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.

Whatchadoin?

No sound emits from the laptop or phone, but she sees well enough to know we are looking down and not at her. Jealous. its real, Do we miss calls and notes, you bet. Is that bad to admit? It's not priority. Checking in. Like this, only better. 'Hi Bug.' Grandma's eyes, beautiful.

Carlee gives us courtesy curtsey's. They are amazing, because we know joint pain exists. Composure chew tabs for dogs. (Google it-also for cats). A good substitute, for Carlee, for the NSAID (nonsteroidal anit-inflammatory drug) from the vet, given about 7:30p. She reminds us, about twenty minutes later her evening gives into rest. Also given before groomer, storms, big winds, human visitors. Scary stuff. At the suggestion of a long ago vet, we continue to use them. Anxiety.

A few comments from the February farmers market. 'We love your peanut butter treats?' We don't make peanut butter treats. 'Are you sure?' Yes. 'Oh.' But we do have these best selling treats. She dug deep in her purse and got a #humantreat. That worked too.///////////////////////'Are you serious? I can eat these dog treats?' Yes. The best human grade ingredients with the fewest ingredients. Taking a small chicken bite out of the sample bag, broke in half and offered to the older than 18 yo gentleman. 'Oh, okay, you want me to try it?! (if you want) Ok.' Eating the other half (we have eaten many. Many.), not growing a tail,scratching an ear, or licking my nose. He ate his half and said, 'wow, that's pretty good.' Thanking him for trying them. He doesn't have a dog, but, 'would buy your treats if I did.'
Issues on dog treats in the news. Please read your dog treat labels? Ours too. Ingredients. Contact information. Nutrition label. Packaged and Distributed. Required information for our permit and display. Our treats are locally made. We started as hobby, and became passion.

Please help animals that cross your path needing help, we continue to do the same. Thanks friends.

Radar

First person we think of is Radar on M*A*S*H. Corporal O'Reilly. Not familiar? Google it. Radar is a dog taken care of by a friend. He needed a home, she had a spot. Radar first got Bab's treats just before Christmas at the Special/Christmas Farmers Market. His Mom stopped, asked, 'when do you have time to do this?!' Then said, 'if you had a treat for me, I'd be done shopping.' Well, we had a Dark Chocolate Pistachio Scone available. #humantreat Everybuddy was happy. Radar makes his Mom happy. She loves the unconditional love when she opens the door and company at night. 

Dixon also has a new home. He is learning manners around farm animals. He ran with a few friends for awhile, wasn't sure he knew what a home was or a kind human. He landed with the right person and place. She said, 'oh, he knows who makes his treats.' Radar and Dixon, both survivors because a rescue reached out.

Good stories, real life. What's the saying, 'saving one dog won't save the world, but for that one dog, their world will change forever.' Our world changed when Carlee joined our family.
She was on the run as you know, it took a week to gain her trust. We had a vested interest. No one claimed her in 5 days, receiving a phone call, 'are you still interested.' 'Yes.' She needed a home, we had a spot. 

If you have room, love, extra scoop of food, warm bed. Look into fostering a dog or adopting. Questions? Ask a local rescue, PAWS, Hopeless to Homes and more options in other areas. Look on  Facebook for contact information.

On that note, help any animal that needs help, we do the same.  

Warming up.

Christmas brought a new face to our home.  Before you get ahead of yourself, wait. He's been on a few car rides, a little girl reached out and gave him a hug at the farmers market a few weeks ago. Adorable. He is soft, quiet (no squeaker), lovable and Carlee is warming up. Well, lets show you. 
Its taken a few weeks to name, but right now he's being called Pnut. Yes, you would think there is blood running through veins, but a new pal and look at that smile. Life to us.

Carlee's Christmas was many days, she received a bone shaped ornament, a coat that velcro's around the tummy. Tricky to get the ends to connect, on a moving object. No bending hurting joints to climb in, bonus we were looking for.

Together a friend gave us a stocking she said, 'it had you written all over it.' of course, we LOVE it! It will take a lot of treats to fill, a HaHa moment.

Thank you for another great year of sharing your dogs with us. We love visits at the farmers market, stories, ear rubs for the dogs and when treats don't fit in bags, we bring along. See you again soon, watch our Facebook page for updates or 'Like' the Capital City Farmers Market facebook page, updates are on there as well, open and read. Information will include vendors and what each will bring.

We are wrapping up our week, Friday night is stretching into Saturday. Please keep your pets warm from the cold, help those that cross your path that need extra. Get them to Animal Control, someone may be looking for them and its a great way to get re-connected. Thanks friends.