Sunday, July 31, 2011

Aubrey gets a bath after getting skunked


Will

I've been too busy to blog but we have had some great days and not so great days. I lost my brakes on the truck going through an intersection and live to tell about it. I didn't hit anyone and they didn't hit me but if it had happened two seconds earlier or later I am sure I'd have been smashed.

The air conditioner died on us and I thought boy here we go again. Today a client pulled in the drive to drop their dogs off and they happened to do air conditioning repair. The air will be fixed by Saturday.

I had a tough time with a fencing panel issue that was just unbelievable but resolved now. The horses and dogs are doing well, the birds and bunny too. We have a steady flow of customers for kenneling and repeat customers. I am very happy because this is my first year and the first three are tough.

Now about Will, he is a great dog. Will was locked in a basement and then chained to a tree for months in inter city Cleveland. He was very sick and in pain and very aggressive. The APL felt it best to put him down but another rescue stepped in and they sedated him and got him off the tree. Will was then taken to the vet where he was treated and was heart worm positive. He was under weight and had sores all over his head and ears. Next, they brought me Will.

Animals are so forgiving, Will was here five minutes and he just came over and put his head in my arms. He has put on weight, the sores are healed, and he is undergoing heart worm treatment. Luckily, Will is in the early stages and the treatment is not as harsh. He is a wonderful dog and will make a family very happy once he is neutered and done with treatment.

I am happy to make a difference in Will's life. He is very calm and happy now and is getting used to a lot of petting and the rescue has given him the best food and treats. I let Will have my block building alone so he doesn't have to be crated or caged. I will be very excited to see him get a new family that will give him the love and care he deserves.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I am hoping it will be a good day. Lots of work of course but it would be nice to have a normal day instead of who knows what next. I have been helped by many nice people lately. It means a great deal to me to have such good friends and my brother Greg who is such a blessing.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Bracing for the heat

We finally got some much needed rain but the heat will be a challenge this week. I am thankful we are not in the middle of the worst of the heatwave but I will be extra careful with the horses. The dogs are in air conditioning and we can do the barn work in the early morning and evening hours. As they say, you do what you have to do.

The moon was beautiful tonight and there is so much to thank God for here. I am thinking about becoming a non-profit as it isn't about the money but about the good things we do here for animals and sometimes people. Life has much more meaning when you are making a difference.

William the dog that was to be put down because he was chained to an abandoned house which in his condition was very aggressive is a big teddy bear and is getting sweeter every day. He's gained weight and will soon be treated for heartworm. I know he'll make it because he is strong and loves life. I want to do more for animals like him and also I want to help children who have been abused and neglected. It is good to still have dreams and try to realize them.

Thursday is supposed to be brutally hot and I am thinking it would be a good time to take a swim at the neighbors during the heat of the day. I guess we'll see how the day goes.

I am restless tonight and hope tomorrow brings good things our way.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

All things seemed to fall into place today

I stayed up late last night with a friend but had to get up early. I felt pretty good this morning and had a super busy day. Scrappy came for his weekly visit and he is a great dog, I just love him! Will the dog got into the groom again and did some damage but he is so sweet I can't get upset with him.

Kylie, Shirley and I rode Cody and enjoyed the cooler temperatures. Becky stayed most of the day and she cleaned the kitchen yesterday and did such a beautiful job I was so happy. I hate clutter and not being able to clean the house but with the farm I end up doing more outside and the job is never done.

Griff and I went to Shirley's to sort through somethings she has and we will be going back Saturday. Scrappy got a bath and Griff fixed the door with a bolt so that the door would stay shut and Will wouldn't get into things. I will have to clean up the room tomorrow.

Becky groomed the bunny and gave him some much needed attention. Kylie and her dad started working with Aubrey in earnest. Kylie rode Aubrey in her new saddle and he did well but as he isn't completely broke, Aubrey wasn't let off the lead line. Both did wonderfully and Kylie and her dad got along and she is very happy.

I got my truck back yesterday and have a big repair bill but it so needed the tuneup and the front bearing was going. It drives so much better now.

The lack of sleep is catching up with me and so I will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow Emily is coming to visit and I am sure it will be another day of adventure. 

Sunday, July 10, 2011

An end to a great weekend

Friday night I went out with a friend and we were out till 2:00 and it was a blast, lots of girl talk. Yesterday started out slow but we found Kylie a great saddle for the price of $100. Today was her birthday and we had a delicious cake with Uncle Gregg, Shirley and Griff. Kylie loved the saddle when she rode in it and I took a turn and it felt great.

Tomorrow is supposed to be hot so we will maybe go swimming. It is good to do something away from the farm and the work. The weather feels like August and the grass is dry.

Kylie is going to start working with Aubrey in earnest with her dad. They are both stubborn and rub each other the wrong way sometimes and I hope they can get the job done without killing each other!

Kylie's miracle birthday present

Kylie's birthday is tomorrow and her dad gave her money this year to go shopping. Kylie thought it would be fun to go to Valley Tack because we seldom go there.

We looked for synthetic saddle to see what they cost and I could only find two.  One of the saddles was at the very bottom in the corner and I noticed the tag said $100. We inquired and it in deed was $100 for clearance but the original price was $600. It is a new saddle not a used one so it is really hard to believe we found it at that price. God is good and I felt so good that she could have something special for her birthday. Uncle Gregg bought the stirrups and leathers etc. Kylie is ready to go tomorrow to try it out.

The whole day went really well and we all had a great time. We may be keeping Will through his heartworm treatment which last 60 days. I am happy to help him because he now has a chance of getting a family. Will behaves well and is young and strong, I think he will survive the heartworm treatment.

Tomorrow is supposed to be super hot but it's Kylie's birthday and we will have fun.

Friday, July 8, 2011

A precious little soul

Baby animals are so fragile, a baby lamb that had health issues passed away this week. My friend Libby was trying to save her and she would have come here to live if she would have survived. It seems like things were going okay and then she just passed. I have experienced this before and I know all things belong to God and the little lamb has returned to Him. We are only stewards here and the Lord shares His precious creatures with us for a time. Now the little lamb can not only walk but run and the suffering that she endured is now in our hearts as we will miss her.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

I had fun today

They lied it was really hot earlier today. I was very tired and took a nap. I got the stalls done while my brother cooked out. We ate well and then Jennifer came to work with the rescue dog. She's a great trainer and Will is going to get a great new life.

Chewie is the little terrier we are looking after till he finds a good home. He will be easy as he is a great little dog. All the dogs had a great time in the backyard and I sat down and enjoyed myself. It is good to have fun once and awhile and not be so serious all the time. So far, it's been a good holiday weekend. 

Chewie

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Mechanical s grrrrrr

Today started with off to the feed store and on the way the engine light came on in the truck. We stopped at a parts store and it is a misfiring spark plug. I lured Griff over for coconut donuts and got him started working on the mower. Next thing we are at home depot looking for new blades and some of the belts are pretty worn.

I hate whenever things happen all at once but it is what it is I guess. We have two dogs kenneled for the holiday and one that may be here for a bit longer.

The heat was horrible today but it was still a good day. 

Two pretty boys


Friday, July 1, 2011

Saving lives

We have a rescue overnight in our kennel. William is a boxer who was abandoned at his house, chained with a four foot chain. They said he was aggressive when they went to get him but he is a sweet boy now. I'm happy to help out and make him feel safe.

We have another little rescue named Chewy. He's a Cairn Terrier that was found running the streets. We need to find him a good home.

Busy here as usual, we got a load of sawdust this morning and well other crazy stuff. Must update later.