Social media sites and news agencies have been buzzing the past few weeks about the possibility of horse slaughter houses opening again in the near future. There are a lot of skewed views being presented, either for or against the action of horse slaughter itself. Sometimes things are just not right and in my mind, horse slaughter for consumption is just not right. Americans do not eat horses. A few European countries consider horse meat a delicacy. It also happens to be considered completely unsafe with the amount of drugs used in all horses. Since the U.S. slaughter houses were closed down our horses are still being brutally killed, it’s just being done in Mexico or Canada. It’s not right now matter where it’s done and bringing it back onto our soil will not solve the core problems of horse over breeding, abuse and neglect.

One of the most perplexing attitudes I’ve encountered in the “horse world” is that people don’t hold them (sometimes) as dear as we do our dogs and cats. Would you ever think of sending Rover or Fluffy off to the butcher to make a last buck off them instead of “putting them to sleep” when the time comes? I don’t think so. Maybe people think humane euthanasia for a horse is slaughter – it’s not!

Please read the following for the facts – recent legislation affects our horses

I will let my friend Jenna Girman tell you her thoughts on this issue:

“The horse slaughter thing has got me thinking. Would I ever send my horse to slaughter if he was underweight and couldn’t be ridden?? No! I couldn’t even think of that. It’s a horrible thing. Horse slaughter will never get better. If we bring it to the United States it won’t get ‘less cruel’. What will happen is the horse population will grow because people will get money for BREEDING their horses to go to slaughter. It will become a business. Americans don’t want a business in killing animals. Plus, for slaughter, they aren’t going to take the underweight, abused horses that nobody wants. Technically, slaughter is for FOOD, for CONSUMPTION. They don’t want skinny horses. They aren’t going to have any meat on them for food. Instead of letting a skinny, abused horse horse sit in a slaughter yard waiting to get fat for FOOD, why don’t we set up Euthanasia Clinics so that the horses won’t be treated badly before they pass on? They get a shot and can pass with their owners or people that love and care for them, instead of sitting in a feed lot in chaos and being cruelly slaughtered… Slaugh-ter (slaw-ter) noun; 1. the killing or butchering of cattle, sheep, etc, especially for food. 2. the brutal or violent killing of a person. 3. the killing of a great number of people or animals indiscriminately; carnage; the slaughter of war. If that’s the definition of slaughter, how is it ok at all?”

Jenna & her horse, Seri.

Seri was saved from the brutal death at a slaughterhouse. She was one of the lucky ones. You may read Seri’s story.

Somehow, even though I mowed down the entire 6 acres, the girls are still finding sticker weeds! I’ve given up. I comb their forelocks every few days w/Cowboy Magic and they come out easy enough. Just a pain in the tookus, though!

We’ve been unusually warm for our “winter” and Cass is feeling it’s effects. Poor girl. You can see the sweat in her long coat. I probably need to shave her again but am holding out some hope for a cold front or two.

Look at those faces! I simply adore these girls

My girls have it made. They actually have a grassy pasture to frolic and romp about. That is a rarity here in our Sunshine State. You’d think with horses, donkeys and the occasional cow or deer, mowing the grass would be silly. Not the case. It’s interesting, I’ll see spots of tall, luscious looking grass and Cass and Becca will ignore it and go for the already chomped down patch next to it.

Instead of hiring someone, I took things upon myself. Gary (trainer) happens to work for a large outdoor power equipment company. He brought a little something to help me out…

I happen to be severely allergic to grass (as is my horse!). In order to be able to handle the task of mowing 6 acres, I had to prepare.

Gary gave me a quick lesson on actually operating this beast and he kept stressing there was no way I could hurt the mower. It also has an automatic shut off if it doesn’t feel your butt in the seat, that’s nice!

I used to drive our boat all the time when I was a kid and figured it would be kinda the same. The controls sure couldn’t get any more clear… think I’ll be most comfy in between the tortoise and the hare!

It didn’t take very long for me to get the feel of this machine… and I loved it! Who knew I could have so much fun on a lawn tractor?! I hadn’t realized how loud it was going to be but I had to just deal with it for I had no ear plugs handy. As soon as Cass heard the monster mower start rumbling she took off. She was happy to keep her eye on us from a safe distance.

As expected, Becca was very curious. She had gotten in on the lesson when Gary dropped the tractor off to us. Once I started mowing she debated about following me or not…

I revved up and started towards her… she opted for the “or not”! I should be ashamed.

I should also be ashamed for the perverse enjoyment I felt annihilating all the monster fire ant hills but I don’t. Can’t stand those damn things!

This first go-around as a real farm girl, redneck, bush-hogger was liberating. Got the front pasture done in record time and it looks so nice. I had taken my allergy meds beforehand so my nose was ok, too. Maybe we’ll start Pookie Pasture Mowing as a side biz?

YeeHaw! Back pasture get ready… here I come!

This past weekend we participated in our first dog event in a very long time. We used to set up our Pookie Booth several times a year at various charity events. Sam (our kissing Pookie Bros.) was well known and people oftentimes attended events in hopes of seeing him. He retired when he was 12 or so and I think we only did a few events after that. Hard to find anything comparable to a kissing Pookie!

Sam awaiting a face to kiss...

Ahhh! There's one. We miss both our Pookie Bros.

This past weekend also happened to be one of our busiest for clients of the entire year! Wouldn’t you know it? I try to schedule a big block of time to be at an event and we have a big work day. So, my day began at 5am to get all my morning walks and feedings done in plenty of time to get to Therese’s shop by 11am. The event we were attending was an Open House for Dogs-Unlimited. She’s expanded her training facility and even has a fenced in agility yard now. Very cool. I got home in plenty of time to get cleaned up and be there to welcome guests. (I had wisely set up my table the day before.)

But, a medical emergency was about to take over. Randolph Pintooth (our old man minpin) was found stuck under our bed in a pool of bloody diarrhea. Aw, man! Not much debate was needed to determine he had to be seen by our vet. I’d been watching him for a few days as his tummy was beginning to show some signs of going thru one of his “episodes”.

Sweet Randy, pic when he was at the shelter last year.

As I feared, he was dehydrated so needed sub-q fluids. His intestines were angry but she didn’t feel any obstructions or masses. He went thru this same thing when we brought him home exactly a year ago. So, we started meds and bought up paper towels to care for the impending messes until his tummy settled. The poor old guy has basically broken back legs that were never fixed. He has scars all over them and he can’t hold his own weight up when he has to poo. He’s ok when it’s pee, just needs a bit of help with the other. We were in for a few rough days but he’s on the mend.

I got to the Open House 2 hours late. I even forgot to take a photo of my table. It was fun to hang with other dog folks and our cattledog, Red Joolz, was in attendance with me. This was her first time out and about to anything like this. We were trying her out as a Pookie Sister. She did great! Other dogs would come right up to her face and she would simply turn calmly away. I could drop her leash and not fear she’d take off or do anything stupid. She’s a cowdog, afterall!

She found a safe vantage spot under the A-Frame.

Since it’s October we all had a Halloween type of theme going. I had dug out a costume and Joolz was kind enough to let me embarrass her by making her wear it. She even shared it with others so they could also get embarrassing photos taken.

Cowdog dressed as a cowgirl, get it?

Joolz absolutely loves people. She gave out lots of hugs and kisses. It’s really not fair to have a dog like Joolz at an event like this. She makes me look like a good dog trainer, when she just came this way. She and her mother (Dixxy Blu) were dumped off in a shelter night drop box a year and a half ago. A note was attached to them that said their names and that “they’re good dogs”. That would be quite an understatement. They’re awesome dogs and I still can’t comprehend someone who obviously cared for them walking away.

Forgiven for the costume.

Erica from Dolly’s Foundation kept trying to sneak Joolz into her truck. She fell hard for our cowgirl, aka Butterfly Spice. We’ve nicknamed all four of our cattledogs in the vein of the Spice Girls. Joolz is our free spirit and peace-loving girl, hence Butterfly Spice. We also have Biker Spice (her mother), Obsessive Spice (Eva the youngster) and Grumpy Spice (another old-timer). Erica has quickly become one of our favorite people, it was nice to just hang out. She’s trying to rescue one of the most misunderstood and feared breeds out there – pitbulls. In a short amount of time she’s made real change happen and saved wonderful dogs in the process. Go to her site and read about Dolly.

Erica getting some Joolz loving!

We also got to meet another impressive youngster – I can say that since I was the elder of the group! Dawn is an exceptionally gifted photographer who works with Dolly’s Foundation. Her photos are spellbinding and have helped generate a lot of attention to the positive pitbull movement.  Being able to capture a moment is priceless and she captures lots! Check out her work and see for yourself, Flyin Fur Pet Photography. While you’re there – buy something

Dawn sets up a shot.

The day started off a bit frantic with Mr. Pintooth but once we got him settled we were able to enjoy the day. It’s refreshing to be around like-minded dog folks. Hopefully, we were all able to drum up a bit of business. Joolz certainly showed she can handle being a Pookie Sistah!

I took my cat shopping today. Yep. The cat went shopping. He fussed at me the entire drive from our house to the store. He’s a Siamese, after all. They’re very opinionated and not afraid to tell you just what that opinion happens to be! Once we got to Louise’s he quieted down and took a scenic spot atop the cat tree behind the counter.

This trek out into the world for my old cat wasn’t just happenstance. He won the “October Pic Of The Month” so we felt it appropriate to get his pic with his pic! He could also choose his own prize. Win-win all around!

We adopted Setzer last year from SCAS. I was there to see my friend, Mary Beth, and heard this pitiful yowling from the cat room. It was really loud. It seemed to get louder and louder as I was walking away. I had to go see what the heck was making all the ruckus and found an old, thought-to-be-blind, declawed, neutered, only-4-teeth-in-his-head, Lynx Point Siamese.

(In his shelter cage.)

He had immediately became a staff favorite and gave morale boosting hugs all around, whenever needed.

Needless to say, I got sucked in. It became my mission to find this old-timer a fantastic home. Thank you, Vickie & Steve Brown for allowing him your upstairs bedroom till that home could be found. We realized after a few weeks the fantastic home this cat needed was ours. The past year with Setzer (named for those 80′s Stray Cats) has been a whirlwind of ups and downs with his health. He actually crashed 3 times, was hospitalized for a week, has almost been euthanized twice, has perplexed our very smart veterinarian and has beaten every odd. When I took him for a check up not too long ago, Dr. Rick thought I was pulling a prank on him by bringing another cat. He couldn’ t believe how great he looked and felt. The old man’s even gained 4 pounds!

This is a magical cat and it’s no surprise he made himself right at home in the store. He even rode around in the car last Christmas to look at lights. Every customer that saw him was amazed he’s 15ish. It was good to tell his story and show adopting seniors is a wonderful thing. Despite being severely allergic to him, we snuggle for naps as often as possible. He must perch himself right on my chest and when I see his front leg go straight out, I know I’m not moving for a while. It’s awesome. I’m not even a “cat person” but I obviously needed this cat as much as he needed me.

(Stephanie consulting w/Setz & Patti making change.)

It takes a confident kitty to be able to relax in such a way. No telling where we’ll show up next!

He waited until he was home to actually play w/his new toys.

Steve Jobs 1955 – 2011

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” 

This quote from Steve has been hanging on our fridge for several years. It very well may have been instrumental in me finding the courage to follow my heart and bring my horse home. You fought a courageous battle against an enemy so vile. Your battle is done, Steve, and you made the world an amazing place.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village…” well it has taken a tight-knit animal community to see to it Baby Harper had a chance to beat every odd. When this now famous pup was brought into Seminole County Animal Services a mere 4 weeks ago, no one thought hers would be a happy ending. Shelter Supervisor, Mary Beth Lake, had seen pups like her before. They call them swimmer puppies for the fact they look as if they’re swimming. Pectus Excavatum causes some newborns to become stuck, legs splayed and unable to get up off their chests. Most develop pneumonia and die within a few weeks or the mother, sensing the defect, kills them herself. But here was Harper, 2 months old.

photo courtesy Dolly's Foundation

When Mary Beth looked into Harper’s eyes she saw an incredible will and determination. She made a phone call to Erica Daniel of Dolly’s Foundation. She was afraid of setting Erica up for heartbreak but felt the pup deserved a chance, especially after being discarded like yesterday’s trash. The woman who brought Harper into the shelter claimed a man was selling pups on the side of the road and that he had Harper in a trash bag. No one has come forward with his identity.

Mary Beth snuggles Harper

Erica did what any fellow dog rescuer would do. She took the deformed pup home to show her at least one night of love and affection, while knowing she was probably going to have to euthanize her the next day. According to Erica, Harper’s stiff limbs felt as if they were in rigor mortis so she off-handedly began massaging them. It wasn’t too long after Harper began to lift her head and trying to move her legs! Erica was floored and knew the next day’s appointment was going to be canceled. Instead she made arrangements to have her seen by the specialists at the University of Florida.

Erica & Harper. photo courtesy Pit Stop Bully's Rescue

In the meantime, our animal community began gathering troops to help in Harper’s fight. Patti Dillingham and Stephanie Moore, owners of Louise’s Pet Connection put together the necessary supplements and food from their market. A call was made to Bev McCartt, hydrotherapist at Hip Dog Hydrotherapy to have her teach us how to properly massage and do range of motion exercises. Swim sessions were arranged once the doctors gave the ok. Amy the electro-stimulation therapist happened into the store as we were all discussing Harper’s game plan and she began treatment on her immediately. A baby’s pack & play was purchased to be her safe haven. Several harness type contraptions were tried to get her off her chest. Erica’s husband, Grant, began building a sling walker. Lots of research was done on the Internet where we saw dogs that had successfully learned to walk despite their condition. We became inspired and hopeful.

Amy doing electro-stim therapy, me holding Harper! photo courtesy Dolly's Foundation

Bev & Harper in the pool. photo courtesy Flyin Fur Pet Photography

Thanks to social media, Harper has become an inspiration to the world. Her story has spread like wildfire reaching from our little Florida town to the U.K., New Zealand and Russia. Articles are running on too many websites to count, and her story that was shot by our local WESH-2 News has been picked up by all the media outlets. Her foster mom, Erica, is getting hundreds of emails daily and just that many Facebook postings asking about Harper. Ellen has called. People magazine has called. Erica & Harper are heading to New York City for the TODAY SHOW this coming Monday!

While everyone has been moved to tears, Twittering and Facebooking, amongst all the hoopla, Harper has been working hard. She has become a master of all she tries. She mastered carpet. She mastered grass. She mastered concrete. She has even been caught running (yes, running!) across the tile floor. She has been able to play with a puppy twice her size. She has proven the experts wrong. Harper is no longer defective or homeless. She will stay with Dolly’s Foundation and help them in their mission. That mission being to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless, neglected, and abused American Pit Bull Terriers and other bully breed dogs. They strive to preserve, promote and bring positive awareness to the breed and the negative stereotype bestowed upon them. Did I fail to mention Harper is a Pit Bull? Breed shouldn’t matter. She is a sweet miracle who has given us all some much needed inspiration and possibly even motivation.

Mastering the tile floor while stealing eyeglasses!

Dolly & Harper are going to change the world! photo courtesy Dolly's Foundation

What is my part in all this? I’m proud to say I’m an honorary Auntie! Erica is a friend of mine from our work together at the shelter. And yes, I’ve smooched that adorable Harper face

If you’d like to participate in Harper’s Fundraiser and get the coolest photos of our little superstar, please check out Flyin Fur Pet Photography! 

photo courtesy Flyin Fur Pet Photography

Our weather is still saying HOT but the sun is sneaking to bed earlier and earlier, hence my girls are already growing their winter coats. Not the best thing when it’s still pushing the 90′s! When we first moved to Terri’s place a couple years ago we attempted to clip Cass w/electric clippers to give her some relief from the heat. That also happened to be the first time I ever saw Cass rear – and right in front of me! I have been reluctant to use the clippers ever since. But the past year of working with and learning from Gary has given me great insight and Cass much needed confidence. So, we gave it a go!

If you look closely at the picture you can see where I’ve clipped her belly, shoulder & neck! The folks on my fjord list had recommended I just do a trace clip on her and that’s what I was going for. I’m not the best at straight lines but I think we did ok! I was literally on my knees underneath her and she didn’t move a muscle. I was more than proud of my girl, I was overwhelmed by her trust in me. I’ve been able to give her peace and comfort and she repays me by trusting I won’t hurt her.

Cass’s hair grows fast so her mane was in need of a trim, too. We’d already accomplished using the clippers for that a few months back. Makes a big difference from using hand scissors. We’ve broken quite a few since her hair’s so thick.

Love. This. Girl.

The shelter named her Karma… which made me immediately start singing Karma Chameleon… which then made me think of Boy George… which then set the name Georgia on my mind! But on her shelter paperwork, this gal’s name is Karma.

She’s a red, speckled Australian Cattledog also called a Red Heeler. I met her today and she’s pretty fantastic. She was a stray and no one’s come to claim her, which is sad. She must have been loved by someone.

They estimate her to be around 5 years old and already spayed. She’s that good, medium-sized 40 lb. or so dog. That’s really perfect size. Big enough, but not too big.

Her adoption fee is a whopping $16 and that includes all vaccinations, worming & a microchip! I didn’t have to spend a lot of time with her to know she’s a good dog. She likes to give kisses and hugs. Australian Cattledogs (ACD’s) are not meant for everyone, though, and are smarter than a lot of folks. It takes a good 2 years to humanize an ACD so she’s past all the nonsense. These dogs are instinctively herders but can be just as happy sharing the recliner if that’s what you desire. They are not for the passive, they will master the passive. An ACD solves problems with their mouths. If an ACD outsmarts you, and they will, you must get smarter. You must also show them kindness, for they never forget. Karma will reward you by being a loyal companion that will look deeply into your soul with her intense, yet soft eyes not missing a thing involving you – for you would be her world.

Karma is waiting.

Seminole County Animal Services

232 Bush Boulevard Sanford, FL 32773-6198

(407) 665-5201 

When I drive up to the barn it’s always in anticipation of hearing the magical sound. The sound of Cass calling to me. Sometimes Becca is the one that greets me but 9 times out of 10 it’s Cass. No matter what may be on my mind or how tired my body is, that sound makes everything ok. My world is complete. Since we’re getting a bit of a break in our heat wave lately, that whinny has been accompanied by a trotting Cass and that is really special! She can be all the way at the back of the property, hear me whistle (which is fairly lame!) and comes running. I love it!

My girls have gotten into a very lax schedule over the past few months. Here they await me opening the doors to the stalls so they can eat their breakfast and relax under the fans.

Yep, Becca’s got her head on momma’s butt! Cass is imploring me to hurry up already

Becca’s trying to see what her momma’s got.

She just won’t share!

Once Becca goes into her stall I open Cass’s and she can roam at will. She eats her breakfast grain and nibbles hay while I do my clean up chores.

Both girls love their Himalayan salt blocks. Becca’s last longer than her momma’s.

Becca almost always naps when she comes into her stall. Sometimes she even lays down. Must be hard to still be a growing baby. Don’t her ears look as though they’ve been dipped in paint? She’s a funny girl and doing well in remembering her manners. Fall means her serious training will begin!

The donkeys trudge along after the girls to get their breakfast. They aren’t officially mine but I sure love them like they are. Mathilde (momma) has come so far in her trust of humans.

Clementine is still holding the position of barn manager. Cass will even share her hay and I often find them in the stall together.

Eva (cattledog) loves going to work at the barn! We usually have our breakfast while the big girls have theirs. Here she’s making sure Clem doesn’t get any crazy ideas!

Yes, Australian Cattledogs are smart… note where she’s parked herself.

Clementine and Eva have a love/hate relationship. Eva gives a half-hearted chase and Clem gives a half-hearted kick. Neither have ever hurt the other.

Cass does enjoy her grazing time.

She also enjoys her grooming time. Can you tell how much bigger than momma Becca is?

Becca is on the right. Crazy to think I once could carry her in my arms!

This was a beautiful day… look at that sky.

And this… is a beautiful face… Becca has become a breathtaking horse. How lucky I am to be theirs.