Today's "Daily Corgi!" Check it Out!

Guess which dogs are featured

on today's "Daily Corgi!"

Click Here to see!

Why our Christmas Tree will look a Little Different this Year!

As blog followers all know, we lost our wonderful boy, Bart, at age 16, earlier this month. It was time for his Journey to the Bridge. He was our First Dog, and my Heart Dog. 

To celebrate his life, and those of all of our dogs, I printed some selected photos. I am mounting and decorating them. They will become the ornaments on our Christmas Tree. Literally, this project will be finished today. 

This season things have been a bit topsy turvy. Two weeks before Xmas I decided to foster a rescue dog. Long story short, he presented a medical emergency almost immediately upon arrival. This necessitated a huge number of extra hours of my time, over the past two weeks. The result: I am the least prepared for Xmas as I've ever been. Tree isn't decorated, gifts are wrapped, but no ribbon, pie makings are here...but no pie...etc.

Last night I remarked to Moe that so many of these things were not yet done and my holiday was in chaos because of the mountains of time I've spent working on restoring the health of the foster dog, Zippy, and finding him a home, to which he went yesterday evening. He's there on a 30-day trial, but it is probably The Most Perfect match I've ever made in my 12 years of rescue..unbelievably wonderful! 

When I said, "Well, all of these things are not done, no pie, no ribbons, no tree decorations, house is complete and total mess...etc." Moe's reply was, "Oh, you mean you spent this time before Christmas doing something more important. You know...you saved Zippy's life!"

He's absolutely right. Given where Zippy was, in a high-kill shelter from which he wouldn't have been adopted. And then the medical issues that could easily have resulted in his death if not handled promptly. Yes, I saved his life...twice! I guess this Christmas is exactly as it was meant to be!

Here is a small sampling of the "ornaments" that will adorn our tree this year. I've only got about 25 more to make!  Wheee...

A door, coated with pupkiss. Kenai, Bart and Elbee (from left to right)

Our First Trio of wonderful dogs!

A portrait of Bart, shortly after joining us - age 6 or so.

One of my favorites: When we went up to Oregon to get our most recent puppy, Denali, Bart got to herd sheep. He was in his element. It was one of Bart's best and most beautiful days!

One of our last pictures. Bart always supervised while we put up the outdoor lights at Xmas. This year was no exception.

Denali - just being herself!

Another of Denali, showing just how fluffy a fluff coat can be!

Now that I've been rescuing dogs for 12 years or so and am just starting to feel like I've got some experience, I've come to see that one of the most crucial elements of rescue is the ability to treat each and every potential adoption as an individual circumstance. No two are ever alike. There is a time and place for everything, and considering each family's requirements is pivotal.

So as Bart started to fade I knew that while, no one could ever take his place, I would find myself wanting another "man" in the canine family. After we lost Bart, I researched potential rescue dogs, as possible additions. I looked at tons of postings, inquired about more than a dozen different dogs. After all that, I knew that none of them was right as a companion for Denali and Elbee. Denali is rather particular as to who she will accept, so it makes the choice even more challenging. As much as I wasn't really thinking of taking a puppy, I ultimately realized it was the right pairing for Denali.

Another thing I know about finding dogs...they find you. If you're able to listen, they will call to you. When I was able to clear my head a bit after losing Bart, I realized that a particular dog HAD been calling to me for awhile. I just hadn't been listening very well. Suffice to say I figured it out. That little voice was finally heard. Just after Christmas we'll be adding a new man to the family, and here he is:

Meet our new little Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy, "Sage" (Registered name: Redwood Sunrise)

Sage has a somewhat unusual coloration for a Cardi. He's a Clear Red (Recessive Red), also referred to as a "Pink." To learn more about this, and see some other pictorial examples, visit this Cardigan Colors link and scroll down till you see Clear Red listed.

Warm Wishes to all for the Best of the Season!

Celebrating the Good Memories!

We're using photos of Bart, and our other dogs, to make Christmas tree ornaments this year. It is going to be the "Bart and Friends" Christmas tree, including some shots of a new young fellow who will arrive after Christmas! (More on this to come!)

Searching through our historical database of wonderful Bart photos, Moe came across this little video of Bart, doing one of the things he always did best!

The Day Bart Adopted Me

In September 1997 I was ready to adopt my first Rescue Dog. Indeed, this would be the first dog ever for my husband, Moe, and me.

I’d done my homework, researching breeds carefully, learning about the many responsibilities of dog ownership. I’d spent several months looking and contacted a number of likely sources. I knew that I wanted to adopt a rescue dog, versus purchasing one from a breeder.

But there were some hiccups: The dog I wanted, a purebred Cardigan Welsh Corgi (CWC) female, age 1-3 years, preferably black and white, was exceedingly rare as a rescue dog. In fact, at that time the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was still quite rare. There were few breeders, and fewer still in my geographic area. There were less than 10,000 of these dogs in the U.S.

In addition, I would later learn that there are many more corgis for rescue in the “middle” states, due to the preponderance of puppy mills. Here in the San Francisco Bay area in California, corgis in rescue were very rare. In fact, that is still true, relative to many other parts of the U.S. In short, the purebred Cardigan is almost never to be found in my area as an available rescue dog.

As part of my search I’d subscribed to the Corgi-L Listserver and posted my intent to adopt a corgi. After nearly four months of looking without a single lead, someone on that List posted that she’d seen a male corgi-mix recently at a dog park in San Francisco. It turned out the dog was a foster dog available for adoption. She didn’t know what the other breed(s) in the mix might be and there was no picture.

It had never entered my head to look for a corgi mix, and I didn’t think I wanted a male. (I thought that the female would be less dominant – shows what I knew.) But, given that it was the only lead I’d come across, I had nothing to lose by checking this guy out.

On Thursday evening I made the trip. Arriving at the small house in the Lower Sunset District, I rang the bell. The foster person, Georgette, brought Bart out to the front yard. I took one look at him and the little voice in my head said, “Oh, he’s not what I’m looking for at all.”

Bart was primarily black, with white markings on his chest and feet, and copper points. Later I would learn that his coloration was a classic pattern associated with the Australian Shepherd. Bart was a Corgi/Aussie mix. But I didn’t know that then, and neither did the private rescue organization that had pulled him from the San Francisco shelter.

In short, I was looking for a two-year-old female, purebred Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Bart was a five-year-old male corgi mix. Not a fit. But I figured I should at least be polite so I asked the foster person, “Has he had any obedience training?” She replied that he’d had no training when she first got him, but she’d been working with him. “He knows to come to his name now and how to sit.”

To test her statement, I looked over at Bart, who was sniffing around the front lawn, completely oblivious to my presence. I called his name, “Bart.” Immediately he looked up, spotted me, and came trotting over. Upon reaching me he stopped, directly in front of me, sat down right at my feet, facing me. In an instant he threw his head back, and burst into the biggest grin imaginable.

This was the first picture of Bart I ever took. This is exactly what he did the first time we met. It is the Bart Smile!

In that instant all of my previous “requirements” vanished. There was no one else in my world except this happy, affectionate animal. In that moment I knew that finding a two-year old, purebred, female Cardi wasn’t important. All that mattered was this wonderful dog that really needed a good home.

 As I bent to pet him, Bart rolled onto his back and presented his belly. Belly rubs were a big favorite and he had to be sure I knew how to do it right. Clearly I passed the test. Bart had picked me.

But that’s not the end of the story: Being the conscientious sort that I am, I thought that I needed to “think about it” before committing to take Bart. As well, my husband hadn’t seen him. So I went home - without my dog.

For the next two days all we did was talk about Bart. I was so excited, but unsure if he was really “the one.” Finally, on Saturday evening Moe turned to me and said, “I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You know Bart is Your Dog. Just go get him!” And on Sunday we did. That was September 7, 1997.

For the next eleven years Bart was always by my side; a true Velcro dog to the end. From that first moment he had picked me. I was his Person, he was My Dog. There will never be another who will touch my heart so deeply. He was incredibly smart, sweet, and dedicated. He taught me more than I ever thought possible.

On December 3, 2008, at the age of sixteen, Bart’s body could no longer offer him the quality of life he deserved. Tearfully we let him go, but I know he will remain with me forever in spirit. As I told him many times, he’s the Most Wonderful Dog in the World. I will love him forever.

Bart - So many Kind Wishes

In the past couple days we've received so many kind messages and blog comments, offering comfort and support for our loss of Bart. Thank you all. 

Today I was wishing that Bart could be young again and have another ten years ahead of him. Everywhere I look I am reminded of Bart. He used to inspect my shoes each morning to see if I was putting on the ones that meant I'd stay at home, versus those that took me away. It was obvious that he approved of those that kept me with him during the day. If the shoes required tying, he'd come and nudge me as I sat on the floor so I'd pet him instead of tying the laces. 

I remembered how fast he could run and how far he could jump. And how beautiful it was to see him sail through the air so effortlessly and with such grace. Thankfully, there are millions of those memories.

Sadly, there is no magic to turn back time and we must all go forward.  Knowing that there are others out there thinking good thoughts for Bart and for us, and truly understanding how painful this has been, is helpful.

We have received many lovely messages, including these:

Edie lit a candle in Bart's honor.

We are fortunate to have a wonderful veterinary practice near us. Dr. Kent Littlehale, Dr. Jennifer Lawrence and vet techs Andrea, Mica, Rachel, Lauren, Julie, and Mama Julie have lovingly and diligently cared for Bart from the time he joined our household eleven years ago.  

Yesterday Dr. Littlehale helped Bart over the Bridge around 9:00AM.  In the afternoon, this card arrived, accompanied by the flowers above. Moe and I were incredibly touched. There are no words to express our gratitude.

Bart - Journey Over The Bridge

A good run of 16 years, but today was the day. 

After a hard night, it was clear that the time had come for Bart to cross The Bridge.

No dog could have been more well-loved.

Or have given more love in return.

He's safely on the other side of the Bridge. He went, as he lived, with strength and dignity. He promised that he'd always watch over me. I have no doubt of it. I am his Person and he will always be My Heart Dog.

Rest in Peace sweet Bart. We'll love you Forever.

Bart-Dinner becomes a Challenge

Having an ancient dog with some sort of mystery stomach issue proves a real challenge when feeding. 

Bart tells me he's hungry. He comes roaming in the kitchen, clearly looking for food.

Here's the trick: When I give him food, he walks away. At meal time, here's what my counter looks like. I try all of his favorites. From one meal to the next, you never know what he will eat. Many times it is nothing. It is clear to me that his stomach is upset and it is causing food to seem distasteful to him. Nonetheless, he is hardly eating 1/8 of his normal daily quotient. 

I know that the meds I give him have the side effect of depressing appetite. Sigh... But without them he was unable to process his food properly...a real "no win." Ideally he will rally and be able to eat without the meds. But he's 16 years old and it may not happen this time. Time will tell.

Tonight he FINALLY ate some fresh cooked salmon (but only if it had the skin on it!). Needless to say, I was thrilled that he ate something, but I know it isn't enough. He's slowing down. There is a mystery bacteria at work here and we're unable to identify it. Gradually Bart is weakening and I know he hasn't much time left. In the meantime, if it means fresh salmon...so be it!

Bart - Enjoying the Comforts of Home

What dog doesn't like to sleep on the bed?

This morning Bart slept in, joined by the resident Pembroke Princess, Elbee.

Although she typically prefers her own dog bed nearby, this morning Elbee decided that Bart had a good thing going. "Now if you'd just take that camera away so I can sleep in peace!"

Later I brushed Bart for about an hour. He's always had a very thick, soft coat. Afterward I had the usual basketball-sized mass of undercoat and Bart's coat gleamed. Yes, he's certainly aged, but I still find him a very handsome fella!

Bart - A Better Day

Thanks to heavy drugs, Bart had a better day today. But the vet says he'll be up and down for the next couple of weeks. Each day is a gift. It is a relief to see him more comfortable and interested in life again. Today he had a nice little walk in the yard and was able to eat some small meals again.

His favorite place is with me in my home office. 

Today he rested comfortably on his bed while I worked.

Thanks to Denali's tailoring skills during her puppyhood, none of our many dog beds have covers with working zippers. Fortunately, Bart doesn't mind! He helped raise Denali so he knows what he's dealing with!

Bart - Age One Hundred and something...

On September 5, 1997 we brought him home. Bart was a 5-year-old rescue dog without a past. A Corgi/Australian Shepherd mix, with the personality of the Aussie, he quickly picked his person...me. 

For 11 years we've been inseparable. He follows me everywhere and has accompanied me through many changes. Incredibly smart, sweet and dedicated, Bart is my Best Friend. Inspiring my efforts to rescue others, Bart is the Poster Dog for ForPaws Corgi Rescue and is responsible for saving literally hundreds of canine lives, and a few human ones, as a result.

Now at age 16, his time draws near. He's old, he's ill and his quality of life is no longer what it should be. I am having terrible trouble saying goodbye. I can't imagine what it will be like when my shadow is no longer always present. This weekend has been heart wrenching. Bart has slept through most of it. 

Today he stopped eating. It is time and I won't let him suffer. I will miss him more than words can convey and his soft, wise spirit will forever be with me. 

I never thought I could love a dog this much, but I do.

Never Work Alone - When Corgis are in Residence!

A Sunday Project - Building a Ramp for our Senior Dog, Bart

Bart is 16 years old. He's our senior Cardi/Aussie mix who is now having a bit of trouble negotiating stairs.  Nevertheless, he's still the canine pack leader and does a good job watching over his two "girls," not to mention the humans in the household. 

Bart is our "first dog." Joining us in 1997 as a rescue, many thought that 5-year-old Bart was "too old" to adopt at that time - ha! Guess he showed them by living to a ripe old age, as many corgis are these days! 

By showing us just what a wonderful companion a rescue dog can be, Bart inspired the formation of ForPaws Corgi Rescue. He has literally saved "hundreds" of lives!

Here's Moe, building a porch ramp for Bart, to span the steps. Working in peaceful solitude...but oops...those are Cardigan Ears. Nothing gets past Denali!

Corgis are nothing if not curious!

Every construction project needs a supervisor...or at least an audience.

Now that sister, Elbee, is finished touring the backyard, she's here to perform the foreman duties. OK, that's close enough to that saw young lady. (See small dog get whisked into house!)