Daisy

This is my newest addition. She isn't currently under FAWS, we have some friends who may be interested in her, and we're trying to avoid all the paperwork and legal stuff that goes with adoption. Here's her story.
My sister found her one day. She had been hit by a car and had a fractured, pelvis and foot. She was around 6 months old. My sister took her to the vet and they were able to help her. She later had to be spayed because if she ever got pregnant it would kill her. She was also never supposed to be able to walk on her leg again. She's now about 1 1/2 years old and she runs on all fours! So, she's something of a little miracle dog. My sister had found a home for her and was able to see her on a daily basis, but due to some complications Dasiy's life was threatened, so my sister made the choice to send her to me so I could find her a home. Over all Daisy is a sweet little girl. Whoever opens their home to her will be a very blessed person.

Update: Was adopted on our March Adoption Day at Tractor Supply.

Joey All Grown Up.....

Yep, Mama's little boy is all grown up. Well...sort of. Physically he is...but I won't comment on the mental area.

Gotta love that cute smirk.

One of his more "serious"moments..well..okay he was about to pounce Charlie.

How can you resist?

Mr. Spike

Yesterday when I was walking the dogs...I came across this mean looking creature....

Check out those spikes!!!!

Fortunately I was able to lure Joey away before he had his nose or ear surgically removed. Its a Common Snapping Turtle. Either way, it wasn't huge or anything, but mighty impressive. This was one of those "I don't think I'm gonna touch it." creatures....rare occasion. But somehow I was still strangely content with just taking pictures.

Missing Something

Today I just have the strangest feeling. I feel like I'm missing half my life. I look at other kids my age. They have funny memories, friend's stories, laughable mistakes, cool stunts that went wrong, some place they used to hang out with friends. I'm 18, and don't have any of that. Yea, I'm still young but, do I get to have that, or am I supposed to act like I'm 30 years old forever?
I feel like I lack history, depth, and memories. I guess, in a way, that's what I've been looking for these past few months. An outlet for my youthful outpouring of energy and zest for life.
Maybe that's why the military has such a draw, making my own memories with people my age, who are just like me. Having good times, and clean fun, sticking together when the going is real tough. Semper Fi attraction. Maybe I will sign up, maybe not....I guess I'll find out.

Buck

I finally got a new foster dog. I wasn't exactly wanting one at the moment...ok, I lied, I  was, but Dad wasn't. I was going to wait a few days after Dad got home to even suggest it...but God stepped in a said different. The Saturday before Dad got home the president of FAWS called me and said she was in a dilemma. She had been pursuing an abandon case for four months, had finally gotten custody of the dogs, and needed a place to put the little male. She was taking the two females to her house, (where she already had a few other un-altered females) so she asked if I would mind taking Buck. I said I wouldn't mind and we set it all up for the following day. I finally got my little boy that I've been wanting and boy, is this going to be interesting!
Buck is about 10 years old, or older. He has a few front teeth missing, and a few gray hairs throughout his coat. He's a beagle mix, probably mixed with pit terrier. He shivers like a leaf when you come near him, and though he doesn't run away from me, he runs like lightning when anyone else comes near! He's such a sweetheart but he needs a lot of socializing and tons of human interaction! Surprisingly he does very well inside, he doesn't shake nearly as much as he does when he's outside. He enjoys sitting on the couch next to me, but we still have a long way to go! He holds it all night in his cage, and so far all he does is sleep! We shouldn't have a problem finding him a good home after he comes out of his shell.

Garden Project

Lately I've been having a real gardening spurt. I just want to plant pretty flowers and gardens everywhere! I guess it's more of a girly spurt than a "gardening spurt". Either way, here is my garden.

Phase 1

This is the first picture. It's going to be kind of like an octagon, except with six instead of eight whatever that would be called! I'm going to plant some winter bulbs and in the middle place a bird bath and hummingbird feeder.
It took forever!!!, to scrape the grass off! Now, I have to level it and finish cutting the timbers. There is another layer of timbers, so it's stacked two high, then I have to place a tarp, and then about a foot of dirt.

The Finished Product 

Okay, so it's been like a six month process getting this garden into shape. I  ended up having to plant the bulbs in pots so they wouldn't go bad or whatever. We had the frame in place and half of the dirt inside of it when we got the coonhound puppies, who, by the way, thought it was the coolest sandbox ever! Needless to say I had to wait a while in order to plant my bulbs in the garden. 

Today, finally, we planted the bulbs and then put fencing around the garden (only temporarily) so Joey doesn't eat them! I still don't have a bird bath or hummingbird feeder, but those are coming! There's this awkward empty middle space in the picture that you'll see, that's where the bird bath will be. 

Big Changes, for a Very Big New Year

This year, has brought in sorrow, pain, joy, happiness, and very big changes.
At the end of last year, Benji passed away. At the beginning of this year, all of my foster dogs were adopted, my chickens given away, and my horse sold. I'm very confused, turned around, and yea, a little scared. I don't know what's gonna happen this year. I thought I'd never be able to part with my horse, my chickens, and my country life. But, I have the strangest feeling, like every door is closing, but....there's a small window, slowing opening. And a door, slowly beginning to form on the side of it.
Maybe, in losing everything, I'll gain everything I ever wanted?
Somehow, I know....this is my year!

A Farewell, and a Hello

I can't help but write as I sit here, watching the clock slowly move towards the hour. It seems as though this day has been made just for Benji. A powerful wind, signifying the Winds of Change. Zachary charging valiantly around the pasture with clarion calls, tail streaming in the wind, head held high and tucked close to his chest, a powerhouse. A shrill challenge into the air, and then, quiet again.
The birds sang such a beautiful farewell this morning. I have not heard them sing so well in years. The sun shining beautifully when the clouds break. The whistling of the wind in the trees. It seems all nature has turned out their best just for him today. God created this day...just for him. The one who licked all our tears away, who stuck with us through 14 years of tribulation, trials, heartaches, deaths, he was there always. Always.
Now, its his turn. His turn to rest, enjoy the Father's arms wrapped around him. Enjoy someone else wiping his tears away. 



(Written the day of Benji's death.  Dec. 30 )

FROST!!

Yay!! This morning I woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland. As I walked outside to feed the animals, I just sort of stood in awe. Everywhere the ground glittered. It looked just as if angels had come in the night and sprinkled their dust upon the earth. The moonlight glittering off the frost, well, that was just amazing. Once the sun came out, the ground turned a pretty white and smoke billowed from Zack's nose. All in all, I think this morning was beautiful...but just not the same with out my little friend. I sure do miss him. But!!! I shall no longer think of it when I get to heaven and hopefully, he'll be waiting for me just as I told him too!

P.S. I tried to take some really pretty pictures to post on here, but...my camera is on strike and refuses to take good quality pictures for me! 

Payton Adopted!

Well, Little Payton was adopted last night. I'm starting to like these adoptions, at least her kind, where the people come and see the dog, and already know they want the dog....everything goes quick and painlessly. Maybe it's the "shock" of the dog simply leaving and me not having time to really dwell on the fact that they will no longer be around. Who knows?

I do know this...as adorable as the puppies were....they were a ton of work, and though most litters aren't quite as dragged out as this one was... I don't think I want another litter for a good little while. Not having to clean a poopy cage this morning was wonderful...and somehow...I actually got my morning chores done faster than normal. Mom said it was because Payton wasn't underfoot, and Miley was less riled up since Payton is gone. Whatever the reason, I did enjoy not having to take care of her..though I know I will miss her to some degree.
However, with Benji being so ill, I haven't really fooled with any of the other animals for several weeks. I've been doing just the bare minimum so I can keep a close eye on him. So I wasn't really very close to Payton like I was with Bella and Roxy.

Anyhow, Payton's adopters were very nice, two younger guys, the actual adopter was very familiar with large breed dogs, and he wanted an active playful dog. It was so funny because when he held her up they just looked so much alike!

No happy tails photo~ sorry.....My camera is broke!

Benji

This Friday at 3 my family and I will be saying good-bye to our wonderful friend. Antibiotics have not helped him, and his kidneys are failing. He's in pain, so I know this is the right thing to do.

Until then, we'll all be enjoying the sunshine and our little buddy.

Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!!!!!

It rained today! You may ask why this is so important or significant....well, to most people it isn't. But to me...a fun loving person...it was a very fun thing!

It rained all day long, mostly  medium to heavy showers off and on, but after 3:00 it rained good and steady. Our home has a large run off from several directions so during heavy rains we get "streams" that run through our place. You've probably guessed already, Yes!!! I was playing in the streams. After 4 o' clock I just couldn't hold it in anymore. I had been holding off because the temperature was dropping and I didn't really want to get cold and wet, or get sick, but still, I had to take care of the animals as well. So on went the baseball cap, jacket, and mucking boots (new I might add). I ran through my animal chores and, the old me started coming out. I couldn't help it, the sound of the rain drops pattering on my cap and jacket, the soft trickle down my neck. It was all wonderful. After that, strangely I didn't feel cold anymore. I traipsed through our place stomping through mid-calf  waters, having great fun the whole time. I did a few more "chores" to help drainage and such, and then .... it was time for fun!! At first I walked through our "streams" up and down, loving the water splashing up my thighs. Then I thought, why not run? I started running up and down, stopping for breathers here and there. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Running up stream I think was the most fun, the water splashed even more then! Running downstream was cool too, and working on my stamina was cool. It's much harder running upstream and you have to be careful or the water grabs the toe of your boot and trips you, but that's where good leg muscles come in handy!

I did learn this, I run better if I hold my head up high! I have a habit of walking and/or running with my head down keeping an eye on the ground and where to put my feet. I did slip a time or two with my head up, but I was able to breathe much better, and keep going for quite a bit longer. So, Up goes the head!


I hope I never outgrow such fun!!

Adoption Day!

FAWS had their monthly adoption day at Petsmart in Baton Rouge this Saturday, and what a success!! In total there were 15 adoptions! Okay, so they were mostly puppies, but we had two adult dogs who were adopted, Becky who was actually Brenda's sister and who had been in FAWS for many many months, along with Laila, a dog who had come to FAWS about a month or so ago. All of my puppies, except for Payton, were adopted. All to good homes, though I don't particularly care for the young man who adopted my sweet sweet, little Roxy. I was very pleased with Travis, and Allie's new owners.  So I now only have Payton and Miley, who I will be separating at night for training. I am a little relieved at having only two foster dogs right now, it's been a little overwhelming around here lately with 10 dogs, and all the rest of the animals to take care of, not to mention a busy schedule!!
I am currently trying to convince my Dad to help me build an entirely separate fenced yard for my fosters. They tend to have a knack of tearing my gardens up, and digging holes that the tractor almost gets stuck in. I'm kind of just waiting until I find out whether or not I am going to sell Zack, in which case I can simply strengthen the fencing in the front pasture and use our existing set up.  Which I might add is probably an entire acre! So my fosters would be quite happy with that arrangement. I really do hate keeping them in the kennel all day and night, but I just can't keep picking up shredded this or that every five minutes, so the somewhat feasible answer to my problem is a separate fenced yard with absolutely nothing but toys in it. Of course, unless they know how to get out of fenced in yards.......then the kennel is my best friend!


Anyway, to check out the slideshow from adoption day just visit www.faws.weebly.com

The Newest Member of the Farm ~ JOEY

Joey

How to describe him.....well, I just don't know. Kidding! Joey is a sweetheart in the best sense of the word. He'd never hurt a fly and is definitely the cutest little boy I've ever seen! His droopy eyes, and princely ears, well they just pull you in! You just can't say no to him! 

Joey was a present for Mom's birthday. Benji's getting up there in age and Mom has been compaining about not having a dog of her own. So my sister and I decided to get her a puppy! How original right? We drove 6 hours one way to pick him up. It was well worth it!! 

Joey is an English Springer Spaniel, bench type, (er, for those who don't know what that is, there are two different "types" of ESS, bench, and field. Field is obviously the working retriever, pointer, gun dog, and bench is the show type. It's funny because most Field type ESS look nothing like the bench type ESS, they actually look similar to Border Collies with long ears.) When we purchased him he was 4 months old, so he is now a very wise and mature....5 months! 

A little review on the ESS (English Springer Spaniel), while I don't particularly care for the looks of some of the ESS dogs, I do like Joey and how he looks, I would prefer if he didn't have such droopy eyes, but they seem to be perking up with each passing week. The ESS is a good bird/gun dog. Bred mainly for retrieving birds shot by their owners, they tend to be a little aggressive and untrustworthy around birds. What I absolutely love about this breed is their keen ability to recognize inside from outside. Inside they are very calm, quiet, and gentle, outside...well...that's another story. Joey has brought things out in the yard I didn't even know we had! Chewed most of it beyond recognition, but otherwise he is a princely little guy. He's so clumsy and uncoordinated at times he's just plain comical to watch. He has been deemed my "Foster Dog Energy Zapper" I've been using him to wear out my foster dogs so I can actually work with them and train them. He's quite adapt at it, I might add. Outside he's 90 to nothing. 

Mom really enjoys Joey, he's her baby. He keeps her company when Dad isn't home and when I'm not in a "company" mood and I'm being anti-social. I've taken over his training since Mom simply doesn't have the time being that she now works 6 days a week. But, enough blabbing from me. Here's the little guy.....

Travis Adopted!

Big, rolly pollie Travis was adopted today. His adopter was very nice, Travis is her son's Christmas present. They currently have a 100 lb. 19 month old German Shepherd who he will be playing with. No worries, Raja     ( the German) is very gentle with small dogs and her favorite playmate, of all things, is a Chihuahua! Travis will be getting plenty of attention and care, and most importantly plenty of training. I think Travis will top out at a good 75-80 lbs. when full grown. He's the biggest of the litter, and to me the most cuddly. He can go, but he enjoys chilling out in your lap most of all.

Pictures of the New Additions

I know you've been dying to see Mama Coonhound and her last pup.

Here they are:

Miley, or as most of you know her - Mama Coonhound

The last pup ~ Allie or as I call her Allie Bear

The Decision

Unfortunately with all the animals that I currently have, I am having to make some hard choices. Since my love and time are always divided amongst so many I am having to say good-bye to one of my beloved members. Davincci is so calm and quiet and never pushy that he tends to get pushed aside, so in a very hard heart wrenching decision, I decided that it was best for Davincci if I put him up for adoption via FAWS.  My decision wasn't based on lack of love for him on my part, but lack of attention, and just the fact that he could have a better life somewhere else with a family who loves him to death and gives him the attention he deserves. I feel terrible because he has been getting depressed lately,and I have thought of putting him up for adoption before, but couldn't do it. His depression has forced me to make this decision and I am glad I have. While he has a few minor health issues (such as being 20 lbs. overweight!!) that need to be corrected before FAWS can post him on Petfinder, he is thoroughly adoptable. Mrs. Candice and Mrs. Suzanne both assure me he should be adopted rather quickly, especially being that he has such a wonderful resume. I fear this will be in the future for Zack as well, that I am dreading more than anything!!

Pictures of the New Additions

Okay, so currently I do have all of the pups ( caught the last one the other day) and the mother (caught her a day after the last pup). I only have pictures of the two I told you about. So here they are, I'll be posting pics as FAWS does the intakes on the last pup and the mother.

Payton (female)

Payton sittin' pretty

Travis ( yay! a little boy!!)

Aren't they just so cute!!!

Travis lookin handsome!

New Additions

This morning we went to go feed Mrs. Coonhound and found her in the driveway with three puppies!! One of the puppies ran off on her own, the other two stayed close to mom. As they were eating voraciously Dad and I were able to grab the two pups and get them in our shed where it was nice and warm. Mrs. Coon is improving, she no longer high-tails it when she sees us, and this morning she ate while we stood only a few feet away. It shouldn't be too long before she comes around and I can maybe capture her, or lead her in our yard. I finally put up a flyer on our road asking for her owner to call me. I'm half-way hoping no one will call so I can get her in FAWS and get her adopted, and more importantly Spayed! She doesn't appear to be very malnourished, rather just drained from having so many pups for so long!  The pups are around 9 weeks old and still nursing whenever they get the chance. Though, they do eat solids quite easily. I'll try and post some pictures and information about them later on.

Bella Adopted!

Sweet pudgy little Bella was adopted yesterday! The adopter was very nice, had plenty of land for Bella to run around on, and had a little girl and an older Golden Retriever for her to play with. This was one of those, "perfect", adoptions, where everything just went smoothly, no questions were raised on either persons part, and the puppy was comfortable with the move. This is the kind of adoption that foster parents really seek out for their foster dogs, that perfect place where the dogs just "fit".