Evah Arrives at Golden Pines

Its been an unusually busy and hectic week for us, that shows no signs of slowing down even though the weekend is in sight.  Some appointments that were made weeks ago were rescheduled to make time for other more pressing ones.

The week also took a turn when I received a call from my vets office on Tuesday.  A retired lady in her 70's had come in with a Golden Retriever that she'd recently bought from a kennel named Evah.  Her new addition has several medical issues. Medical issues that her limited budget does not allow her to pay for. Retired lady was overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn, a vet-technician contacted me in hopes the rescue I volunteer with could help.  I called Retired Lady and chatted with her. The bottom line was her concern about the money she had already spent and the funds that are needed to provide the care for Evah.  She'd decided to return her to the kennel for a refund.  Fast forward through a couple of phone conversations, and I felt like I had to do something. Rescues (understandably) never buy dogs from people.  Normally, I would never, ever have considered doing it either. But given the circumstances to which Evah would be returned has totally outweighed everything some would say was sensible.  So, I made an offer to Retired Lady to buy Evah from her, and she accepted my offer.

Evah has been used solely for breeding.  Every single season for this nearly 7 year old girl has produced a litter of puppies. According to her papers, Evah was born at this kennel, and her parents were also born there.  The website and facebook page for this kennel show her puppies off, as well as the litters of several other dogs just like her.  Her last litter of 13 puppies born only 6 weeks ago via c-section, is probably why Evah was sold -- Her "job" as a puppy-machine are finally over.  ***I will add here that I am absolutely no way whatsoever against those who responsibly breed dogs because they are devoted to a particular breed, and do it with the health, soundness and welfare of all dogs being first and foremost. What I am against are dogs that are bred solely and purely for profit, which is how this girl has been used.***   

Retired Lady and I met this evening, and I became Evah's legal owner.  Retired Lady could not have been more kind and grateful that she will be cared for. Tomorrow I'll drop her off at the vets office to have blood work and tests done while I'm at work.  I don't know what the future holds for Evah.  But she now has options.  I spoke to a coordinator with the rescue a couple of days ago, and I may sign my ownership of Evah over to the Golden Retriever Rescue. However, I'll admit that I've not really thought that far because my goal was just to get Evah from Retired Lady before she changed her mind about taking her back to the kennel.

Thankfully, tonight and right now in this moment, there are no decisions to be made.  Evah now has a bright future, free of a kennel and that to me is worth more than any amount of money that has changed hands.

The Side Trip

Before winter sets in, the holidays come and a few other things on the agenda, I was off to Kentucky for a few days to see my youngest brother. Weather is always concern when driving over the mountains of West Virginia this time of year.  But it was a good day for an 11 hour drive.

A stay at a hotel for one night...

A stay at my favorite Air BnB the rest of my visit.

My Father was in the Army and was originally from Texas. My Mom's family roots are from around the little farming community of Yeaman, Kentucky located about 100 miles southwest of Louisville in Grayson County. There are mostly farms along the country road to get to a church that is just as I remember it growing up.  Next to it is a small cemetery where my Grandparents and other family members are buried. One headstone had the below quote, that I thought was worth remembering.

My visit ended all too soon, and I was on my way back to Virginia.  Heading out of Charleston West Virginia, on Route 60, there is the classic section of what is known as the Midland Trail that begins as Charleston’s downtown skyline disappears.

It stretches 120 curving miles and is a road full of West Virginia scenery and history that you miss by taking speedier interstate.  The two photos below are of Kanawha Falls that drops over a cofferdam built to redirect the river’s flow toward an old hydropower house at the left edge of the photo.

My favorite stop is Hawks Nest State Park.  

It's a peak on Gauley Mountain in Ansted, West Virginia. The name came from the many fish hawks which inhabited the massive cliffs. When the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway railroad began blasting in the area in the 1800's the hawks left the area and never returned.  Travelers like me stop to see the beautiful view of the river below. 

And for this building...  The bathroom...

The side trip slowed down my return home -- And when it was getting dark and I still had a ways to go, I was regretting that I'd made that decision.

But all that vanished when I finally got home.

Todd's Post Election Recovery Advice

I went out of town for a few days this past week without the dogs. All was well when I returned.  But while I get the post about my trip ready to share, Todd is helping me out. We both know pretty well how people may be feeling about the election results on Tuesday.  I've chosen to not post my views here -- But in hopes of helping us to come to terms with what has truly been an extraordinary series of events, Todd would like to share his "post election recovery advice."


1. Feel free to scream or bark, whichever one you prefer.

2. Manage your exposure  ..... to social media...or just people in general.

3. Create an exit plan, or a strategy to get out of any anxiety-provoking situation.

Number 4 and 5.  Practice acceptance and know what your triggers are.

6. No matter how much you may want to, don't engage "them."  No one wins.  Well, maybe if you're Todd.  But remember to respect your family members, friends and pack-mates.

7.  Practice good behavior.

8. Slow down and do something that you enjoy.  Ripping up a new toy works for Todd.

9. Look for and/or remember your support system and spend some time with them.

10. Perspective and personal reflection may help too.

....So, go for a walk, or just spend time outdoors enjoying the fresh air.

With your dogs of course...

We hope this advice helps, and if you have any you'd like to share, please do.  As always thank-you for taking a moment and stopping by.  I hope you'll stop by again! 

Middle of the Week Already!

We have rounded the corner to the middle of the week.  Where does the time go? All the dogs seem to be having a pretty good week.  No stomach upset, (knock on wood), no wanting out in the middle of the night (knock on wood) and no more counter-surfing for cat food or anything else. (knock on wood).  

You'll recall that Charlie was a concern because he wasn't eating. I called Mobile Vet a few days ago, and we talked about it.  Again, instead of coming he prescribed a medication for nausea (Cerenia) that I already had, so I gave that to him.  As of this evening, it looks like Charlie's appetite has returned -- However I'll admit to topping his meal with a little bit of baby food to tempt him. Whatever works, right?

The lovely little Lucille that we have for the SPCA also had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon.  It was time for her to have the staples taken out of her leg, and to have her first healing x-ray taken.  It looks like she's mending really well, but still has to wear the "cone of shame" for now, and remain crated.  I think she's okay with that.

Max was happy that Lucille saw the surgeon and not him.  His turn will come next week.

Another vet visit was needed for some follow up tests for our foster-boy Bo from Lab Rescue. The results will be returned in a few more days. He seems to be feeling pretty well.  I'm really happy with how he's finally settled into the routine and the household. I have to say that it seemed to start coming together when we just let him set the pace and decide for himself where he wanted to be, and what he wanted to do. When we were on our way back from the vets office the other day, I have to say, he looked so happy sitting on the back seat. I had the windows open and he was sniffing the air and to me, he looked like he didn't have a care in the world. Maybe he didn't.

Another dog that doesn't have a care in the world appears to be Deizel (previous foster boy for Lab Rescue).  I got the below picture from his family yesterday.  The e-mails I've gotten from them have left no doubt about how well he's doing and it's really clear that they all adore Deizel.  And I've no doubt that Deizel would say that the feeling is mutual.