy.
Sammy was born with defective plumbing. All of the basic parts are there, but they're not properly connected and all waste is produced through one hole. I'll risk being graphic to give you an understanding: Today as Sam urinated after holding it for a while, the urine shot out straight behind him.
Because he is prone to accidents, I've begun diapering him like Izzy, but it makes him completely freeze! He gets so forlorn... but I trust that, in time, he'll figure it out and fly around the house like his younger sister. I'm convinced that the diaper is the reason he held it so long! I've also discovered that pull-ups are great! Not having children, diaper shopping is new to me and I'm learning. They are a bit more expensive, but the stretchy waistbands means not cutting into their legs while trying to keep the waist tight enough.
A 'Dora the Explorer' Diaper Isn't the Coolest Outfit for a Guy
Sad Sam
Thankfully, Sam is devoted to his new Mother, (me), so any time I'm outside, he follows right along, blissfully diaper-free. When he is happy, Sam sometimes smiles. Today, a photographer came to shoot photos for a story that will run in Women's World the first week of November, so we spent some time taking pictures with the animals in the back pasture. Sam soon began playfully pouncing on his shadow like a kitten (and I got no photos!) He also loves to dig and with the issues he's got, we'll let him. :o)
Sam can be a bit cranky with strangers, especially men, and we're working on this. A guy like Sam doesn't have many roommate options, so we'll work hard to address his personality issues.
We did manage to get some blue 'Diego' diapers today, so at least Sam won't be forced to wear pink.
When you come to visit, please give Sammy his space for a while and assure him his outfit is stylish. He might even smile.
~ Deanna
Sam-I-Am is a ten year old Boston Terrier who belonged to a woman who once had six at one time and adored them all. She lost three over time, leaving Sam and his biological parents. Sam's guardian was diagnosed with cancer in early June and died in late June. Somehow, Sam and his folks ended up in the drop box at the Martinez shelter until Linda from Wonder Dog Rescue saved them. Sam's parents were adopted right away, but Sam is a special boy.
Sammy was born with defective plumbing. All of the basic parts are there, but they're not properly connected and all waste is produced through one hole. I'll risk being graphic to give you an understanding: Today as Sam urinated after holding it for a while, the urine shot out straight behind him. Because he is prone to accidents, I've begun diapering him like Izzy, but it makes him completely freeze! He gets so forlorn... but I trust that, in time, he'll figure it out and fly around the house like his younger sister. I'm convinced that the diaper is the reason he held it so long! I've also discovered that pull-ups are great! Not having children, diaper shopping is new to me and I'm learning. They are a bit more expensive, but the stretchy waistbands means not cutting into their legs while trying to keep the waist tight enough.
Thankfully, Sam is devoted to his new Mother, (me), so any time I'm outside, he follows right along, blissfully diaper-free. When he is happy, Sam sometimes smiles. Today, a photographer came to shoot photos for a story that will run in Women's World the first week of November, so we spent some time taking pictures with the animals in the back pasture. Sam soon began playfully pouncing on his shadow like a kitten (and I got no photos!) He also loves to dig and with the issues he's got, we'll let him. :o)
Sam can be a bit cranky with strangers, especially men, and we're working on this. A guy like Sam doesn't have many roommate options, so we'll work hard to address his personality issues.We did manage to get some blue 'Diego' diapers today, so at least Sam won't be forced to wear pink.
When you come to visit, please give Sammy his space for a while and assure him his outfit is stylish. He might even smile.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Special Visit ~ Deanna
On June 2, the USA Today article was published and cards, letters and e-mail began to pour in. One of the first people that I corresponded with was New Yawk Albert, now in living near Denver, Colorado. I shared a photo of Stevie with him and Albert was intrigued. This past Sunday afternoon, Albert drove up Willow Brook Lane, having followed a persistent calling to see our special blind horse. Yes, Albert drove over 1,300 miles to meet Stevie the Wonder Horse. We shared dinner that night, had a fantastic visit, Albert stayed here at the ranch, took photos in the morning then left for St. Louis. I've learned that one never knows what lies around the corner and I am so happy to have another good friend in Denver. Thank you, Albert. We will never forget our time with you.
On Tuesday, after our monthly visit with Easter Seals, we began assembling sponsorship packages. This is quite a process! Woody and I were assisted by Volunteers Extraordinaire Kathy Leon and Jordan Bartley and we worked for hours. You'll notice a key on your mailing label - DHPM = Dogs, Horses, Pals and Mates; we each took a category, then moved to combinations. It wasn't until Wednesday that we finished applying postage and delivered to the post office - August mailers went out on September 1.
Well, most ~ I'm working on loose ends, correcting addresses and clarifying points. I think we have a good system devised now and a custom database is in the works, donated by Chris Hans and Steve Cooper of OmniCreek.
We learned that using a bulk mail permit no longer entails sorted mail by the zip code, so we will use that next month, reducing costs greatly. Many people have requested no updates or e-mail updates only, but we enjoy preparing the packages and continue to cut costs. We like to imagine Manny's picture on refrigerators across America!
I will close with photos from ESHTR. Gettin' better every day, you guys! We love you.
On Tuesday, after our monthly visit with Easter Seals, we began assembling sponsorship packages. This is quite a process! Woody and I were assisted by Volunteers Extraordinaire Kathy Leon and Jordan Bartley and we worked for hours. You'll notice a key on your mailing label - DHPM = Dogs, Horses, Pals and Mates; we each took a category, then moved to combinations. It wasn't until Wednesday that we finished applying postage and delivered to the post office - August mailers went out on September 1.
Well, most ~ I'm working on loose ends, correcting addresses and clarifying points. I think we have a good system devised now and a custom database is in the works, donated by Chris Hans and Steve Cooper of OmniCreek.
We learned that using a bulk mail permit no longer entails sorted mail by the zip code, so we will use that next month, reducing costs greatly. Many people have requested no updates or e-mail updates only, but we enjoy preparing the packages and continue to cut costs. We like to imagine Manny's picture on refrigerators across America!
I will close with photos from ESHTR. Gettin' better every day, you guys! We love you.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kathy's Big Boston
On Tuesday, August 31st 2010 Easter Seals Superior California HTR Program, took our monthly trip to A Chance For Bliss. The ride was pleasant with everybody singing along with the radio, except me I was working on a puzzle again. Woody, Deanna and Rachel greeted us. We were in a hurry to go to work, so Rachel right away assigned tasks and chores for everyone. Kim, our resident horse whisperer, got to work brushing horses. Anthony and John got busy bathing dogs, they must have bathed at least five dogs while we were there. Jasmine even helped by drying dogs, but I think she got wetter than the dogs she was trying to dry. Marcellos ground flax seed while Jim cleaned saddles. Ron, Rik, and Vince were manure valets, and I got to entertain the Boston’s. While I was busy doing my job I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy, she is the proud owner of the biggest Boston Terrier I have ever seen. But you know I think the dog liked me, because he licked me flat on my nose. But you know why I really liked Kathy? She said that she actually reads these blogs; I thought my relatives were the only ones who read them. So I want to say hi Kathy and thank you for reading the blogs. Remember animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, and they pass no criticism.
Hector
Hector
Mmmmm Cupcakes
On Friday August 27th HTR received a surprise visit from Rachel and Deanna from A Chance For Bliss. The visit was to commemorate and celebrate two years of volunteering by HTR at A Chance For Bliss. Not only does HTR have a volunteer placement at A Chance For Bliss, but HTR holds a Holiday Shoppe every year with all the proceeds going to A Chance For Bliss.
Deanna and Rachel presented HTR with a complimentary book that documents a small part of the volunteer work that HTR does. The book shows Marcellos raking in the corral, it also shows John bathing a dog and brushing a horse. We also see Dan washing a pig. We get to see Heather brush a horse and steer, yet still find the time to play with a bunny. Anthony brushes a horse and helps Bob clean a saddle. Steven and Al brush horses while Rik kisses a dog. Tom, Les and Jim show smiles as they pose with the dogs. But the best pages are the ones dedicated to our dearly departed friend Bob, we miss him so much. All I know is not a day goes by that we do not think of his smiling and cheery face. Bob was always ready to help; we love and miss him daily.
Get this, the biggest and best surprise, Deanna and Rachel brought a huge decadent assortment of cupcakes. I picked peanut-butter and jelly flavored cupcake. Remember, Charles Darwin said, and I quote, “The love of all creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
Hector
Deanna and Rachel presented HTR with a complimentary book that documents a small part of the volunteer work that HTR does. The book shows Marcellos raking in the corral, it also shows John bathing a dog and brushing a horse. We also see Dan washing a pig. We get to see Heather brush a horse and steer, yet still find the time to play with a bunny. Anthony brushes a horse and helps Bob clean a saddle. Steven and Al brush horses while Rik kisses a dog. Tom, Les and Jim show smiles as they pose with the dogs. But the best pages are the ones dedicated to our dearly departed friend Bob, we miss him so much. All I know is not a day goes by that we do not think of his smiling and cheery face. Bob was always ready to help; we love and miss him daily.
Get this, the biggest and best surprise, Deanna and Rachel brought a huge decadent assortment of cupcakes. I picked peanut-butter and jelly flavored cupcake. Remember, Charles Darwin said, and I quote, “The love of all creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
Hector
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Remembering Bug ~ by Deanna
I lost a very good friend today. Oh, I know she is an angel now and in a better place, that my sleep will be less disturbed and others will come into the fold, but this girl will be missed like few others.
There's not much to report ~ Bug was fifteen and lived a relatively quiet life. Rachel likened it to a cruise ship, these past two years. That made me smile. Bug would waller around in the sun on the lawn, bark dramatically when she felt a need and rest assured that someone would be right there to attend to her. She got more cookies and ice cream than most. She had her Dad in her life for special weekends away. Okay, there was sometimes more drama in that bark than necessary, indicative of her Princess sensibilities. But that was just Bug. I wouldn't change a thing about her.
She didn't rest very quietly last night. I couldn't figure out why she was restless, she just was. Little growls under her breath. The seizures started around 8:00am. She had my full attention until she left.
Peace be with my angel Bug and Jon Findley, too.
I miss this blogging. Not about passings, but those do tend to call me to the keyboard.
I wish I could concisely synopsize all of the changes since the USA today article was published, but somedays I can't even keep track. The majority of my time revolves around the sponsorship program which was three months new when the article brought the attention we so desperately needed to survive. I have always adored Excel, but honestly, this is a big job for that program. It looks so simple at first, but there are so many nuances. Fifteen possible combinations of categories, not to mention tracking who pays annually versus monthly, via PayPal or by check, who is drawn to a special individual or wants their updates via e-mail as opposed to snail mail. As members of our local Chamber of Commerce, we have access to a bulk mail permit, but that brings another level of complication, sorting by zip codes. We're getting there. All in time. I just want to make sure you're getting what you've asked for. Sometimes I'm in doubt! :o)
Thankfully, our faithful Kathy Leon has amazing friends who have stepped up to build a custom database to manage our needs and growth. This is beyond comprehension for me right now and I am beside myself with excitement. We're getting ready to mail out our August sponsor letters. We're later than we had hoped to be, but what can you do?
For those who follow us on Facebook, our niece Jordan will be here Friday to help assemble packages. She didn't miss a month, even having endured 14+ hours of brain surgery to remedy her epilepsy. I should blog, then post to FB, I know, but it is a habit I'm reforming.
We've also had a few improvements happening around the ranch. The local Boy Scout Troop raised the money and then built a three-sided run in shelter for the horses. That was a dream come true. It is so comforting to see.
A long-lost friend (30 years ~ thank you, Facebook!) has reappeared into our lives and is handy as all get out. Ken Noel has been helping with drainage issues in the back yard, amid assorted other small jobs, and has also built us a proper wash-rack, outfitted for our friends from Easter Seals and AIM, as well. HEAVEN! I am pinching myself.
I'll be in the November issue of Women's World Magazine, a publication that called the day the USA Today article hit. I'm grateful for the time between. Database, database, database.
I love sharing the animals with you. In fact, there is a lovely ten year old BT stepping into the opening that Buggy left. But he deserves his own blog. He's something special. Sam I Am. I like to call him Special Sam or Monkey Butt Sam... you'll see why soon.
Our network drive is down so I'll skip the pictures for tonight. It is ALWAYS something. But I'm not complaining. Thank you for your support in helping us to do what we do.
I'm off to sleep. Missing Bugaboo. Sweet dreams, old girl. Sweet dreams to all of you, too.
There's not much to report ~ Bug was fifteen and lived a relatively quiet life. Rachel likened it to a cruise ship, these past two years. That made me smile. Bug would waller around in the sun on the lawn, bark dramatically when she felt a need and rest assured that someone would be right there to attend to her. She got more cookies and ice cream than most. She had her Dad in her life for special weekends away. Okay, there was sometimes more drama in that bark than necessary, indicative of her Princess sensibilities. But that was just Bug. I wouldn't change a thing about her.
She didn't rest very quietly last night. I couldn't figure out why she was restless, she just was. Little growls under her breath. The seizures started around 8:00am. She had my full attention until she left.
Peace be with my angel Bug and Jon Findley, too.
I miss this blogging. Not about passings, but those do tend to call me to the keyboard.
I wish I could concisely synopsize all of the changes since the USA today article was published, but somedays I can't even keep track. The majority of my time revolves around the sponsorship program which was three months new when the article brought the attention we so desperately needed to survive. I have always adored Excel, but honestly, this is a big job for that program. It looks so simple at first, but there are so many nuances. Fifteen possible combinations of categories, not to mention tracking who pays annually versus monthly, via PayPal or by check, who is drawn to a special individual or wants their updates via e-mail as opposed to snail mail. As members of our local Chamber of Commerce, we have access to a bulk mail permit, but that brings another level of complication, sorting by zip codes. We're getting there. All in time. I just want to make sure you're getting what you've asked for. Sometimes I'm in doubt! :o)
Thankfully, our faithful Kathy Leon has amazing friends who have stepped up to build a custom database to manage our needs and growth. This is beyond comprehension for me right now and I am beside myself with excitement. We're getting ready to mail out our August sponsor letters. We're later than we had hoped to be, but what can you do?
For those who follow us on Facebook, our niece Jordan will be here Friday to help assemble packages. She didn't miss a month, even having endured 14+ hours of brain surgery to remedy her epilepsy. I should blog, then post to FB, I know, but it is a habit I'm reforming.
We've also had a few improvements happening around the ranch. The local Boy Scout Troop raised the money and then built a three-sided run in shelter for the horses. That was a dream come true. It is so comforting to see.
A long-lost friend (30 years ~ thank you, Facebook!) has reappeared into our lives and is handy as all get out. Ken Noel has been helping with drainage issues in the back yard, amid assorted other small jobs, and has also built us a proper wash-rack, outfitted for our friends from Easter Seals and AIM, as well. HEAVEN! I am pinching myself.
I'll be in the November issue of Women's World Magazine, a publication that called the day the USA Today article hit. I'm grateful for the time between. Database, database, database.
I love sharing the animals with you. In fact, there is a lovely ten year old BT stepping into the opening that Buggy left. But he deserves his own blog. He's something special. Sam I Am. I like to call him Special Sam or Monkey Butt Sam... you'll see why soon.
Our network drive is down so I'll skip the pictures for tonight. It is ALWAYS something. But I'm not complaining. Thank you for your support in helping us to do what we do.
I'm off to sleep. Missing Bugaboo. Sweet dreams, old girl. Sweet dreams to all of you, too.
Friday, August 6, 2010
AB 1980 ~ Please Act
A bit redundant, perhaps (blog, newsletter and Facebook), but we're passionate about this matter! Please read.
Thank you,
Deanna
Thank you,
Deanna
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