There Are No Accidents

I did not blog the next day as promised... The Universe sometimes has other plans.

Chico came home to us today from Wee Wonders in Grass Valley whose founder, Sherre Beisel, passed away on August 9. When I received the second e-mail regarding their plight, I placed a call to Wee Wonders' 2nd Leiutenant, Beverly Albright, to inquire which of their babies was the least likely to find a home. It was a perfect match! Chico is an older Chihuahua who typically has a seizure when he gets too excited. We've been missing that special Chihuahua energy around our home since DeeDee left us on June 30. Incredibly, Chico has made it through all of today's excitement episode-free!

Beverly brought her husband, Bill, and daughter, Samantha, as well as Pam Gorman, Pam's husband, Steve, and daughter, Amy. Pam Gorman produces 'For Pets' Sake' which runs on NCTV Channel 11 in Nevada County. Everyone was excited about Chico's newfound home and we were interviewed for an upcoming episode. I was too distracted to take any photos, myself, but we have six wonderful new friends, as well as our beloved Chico. We feel so aligned with our purpose as this all fell into place perfectly and effortlessly. Photos of Chico coming soon.

Sunday, August 17, was a Pony Pedicure extravagaanza, with our invaluable trimmer, Rachel Chao. If you own horses and have not yet heard of Pete Ramey, please check out his site. I am thrilled to have Rachel as our trimmer and someday will talk in depth about our successes with Dolly and Spike, who were both horribly laminitic. Rachel brought a charming trainee, Randi, and to make a good day a great one, donated this entire day's work to help our cause. That is a huge gift for which we are incredibly grateful. The photo is of the herd that resides on our neighbor's land watching as Spike gets his trim. Funny kids!

This week also brought other cherished visits, such as Sue, who comes on Mondays to groom horses. The kids are coming to know the routine and delight in the attention and the carrots, of course. Sue and husband, Doug, attended our Open House and she has been volunteering ever since. Her visits make us all smile.


Margaret made her usual Monday and Wednesday afternoons, as well, which we all anticipate. Margaret enjoys working with Handsome and Dusty, as well as riding Zulu at times. She's also a much sought-after (by the horses, of course!) bearer of those sweet orange sticks that bring smiles to their faces. Margaret helps us with the hardest work, too.

More smiles came Monday morning when we were visted by three beautiful horsewomen - Joanne Lee (visiting from Hawaii), her Mom, Rene Bender, of Fell Legend Farm in Lincoln, and good friend, Joanna. We love visitors but this is the first time they have arrived on mounts!

Aunt Erica also made her routine Tuesday and Wednesday visits. Erica went to the feedstore, helps to feed and clean pastures, plus gets some play time. She and her love, Star Bright, took Jessie and I for a ride to an undisclosed local hang-out. Penryn is so beautiful.
I'll close with a photo of Poppa with the adortable BowTie, who arrived last Sunday, August 17. She was in the San Jose shelter, unavailable for public adoption due to her advanced age. The grey is the only telling factor - this girl is no old woman. She is extremely lovey with people and took just a couple of days to decide this is a good place to be, after obviously missing her previous life and wondering what she did wrong. She doesn't lok to start fights, but she is unafraid to stand up for herself. BowTie hasn't quite figured out what a horse is, yet, and likes to bark at them!


Thanks for stopping by. We'll have new kids to introduce next week!

Continued Contrast ~ Highs and Lows

Somehow another three weeks has managed to pass between entries. There is much to share in our continuing "Good Times, Bad Times" period, but I admit that when I feel overwhelmed, I'm not the most communicative. Thank you for understanding.

On the HIGHEST note, we received our first grant-type contribution from the Robert and Mary Jane Engman Foundation on August 1 in the amount of $3,000 to pay for entire month of August's feed bill! I cannot express the relief and gratitude this check delivered. I've written more about it on our Fundraising page, along with the unexpected expenses that made the timing even more divine.

Here and now, however, I would like to focus on some of the critters.

Jackson, the elderly La Mancha goat, has left us, staying for a mere 14 days. Trust me when I tell you that goats can be very personable and loving pets, and Jackson was special. Of course, we have softspots for seniors, which made him even more endearing. After about 10 days, Jackson became unable to rise. I believe the weight he gained here was too much for him to bear. We began plans to fabricate a cart for him while making him comfortable under a tree on a bed complete with a pillow. We visited him every two hours, moving him and changing soiled bedding, continuing to bring treats which he always enjoyed. The bed sores started quickly, along with rub marks from his attempts to rise. There was really no other option. Though they do not normally care for goats, Dr. Fielding of Loomis Basin Large Animal agreed to help us help Jackson.

It was a short stay and losing him was not easy. I thoroughly enjoyed grooming, feeding and just hanging out with him. There is always a wisdom in the seniors. After he became immobile, I asked Jane to check in on him, looking for the sign that he was ready to go. Instead, the message was just that he was thoroughly enjoying all of the attention. We had removed a great deal of old coat and he was beginning to gleam. He was receiving Pawier, joint supplements and ground flax in his feed. I tried lots of different foods and he enjoyed most of them, but primarily the fruits, of course. Bananas, strawberries, mango, apples, carrots (not a fruit, but with horses, we always have those around).






As if that weren't difficult enough, Horseshoe's problem did NOT resolve itself and he needed surgery which we could not afford. UC Davis quoted $1,500-$2,500 and after four phone calls, they were the only ones we could find willing to do it. As much as we hated to, we were forced to euthanize our gorgeous Myotonic goat which was a wedding present we gave one another. On Tuesday, August 5th, Guy and I took horseshoe for his final ride. He was cooperative and sweet through the whole process. It was more painful than I care to attempt to convey.




When Buck passed on July 26, Princess stopped eating. She nibbled here and there for a while, but the cute little food-monger that she was ceased to be. When Princess arrived and Jane checked in regarding her name, the message was also revealed that we shouldn't expect her to be here for long. We SO hoped that would change, given the medication for the Cushing's Disease and her love of the food here. Some things, however, just simply are. We tried many, many things to get her to eat, but didn't force her. On the evening of August 5, Princess had a seizure and we rushed her to Loomis Basin to help her out of her failing body. Woody left work to meet Guy and I at the vet, and our truly special Princess girl died in his arms as the room was being prepared. Three months is never enough time and she was so easy to love.

In her short time with us, if Princess wasn't in the kitchen (and any little sound in there called for a visit), you would find her sleeping on the green rug by the front door, usually in full glory, as below. In every other way, she was a lady. Not a gaseous BT, gentle when taking food, and happy to kiss you, but not too much. The EMTC (Early Morning Treat Club) will never be the same.




Yes, Princess and Horseshoe left us on the same day. It felt surreal. We were so elated to receive the Engman check, and it was being eaten up in euthanasia and rendering costs. Because we cannot bury the animals and we have traditionally done a private cremation on the dogs, our total bill for Buck, Jackson, Horseshoe and Princess totalled $1,100. We did the right thing by the animals, however, in every case, as they are Priority One.

Losing "kids" is never easy, but four in 10 days, including two on the same day, is something I hope to never experience again. It is draining to write about it, too, as it produces a feeling of finality. I'm out of time and energy for today. I will share more tomorrow ~ lighter and good stuff ~ promise. There's lots of life and love here.

A Real Win-Win!

Our talented hoof trimmer, Rachel Chao, is also a speech pathologist for Easter Seals. Rachel has coordinated a monthly visit to the ranch for the clients that she works with. Tuesday was the second visit from Easter Seals and Rachel was able to provide permission to post the photos from this as well as last month's visit (hooray! I've been dying to share!).

It is such a pleasure to get to know a bit about each individual and to see them interact with the animals, as well as to watch the animals enjoying the attention. The horses get heavy eyes and their lips twitch with appreciation when the groomer gets just the right spot.

THE JULY 1ST VISIT

Tom visits with Max and Bernie


John holds the newest girl, Grace


Handsome gives Lisa sweet kisses!


Marcellos poses with the Dolly Mama


Quyen brushes Spike while Anthony observes his technique


Steven gave Daisy a great grooming!


Goodbye, Rachel!



THE JULY 29TH VISIT

Bob gave Tank a thorough and attentive grooming


Steven did another great job on his pal, Daisy


Kim picked Dolly's feet


John gave Daisy loving attention


Bob and Marcellos give some loving to Spike


Steven greets Pinky


Kim single-handedly (literally!) groomed two horses!

We feel honored to share our passion with these kind friends and look forward to next month's time together.

Good Times, Bad Times...

Lots has been happening here at "the ranch" over the last few days. We've had lots of visitors and love and fun have flowed abundantly!

Sunday morning we were able to coordinate a trail ride for our wonderful friends, Kolece and James, who brought along James' sister, Trisha, her husband, Ira, and three of their (truly!) charming children, Reilly, Taylor and Mason.






















Mason has autism and was previously (very) afraid of all animals, but he soon was riding like a PRO! Sincerely, I was struck by his incredible sense of balance and complete lack of fear. Mason was a complete natural on the back of a horse, which helped his Mom to relax. Yeah, gang! It was a lovely time. Kudos, too, to our gracious volunteer, Margaret, for hand-walking Big Cloud on the ride - he was having a complete breakdown at the idea that his dear Daisy was leaving his side (she does have an angelic glow in the above photo!)




















Buddy REALLY enjoys a new toy from his Aunt Joannie in Washington ~ THANK YOU, Aunt Joannie! I'll post photos of the horses enjoying the yummy berry treats soon.






















Harmony always knows how to stay cool during the long weekend work days with Poppa. Those two will stay outside from morning until dusk in 100 degree heat grooming pastures, fixing fences or sprinklers, or whatever else needs attention. Yes, we count the hard work in our "Good Times" as there is great satisfaction in a job well done and in serving the needs of the animals.




















The world's best Beagle, Bojangles, is staying at A Chance for Bliss while his folks are out of state. He fits in perfectly (he is a senior himself), he is a pleasure to have around and really enjoys the food, of course!




















Saturday afternoon, our Myotonic (Fainting) Goat, Horseshoe, was certainly not himself. He showed sign of bloat, which is basically gas trapped in their rumen (first stomach) and not uncommon for goats, so I began the regimine to ease him through his predicament, prepared to undertake the more serious steps if necessary. We thought to ask our friend and animal communicator, Jane St. Croix, to peek into the matter. Her insight showed that a corn cob was stuck, but that it would pass with some helpful massage. For those who doubt: We gave the goats corn cobs for the first (and last) time last week. Her visions are always on target and so helpful.






















This photo was taken just hours before we decided that Buck needed our assistance in leaving this world behind. We had just four months with this truly gentle and lovely girl. Her breathing was becoming very labored as a result of congestive heart failure and, as much as she enjoyed food, her overall quality of life was already compromised due to her additional lumbar vertebrae and unusual gait. We made our decision and called Jane St. Croix for additional insight. Jane's vision revealed that Buck's energy was growing thin, that angels were waiting to help her along and that she was surrounded by a pink energy. Woody and I stroked her and spoke to her softly through the entire process, tears quietly falling. As the overdose of sedative was injected, I softly whispered to my husband my observation that the euthanasia serum is pink.

July is Flying By

I have no big events to report but a few nice photos to share.

On the fundraising end, we've opened up one more small avenue for feed money ~ Guy and I are posting my CDs on eBay, sometimes singly, sometimes as an "instant collection." It's an interesting process and proving to be a bit more profitable than taking them to a store. I must have near 500 (without parting with my beloved Elton John and Dwight Yoakam complete collections), and they're all loaded into iTunes on the computer, so we're hoping to raise a small but steady amount by selling off the discs in manageable weekly lots. So far, nothing has expired without being purchased - that's a good sign!

I'll start with a nice shot of Eddie, who is always happy to greet any visitor to his pasture. He is a pleasure to have around.


I have to admit that I have fallen head over heels in love with Jackson, the decrepit old goat. He gets regular attention from me throughout the day and I always bear a snack. He loves fruit especially. Today, for instance, he had a banana, frozen mango, applesauce, corn on the cob, carrots, sweet potato and several small portions of senior horse grain fortified with Pawier, ground flax seed, joint supplements and corn oil. He is filling out already, which I love to see.


An interesting note from last night's doggie dinner: When we removed the pan from the oven and set it on the counter, it completely shattered. We never expected Pyrex to do that and are grateful that we had lined the pan with foil for ease of cleaning. Otherwise, the meal would have been wasted and we would have had a mutiny on our hands, since most of the pups gather in the kitchen to await dinner once they smell it cooking. :o)


Finally, the nieghbors' grandchildren came to play today in our most recent Craigslist score ~ an easyset pool that Guy and I splurged on (a whole $50!) Even though their teeth chattered, the kids stayed in there for more than an hour! I doubt Guy and I will ever get as much enjoyment out of this silly little pool as these kiddoes did today. I found it comical that Ferdi is in the background.


Thanks for your interest in our little piece of Penryn. Lickery kisses from our canine kids.

Long Time, No Blog

It has been far too long since I've written, but it is not for lack of activity! The ranch is a bustling place. Let me see how much we can catch up on tonight.

Before we move on to recent events, I need to clarify that DeeDee has made her transition. I mentioned this just briefly, but haven't written at length. She was a dear little girl, especially close with me, and a part of me has gone with her. Her loss added to the pain of an already difficult time with Hope still missing and the recent financial contraction. DeeDee passed away in her sleep on June 30. She was very peaceful during her last few days and received a lot of attention. Many tears spilled as I whispered in her ear how much she was appreciated and what a beautiful little soul she (still is). The Baby Deeds lived her life as we should all strive to - happy for every small thing and moving through upsets quickly and easily. She gave her love so easily and made many friends along the way. She was my very best girlfriend and I will miss her always.

DeeDee with Aunt Brooke taken by Scott Macon ~ October 1, 2006

Fort a complete turnabout, let me introduce you to our newest resident: Jackson is an elderly La Mancha goat from the Newcastle/Ophir area. His Mom is being forced to leave her ranch and broken-hearted at having to find a new home for her long-time friend. Jackson is at least 12 years old, with the average life expectancy for a goat to be between 12 and 15 years. He is an absolute love and I am spending time one on one with him to help him adjust to his new life here. He really enjoys applesauce!


We have had many volunteers since I last wrote, but I am going to mention one in particular today as she drove from Pleasanton and intends to do so monthly! Kathy Leon has been a long-time supporter of Boston Terrier Rescue and also spent time working at an Arabian horse ranch in the past. In September 2006, Kathy drove up to meet Wanda Jewell (from American Boston Terrier Rescue in Texas) in person as Wanda flew out to attend our wedding. Kathy came Sunday morning with the intention of bonding with Tank, but instead found a natural friend in Dusty.


Being an angel of service, Kathy also helped to transport a needy pup on Sunday. She picked up a little fellow in Sacramento and delivered him later in the day to Wonder Dog Rescue in San Francisco. We had heard about this little fellow and were THRILLED that we got to meet him. He is known as Radar and you can follow his progress through Wonder Dog's web site. He is so small and happy, affectionate and playful. He had our whole household at attention! Much love goes out to the little man on his new journey and kudos to Linda at Wonder Dog for taking care of his needs.


We had a few more adorable volunteers exchange chore time for ride time this week and Dolly and Daisy were ready to oblige. Our good friends and neighbors have grandchildren visiting from out of state who are excited to spend some time around the critters. Next time, Grace and Lilly Ann want to hit the trails at Traylor Ranch ~ no more simple rides around the front pasture for them! These ladies are true cowgirls at heart. Little brother, Isaac, is just happy, no matter what!




HOPE NOTE: We received a call Monday afternoon from Animal Control in Auburn that there was a BT that could possibly be Hope. When we checked the message, there was 25 minutes to get to the shelter and we didn't make it in time, so I returned this morning. Without going into great detail, I'll just say that the pup was not ours, but I still came away uplifted after my conversation with Barbara and Becky at the shelter. They really do care and shared more inspiring stories of animals being returned after lengthy stints and long distances. I feel like we have friends in Auburn who know our story and are holding the faith.

I will close for now with a photo I shot last night in the back pasture while sitting on the ground, visiting with Jackson. I've not been taking enough photos lately, which I miss. I need to formally introduce Grace, still, and add her photos to Flickr. She arrived four days before Hope disappeared, which has made it more difficult. Soon... She is a unique little Boston who deserves some time in the spotlight. For now, happy horses with mist from the pond fountain.