Gone to the Dogs

The rescue where we adopted Naki, Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue, is having a drive for items they need.  Since Deb, the owner and lady that found us Naki, is so wonderful, we have decided to try to meet the needs of the rescue.  They need dog bowls, food, collars, leashes, toys, medicine, bleach and paper towels, and dog beds.  I love to sew, and I love saving money, so I started thinking of how I can donate dog beds in my tight budget.  They're expensive brand new at the store!!!  I had an old comforter that I've had for 5+ years that I washed and stored away.  I no longer was crazy about the pattern, and thought it would be good for camping.  SO, I got to thinking...scary when that happens!  I laid it out, and cut into fourths.  Perfect sized dog beds for large German Shepherds. 

 Itty wanted to inspect my work...

 Then Naki came along and made herself comfortable.

 I used a large zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine and sewed up the 2 raw sides being sure to sew down the batting.  Naki approved of my work!

 Hammish really liked it too.

Hannibal didn't want to be left out, and I found him trying it out.   These beds are bigger than I had anticipated, but can easily be folded to fit into a crate.  I just like knowing that precious rescued dogs will be enjoying them this winter!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

In this unusually cold weather, I look back to a few weeks ago (EASTER!) when the sun was out & warm, the wind was cool, and the Dixie Chicks had a grand time being herded by Naki.



They grazed in the pastures with the horses...




Ate bugs and refused to play with Naki




Happy to feel the warmth of the sun on their feathers refusing to pose for pictures.





Naki!

Hi, I'm Naki! I found my FUR-ever home this Saturday with this crazy family. They're crazy, but they're happy. I get lots of love, hugs, kisses, exercise and food. I had it pretty good at my foster home, too, but there's nothing like being in my permanent pack. I was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee by this really cool lady that had lots of German Shepherds. She gave me a bath, brushed me, fed me and loved me, but I had to share her with so many other dogs. Until I met the Dickensons! I now have an older brother, Hannibal, and just like a little sister, I pester him. Little being the operative word...I outweigh him by a good 20 pounds and stand a good 3 inches taller than him. But we play and fight just like siblings.

I love my new family, as they were very sad when I showed up, but when they see me, they smile and talk about how similar I am to a friend named Riley. This Riley girl must have been something special, because they say I am very much like her in looks and personality. She must have been great, because I'm nearly a perfect dog! Nothing like a dog that won't wag her own tail, huh?

My other sister, Pyper, loves me too. She is always hugging my neck, feeding me cheese and dressing me up. I follow her and my little little sister, Raegan all around the house. I love kids and I make sure to watch over them. Every morning a nice lady named Jenn, comes over and my mom and dad go to work. Jenn has 2 rambunctious boys, but I love them, too! I get so much loving and scratches behind my ears. I'm in heaven! The fact that I'm never alone is wonderful, as I have spent most of my life alone. My mom and dad said I'm an answer to prayer. That MUST mean I'm special.

I hang out in the playroom with my sisters. While they play, I relax and make sure nothing will harm them.

I get to go outside a lot and run and play. They have a lot of land with cats, chickens and horses. I love to run the fence line with the horses and watch them carry on. I'm very respectful of them, and am sure to herd them, but not hurt them. I do the same with the chickens. They are a noisy bunch, but sweet. I herd them up and sometimes lunge at them just to ruffle their feathers. I know it's ornery, but it's fun! I get tuckered out after all that running, I have to take a nap...

It's so great to meet your acquaintance! I hope to meet you in person soon, as I love new people. I'm going on my first big trip this weekend to my Mamom and Pop-Pop's house in Northern Virginia. They have a dog, too, and I can't wait to meet Uncle Toby!!!

**We adopted Naki from Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue in Greenville, Tn. She came from a shelter, and we guess she's around 5 years old. Like she said, she is nearly the perfect dog. Very mild mannered inside, yet excited to go outside and play. She was extensively tested with children, cats, dogs and yes, even chickens when we requested her. She arrived up to date on all her shots, microchipped, and spayed. Deb Lewellen runs the rescue and she was a delight to work with. I truly do believe that Naki is an answer to prayer. Our hearts were so heavy and sad when we lost Riley. Naki is a salve on that wound. We also worked with Southeast German Shepherd Rescue. They, too, were amazing to work with, we just didn't get a chance to meet any of their dogs. They were very vigilant in ensuring we would find the right dog for our family, and when we told them we found Naki, even at a different rescue, they were delighted. If you ever want to rescue a German Shepherd, I would highly recommend either agency. My favorite breed is RESCUED.**

Re-homing or Coq Au Vin

Last week, Stewpot, our resident rooster attacked Pyper. Pyper loves to help me feed all the animals and while we were in the chicken coop, Stewpot flogged her. I had turned by back for just a split second to pour feed into the feeder, and I heard her screaming. I turned around to find Stewpot's talons tangled in her hair. Pyper had had the sense to lay down, and I had the sense to drop kick him. He went flying and I tended to Pyper. He left terrible welts on her legs and I marched her inside and told Shannon that we were going to get rid of him. In my mind, I was envisioning making a delicious Coq Au Vin...

We didn't eat Stewpot, however tempting it was. Instead, I listed him on Craigslist on Monday morning and by noon had a new home for him in Bluefield. Easy peasy. You may be wondering why we didn't eat Stewpot, as we did name him such in case of said event...but it's just because he was a great rooster. Really. He protected his flock but I also had to protect mine. When we mentioned Stewpot to Pyper, this was her general feeling. She said he was bad and she would readily show you her "chicken boo-boos." She's so funny.

We loaded Stewpot up and headed to Bluefield. You would think that having a rooster in a cat crate would damper his crowing, but in fact, I felt like he crowed even more just to let us know he was still kicking. Stinker.

We loaded up the kids, and Roxy, a temporary German Shepherd foster dog we took in. My friend Frances called me on Friday morning to tell me about a nice shepherd pup that was at her clinic that had been abandoned by her owners. They couldn't afford to pay the $100 bill, and told Frances to find her a good home. So, Frances called me, and I got in touch with a Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue in Greeenville, Tn and Deb Lewellen agreed to take her. First, though, because Roxy wasn't housebroken, we decided since we were heading to Tazewell to visit Shannon's family, we'd bring Roxy along to run and play on the farm. She had a great time!
I'm so happy to note that Roxy has a family in New England that wants her. I love happy endings like this! Deb Lewellen at Imminent Danger GSD Rescue is amazing to work with, so if you ever want a shepherd, look into rescuing. We have an application on one of her rescues. A post later this week will fill you in on that! :)

Here is Stewpot with his proud new owner, Rex. He has a flock of hens that need protecting, and I could tell that he loved chickens. So, it worked out for everyone involved!

I must admit, though, that I do miss hearing Stewpot's crowing. Oh, well, so is the life of a farmer...ha!

Saying Goodbye

This is the hardest post I've had to write to date. Saturday, St. Patty's Day, we laid Riley to rest. Our friend and vet, Frances, came over and put her to sleep with us whispering "I love you" to Riley the whole time. Looking over to Frances, I saw that she, too, was crying. I wondered out loud how she does it.

Many years ago, Riley saved my life. A man broke into my house in the middle of the night, stabbed me, and escaped out the front door to have Riley pursue him, jump on his back and rip the side and back of his neck open. Not too many people know that story, as it's not one that I tell often. If it hadn't been for that courageous dog that night, I may not be here today with my family, having a family. She is my hero even after death.

Her cancer had spread, she had tumors, and weeping cysts. She looked tired and sad. She had lost weight. She threw up several times on Saturday morning. I called Frances and she said it wasn't a good sign. It could mean her kidneys were starting to shut down. Enough was enough. We had loved her, cared for her, and she did the same for us. It was, as my sister in law Kerry, eloquently said, our last act of love to give her a dignified and loving death.

Shannon dug a nice grave in our pasture so Riley could be laid to rest with the horses. The horses she loved to go trail riding with, chase around the round pen and later in life, watch from the back porch. I buried her, and Shannon came to help as I grew weary. It started to rain. As we put the last bit of dirt over her, I started walking up the hill, head down, crying. Shannon told me to look up. I did, and saw the most beautiful rainbow. I ran to get my camera. I had to document God's promise to us. It gave me hope that Riley was with all the other loved and unloved pets in Heaven. I don't believe pets have souls, but I do believe they have spirits. And I do believe I will see her again.

Yesterday, we were driving home from dropping off a German Shepherd puppy at a rescue, and Shannon said that it seemed as though our family had a hole in it now. I couldn't agree more. RIP Riley. 1998-2012

So Sad...

It has been confirmed by 2 vets that Riley has mammary cancer. My sister-in-law, Kerry, a vet, looked at her on Saturday and confirmed the worse. She has tumors all along her nipple lines between her legs, neuropathy in her back legs and not to mention arthritis in her elbows and hips. I have been blessed to have had her for as long as I have. 14 years is a long time for a German Shepherd dog. This is how I will always remember her. Regal and beautiful.

Head tilt, and 2-Scoop ears.

She loves to lay in the sun.

And play in the snow.

With her buddy, Hannibal.

This picture was taken this past Saturday. The white around her muzzle is not snow...it's white hair. She's my best girl. I'm determined to make the time she has left wonderful. I always tried to do that though.