Next chapter

As you know, we lost Carlee, our family Schnoodle when we went in for a 3-month checkup, September 14, 2020. She was 14 and a very sad day.  Many of you know the tears attached to losing a fur family member. It was not on our mind to go out and get another pup, until it was and then we did. Our home was still and very quiet, a first in decades. A family of many were at a local rescue and February 2021, feet found their way home again. Several friends scolded for not waiting, but these small lost souls needed a home, we had openings and this breed was on our list of someday. 

Wow. Whirlwind, not like any other. One, more fearful than the other. Learning these two may not have been bonded, but lived in same house. Stepping into our home, we let them roam initially and eventually gate rooms. Freedom with fenced yard, decompress, watching them unfold running like the wind. Beautiful. Food, water, soft beds and learning a routine, and even wanting to give them back, but it would take more than a few months to untangle years of unkind. Patience tried. Tears. Family say they have grown, yes, to a point. They have filled in. 

Bella and Liesl love being read to and sleep in a quiet home with random dog barks from neighbor yards. Hair finally fills in on thin legs where Winter will be more kind this go round. Bella, 7, is always thinking and hard to out smart. She doesn't like her collar messed with and fearfully fears water, the rag on the floor has oatmeal shampoo to help with itch on feet. Catch the kibble is a game played so she will walk across multiple times and even sit on. Rag rinsed and the game replays. Aha moment, it works and she looks forward too with Liesl, 16, joining in. Both are treat driven. What luck for them! 

September 30, 2021 will begin our 15th year of baking dog biscuits. We continue to handcut each, using the same cutters, cutting tens of thousands over the years. Weekend baking is fewer hours, so the girls see more of our front than our backside as we did with Buster and Carlee. December 2020 a tough decision to weigh, due to the corona virus, and if we would renew our feed permit good for two years, a steep cost that grows. Visited with friends and we renewed once more, baking resumes in making, baking, bagging, selling and meeting pups and their pawrents with option of a human treat element meeting mainly at the wonderful long lived farmers market.  Wow, what a whirlwind ride. Bab's in Bab's Bites 'n Bones is an acronym for Buster and Barb. 

Our focus will be on these girls, continue learning from each other, training, walk on leash, key words, recall, fetch, quick dog kisses, meet with trust for others and up at 5:30a daily. Its routine. Hoping for more car rides, walking a trail, but in time. 

Next chapter. Winding down, but that is for another day. Please be kind to all, help others that cross your path and we will continue to do the same. Thanks furends/friends.

Sad, Sad Day

Waiting for our 4-month checkup this morning, when out of an exam room ran a Buster (West Highland Terrier). In morning prayer, I requested his presence and there he was. 

Tears fell while visiting with our vet, how Carlee's home life had changed. Our 15 yo pup had no worries walking in concerning circles. In another room, the vet did a checkup, and a vet assistant returned carrying Carlee, placing her on a soft blanket. At Carlee's age not wanting to prolong pain, remained with her to the end. Buster took her home. Mom and Dad welcomed. 

Many of you have been in this spot and know the decision is difficult at best. I imagine she runs with Buster and Ty (black/white border), through cool green grass, like years ago and rolling in scents on the scented path. She had a good home here they all did. Her and Buster were night and day. As the vet said today, 'she evened Buster out.'  A funny as he was allergic to the vet's office and let everyone know he was there.  💕

Not believing in goodbye, I blessed her, kissed her forehead and simply asked her to rest her tired eyes. 

Please be kind and help animals that cross your path that need help. Take care, be safe and well.

There was a time

When we could be recognized by a smile when looked at through sleepy eyelids, checking on us. Only to doze back to sleep. Or through a soft, 'hello', but time changes and simple things are missed. 

There are lots of things Carlee no longer does, but many things she still can. Hugs and kisses, trust we won't drop her when lifting her to the ground. She hasn't spoken a word in near a year,  Howling was her voice, she came with it and we miss hearing her. Age. Time. The effects on humans and animals. 

Her  human went back to work, giving her, her home back in 4 hour blocks. She isn't sure about the mask, it was the growl that gave it away. 'It's me.' The mask is left in the vehicle.

Not just any mask, we picked up material, thread and bendable products to form to our face. Some masks are better than others, we can tweak, trim and try again. One of few that wears a mask all day, we do as asked by the head of our state. 

If you are farmers market goers you know we haven't been in attendance. Our plan is to do so, as 'bugs' are ironed out and people simply keep us and them safe by following simple guidelines provided  at the market and on vendor tables. If our 'in the future' Saturday doesn't pan out, we will continue to deliver or offer our ditchside delivery. This year is change for near everyone, take care. We do the same. We won't take unnecessary chances.

Please help animals that need help finding home, we do the same. With fireworks already popping, please leave your paws home and off hot streets. Hot pavements are hot, take off your sandals, stand, stay. Too hot? It is for them too. 

Learning Curve

Usually we can understand Carlee's language, but boy, not lately. We're not sure if its the time change, new food, aging or us being home because of COVID-19. Her kidney's aren't working as hard, thanks to the new food, but keeps us off the floor (we sit on the floor alot) and outside. She started pushing a hand away. 'Lets make this palatable with fun foods, like pumpkin and no salt chicken broth.' Our vet gave the ok. Mmm, laps it up.
Our redneck raised bowls, about 5" high, are working. It was time to find help for swallowing better. Imagine eating that way. She doesn't know its a box lid for the time being it works. A lip at the bottom catches dripping water, food bites and also a guide to remind of bowl location.
In February, we brought in another dog. This was our option for her and his name is Pnut and hangs out on the corner or slips down.
 'Mom? Mom.' Her vet prescribed pain pills giving her a euphoric feeling and though it should last 24 hours, it doesn't. She stands in the bathroom waiting about 7p for calming chews, she gets two.
The chews relax and get her into bed, sleeping into morning. We like the alternative to the pill form.

Our learning curve has taken another turn. Our town is now on community spread with the COVID-19 virus and we are working from home. We purchased non-perishable items (rice, noodles, canned veg.) that will carry us for some time and we can cook/bake.  Our makeshift office has a pretty view on a sunshine topped table. Our office dog checks on us and she is happy for a mid-day treat that she gets only on weekends. Gov. Noem of South Dakota updates listeners daily of numbers, good and growing. Wash hands with soap and water. Keep minimum 6' distance from each other, self quarantine in your home. Reach out. Check on your neighbors. 
Animals are safe from this virus. Hug them, they will keep you moving and outside, stretch your legs, common sense, don't let your dog out on his own with no fence. Leash and go for a walk, away from others.
As always, help those that need extra that cross your path. Be well. Be safe. We are too.