Nest Is Emptying!

Big changes in Miracle House! Maddie AND Jiggs have gone home!! Pretty quiet house! Miss them for sure and knew I would. But its all good and I know they had a great holiday. A friend told me I hadn't mentioned in my blog that when Maddie was put in the porch for the night she always humped her bed for about ten minutes before settling in. Too funny and her owner has even asked the vet about it but like me he probably never heard of it before and its harmless enough I guess. Whatever turns your crank. Anyway its all good as I still have Max the J.R, and he is like five dogs himself.

Well! I was just most surprised just now when Teko scratched at my knee to go out!! This is the dog that for years has gone on the carpets!! He has “asked” more than once of late and that is really good! Teko is not so in love with Max anymore as he finds him far to energetic and not respectful of Teko's size, age, or “space”.  More than a few times Max has been told off in no uncertain terms and he gets it too! Of course being a forgetful puppy  (for another three months-then he is a year old and no more excuses-in my book anyway) he does it again and there is a repeat performance. Something like parenthood? In any case Teko is well-prepared for his lot in life and certainly doesn't mind being a cranky old fart at this stage. For the most part he is a happy little bugger. Uh-oh I just ventured out into the kitchen and got stared at by three dogs trying to tell me it was brekkie time. Oh! And an hour past! A much slower day today without as many responsibilities. So they are all eating now. Keeper in the kitchen, Teko in the bathroom and Max in his crate. Max by the way tucked right into his meal which is nice to see. Gotta fuel that little strong, ever-ready body!

Max had been playing with a cat ball that had a bell on it. I no sooner thought about getting the bell off before he did (always remembering he swallows such things) when he came to me and dropped the bell at my feet! He had of course tried to eat it and it was bent but so much better in the garbage than Max's tummy! Whew! Now I have given him the last toy I bought for Keeper that she never used. Its a small tennis ball on a strap. Max loves it! It just occurred to me that the strap is not necessarily for playing tugawar but so people can throw it again without getting dog slime on their hands?? Excellent idea.

We usually have a nap time here around one o'clock or so and I fell asleep and max was not in his crate. At some point I woke up and could not see him anywhere. First thought ”What's he into now?”. Followed by “Where the hell is he?” Well not to worry silly little bugger was sleeping on top of his crate! I can't leave it open as other dogs would eat his food but he can jump like a deer and there is a nice soft afghan that covers his crate and he quite likes it. He is just so fast that keeping track of him is a challenge for sure. Once he is awake and moving he doesn't stop and you never know where he is next. Something like the speed of sound?

Yesterday we all went to Balfour to meet Jiggs' owner so Jiggs could go home again. Think his owner was impressed with the “unloading process”. Even though he was excited Jiggs listened and came out last. I am pretty proud of the manoeuvre. Once or twice Jiggs has “broken” and come out too soon but at least he let me show off on this occasion. Yah Jiggs!

So, although things have slowed down here a lot I am sure there will be more stories. There always are and I still have one old Aussie/Border collie and one Chihuahua and one Jack Russell and an almost orange cat. Unless they are sick animals are always happy and that makes me happy too and a small price to pay with their care! Til tomorrow!! JMD

One Less Dog

Another Morning in the Dog House! How many dogs can get out the door first thing at once?? Today’s answer is four if they are various sizes because Maddie went home. Yes she went home with her owners and I am sure Jiggs may miss her as she was an admirable running buddy. Maddie returned home defeated as she never did catch Max, but she tried hard. My dog pack is falling apart as Jiggs is to return home today. I would be foolish to say things will be quiet with JUST my dogs and Max. max is like five dogs himself!

Loading the dogs in the morning became easier but unloading taxed my skills with all dogs wanting :out, Out, OUT!!! RIGHT AWAY!! As I fumbled with leashes they got even more hyper and yesterday just when I thought I had it all organised and everyone out I heard an awful sound. It wasn't a holler or a scream more like a dying gurgle! I had stepped on Teko. Now at the best of times he doesn't sound real doglike. He may have asthma or something and someone once dubbed him “The dog with the funny voice”. When I mentioned that to Bea she said chihuahuas often had breathing problems. Anyway it took me a second to comprehend what the noise was and he was already over it and on his way to keep up with the others so no harm done??? I have discovered Teko is losing his hearing as well but the old clapping of the hands still works and he does watch me all the time so not much chance of losing him unless I am totally unobservant. Still a bit of ID is in order I think. It can happen and a lost dog is a heart-rending experience.

Anyway I think Maddie had a great holiday and Jiggs is happy to be back in the house with me and the old girl and the little-uns. Everyone out for first pee at 5:30 when Max started whining. He is so good in his crate I cannot stop myself from getting up and often Keeper needs to go at 5:00 so what the hell? I just hope I am not starting something for his owner by getting up that early. Oh well they have to take the good with the bad.(and hope there is no ugly?)

This is my first experience with a jack russell for this long. Although I am under the impression that I am getting some training in so is he! Man are they fast!! I can see how he gets away from his owner and I would have a small leash on him in house all the time. He can go in and out a door four times before I get old Keeper in. I only hope he doesn't get slammed in the door one of these days but it would serve his own right if he does. I wonder if they slow down at all as they age? I have a feeling the answer is “Not Much!” Max can gobble gooseshit faster than I see it but at least now I have him on leash he is disciplined for it. I just may be getting through. It obviously does not agree with him as he has been upchucking a bit but there you go-just like having a baby. I have often said when you get a dog you get the bark the bite and the crap but will now add puke to that. They all seem to go out and graze on the lawn and then come in so they can upchuck on the carpet. Way to go guys! Luckily I purchased a bottle of resolve for that problem. Also we got through a whole day with no crap on the carpet from Max yesterday so must be doing something right? Of course that first day I didn't have him out as much. He knows it is bad but I actually think he is too busy to take the time to do it outside if too many things are happening. And believe me if something is happening a Jack Russell will “be there in a big way! ”These little dogs are exhausting to even watch never mind try and train. I guess I like a challenge because it certainly isn't a requirement of a dog sitter to train as well but I just can't stop myself. Max didn't have as much work on the leash yesterday as I went to a computer course. Yep I left the whole works and took the morning to myself, AND they all did just fine!! Thank goodness neither of the yard dogs seem to bark for nothing although Maddie will for attention to play with her.(Besides which, my neighbour gave the class) Max is receiving a few lessons from the other dogs. Teko will NOT tolerate any rough-housing and lets Max know with some very rough asthmatic noises. Keeper too will tell him off for even getting in her “SPACE”- something she doesn't even tolerate from the cat! Its funny to watch them check her out very carefully when she is sleeping. I thought Max was going for the cat but then when I watched saw he had talked Mr.Peaches in to playing tag. What a crew! But its all good and Max now has some respect for his elders.

Of course this only works because most of the dogs are well-balanced and have loving owners. What a variety of breeds and ages though. Keeper at nearly 18 and Teko at about 12? Jiggs at maybe 10 and then Max at almost a year. Maddie had just turned one year old.

And me at 65. Well I think I am weakening so its a good thing the numbers are depleting. Too tired for supper last night and looking for my bed by 8:30. A ridiculous hour to go to bed and I knew I would be wide awake far too early so held out for awhile until at least 9:30 but BOY do I sleep good! I may have even lost a pound or two with all this walking. But I don't think I would want to have six dogs all at once. For one thing there would be no separate space in the dogmobile! But its been a learning experience for me as well. Who would have thought a jack russell puppy would “crate” in a cat carrying cage? Works extremely well, and the cage fits right between the two seats. I would pat myself on the back even more but I only used it because it was in the van at the time and Max was not about to be still loose in the vehicle. And if I hadn't taken this on I would never have known how many dogs can get out the door at once and not do a “three Stooges”. Its all good and lots of fun and more than a few laughs. Looking forward to another busy Dog Day. And I still have an hour to myself before it is “feeding time for the beasts!”

A Little Learnin'

Another good day underneath us. Yesterday had a bit of training involving young Max. A friend gave me a different choke chain (they should be called training collars but change is hard for all) Max has been pulling like crazy on leash so it was a small step to start him on a training collar. Almost instant respect so maybe this is not the first time? Dunno. But it worked like a charm on our morning walk. So much so that I continued with him when I got up town and walked him up one side of front street and down the other. He didn't seem to comprehend the sit but eventually I got one or two out of him. I have never seen a Jack Russell heel in our town but of course it may have happened when I wasn't around. I knew it was possible and feel good for having had Max do it. He looked great! Also no more charging out the door. He has to wait and come out after me. Whether that one will stick is debatable as it all changes when we use the back door. Our afternoon walk saw Max on a leash again and being disciplined for eating goose poop. Couldn't do that without having him on a leash. Besides he finally ate his meal once I put some lovely gravy on it from Keepers canned food.

The other thing that happened with Max is he got caught in the act of gobbling Keepers supper. It was really funny. He didn't hear me coming and I pounced on him and gave him a few “Cesar Milan” taps. I thought he was going to jump out of his skin! All four feet scrambling and he was gone. Max is as fast as greased lightning but I guess this time he hadn't heard me coming. It really was funny and I laugh every time I think of it. But it is imperative to “catch them in the act” and boy did I! I am seeing his attitude change......could it be respect?? Of course these days all I can talk about is the dogs and one friend suggested I did not have to do any training but guess what? I enjoy it and its a learning process for me as well as every dog is different. I did have another Jack Russell I looked after but his owner was not into anything being done about is habits so I didn't do anything. As a matter of fact I used to wind him up whenever I met her. This time I am hoping Max's owner will be pleased.

Gentleman Jiggs the black and white Springer Spaniel thinks he would rather be in the house with me and I would have him but he is company for Maddie, who has gotten quite used to him. His recall has improved but know his owners will not be pleased about the treats involved as he gets pretty obsessed about food. As mentioned before I blow the whistle and all dogs that come to me get a bit of a treat. It works well and I am the woman of the hour in their eyes and my “pack” is sticking around very well. Whatever it takes—right? Jiggs has had training and listens pretty well but has a select hearing on recall-until treats were involved anyway. Both he and Maddie are required to sit before I will open the gate for them to be loaded in the dogmobile. Maddie goes in the very back and Jiggs in the second back seat of the van and Keeper gets the first back seat. Teko takes up the passenger seat and Max goes in a cat crate between the seats. This works really well and he doesn't think anything of it being a cat crate and pops in quickly and easily with no treat for it. He also jumps in the van now saving my back and leaving me with only one pick-me-up dog. Teko is not young and simply too damn small to get in but he is always there waiting for the lift..

Teko's feat of the day was going in the lake by himself-a first for sure and I was surprised, but good for him. He will enjoy it on a hot day in the summer.(if that ever happens) Nothing like starting out life at about 12-15. Not sure how old he is but he is going deaf as well and that's ok because with Keeper having lost her hearing some time ago I am experienced! Last evening I had the three boarders loaded and had to go back and “herd” my two in. Too funny that I have to herd the herding dog! Keeper had a slower day yesterday and I think she was rather tired. All this company and running around tired her out. But she and I are holding up well I think.

Maddie continues to bark in the dogmobile and I can't seem to get through to her. It is definitely an excited thing about going for a run as she is not nearly so bad upon returning, but it annoys me highly. I tried putting a muzzle on her but she of course got it off. Still it kept her busy and quiet for a short period of time. On the way back last night I stopped and picked up an electronic collar from a friend but don't know if I will use it. Have to read up on it and then also need to buy a battery for $25.00. Just how far do I want to take this training bit? Now its starting to eat up the profits.

I love the comments coming in from people and thank you all very much. Even Jim's sarcasm was appreciated. Its all good and fun too! See ya tomorrow!!JMD

Day Two With Five Dogs

So okay here we go for day two with five dogs. Other people do it and i am sure I can. Very busy and full days for sure.

Was impressed with Max (the JR puppy) when he was quiet all night and then went outside and did his business right away. Unfortunately he saved some and before noon had poop on the carpet twice. He hasn't eaten yet so don’t' know where it is coming from-maybe a long intestine?? I must say he had a most enjoyable day. Went for a walk at the dog park and he sure pulls a lot on leash but I only had Teko's old harness on him. I do believe harnesses make a dog pull and that's what they were for in the first place ie sled dogs. At first Max was afraid to go out the back door but that didn't last long as he has to be in everyone else's business so now he is in and out the door so fast he is going to get squished. Well no because I am far too slow. It would be safe to say he spent the entire day running with only a very few down times for a quick sleep. A very busy little dog he is. I am hoping to some training before Linda gets home to impress her but find these little dogs not very responsive to normal training anyway. We'll see. Worst thing is his recall-usually a problem unless you work at it right away when you first get them. Also hard to work him with all the other dogs here. But he already knows to jump in the car and then I put him in a cat crate between the seats. It works so what the hell? All dogs are learning their place and I am trying to find an e-collar to fix Maddie's yarking in the car.

Well on to Maddie. First off I could hardly open the porch door from the house as she had moved her bed in front of it. All the dogs seem to have their bed making routine and hers is moving it around. She is definitely one that wants to be at the door in case she missed something. Jiggs is a door dog too but gives over to Maddie. Both Maddie and Jiggs spent a great deal of time running yesterday as well. Maddie gets most frustrated at how fast Max is and she can't catch him at all.

I am so pleased they all get along so well. A definite sign of well-balanced dogs for sure. Even the cat wanders where he will and cares not, until finally he just goes in the bedroom for some quiet time. Too funny.

Teko is no longer in love with Max. Possibly he finds him just too energetic? When Teko came in the house from the porch Max put a paw on his back and Teko wasted no time in telling him off for that! To the point that I went and checked Teko for any damage from all the playing. Couldn’t find anything and maybe he is just sore and stiff trying to keep up with the younguns?
Its funny to watch him take it all in and certainly not the life he was used to with Bea at all. I’m thinking his hearing is not all that good either and he is so small its hard to spot him at the park at times. Just what I need two deaf dogs but I am already experienced anyway.

Up in the wee hours as Max was whining. Feel like a Mommy with a baby. Trundles in out and no one else seemed to want to go but at five it was a different story with the old girl(an me) needing to pee. Now everyone has been up for awhile and some telling me they think I should feed early today. Nope not til seven! Actually I feel like a Mom with FIVE kids! Maddie and Jiggs spend a lot of time in the yard and I am thankful for that. Both would prefer to be inside and think they are missing a lot but I go out and play with them a lot too.

I had all five out and was playing with a ball and it was hilarious. Max chases whoever gets the ball and they all run around like a football team. Even Teko tried but he is well aware of how quickly he can be bowled over on his butt so tends to bide his time. Keeper just observes or keeps to herself.

The late walk was something else with everyone running free even Max(which isn't a good idea as hard to get him back again. Even with a cookie the little shit dashes in and snatches the cookie and leaves again. Very clever but put harness on him for something to grab tonight. I have resorted to treats and blowing a whistle. Everyone that comes to the whistle gets a piece of a treat. Should work right? So far only the greedy ones Maddie and Jiggs have come every time but Max is starting to figure it out. There are a lot of different manners this crew needs to learn yet but thankfully its not really my job?

My dear old Keeper seems to as always, take it all in stride and watching the “crew” have such a good time she forgot her age and went in the lake-something she hasn't done for a long time. When she came out she was rejuvenated and leapt about like a puppy! She even ran circles around me! All I could think of was how stiff she would be this morning but she seems okay so maybe this is all good for all of us?? Thassit, gotta go feed before the pack kicks up a real fuss. Will put something special on Max’s food this morning and see if he eats.

Now There is Five Dogs!

Another busy day yesterday. Jiggs and Mattie like being outside in the back yard and that gives Teko and Keeper (the elders) some quiet time in the house. Mr. Peaches the cat gets his porch back for the day and all is well. First walk of the morning getting easier as everyone getting to know the schedule. Maddie is annoying in that she barks in the back of the van and I am wondering if she gets kind of car sick or is just hyper about going for a walk? I have noticed once she is tired she is quiet so that must be it. Too much discipline and she has turned off about getting back in the van so will have to change that with cookies as a reward. My mistake in being too harsh with her-thank goodness dogs are so forgiving. But I do question the intelligence of labs. They seem so slow compared to others. Also you must walk around Maddie not vice-versa. The elders are apprehensive about going out the door with that big lab in the way so she is learning Maddie GIT! A very good command that my Chubby Chicken understood well. I did get my back lawn mowed knowing full well much grass would be tracked back into the house but it sweeps up. A great time in the park was had by all for our late walk. Teko certainly enjoys freedom like he never had before and is starting to resent being picked up! Fine by me as I am not really a pick-me-up kind of dog . He is becoming quite independent and doesn't even like being picked up any more and growled at me this a.m. When I picked him up to take him outside. I think he is getting deaf as well and it isn't just selective hearing or not having to listen for most of his life.

I consider Maddie and Jiggs the “big” dogs and they play a lot together. Interesting to see Maddie cannot keep up to Jiggs who is older. I think it has to do with their body builds and also Jiggs does not pack any extra weight. Maddie will give up and watch him run until she can't stand it any longer and then try again. Thats okay tired dogs are happy dogs and everyone around here sleeps very well at night. Down at the park Keeper attempted to jump the cement guard just like she used to so very effortlessly. Well she missed her landing and fell flat on her side. She and I are similar that way thinking we can still do what we always did. Yeah and effortlessly!! To top the day off Max arrived at about 8:30. I think his owner nearly killed herself getting him up the steps in the crate! He is a funny little dog and really likes being on the couch. I will have to watch him carefully as he is after the buttons on my couch and has already swallowed a button before this.The funniest thing is Teko immediately fell in love with Max and his tail was going so fast I thought it would fly off! He follows Max around like he was a female in heat! Maybe he is just thrilled to have someone around his size?? Its amazing how bossy little dogs are. I have to watch Teko when the others jump in the van or he will go for them and this morning already Max barked at Keeper for walking by the couch. This possessive stuff will not work here as its Keepers house. The old girl just backed away but Mr. Max got put back in his kennel, Good manners are essential in a multi-dogged house, so he will have to learn and I have ample time to try and teach him as he is here for two weeks. Owner said I could do whatever so have full rein there at least. Mostly they just all need loved and made to feel they are important and they are. All dogs get one-on-one time and lots of pets so there you go I think I am doing okay and really enjoy a houseful. I know the others well already and can spot problems arising and am on it right away. I must say I was impressed with Max the Jack Russell. Although only a puppy Linda put him in his crate for the night and not a peep out of him after that. This morning he was apprehensive about going out the back door so I had to pick him up and take him out but he immediately peed and pooped and that is done for the time being anyway. I have poop bags all over the place and the “collection” bin is half full. Oh well garbage day on Tuesday. Uh oh the old girl is starting to give me stares about brekkie so that will be next and then on to a whole new day with FIVE dogs! I'm looking forward to it but can never call myself a dog whisperer- I am more the dog hollerer type although I know it doesn't really work any better- it works for me and a sharp “HEY” does get attention. I do employ Cesar's little jab for attention though as then the dog in question knows I meant him/her. And thassit for today-stay tuned for tomorrows edition!!!

Happy Dogs

Well. One thing for sure, boarding dogs is not for wusses. Although the dogs and I had a great day yesterday my body is complaining a lot today.

First off, there was the new post to put in on the fence. I had asked Maddies owners if the hubby could help me and he would have done it but I had to get stubborn(and German) and do it myself. It did work to put the post pounder up on the ladder platform you normally put a paint can on. Still the pounding was not easy(it used to be!) When the owners of maddie arrived he did put in a post on the other side and would have put in a third but I didn't have any more posts. He did it so effortlessly I was ready to kick him! Maddie the just turned one year old Lab arrived rather boisterously and the cat Mr.Peaches did not move from his basket in the porch but just observed all things. As a precaution I did pick him up and popped him in the house-just in case this calmness did not last. Mr.P is an almost orange cat-very light and therefore the name. Maddie as always was happy happy happy! Jiggs was in the back yard and surprised me by sounding the alarm and doing a lot of warning off of Maddie (who took absolutely no notice of it-too busy being happy I expect. I took the precaution of putting a short leash on Jiggs-just in case he wasn’t going to be friendly and a few minutes later was able to just let him go and He and Maddie decided to be friends. They actually spent most of the day in the back yard-which made for a quieter house for me! Soon it was time to go for coffee and I loaded everyone up with Maddie in the very back of the van that has a barrier to keep her there. Down at the dog park Jiggs and Maddie had a blast running and running some more. Keeper and Teko and I walked sedately while those two went bonkers. I am not impressed with Maddie whining and at times barking in the van but we are working on it. If you see me pull over and go to the back of the van I am disciplining. We’ll see what a week of this brings. Guess Maddie doesn't know the cardinal rule-”No barking in the Dogmobile!” Crossing the road with four dogs on leash wasn't too big a deal but I wouldn't want to have to travel too far that way. Gone are the days when I only had my own dogs and they listened and wouldn't have charged across the road. Its also a big responsibility having these “charges” to look after. They are all special to their owners and to me as well and we must do what we can to protect them from harm and also to keep them happy. I think every one of them (my own included) were happy yesterday. I would be happy today if my body didn't hurt so bad and now it is time to mow the damn lawns. I totally understand why retirement age is 65! In my case I have more or less (probably more) used my body up.

It was most interesting to get so many comments on my blog about education. I am most humbled to hear from people and have them say I taught them a lot! I thought I only taught riding but maybe not? Maybe much more and no teachers degree either. HA! And that hard on the heels of the Ms.Happyface pictures posted recently.

I did leave my charges on their own for a short time and went and bought some instant flowers and put them in pots. That was my treat to me as Maddies owners paid a bit in advance. Money certainly burns a hole in my pocket. But its nice to feel rich for awhile anyway. It was a nice evening so I took the dogs for a second walk and had them all offleash. Keeper wandered quite a ways and I had to walk over and catch her (how do you call a deaf dog again?) and by that time I knew my body was really tired so we came home. I once more had some time out and went next door for coffee with my neighbor. Much as I love filling my house with animals I need a break once in awhile. Sleeping arrangements started off right and in the night Jiggs left to sleep on the couch and silly old Keeper slept on the floor beside her basket. I am wondering if she now finds her cusion to high and maybe falls off it? Pretty hard to fall off the floor anyway so guess she has figured out what she needs and Jiggs as well.I can't help but wonder if Jiggs sleeps on the couch at home and no one knows it yet? Could be I guess. And so this morning everyone is sleeping again and soon it will be time to do their breakfasts. A whole new day ahead of us!!

Room For One More?

We are doing well in Miracle House. Dogs everywhere and always room for one more! It is so nice not being married and I can do what I want. Yesterday things worked out very well in my van, now christened the Dogmobile. We all went to town and I convinced Jiggs he would be happier with his own seat-the second back seat and he liked it! That gives Keeper the old girl her usual seat all to herself and she prefers that. As the matriarch around here she deserves and gets special attention regardless of paying boarders. We had a nice walk down at the dog walk part of Kaslo with Jiggs only on leash to cross the road and the other two on leashes.

Keeper can't hear for recall and Teko doesn't listen so they don't get a lot of off-leash time. Back in town I saw my friend Jill was at Teresa’s so decided I would have yet another coffee and a peanut butter cookie-they are so good! Then just when I wanted to leave there was a kerfuffle on front street. A Pomeranian took it upon herself to go up and down the street getting all the dogs in cars barking like crazy!! What to do? I am not working this week and its so hard to walk away and do nothing. Finally it crossed the street to the guys sitting out front of Teresa's and I motioned for one of the guys to grab it. He did and I went for a leash. (Always room for one more right?) Luckily I was pretty sure who owned this dog and knew I probably could contact the owner easily. I drove up the alley and stopped at the hotel as I always forget this woman’s difficult name. The receptionist knew who I meant and phoned the owner right away. So nice of her. By the time I got home the owner was already phoning me and she came over right away to get the dog. With the other three dogs in the house I decided to take the sandbags out of the back of the van to give Maddy more room as she will have to ride back there while she is here. Well no small feat for me these days as I have become so damn weak I can't carry them and bad back etc. I slid one to the basement on a tarp and was getting my recycled piece of a walker out to try and use it for the others when the Pom owner arrived and I asked her if she could pack them for me. And she did! Great done deal! She also said she had a big bag of dog food her dogs wouldn’t eat and she would drop it by one day. Great and getting better every moment. Its true what goes around comes around. Now if I can just get Maddies owner to pound that metal post in for me today.....So frustrating to get old and hopeless when there was a time I was fencing with cull ties! Oh well God grant me the serenity to accept that which I cannot change and the smarts to find another way! The whole problem with the post is I can climb the ladder or pick up the pounder -at least not both at the same time. No more muscles like I once had. Yesterday I thought maybe if I tied a rope to the pounder I could pull it up after I get on the ladder? We'll see.

We also settled sleeping arrangements last night. Jiggs is a very peopleized dog and almost like Velcro. He simply needs to have that human contact and not the kind of dog that should ever be put in a kennel arrangement. So he now sleeps right beside the bed and if I have to get up in a hurry I am going to break my neck! But when he is down he is down for the night and that works better for Keeper to be wondering in and out all night. Teko also stays put and as long as I don't have to pee in the night it works great. Maddie will sleep in the porch when she comes and Max has a crate so it should be all good??? Just so long as the rest of Kaslo keeps their dogs at home I should be okay but I know I can't count on that at all. But there is still the big dog crate in the porch if necessary and more crates downstairs. It will work out and for the moment its “All Good”! Life goes on well in the dog lane at Miracle House!

Dog Education

I have long regretted that I never furthered my education, or for that matter never even got my grade twelve! However today I had an idea that I am educated just in a different way and a different school.

I have an education in animals! Specifically dogs. I am about to have the maximum dogs come to stay at Miracle House Pet-sitting. First to arrive is Jiggs a purebred Springer Spaniel with some education himself.(it makes a difference). Our first “skuffle” happened last night at bed time. I tried to make Jiggs understand he could sleep on the nice bed just outside the bedroom door but he has always slept in the bedroom of his masters. So he moved and laid on a skimpy rug near Teko's basket.(the Chihuahua I inherited from Bea)This put him in Keepers way and at her age she is a restless sleeper at best and is in and out of the bedroom all night. I heard some growling and thought it was probably Teko. Then a bigger time skuffle and when I turned the light on it was Keeper and Jiggs. I suppose he growled at her to warn her off but she can't hear so did not heed his warning. So I showed Jiggs the other dog bed once again and hoped for the best-also sent him out when he did not listen. In the end he paid me back by sleeping on the couch. Oh well no matter he is a pretty clean dog.

The next dog to arrive is Maddie a black lab who is also a young dog. Last time Maddie was here she jumped on my fence and bent the wire over so I need to put in another post there before she comes on Friday morning. Holy Cow that's tomorrow! Then on Saturday night the young Jack Russell arrives and I shall have five dogs here! That's okay in a way I love it and they are all staying for different periods of time. Jiggs for a week,Maddie for eight days,and Max for two weeks. It will be good for them all I am sure and I will protect my old Keeper if necessary. Oh and the cat! But he is a bold bugger and seems to look after himself-taking himself off to the bedroom when he needs some quiet time and coming out at his leisure to eat and whatever.Taking this troop for walks will be interestong at the best of times. But no worries Jiggs can hear and somes back easily and we shall see about Maddie and Max.

So my dog education is paying off belatedley. It pops up at feeding time and I was reminded today as I prepared breakfast for the dogs that that is the time most suseptible to fights.Contrtol is the answer and at least the younger dogs eat up right away. Not so Keeper and I put her food up until she is hungry.Teko eats in the bathroom and Jiggs eats so quickly no other dog would stand a chance at getting in his dish.

Then of course there is the pooper scooping. That has become a much bigger job but I am okay with it.It works out that I only have five dogs here for four days. Then they start to go home already.

A sad incident last night at supper time when I was phoned about a dog in someones small pond.The dog was dead and could have been there for two days by that time. I wnet down hoping for an identity to let owner know about the dog and found it was poor Oscar, an older poodle type fellow. We will never know if he went in there for a drink and could not get out and then had aheart attack or what. He wasn't really “in” the water but laying across a rock. The owner of the pool was upset and wondering who would take the body away. I suggested the Village but rather than deal with them and have the dog sit for another day or two I simply bagged him and put him in my van and took him to his owner. This is certainly anunusual incident and I dont' want to be called for removing dead dogs but in this instance something had to be done although the dog was no longer suffering. Although the animal stunk up my whole van I hve dealt with worse smells and still feel it was up to the owner to 1) contain the dog in the first place 2) now bury the dog.But there you go the world is not going to change overnight and if you really “live” with your dog you know where it is all the time right?

I really love my old girl(18 July 4^th!) and know where she is at all times. Because she cannot hear I hve a bellon her in case she ever does get any distance from me and we always walk on leash in respect to her hearing loss. How do you call a deaf dog? Well you clap your hands in hope some sound will get through and gesticulate as she can see movement anyway. You look like a fool but various things work. At my back door I have a horsewhip that I bang on the door to make a big noise to let her know to come in. In short- Whatever it Takes to get the job done. Here's to loving your dog like they deserve.

The Mothers' Day Coon

While most of the world celebrated Mothers' Day with family and meals out etc. my day started with a sick raccoon. No, I am not complaining or whining, I long ago accepted that this is how my life goes and I am okay with it. The poor raccoon had been in a fellows woodshed the day before and he came to see if I had any suggestions on what to do about it. That the coon was ill was pretty obvious. It moved very slowly although it was aware of us. On Sunday it made it next door to me and my neighbour is elderly and phoned me. The poor animal had collapsed on her lawn and again she knew not what to do.

Well I didn't either but decided I would come up with some ideas anyway-someone had to do something although I knew the choice was mine to get involved or not. But I could not simply walk away and do nothing. The poor beast was beyond recovery and I only hoped it was not diseased and spreading something to all other animals. The Ravens came in to scavenge and I tried to put a laundry basket over the poor animal but it “woke” up a bit quicker than I thought it would. A bite from an already sick raccoon could end up being infected for sure and so I backed off but kept an eye on it as I had coffee with my neighbour.

I put several phone calls out trying to get some help for this poor animal but to no avail. The Conservation people promised to phone me back but that call did not come until the following day. In the meantime I carried my battery phone with me everywhere I went. It turned out the Officer was only up the lake but cell service does not extend that far. The vet was away and the RCMP informed me they could not simply shoot the raccoon. So then what? The poor animal suffers until it dies? I am well aware that letting “Nature take its course” is a rough road at the best. I know about survival of the fittest as well but this time I wanted to help somehow.

Our present gun laws prevent most people from taking action in the old way when the locals simply dealt with these things. In short it makes criminals of the good guys. I could have solved this problem very easily myself-in the old days. But now I live in town and what to do?

In the meantime the poor coon got too hot in the sunshine and managed to get to the creek for a drink. Now I felt my hand was being forced and didn't want it to drown either as the creek is up at this time of year and it was so wobbly and unstable. So armed with my small catch-pole I proceeded to try and capture the coon. I soon found out my agility has gone elsewhere and luckily the other neighbour two doors away came to help. She is a tough lady and one to have at your back for sure. For me to do it on my own would have meant getting in the creek and I had new shoes on that were expensive-still I would have done it. As we dragged the small beast out of the creek it flipped on its back and showed a large and infected hole in its belly. It definitely was not going to get better. We put it in a dog crate and I took it to a shady spot to await its fate-hopefully a kinder one than waiting in agony for a natural death.

I knew better than to open the cage again but wanted it to have water. I got the cage on a slant and was able to pour a bit of water in on the bottom of the cage and this worked OK. I spent a lot of time on the phone trying to find help but could not. Finally a certain person was suggested to me and he agreed to destroy the coon for me. He is a really good guy just like his Dad was and I was most grateful to find someone who thought like the old way and was willing to do what needed to be done. Not only that he came and got it! Again I am so grateful for some of the good people in Kaslo. I can't thank him openly of course because you can get in a lot of trouble for shooting anything these days but sometimes you just have to do “Whatever it Takes!” My hat goes off to this guy. I didn't get and don't need any details of the deed but he didn't shoot a hole in my carrier(its plastic-which shoes you how sick this coon was as you would never hold a healthy one in a plastic cage) And so I answered my own questions of who would do something for this ailing animal. Not everyone would agree with me but that's how i felt about things. Sometimes all we can do is help the wildlife out of their misery. We won't ever know what happened to coon to cause such a wound in its belly. It could have eaten something bad for it or been shot once already or had a fight with another coon or, or, or. But I know I slept better that night knowing it was over for this particular beast in agony and I was glad of the help I received.

Thanks Kaslo

A trip to Nelson usually is not a big deal, but sometimes it turns out that way.A few last minute things and delays made my leaving time a tad late around 9:45. Next thought should I take the car my Momma Bea gave me or my van that needs a run to Nelson for carbonation or something? But the car has a big time rust problem and mechanic has warned gas could fall out all over when I fuel up. Whatever its cheaper to run so far so the car it was. As I left Kaslo and was going upthe hill my side mirror gave me a most beautiful “snapshot” of blue blue lake and wonderful mountains. Amost beautiful day to be going anywhere and I had an uneventful trip in. Did a BIG shop in Walmart and took my things out tot the car and put them in the trunk. Then a lady at a nearby car pointed out that I had a flat. 

Oh Boy. Have no idea where spare is or jack or anything. I have never owned a little car. Lady said someplace in the trunk hatchback thingy. Ok all parcels need to goin back seat and there was a mat and a piece of plywood and a tire wrench and the weirdest excuse for a tire I have ever seen! Ah this must be what they call a donut-I read about those. Enough, I have BCAA. Now to find a phone! 
Walked and walked and enquired and never did find the phone but was told I needed fifty cents. Instead Pete Faas came by and we used his phone and eventually got through. But it bothered me that I could not find a jack, so when I saw Kim Planadin I asked him if he knew where the jack would be. WE fiddled about and found it stored also in the trunk. Then he continued on the show me how the jack worked. I am simply too old-fashioned and used to trucks and a bumper jack that I understand. Kim pointed out that these little cars don't really have a bumper! There you go I am outdated past expiry date. There may be a stamp on my butt that says “best before....” So the next idea that pops into my mind is maybe buying a new tire as the donut thing was flat as well. Thanks Kim for your help and support. So into the store we go to buy a tire.They have ONE left. Kim brings in the other tire and then BCAA arrives and it is discovered my old tire is holding air and they can't find a problem. 

OK cancel work order and tire and BCAA guy takes my tire and puts it on for me and inflates the donut-may I never have to use it! Its quite wonderful how Kaslo people show up just when you need a hand. One to make the phone call-one to take the tire off and find the jack and the other one actually works in Walmart! Way to go everyone and I am thankful and grateful. Someday I may have a new car but I am not going to hold my breath and it might take all the fun out of life huh?

Hope Springs Eternal

    I want to tell you about a little dog I have as a boarder right now.  Her name is Hope and she is a very special little dog.  Don't know what breed at all but she looks to have a splash of Yorkie in her if you look at her ears.  She is my most favourite boarder and even gets half price as she is a pleasure to have around.
Although she looks like a "pick-me-up" dog she is very independent and doesn't need to be picked up. Her little body is working well for her and she has strong muscles. But she is only here for four days. Just long enough for me to get really used to her.  She doesn't bark and is very polite and super smart. When you tell her to "go pee" she does just that and is rather snappy about it too. She gets special privileges here for sure and is allowed on the couch and the bed!  I looked after her some time ago and my brother happened to be visiting and she absolutely fell in love with him!  She would have loved to have slept with him but when not
allowed she came with me. Hurt my feelings to be "second-choice."  This time when she arrived one of the first things she did was go to the bed in the spare room to see if Frank was here.

    Hope is such a people dog she would never think of running away and besides that she is also super obedient. She wears a harness as she slips most collars but she walks along very importantly. She pulls a bit which I don't particularly care for but that's what harnesses do-they teach them to pull and that's what harnesses are for as well.
Feeding Hope is the only problem she has as she has always eaten whatever her Mom has for supper. She belongs to Sue Heituma.  Now I don't always have supper and don't always cook but Sue brought food along and hopefully tonight Hope will eat as she hasn't in a couple of days. Trout and rice tonight.
Its hard to explain why Hope is such a pleasure to have around.  She is simply one in a million! She is a very confident and grounded little dog.  When I get up in the night she doesn't bother disturbing herself and knows  I will be back and its not enough reason to disturb her own sleep. Same goes for when the rest of us get up too early, Hope lies in bed like a princess and gets up when she feel like it. She would dearly love to chase the cat, but figured out in no time that wasn't done in this house and that he lives here. Apparently they once let her chase a cat and she has a memory like an elephant! She is not above moving fast at him to keep him on his toes though and I doubt they will ever be friends.  She gets along great with other dogs and simply takes it all in stride.  A happy little character I am glad she has such a good home where nothing bad will ever happen to her.  She is one laid back and well-adjusted little being.
   In the van, (my dog mobile) she would dearly like to be on the passenger seat
 but that is taken by Teko who is not about to share. I am sure two little dogs would fit there but they are all their own personalities. Not being able to do that she would really really love to be on my lap!  I don't feel that is safe so it isn't allowed. No matter to Hope she gets on the back seat with Keeper who is old and simply accepts things. I don't think Hope is a scrapper at all but there may be something that pushes her buttons.  She has energy to burn but not crazy and mostly just a delight to have around!  An easy  dog for sure-would be nice if they were all like that.  In short she is a lady.
   Hope is also featured on my business card along with Keeper and Chance (who had to go to dog heaven because of his aggression)  She is simply a great little dog and as I said my favorite. She doesn't seem to have any "issues" or "baggage: which is more than we people can say.

Moving On

The transition of moving from the Aldingers farm to living with Ed Davidson was not a hard one nor was it as traumatic as leaving Twin Bridges. As a matter of fact it happened so easily that I have no set time in my head of it all. Jude and Edie moved off the farm and eventually up the lake where he built a new sawmill with a new partner. So we no longer saw as much of each other but whenever Jude was in town she usually came by. We continued to have good times at dances and things and at that time there were many dances up the lake that we went to.

Eds log house was not quite finished and there would be no power for three years, but we managed. My horse and dogs came with me of course but Chubby had a hard time adjusting. Ed's mare had a colt at her side and he was the most mischievous thing. The colt was lonely and very bugsy. He delighted in teasing the dogs. Chubby liked to lay on the porch and take life easy by that time but the colt would find him there and start to tease. Chubby simply left and went down the road

 to my brother's place and they would phone and let me know he was 

there. Billy on the other hand took another tack and simply slept in the

back of the truck where the colt could not bother her. Although the place was fenced around the outside that meant the horses were free to roam the entire farm. We parked our trucks on the road.

I continued to work as a waitress at the Hotel and then finally got out of there and went to work for Eric’s Meat Market. The boss Andy was great and one of the best people I have ever worked for.

I became active in the Riding Club and never missed a show. As a matter of fact I was up to my ears in work every year at May Days to help with the show. In the beginning it was a two day event, but we had a lot of good help and it turned into a very good show that a great many people enjoyed spectators and participants as well.

With the growth of our club came Instructors from outside, and I ate up all they had to teach us. Now I fell into being the organizer for these riding clinics we hosted. Often this included putting the Instructor up for the three days or so that she was in town. I jumped at that too as much could be learned from just talking to them. My interest in the gymkhana games flagged and I became much more interested in what I call “Working Classes”. Things like Western Pleasure and the Riding Pattern seemed to make for a better horse whereas the “Games” seemed to excite and make for a hotter horse that was not easily controlled. Many horses that were “gamed” too much became difficult to get into the ring. They knew full well they would be asked for top speed. I always disliked the whips and bats used to get more speed from a horse and often thought some riders used them to excess and the horses didn't seem to go any faster as they were already at max. speed! One class I dearly loved was the Trail Horse Class and I eagerly accepted the challenge of having a horse side-pass or back around obstacles. We never did get a teeter-totter obstacle but we had a bridge and often I would tie balloons on it. Sometimes I added things that even my own horse would not do. I hung a cow hide on a gate one time that Trouble had seen many a time on the fence-but having moved it- it now became a huge bugaboo to him and there was no way he would go near it!

We tried to keep our shows safe and accident free and for many years we did just that! We all wanted to have an enjoyable weekend and for the most part we did! Once our show was finished it was time to get ready for the parade and if there were a lot of costumes I insisted the kids show up on the Friday for a rehearsal, so there were no surprises on the day of the parade. Several times  a horse or pony would simply not tolerate the costume its young owner had cooked up and it was a good idea to try it first.