Scratch 'n sniff...

It's a whole new meaning when you watch dogs find the scent that catches their noses.
Outside our fence is a whole new world of scat from bunny's, geese, deer, fox, cats, coyote and of course, a neighbor's dog. Yes, we do have coyote's, I do love to hear their howls in Summertime as we relax on the deck as nightfalls, eerie. I have told a number of people not to leave small animals out at night in the country, coyote's share the night and they do travel in packs. Imagine the terror of their prey, keep your animals safe, it would be a horrible death that you can prevent.

The sky is filled with a beautiful moon the past few nights, take time to watch the skies, it's free and it is amazing. Enjoy!

Stay warm.

Howlin'...

South Dakota weather shouldn't surprise those that are shocked with the swings of the season. The rain that came and froze was very heavy on our fence, the thickness of ice that wrapped itself around power lines and poles was devastating and people will be without power for days if not weeks. Count your blessings, we certainly do and pray for those that lack in the cold temps.

Today the wind howls and it scares our girl, she slinks into a room and lays close by. If we're on the floor she sits as close as possible and an arm is placed around her to assure her safety and whisper, "you are safe". Her thanks is a lick to the nose...ours.

I know it's been said before, but we are most thankful for the longer days. More time for the dogs to be out, check on the fence line repeating their action, covering their domain and Buster writing his name in the fresh snow. He loves being out in the harshest wind, he is also thankful to rush inside when Mom calls.

It bears repeating, protect your animals against the elements. They deserve your best attention. Stay warm.

Bab's

Buster's day...

Today is Buster's birthday, he has lived with us for 4 years and today is 8. Taking two years for his family to let him go and live with us is a blessing. Buster lived down the street from my Mother, tied to a tree with a 20' stretch. Staying with my Mom I'd hear his bark and cry through much of the night which led to my concern and heartbreak. Before leaving town I'd drive by and greet him telling him someday he'd live with us. You may've read our story as our dog treat business was featured in the December 2007 issue of RiverLife.

He has a tender heart and wants to be everyone's friend. He lays close on a warm blanket and has a fully tummy. When his previous family asked me to retrieve him, I was elated. He was in a foot of snow and filthy. I leaned down to pet him and he jumped into my arms. I simply said, "let's go home." With streaming tears, we drove by the cemetary, but my folks already knew I came for their new granddog. On a new fleece blanket and warm vehicle, Buster slept all the way home. For days he would look and wait for someone to come. He did enjoy coming in from the cold and having a warm lap to lay upon. It took several months for training, we found a routine and might I add, he has a very good bladder. I look at him now, tears appear, we are both blessed, he rescued this human.

Carlee rounded out our family, she too lays near the warm floor register. Comfort, it's good for all souls.

Take special care of your animals and they in turn will do the same.

Run, walk and sniffff...

The air is refreshing where we live and it seems fresher out at the Oahe Dam. We found a stretch of road yesterday going for a long awaited walk. They couldn't get out of the car quick enough to start their "tour", they were everywhere. They were everywhere a 20' leash would take them.

From new snow, smells and creatures we enjoyed an afternoon of adventure and fun. They weren't overly excited to get back into the car leaving their paw impressions and tongue wagging excitement on everything, but as the window's opened for their foraging noses, they were tickled and greeted everyone that was coming and going. Last night was well rested, our treat of waking at 7am.

Another beautiful day and 4 minutes of extra daylight in the morning.
Enjoy today and pray for the people of Haiti.

Snow cones...

Buster, with much anticipation, climbed to the peak of our snowbank tonite and was pleasantly surprised...he found a snow cone. Daisy the Daring and Carlee the Courageous had conquered the "mountain" first, leaving their signature mark. Gotta love their curiosity!

Carlee barked and growled at something in the early dark this morning, I couldn't see until I looked towards the sliver of moon and sunrise. A beautiful surprise as multiple deer were walking their way through our landscape. Greeting them, telling them to stay out of Pierre city and wishing them well. They listened intently and lept over the fence. What they must've mumbled to each other as we waved.

Enjoy the warmth of the sun and longer days, Spring is just around the corner.
Wahoo!

Daisy...

We had a visitor the past many days, her name is Daisy and she is a 1 year old basset hound. She is beautiful, loves attention and kept us hoppin' as she has a lot of puppy left in her. She loved treat time and we began to look forward to her nap time. She cried daily when Carlee wouldn't warm up to her. We placed treats in her bag when she left. As she looked out her sister's car window, her big sunken eyes and lack of expression told us, "thanks". She'll be placed on our frig with all of our other friends and we'll see her again soon.

We are thankful for the longer days again, the sun slowly sets and it is nearing 5:30pm. We have scooped and scattered snow the past couple of days, not having near the aches and pains at the beginning of the snow storms.

We understand shedding, but the lint trap from the dryer doesn't seize to amaze me as it is filled, FILLED, to capacity each time I open the dryer door. Imagine what it all looked like when I thru them into the wash. Can this hair be weaved into a sweater?! ha, ha, uck!

From lack of commotion, we napped this afternoon and will sleep well tonite. We wish good dreams, full tummy's and warm beds to yours and to all animals out there waiting.

Bab's Kids

Happy New Year...

It took some doing, but we stayed up until 11pm to watch the ball drop in NYC and dragged ourselves to bed. At 12:21am we were shook awake by multiple blasts and color of fireworks, shattering our deep sleep. Our new year started well as we rolled over, snuggled back into the warmth of blankets and fell back to sleep.

A dusting of snow rested on the deck as we opened our door at 7am. Dancing and sprinting the dogs went wild as if the 6' drift in our run isn't enough for them to play King of the Mountain. We are blessed with multiple drifts of fluffy white snow like many other's across the prairie. With the good hearts of neighbors diligently working through the drifts on the road, we simply drove out, the snow blew around us as there isn't anything to hold it back with exception of our taller prairie grass. It saves us.

Here's wishing you safety, warmth and good care to your animals and those waiting for a human of their own.

Cheers!