Recharging - Again

I am going to start this post by saying that I am feeling much better. Time has not exactly been a healer for me. Which is why I decided what I really wanted and needed to do was just to get away for a couple of days.  

~Our girl Ree during a conversational snow fall~ 

My longtime friend in Lancaster Pennsylvania who is a "shut in," was feeling very lonely and she needed some cheering up too, so I decided to go and see her. The "boutique-y shopping village" where I love to stay, and have stayed previously, was totally booked. So, after an extensive search of Airbnb's and hotels around Lancaster, I ended up in the town of Ephrata, (where??) -- about 10 miles from my friend and totally unfamiliar to me. A quick research on the area said that one of its claim to fame is that it's home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister.  

But it was really good to see my friend! I took her out for breakfast and our entire visit was great therapy for both of us. And this may sound trivial, but what also helped was the two nights spent at the Hampton Inn in Ephrata. The panoramic view from my room, especially at night, made me feel like I was overlooking a big city, rather than one that has a population of about 13,000. I loved it.  Watching the night lights from where I slept, was both relaxing and recharging. I'll also add that I when I checked in I was told I was "Guest of the Day," which gave me a parking space very near the front door of the hotel, and little bag of snacks ---a fun little charge for my inner batteries. 

The view of the town of Ephrata from my room during the day wasn't bad either! 

My visit to Pennsylvania also had an added bonus, when I finally got to meet a long time blogging friend who lives in York, which is on my way home. We've wanted to meet for a long time, but the timing has never worked out. This time it did. Longtime dog-bloggers may know Phyllis at "NAK's Khorner - Khome on By"   I truly felt like I was meeting a friend I already knew, instead of one I was meeting for the first time. I could not have enjoyed our visit any more than I did and I so wish our visit could have lasted longer. I look forward to the next time we can get together. It was the perfect ending to the weekend.  

~A fun, thoughtful and perfect gift from Phyllis and Willow~

On the home-front, new boy Jack-Jack is totally settled in. He's been given the nickname of "Pony" because well, he's the size of one and having 2 dogs with the name of Jack is a bit confusing for the two. He is eating his meals, but treats are not his forte, making me question even more his genetic heritage -- I don't recall ever having a Golden Retriever that didn't love an extra treat or two or three. But Jack-Jack, or Pony is really a nice boy. There's a fun and playful side to him, and when you pet him, he leans into you and always lets out a big sigh. He also has these soulful eyes that are really a window to his gentle soul.

So onward I go through the holidays with the hope my batteries stay charged for awhile, along with my gratitude and thanks for your support and cheering us on! 

~Two little holiday gifts from two kind friends~

Jack-Jack Arrives at Golden Pines

 As the world and life passes me by so quickly, of course there are still dogs coming into both rescues that we volunteer with, that need a place to go. I was asked a couple of weeks ago about taking in a 7 year old boy named Jack-Jack. His owners were returning or moving to the Philippines and were living in a hotel. After being given away and returned after just one day, and the rescue being given a story that just didn't make sense, Jack Jack really needed a place to go where he would be safe. So, I agreed to take him .... temporarily. 

So, meet 7 year old, Jack-Jack. I think he has to be one of the tallest Golden Retrievers that we've ever had. From the top of his head to the floor, he is about 35 inches tall. He is dwarfing the other dogs -- I can only imagine what he'd look like standing next to Todd! 

Jack Jack fit in easily and I was both happy and relieved that he was getting along with everyone. But he was not without a few concerns those first days he was here. The first one being a pretty bad case of gastroenteritis -- Probably caused by all the changes he'd been going through. So of course a trip to the vet was put on the agenda. 

~At the vet and not feeling so well~

Added to all that Jack Jack refused to eat anything. This went on for about 4 days. We were told Jack Jack was allergic to chicken, so that limited some of the choices to tempt him with. I tried everything from tripe (ugh!), to canned cat food, melted cheese and even cheese from a can. He turned his nose up at all of it. But I was undeterred and kept at it, and finally found a food combination that he would and could eat. 

I think that finding a food he would eat and the trip to the vet was a turning point, because he did start to seem like he was feeling better and he was not nearly as tentative about things as he had been.  The vet also addressed a skin infection and we did a thorough check up too. 

~Jack Jack is a big tall boy - weighing in at almost 114 pounds!~

As I mentioned, Jack Jack was supposed to just be with us temporarily until another foster home could be found. But because he'd taken a bit to settle in, and is doing pretty well with our dogs, we've decided to foster him and help him onto his next chapter --- Whatever that may be!  

~Welcome Jack Jack!!~

Blogging Mojo

Hello Friends! Thank you to those who have reached out behind the scenes to check on how we're doing. As always, life is passing me by at its breakneck pace with more than enough to write about. But when I try to, the words don't come. Someone said the best cure for that is to just start reading, and then my own words will return. So, I've been doing just that. Now lets see if the words will come for this post. 

~Our View of Comet A-3 in mid-October~

I will say that Todd became my inspiration for writing, his antics, energy and fun spirit filled not only our house but our lives too and gave me plenty to write about. With that energy sadly gone it has been hard to not focus on that. The energy of our household has definitely changed and has now taken on a quieter pace. At least most of the time. But I began this blog to have a record of ALL the dogs that have come and gone in our lives. A place where I can remember them, and tell you, my readers about them. I want that to continue. 

So, lets start easy and start with Noodle. I've been taking Noodle for acupuncture, cold laser and a massage every other week. This is to help with his mobility and to reduce the inflammation and pain that he may be experiencing. I think it's all helping. And it's helped that he has gained much needed weight, that has totally changed his appearance as you can see in the photo below.

There was however a bit of unwelcome drama (from a vet tech) at Noodle's previous vets office that had me finding a new vet for him. Who was better than the vet our dogs and cats see? So, Noodle met Mobile Vet a couple of weeks ago -- We took x-rays of his back leg to make sure that there's no sign of cancer, and to get an idea of its condition. It was sent to a specialist who said:

That stifle appears to have nearly end stage osteoarthritis which I would suspect is due to a chronic CCL tear. I think given the arthritic changes, surgical intervention (e.g. TPLO) would probably not end in significant improvement. Poor pup. 

With that, I think we've done all we can for Noodle, and just need to stay on the course of treatment and care that we're on with him. 

And speaking of "courses..." Yesterday, Saturday, the rescue had their 3K Walk. Noodle was one of the dogs the rescue highlighted and we took him so people could meet him. The weather was perfect and it was fun to share Noodle with everyone there and share his story. We also loved the chance to see and catch up with our longtime rescue friends - Dog people are truly among the best of people, as are you, my blogging friends! ❤❤

The Arrival and Departure of Wiggles

As Carl was getting ready to leave on a 2 week trip, we were asked to take a hospice girl for Lab Rescue, named Wiggles. 

At almost 15 years old, Wiggles was being returned to the rescue because her owners are going to the UK to take a clock repair class - That by the way is offered throughout the year. But the bottom line is they didn't want to take her with them, or wait to take the course. You just can't make this up. And yes, I'm afraid I'm totally judging. 

~Introducing Wiggles~

The owners were insistent about returning Wiggles to the rescue, and so she was taken to a temporary foster home until arrangements could be made to bring her to my side of the Potomac. I received the below text from her temporary foster home that broke all of our hearts for Wiggles. 

Needless to say, Wiggles didn't do so well in her new surroundings. She wasn't eating, hardly getting up from her bed, and seemed totally disconnected. Again, our hearts all broke for her, because all that Wiggles had known for so many years was gone. The temporary foster home did all they could to reassure her, and it worked. After a few days, she began eating again, and getting up and exploring. It was a relief! But we did worry that at almost 15 years old, how she'd handle yet another change. 

~A new collar and new start for Wiggles~

We soon found out. On August 22nd, I met Wiggles for the first time. She was exactly what I thought she would be. Gentle, sweet, endearing, and in need of reassurance. Our first few days didn't go so well -- She was fine with all our dogs, but the change in her surroundings really did leave her unsure. 

~Meeting Wiggles~

I didn't know what Wiggles story was going to be. I'd agreed to take her with the plan that she was going to remain with us for the rest of her life. It was what all of us involved in this chapter thought too. But with 'healthy enough' test results, the rescues medical coordinator made Wiggles available for adoption. 

~At the vet with Wiggles~

Given her age, I never thought someone would be interested in adopting Wiggles. And it had been my plan to keep her. But with a lot going on peripherally, I never got the chance to say I'd wanted her to stay. 

But stay, Wiggles did not. Surprisingly someone wanted to adopt this almost 15 year old girl. A retired gentleman, who lost his wife about 2 years ago, and his 16 year old Lab just a few weeks ago wanted to. Try as hard as I could to talk him out of Wiggles, he was determined to come and meet her. His grandson stays with him on weekends, and he wanted to come too.  And so we met them last Saturday. 

Of course I liked Retired man. He said more than once that he wanted someone to keep him company and to care for, and that's exactly what Wiggles needed too. I couldn't deny it, they were meant to be together. And so Wiggles was adopted. They are a perfect match -- and it was a perfect way and day to celebrate Wiggles on her 15th birthday. 🎈