YEARLY SHOTS TURN INTO A PAIN IN THE HINES!!!

Pictured: The Rat Terror (I mean terrier) of Dogwood: Hines

Like all good parents, I love my kids and do everything I can to assure their good health and that any type of disease or illness that might threaten them will be held at bay. Even though my children are four legged, chase squirrels, and take an occasional drink from the toilet, they receive their physicals and shots yearly, and are treated with heart worm prevention, and flea and tick preventative monthly.

My oldest daughter, Alpha Dog, and Queen of the roost: Lucy, received her yearly pop in the behind and a clean bill of health in December. We had no problems, no struggles, and Lucy actually behaved herself so that it was actually a pleasant visit.

Last Saturday morning, it was Hines and Daisy's turn. Since putting these two together is as dangerous  as mixing Nitro and Gun Powder--I wasn't looking forward to this event. It's not that they fight--Lord no! They lick each other like lolly pops 24 hours a day. But Hines gets a little bit of an attitude when he goes to the vet, and Daisy gets a tad over excited.
Ok-honestly, Hines turns into a little dictator and Daisy, who is already bonkers, goes into CRAZY OVER DRIVE mode. But at Dogwood, we don't keep score on these things--we just draw another target and keep firing!

Sooooooo, anyway, added to the already dreaded situation was the fact that this would be Hines first visit to the Waverly vet.  It had taken us over three years to get him used to going to our beloved Dr. Ramey in Clarksville. She was the A#1 vet care giver to all of the Dogwood inmates for the past eight years. But with the move to Waverly, we had to decide if we would drive the hour back or dig in locally. With gas prices being what they are, we had to find a Waverly vet.

We met Dr. Linda Baty on our first visit to Eastbrook Animal Clinic.  Lucy had one of her usual bladder infections, and it just makes life easier to get her on meds than to have your head bit off because of her foul mood. Better Half and I have sung the bladder blues with Lucy 1000 times, and we pretty much know each note by heart. Dr. Baty knew the song too---and even a few verses that I had forgotten--and that proved to me that she not only knew what she was talking about--but that she gave a damn.

So far, she had met Lucy, Bart, and Sebastian. She had met Daisy earlier also (and lived to tell the tale).

And now, it was time for the good doctor to meet the rat terror (I mean terrier) of Dogwood.

To my surprise, Hines was actually cordial during his visit. I'm not sure if it was Dr. Baty's table side manner or Daisy bouncing around the room like a nerf ball on meth, but he didn't bite anybody or try to claw his way thru the door. I was quite pleased.

Until the next day.

My poor little Hines dog. He's so small, and he is so fragile. When we got up Sunday morning, his little leg swelled up and he was hobbling around like a broken wind up toy. I thought he might also have a temperature. As the day went on, he began to scream out if his little foot even touched the floor. 
Been there--done that--know what to do.

So we made an Emergency call to Dr. Baty, who met Better Half at the office within thirty minutes of our call. She gave him some meds and another shot. Better Half said Hines was so happy (or drugged) that he even gave her kisses.

Dr. Baty didn't charge us a cent. When I heard that--I was ready to give her kisses too.

So Daisy came thru with flying (literally) colors, and we had that one little bump on the butt with Hines.
Otherwise, everyone is OK.

Charlie, my special child, will be up at bat in June. And then everyone will be all happy and shot up for another year.
I have been very fortunate--two great vets in my life--six fur kids that love us as much as we love them--and minor crisises instead of fatal ones.
But one of my babies has a different opinion. He thinks the whole thing is just one big pain in the HINES.

ANIMAL WARRIORS ON THE MOVE!!!!! YOU CAN HELP!!!!!!

 Prada, who has an army of animals warriors fighting for her life

 Gilly, who is in need of help due to a broken jaw

The Pet Bed which can be purchased for the Waverly Animal Shelter

JOEY, who came to Clarksville's Animal Control with two broken front legs

and started a movement and a fund to help others

There are several efforts being made for animals that I wanted to share with you. Maybe you could help--maybe you could offer your prayer support.

A female pitbull, named PRADA, who has been sentenced to be euthanized by a Nashville city court, has raised animal warriors and tons of dollars and signatures in effort to SAVE HER LIFE!

Newschannel 5 has a UP TO DATE story about PRADA posted on their website at :
http://www.newschannel5.com/story/17144835/woman-fights-in-courts-for-dog-condemned-by-city

You can sign PRADA's petition to live at
http://www.change.org/petitions/dept-of-health-please-pardon-pitbull-prada?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=own_wall

or donate at :
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=894&url=prada

PRADA's case is not only an effort to SAVE HER, but to RAISE AWARENESS of the misconception and misunderstood breed known as the pit bull. SAVING THIS LIFE could change the lives of all other members of the breed who have been put to death, abused, of just completely forgotten because fo WHO THEY ARE!

Nikki Anderson , an angel I happen to know on Earth, is trying to raise funds for a 8 week old rescue pup, GILLY, who came to her with a broken jaw.

She updated her Pet Assistance Network blog with the following:

Just got home from the vet with Gilley. They sedated him to do x-rays and a more thorough exam of the jaw. It is a complete break of his left mandible with the bone exposed. He was given a 2wk antibiotic injection yesterday, so hopefully that will help ward off any infection until we can raise the funds to get his jaw fixed. Not sure if it will require surgery or not. Good news is that he is eatinLOL), but until we can raise the money to get the gum sutured and his jaw set, I have to limit his mobility and access to putting things in his mouth. The vet I took him to is not setup to treat this type of injury, so I called the 2 vets they recommended already and was quoted anywhere from $500 for suture & tape muzzle, to $3000 if he needs surgery. Will be calling around to various vets to get quotes and will adjust the chipin goal accordingly. In the meantime, please keep sharing! The longer it takes to get this fixed, the greater his risk of complications setting in. Thanks so much to all who have donated, shared and prayed. He continues to need a LOT more of all 3!

Right now there is a chip in to donate towards helping this little guy being able to chew, and SMILE again.

http://petassistancenetwork.chipin.com/8-week-old-puppy-with-broken-jaw

Nikki is a good egg--and would fry, scramble, or flip to make sure an animal that she rescues will always come up SUNNY SIDE UP!  If you can help the little guy--please do so.

The Waverly Animal Shelter is currently partnered with the Animal Rescue Aid to purchase pet beds for the kennels at the shelter.  The following is an excerpt from their website explaining the bed program.

Animal Rescue Aid launched the National Pet Bed Donation Program to make it possible for shelters and rescue groups to purchase quality Pet Beds at cost (only $17.50 per Pet Bed - for medium, even large sizes!). Replacement Toppers can also be purchased for just $3.95 each! In addition, Animal Rescue Aid covers all shipping costs (in the contiguous USA) - making every, fully taxable, fund-raising dollar go even further!

Medium Pet Bed Dimensions:

Frame 36" x 28.5" / Topper 22" x 28.5"

Large Pet Bed Dimensions:

Frame 42" x 26" / Topper 34.5" x 26"
You can get to their website by clicking the link and following the instructions under "Donate a bed" http://animalrescueaid.bbnow.org/
JOEYS FUND is ALWAYS in need as it is ALWAYS BEING USED to help animal who are hurt or in need of medical care when they reach the Montgomery County Animal Control. Little JOEY came to animal control with both front legs broken--the victim of severe abuse. But the public rallied around him, and helped to pay for his legs to be made whole again---and also started a fund to help others like Joey.

This from their Facebook page, by Karen Josephson, Director at AC:
We currently have FOUR animals being treated through The Joey Fund. This photo is TASHA who had Mast Cell Cancer in her right rear leg and we had to amputate. She's great now and only 2 years old!!! I am so very thankful to all of you who give to this fund so animals who come to us injured but easily treatable can be cared for!
 
PLEASE DONATE if you can!  So many of these animals can live healthy lives if they get this one chance at a leg up.
If you send a check to us - it is Tax Deductable! Make it out to: Montgomery County Trustees 616 N. Spring Street Clarksville, TN 37043
 
FOSTERING ANIMALS takes so little effort--and you can SAVE so many lives. EVERY ORGANIZATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY has a FOSTERING program that you can apply for! By giving a dog or cat a TEMPORARY HOME--you SAVE IT'S LIFE!!! How can you argue with that???? It's either save them---or stand by and watch them die!  As a FOSTER HOME--YOU HAVE THE POWER over life and death. CHOOSE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!! Volunteer as a FOSTER HOME to ANY organization!
 
AND THERE ARE SO MANY MORE THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR WORLD TODAY TO HELP ANIMALS!!! SOOOO MANY GOOD CAUSES that you can't think straight --right???
 
The only advice I can give is to talk to God about it--and ask him to lead you. If you can only offer prayer for these causes--PLEASE DO SO!!!! God hears us!  Miracles still happen!!! Pray not only for the money needed, but that these animals who suffer will be blessed and ADOPTED, and that the warriors that fight EVERYDAY to save them will find renewed strength and new ways to put their love and effort into SAVING LIVES!!!

THEY CANNOT DO IT ALONE!  It takes a COMMUNITY to beat sense into the village!!!!
 
PLEASE help if you can in ANY WAY!.

To Death--I am A Sore Loser

Ernest

                                                                      Peeky

                                                                                  Max

                                                                              Duchess


Death and I don't get along.  He's always stronger than me--and no matter how hard I fight him--I always end up losing.  Death isn't like fighting Chance or holding onto to HOPE. Death is the one that is just too strong to take down.

Lately Death seems to be taking more and more of my friends.

My little Duchess, who I had fallen in love with while she was living at the shelter, fell ill and died overnight--cause--parvo. She was there one minute, and gone the next--no excuse, no chance to say good bye--just gone.  I can still see her running for the piece of rope, and hear her sweet bark, telling me that she wanted a treat. But they are just ghosts of what was--Duchess is gone.

Little Peek a Choo--my old feline friend up at Cats Are Us, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge on February 24th--he lived his entire life in that shelter--he had bladder issues that no one could see past--not even me.  I always promised him that one day he would have a forever home. I lied. Everyone loved Peeky--everyone made him the promise to come back for him. No one came back for Peeky--no one gave him that chance--now it's too late.  I wanted to give him something that I couldn't--and I am heartbroken that I never tried. He was sweet as the day was long, and I mourn his loss very deeply.

Ernest---someone I pulled for and prayed for to be rescued from the Animal Control. I got my prayer answered--and again got Death's swift kick in the gutt. Ernest had only been removed from AC a few days when he fell mysteriously ill and was fighting for his life. Again I asked God to intervene, but Ernest was already spoken for. He past away last week, leaving his rescuers to grieve for the mission unfulfilled.

Little Max--the little white chinless wonder dog who was beloved to my in-laws--went to be with God last week too. Little Max was a card--cute, cuddly--loving.  He had a good long life and was treated very well. But even though we can be comforted by that thought, it is still so hard to say good bye to someone we loved so much. But little Max too, is gone, running free and painless thru the high Cotton in the Fields of the Lord forever.

So many others--so many names and faces that pass thru my life and my computer screen and my emails--everyday. Some of them I have hands on experience with. Some I simply fall in love with thru a picture. Some I cared for, or known thru rescue, looking into their eyes and seeing the light that burns to love a human and be their friend.

So many little faces that leave this Earth, and take a little bit of me with them when they go.

I don't like Death. It's a lose/lose situation.
I can fight depression.
I can resist temptation.
I can wrestle fear, and anxiety, and even stomp out anger.
But death is something  too much to bare.
The only way to deal with death, and the ones that it takes from me---

is to live with it.

THE WAVERLY ANIMAL SHELTER/HUMANE SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

Meet Peanut--a four month old female lab currently residing at the Waverly Animal Shelter. PEANUT could use a foster home, as the shelter is currently over crowded by 36 new animals recently confiscated 

THEY ARE BURSTING AT THE SEEMS!!!!!! Please help if you can!

The Humphreys County Humane Society's ACT (Anti-Cruelty Team) has just confiscated 36 Dogs (9 Puppies, 19 Adult Females - some pregnant, 8 Adult Males) from a bad situation and are housing them at the Waverly Animal Shelter.


Foster Families for current Pets (not the newly confiscated Animals) are DESPERATELY NEEDED to make room for the 36 new Animals.

WE NEED YOUR HELPING HANDS!!

The HCHS is in DESPERATE NEED for Volunteers to help Feed Animals, Clean Kennels, and Walk Dogs for the next 2 weeks from 8 am - Noon, Monday thru Sunday.

If YOU can lend a hand, PLEASE call (931-296-7319)to join a schedule of volunteers!! PLEASE call for scheduling so that the effort can be evenly distributed to the greater good!

THIS IS A COURT CASE AND PROTOCOLS must be followed—no discussion of the case is allowed.

PLACE: the Waverly Animal Shelter

TIME: between 8 - Noon

JOB: Feed Animals, Clean Kennels, or Walk Dogs,

TO FOSTER: Call 931-296-7319 or come by the Shelter if you can Foster.

More than ever we NEED the support of our community to SAVE THE LIVES of (now rescued) Animals. PLEASE lend a hand to Save A Paw.

All You need is LUB

Pictured: Sebastian cat and Daisy dog nap quietly together.

I thank God every day for my little family.
Without my mutt-ley crew, I truly wonder if I would be able to deal with the slings and arrows that life shoots at me on a daily basis. Nothing calms my brain or raises my spirits more than Dogwood kisses, which we call LUBBINS. I am so happy for those.
Not only am I thankful for their love, their warmth, their loyalty, and their undying devotion, but I am thankful for the fact that they all genuinely love each other and co-exist together as a family unit.
Lucy, my oldest, is the true Queen and Matriarch of our furry family. She watches over them, administers nightly cleaning (it's a tad on the wet side), and acts as if each one of her little charges were her own pups.
Charlie, my special child, is every body's big brother. He is one of the sweetest souls I have ever known, and he loves each and every one of his five brothers and sisters dearly.
My little rat terror (I mean terrier) Hines, is my little tough guy. Yes, he's small, but he can run with the big dogs--which he has proven every day for the past five years. Of his fellow canines and buddy felines, Charlie is his favorite. He looks up to his big brother, and his big brother loves it.
Crazy Daisy is every one's friend. This little sweet heart knows nothing but love, and every moment her little brown eyes is open is a moment for PLAY!  Though she is truly the child that bears watching, there is no malice or spite in her mischief. She has a heart of pure gold.
Little Bart the cat is another love bug--but he doesn't want anyone to know it. He waits until everyone is asleep in bed before he sneaks up to lie on my chest and rub his furry face in my hands.
Sebastian, the last to join our merry little band of misfits, is a walking, talking valentine of pure and unbridled affection. I could not sleep at night unless I felt that little furry presence snuggled into my arm, and those loving sandpaper licks that he lays across my face.
Then finally--there is the Better Half. Where of where would my life be today without my best friend, my soul mate, and my co-parent to this batch of furry felons??? That is truly a question that I hope I never have to answer.
Together, these eight heart beats fill our house with joy and love to create a special place that we call Dogwood.  We don't need fancy things, or tons of money to be happy.
All we need is "LUB".

ZEINA UPDATE!!! LOOK AT HER NOW!!!!

Back before Christmas, I shared the need of a dog who had been shot, it's hip shattered. Her leg and spine were being flopped all over because there was nothing left to hold it together. She had a "S" shape that made my heart break into a million pieces. The Hickman County Humane Society was trying desperately to raise the funds needed to have the leg amputated so there would not be horrific damage to the rest of her body.

If this could not be accomplished, Zeina was to be euthanized.
But as usual, everyone came to bat for this sweet baby.
Pictured here , little Zeina, minus a leg--BUT ALIVE! She is IN A FOSTER HOME and is ALL BETTER. The  HHS hopes for her adoption to happen very soon. She is a brave girl who deserves a second chance!

Thank you all--and THANKYOU GOD!

The "Other" Lucy of Long Ago

You all know about my sweet black Lab: Lucy. She is the first born at Dogwood, and the grumpy old apple of Daddy's eye.  But she was not the first four legged Lucy in my family tree. Once upon a time, long ago, there was another Lucy, of a different four legged variety, that provided companionship was just as loved just as much as the current canine that bares that name.

My grandmother was a miraculous woman who came of age at the beginning of the Great Depression. Like many women of her era, she worked every job and chore imaginable to help keep the family afloat through the hard times. Those hard times gave her a bountiful number of stories to tell her grand kids. This tale was always one of my favorites.


When the effects of the Great Depression reached North Carolina., my grandparents had been married only a few years. Both came from large families that worked together for the common good of all. Employment had dried up and the whole family was out of work. My Grandfather knew a man who owned a grown up bit of land, and struck an agreement with him. In exchange for clearing the parcel, he would be allowed to live on and farm the land. So, my grandparents and ten of the siblings moved there and built two log cabins. Together, they cleared the land, planted, and kept the families going by selling what they could of the produce and crops while living off the rest.

One of the first purchases made with the little money they had was a pig. My grandmother loved all animals and struck up a strange friendship with the little pig that she named Lucy.

Between the time of the land being cleared and the crops growing, the family members would fan out across the county, looking for sustaining income until the farm produced. Sometimes Grandma was alone until someone returned. Lucy the pig was her constant companion. They tried in vain to keep her in a pin, but Lucy cried and cried so that Grandma couldn't bare it. So Lucy ran about outside, following her every step.

Lucy grew in to a good sized pig. Usually, a pig was raised to feed the family when it's time came. But no one dared mention the thought of sacrificing little Lucy.

By the end of the first year, the family had cleared and planted part of the land, surviving the winter from its bounty. In the spring, it was decided that they would plant another section. Everyone worked to clear the overgrowth and trees. As they cut , the brush was piled in several large heaps, and then burned. Each man took charge of a pile and added to it after it began to burn.

When one of the piles caught, there was a blood curling squeal from somewhere in the mass of tangled vines and branches. My grandmother dropped the load of brush from her arms and ran towards the sound. Lucy, who was rooting around the clearing, had rooted herself a path into brush pile and lain down. The pig came out of the burning pile straight to my grandmother, the fur on her backside scorched off by the flames.

Lucy survived, shaken but alive. She lived on for another few years before an illness took her and other farm animals in the bottom lands. Until the day she crossed the rainbow bridge, she was ever faithful to my grandmother, and my grandmother to her.  
I'd heard her tell this story a thousand times. Each time, I could see the love in her eyes and hear the tenderness in her voice when she remembered her precious little pig.

My Grandmother left us twenty three years ago,but her stories still live in me. Maybe it's the times we are living in now, but I've been thinking of this tale a lot lately. I feel that she's reminding me that even when times are tough, the love of family, and even little pigs, can turn things around.  I miss her terribly, and not a day goes by that something doesn't remind me of her. But as long as I remember stories like these, she will live in my heart.

I like to think that when she crossed over into "Beulah Land", her loved ones were waiting to greet her, and among them, was little Lucy.