Bella Waiting and Dreaming

Off early this morning on a little road trip with Bella to Culpeper, which is not far from Charlottesville.  I've been e-mailing with a retired couple about Bella over the last several months. "Retired Couple" spend their winters in Florida, and spring, summer and fall in Virginia.  Unlike some rescues, the Golden Retriever Rescue I volunteer with allows the foster homes to decide who will adopt their dogs from the approved applicants that contact us.  Because of Bella's diva-moments, I'm pretty specific about the kind of home and family that I think will fit her best. And Retired Couple certainly check all those boxes and then some - They loved her, and as you can see in the photo below, the feeling was mutual!  

~Is love in the air with Bella and Retired Couple?~

The only glitch is that the husband is having a hip replacement surgery between now and the middle of June, so they wouldn't be able to adopt Bella until early July.  I asked the adoption coordinator from the rescue her thoughts, and she is suggesting to say to them that "IF she's still available when they're ready, I would love to place Bella with them. However, I need to remember to keep Bella's options open until its time for her adoption."  The Adoption Coordinator is right. I can't imagine anyone else better than Retired Couple who would be more perfect for Bella. But for now I guess we wait and see what happens.  Until we know, Bella is fine here with us, as she waits and dreams about her very own forever home.

I wonder what Todd dreams about?  

Stinky and the Twins

My train traveling husband returned via plane on Tuesday.  He said that he enjoyed traveling by train and would like to do it again.

~View from the train on the second night~

While in Washington he visited Mount St. Helens

And he said he'd forgotten how beautiful the state of Washington is.

Back at home, our foster kitten, Mohawk, or Stinky as I've been calling him saw a specialist.  For the two months that he's been here, he's had "bowel upset" the entire time.  The diagnosis after seeing the internist is "Irritable Bowel Disease."  We're changing up his food (for the 3rd time) and putting him back on medications in hopes that it'll do the trick.

In the photo below you'll notice that Jake and Josh (on the right) ) are looking a bit like twins.

At 14 years old, Josh's arthritis is starting to take a toll on him and he often needs help getting up on his feet.  Acupuncture and cold laser don't seem to be helping, but the daily pain medications are easing his discomfort.  To help him to stand up and keep him mobile he needed and I wanted a harness.  The one I have and like the best is being used by Jake, so I needed to order another one.  Unknown to me, back in January, another blogger (who I will let remain anonymous) sent us an online gift that I didn't find out about it until I decided to get a harness for Josh - And Her generous gift was the exact amount I needed to buy it -- It was meant to be!  I cannot thank "Her" enough for thinking of us and making a difference for Josh, as well as the others that will use the harness after him.

I've no doubt Todd would agree -- But for now he just thinks it's funny that they're wearing matching outfits!

Scottie Comic Relief

Carl has been out of town all week visiting his brother in the state of Washington.  He decided that instead of flying, he would take the Amtrak train across the country.  A nearly 4 day trip.  There are people that think this would be great fun, however, I am not one of them.  He made it to Washington, and said the trip while a long one, was one he enjoyed.  I guess that's what matters.

~The train station at Harper's Ferry~

On the homefront, I have to admit, that its not been the best week for us. Sunny developed a large lump on his chin.

Getting in touch with and arranging a time with our new "mobile vet" proved to be a bit of a challenge. We were finally able to meet him in a parking lot.  Mobile Vet doesn't think it's tooth related, but rather from an injury on his cheek that's gotten infected.  Sunny thanked Mobile Vet for seeing him by snapping at him.  Mobile Vet returned the gesture by giving Sunny 2 antibiotics that are upsetting his stomach. But the medications are working, and the lump is much smaller.

~A rare photo of camera-phobic-Sunny through the window~

Not to be outdone Jake also has an upset stomach.  I'm not sure what's caused it.  But after a couple of nights of letting him outside several times, along with a bland diet I can tell he's feeling better.  

Usually single-parenting and dogs with upset stomachs aren't a problem.  However, I was also pretty under the weather this last week and stayed home from work.  Something I never do.

However, today I am finally feeling better -- But how could I not with this kind of Scottie-comic-relief?

What would we do without Todd?

George's Bucket List

The most unassuming member of our household has got to be George.  Yes, he lets me know at mealtimes that I'm not getting his dinner to him fast enough, but for the most part, he's happy to just go with the flow.  George may not be the star of our household, but there is no doubt, that he has his place among our cast of characters.  He is liked and respected by the other dogs, including Todd.

This week, the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac was holding their annual "Specialty".  A "Specialty" show is an event limited to a single breed - In this case, it was Labrador Retrievers. One day during a lunch break, they have a "Rescue Parade." If you've never seen a rescue parade, and you get the chance, you need to go.  If not, you're missing out on what I think is something special.  As you can guess, the parade features dogs that have been rescued.  As their names are called, their age and rescue story is told as they walk around the show-ring. I have seen many rescue parades, and have even helped to organized them, but I've never actually been in one.  Until this week because I entered George.

This parade began with the several Labs, some who were trained by inmates, and are now working in drug-enforcement.  How wonderful that these dogs that came into the rescue, who may not have been suitable for the typical home because of their energy and overactive instincts have been given the chance to truly make a difference!

After the "working dogs" it was George's turn.  It's usually done by age, so at 14ish years old, he was the oldest in the parade.  

I've decided that if George has a bucket-list, he can now check off walking around the show ring, receiving applause from a crowd and getting a rosette.

In my book, George really is the best in show!  I hope you have a good weekend!!

Jake and Selma Mansion: Part 2

Back in February, I wrote about "Selma," a 100+ year old historic property and former plantation not far from where I live.  It was so sad to see this magnificent home abandoned and falling victim to time and neglect, standing in the background of new homes.  

~Selma in February 2016~

I was really taken by Selma Mansion.  And, in my February post, because Jake had just come to us, I'd compared the two, because I really felt that like Jake, Selma should be "rescued" too.  I really hoped that somehow it would be.

~Jake and Selma Mansion, February 2016~

Well, I read this week, that in March, Selma was  purchased by a local couple, and restoration work has already begun.  Over the next two years, they plan on restoring Selma to use as their private residence.  So of course, when Jake had a vet appointment on Friday, I had to go and see for myself.   How wonderful it was to see the windows open as this grand home is being brought back to life!

~Selma coming back to life, April 2016~

You'll recall that the staff at the shelter where Jake was taken felt that he had "spark and life" and should be given a chance.  I'm glad that someone who could make a difference, saw that in Selma Mansion!

~Jake and Selma~

**If you're as taken by Selma Mansion as I've become, you can see more photos and follow the progress of the restoration on Facebook by clicking here for the link

Five Years Ago -- Already!

This time five years ago...

 a little Scottie was born...

at "Rocky Creek Farm" in south-west Virginia.  

He may have been the forth-born in a litter of eight....

But Todd is truly number-one at our house! 

And trust  me,

He knows it!   

Happy 5th Birthday Todd!!

Past Birthday photos -- Do you see a trend here??

And yes, it is a real cookie that Todd gets to enjoy!  

I hope you enjoy your Saturday!!

The New Vet and Charlie

My day off today has been a very quiet one spent at home.  When Charlie was seen by the vet late last fall, it was recommended that he have his teeth cleaned.  I was also told during that appointment that he would probably have to have some teeth extracted as well. At the time, the holidays were on the horizon, so I decided to wait.  Well, of course Charlie's teeth weren't getting any better, and so today was the day I'd planned to have them taken care of.  My vet that I've been going to for about 10 years is leaving the area, and I've been slowly getting to know a new one, closer to home.  Actually, this vet comes right to our house, so it works out pretty well.  "New Vet" is a man, which is a change -- For whatever reason, all my vets have been women, so this may take a little getting used to.  

But I think there's no better way to break in a new vet than to have them do surgery on one of your treasured family members.  I'm always nervous anytime one of the dogs has to be put under anesthesia.  It was a little more nerve wracking because I was inside looking out and waiting.  From start to finish the procedure took a little more than 3 hours. Unfortunately, more of Charlie's teeth needed to be removed than we'd first thought.  But at the end of the day, he's still a bit groggy, but doing pretty well.  He ate a little dinner, and I think he'll be fine.  For that, I'm grateful.

~A Very Sleepy and Groggy Charlie~  

Day 59 for Jake!

 We end the weekend in a good place with our newest addition, Lady.

~Lady, checking out the view from the front porch~

Her meeting her new pack-mates one-on-one went really well.  Lady is a nice, easy going gal, that loves attention and aside from her over-interest in the cats, which we'll work on to curb, I think she's fitting in well!    

Lady, "was that a cat that just went by?"

Of course, Todd is always the proverbial wild-card when meeting any new arrivals.  He was okay with Lady until a treat was (accidentally) dropped on the floor, and Lady and Todd both went for it at the same time.  She quickly learned that you don't get between a Scottie and a treat -- something I should have remembered because I'm sporting a pretty good bruise on my hand from putting my hand where it shouldn't have been.  Lesson learned for both of us!

Today also ends with a milestone.  Our foster boy Jake, as of today, is celebrating day 59 of grace.  Fifty nine days ago he left a local shelter where he'd been taken to be euthanized.

From not being able to walk to now being able to go up and down the 2 outside steps unassisted is a reason to celebrate!  We are really enjoying having Jake as part of our household. And just when I thought I knew him, I found out a couple of days ago that he can balance and catch treats that are put onto his nose.  He misses more than he catches, but it's fun to watch him try!

~Jake~