I just read over 30 sympathy cards that were lovingly sent to Scottie & me over a 3 month period of time. In those 3 months we watched as 5 of our beloved dogs died. All were old, all were sick. It was the end of a wonderful era. The end began with the most important one, Ramirez… my Ramirez. Oh, what a story he will help me write one day! September 1st, 2009 was the day we had dreaded for longer than I can now remember. I will let Scottie’s eulogy tell our story:

Ramirez, my friend, it is truly an honor tho have lived and loved with you by our side for the past 17 and a half years. When our eyes first met in the summer of 1992, it was pure magic. We were young and newly married, with no pets and you were already completely full of yourself at 4 months old. Oh, the challenges you brought us… jumping over kitchen counter tops to escape confinement, eating pencil sharpeners and scaring your mom into an emergency vet visit, guilting your dad with a sad little cry that made him take you out of the crate and put you under the covers in our bed… which was where you chose to sleep every night for the rest of your life.

Then came the day you discovered your love of racing, when I had to chase you around the little lake by our apartment. No other miniature pinscher would dominate the Orlando doggie derbies like you did. Ribbons, trophies, you even won a grand prize cruise! You owned those race tracks no matter what dog stood in your way.

At only a year old you were gracious enough to tolerate us bringing home a stray, a big goofy dog named Jackson. And soon thereafter, you yourself selected Rebecca the cattledog for adoption. The Holy Trinity was now complete, the doorway to our future had been flung wide open. And it was because of you.

As the rescues came and our family grew, you were always King of the Castle. Even when there were 18 dogs living under our roof, you towered above them all. And each and every rescued dog we helped, was because of you.

We learned so much that we were able to start our own pet sitting business. And 12 years later, thousands of people trust us to care for their pets. It’s all because of you.

You have changed not only our lives, but those of countless others around the world. Everything we have, everything we have done, is all because of you.

You are an icon. You are a legend. You are the greatest there will ever be.

We miss you, my friend. There is an ache in our hearts that is as deep as the oceans. We hurt so very much without you by our side. But we know that you are now young and strong and mighty once again… standing tall with Jackson and Rebecca, the Holy Trinity has at long last been reunited. And that gives us peace, as we know we will all be together again.

Into the freedom of wind and sunshine

We let you go

Into the dance of stars and planets

We let you go

Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the star maker

We let you go

We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy

Go safely, go dancing, go running home 

Prince Ramirez of the Highlands was so named for Sean Connery’s character in the film “The Highlander”.  (From Wikipedia – Although their training lasted for a very short time, Ramirez left an indelible impression on the young Highlander — the value of fine skill over brute force, a taste of the theatrical, the wonder of the world beyond Scotland, and most of all, the connection between “all living things.” ) It’s amazing how our Ramirez would mold into that very description. Yes, we definitely humanize our animals! He could demand our undivided attention and ignore us at the same time. His namesake was an immortal and my boy certainly lives on thru the incredible bond in my heart and soul.

Ramirez lived and loved… he loved his sister, Rebecca. She always had his back.

He loved birthday cake.

He loved the sunbeam.

He loved winning doggie derbies.

He loved his friend, Rocco… the only dog who could truly beat him in a race.

He loved his always expanding wardrobe.

He did not love his hurricane wrap but if we were gonna blow away we were gonna blow away together!

He loved Thanksgiving.

And guarding his dad’s food.

He loved to be up on things…

He loved his daddy.

He loved laying in front of a fire.

He loved his wife, Katie.

He loved saving other minpins… as long as they realized the world revolved around him.

He loved baby cats… oh, how he loved baby cats!

He loved me.

He made me a better person. He brought out all my unknown talents and passions and for that I am forever grateful. He was that once in a lifetime love. The dread I lived with for so long, knowing we would someday lose him has been replaced by my grateful heart. When he died it was unbearable pain but how fortunate that we were the ones chosen to be his family. I will never love another as completely and deeply as I did this little man. My heart cannot and will not allow it. He was meant to be. To be the one, the one that began it all… the one that changed it all. There can be only one. Ramirez 02.07.92 – 09.01.09.

It was December 4th, 2005 and I was at the county shelter for some sort of business. It was not to pick up a dog, I’m certain but there was just no way to leave this old lady behind. I don’t remember her exact reason for being there but it doesn’t matter. She was there and she needed a soft place to land. It was obvious she’d been bred way to many times, Lord knows what became of all her babies and it was also obvious she was simply sweet. An old, used up dog usually gets overlooked amongst the cacophony of young, agile hounds all vying for anyone’s attention. But that December day happened to be this old gal’s lucky day.

I named her Sophia and brought her home. Scottie wasn’t expected for a few hours so I knew I’d have time to acclimate her to the rest of the pack and figure out what the heck I was gonna tell him – this time! Sophia walked in as if she’d done it a hundred times before. None of our dogs batted an eye in her direction, looked like she wasn’t going to cause any problems. So much so, when Scottie walked in to his usual greeting of  wagging and barking, he looks over at me and says, “so when did we get a beagle?” Yeah, she was fine.

I began looking for a retirement home for our old lady beagle. Clients are a good place to start and I just so happened to know a lovely couple with an affinity toward these long eared hounds. It was love at first sight and they took this thrown away gal into their home and hearts without hesitation. Sophia became their Sophie. That takes a special person. Taking an older dog means you will feel that heartbreak all the more sooner. You know what heartbreak. Taking an older dog means you will have ailments to deal with sooner rather than later. But, there is something so special about an old dog… they’ve already been there and done all that. They are wise and funny, oftentimes downright cranky but they are always, always appreciative of the soft bed, kind word and loving touch. They deserve your broken heart.

I received this email today. I did not cry… I smiled knowing that there is now a happy dog looking down upon us with her grace because we felt she was worth it.

Hi Kathleen,

Just wanted you to know that Sophie passed away yesterday, after living with cancer for almost two years. She only had one horrible day tho her age had started to catch up with her. Both Andy and I want to thank you for “introducing” us to her over five years ago. I loved her as soon as I saw her at Louise’s, and we enjoyed taking care of – and spoiling – her from the day she came into our home. She was a great pet, and we believe she totally forgot her previous life. I sure hope you are enjoying your horse and all the other animals you love and care for.

Best, Grace 

I was a bit worried about training in the heat today because Gary couldn’t get to the barn until after 11am. Then I realized, it’s just as hot at 8am as it is noon! So, I brought the girls into their stalls and let them nap under the fans before work began. We never know what we’re going to do with our lessons. We let Cass tell us what she’s ready to do. She started off more reactive than usual. Gary had brought some tools she’d never seen before. One saddle is not just like another saddle, one saddle blanket is not like one of a different color, nor is one whip just like another. This is true, especially to Cass.

Gary’s saddle made noises unlike the saddle Cass is used to. It was cinched up tighter and felt completely different since it has a tree and hers doesn’t. She got right into her Zen-like state, though and realized things being different were no big deal.

You are seeing a first! Cass has never allowed Gary to get his leg all the way over! She stood perfectly still and then…

He’s able to sit on her! Gary doesn’t just stop things there, oh no. He got on and off several times. She was such a good girl!

She did several turns around the pasture and remembered previous lessons in “Whoa”.

It is amazing to me this is the same girl that got off that horrible truck 3 years ago. She’s comfortable with her world now and I’m so proud to have been able to give her that.

Gary felt we were ready for me to lose the safety line but I didn’t feel ready so he still walked with us. My girl did her stops and forwards like a pro! I didn’t even have to give her little taps this time, she moved simply off slight leg pressure. We’re just tickled at ourselves!

Gary took a little time to work with Becca after Cass was done. The past few weeks I’ve been able to work with her more on our ground manners and such and it showed today. Gary says she is more than ready to be started under saddle.

The major difference in personalities with my girls is where Cass is suspicious and cautious of new things, Becca is curious and will go check it out. Cass is an introvert where Becca is an extrovert. Since I’m not an experienced rider, Gary will be the one getting on Becca’s back! We’ve got two different training worlds going on to get to the same goal.

Becca wants to push through her world so Gary uses his extended arm and hand to move her.

She was asking all the right questions and here she seems to be saying, “yeah, ok… toss that thing all around my head, see if I care!”

Becca and Cass, mother and daughter… so much alike, yet completely different. We are truly blessed and I just pray I can always keep them safe and happy.

*** UPDATE – SHADES HAD HER SURGERY 08.11.11!!!! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED ***

Dear Dog Lovers,

My name is Shades and I’m learning about the goodness there still is in this world. I’ve done my best in my 9 years to be a good girl but when it came down to it my family simply didn’t love me enough. You see, not too long ago I began getting a strange feeling in my… you know… private parts. I’m no pushover so I didn’t complain any, I tried to act like nothing was wrong. But then my privates started actually coming out of my body! I know, gross… huh? I still didn’t complain but I really was hoping my family would take me to see a doctor who could make me all better. They did take me to the doctor and he said I need something called surgery to repair my “prolapsed vaginal polyp” (I looked that up!). But it was gonna cost way more than my measly grocery store dog food so they decided to not fix me and were talking about just putting me to sleep. I know what that means! I’m not ready to die! I still have a lot of lizards to chase and bones to chew and beds to roll on! 

I prayed real hard and God answered my prayers because he loves dogs, too. He sent me a guardian angel family that is trying their darndest to raise the money needed to put me back together. My former family gave me away but it’s gonna be the best thing that could’ve happened! The daddy took me to see a really nice doctor today who was so nice and made me feel like I mattered. He started me on pills so I don’t get any bad infection and he is planning on fixing me next week. He has to cut off the polyp that’s hanging out of my privates and then spay me – I hear if my first family would have done this when I was young I wouldn’t be in this position now. Sigh. I’m trying real hard to keep on blankets so I don’t get yucky stuff all over their house. They want to keep me. That makes me smile. They keep telling me what a good girl I am and I’m gonna try real hard not to disappoint them. 

This is where I have to ask for you… to help them… help me. They don’t have tons of money, they have tons of love but this nice doctor has to be paid after he fixes me. I heard people saying how much of a great price he’s giving them and I know he wants to help as much as possible because he whispered so in my ear. He does a lot of good for all sorts of rescue animals in our town. It sure would make me the happiest girl in the world if you could just send in a bit of money to help my new family. You can pay the doctor directly so you know it’s going right to help me. I promise to be worth it and I will continue to say my prayers each night that every dog can be as lucky and loved as me!  

LOVE & KISSES ~ SHADES WILLSON

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

~ Albert Schweitzer ~

 TO HELP  SHADES WILLSON / new daddy CRAIG

(Credit cards can be given over the phone) 

Phone 407-331-1161 

434 Animal Hospital – Dr. Ehlers 

 212 E. State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750   

www.434AnimalHospital.com 

Little girls and horses… there’s just always been a connection between the two. I have lots and lots of books from my childhood that are all about horses. How to draw horses, the history of horses, novels about horses and, of course, a few versions of “Black Beauty”. When I was a little girl my favorite subject to write about was horses. My mom kept a few favorites, one about Willie Shoemaker and a running of the Kentucky Derby. In my story, the horse talked and they won the roses. I also wrote a children’s book when I was in the 6th grade. It was about a horse named Chessy who was saved from a bad man who kept her tied in a dark barn. Is that foreshadowing for my adult life, or what?! I used to accompany my dad to the race track every chance I got and would park myself by the paddock to watch the jockeys readying their steeds. I was always dreaming about one day having my very own horse. This was not so different from most little girls.

(My big sis, Vicki and me, very first time on a horse!)

Little girls learn life lessons from their horses. They learn to put someone else’s needs in front of their own. A little girls horse must be fed and groomed and given tasty apple treats.They depend on us to care for them and this care requires that little girl to get smelly and dirty. This must be done every day, even if you need to get ready for school or you want to go to the mall. I remember hearing stories of my sisters actually doing their homework laying atop that sweet horse. (I only met her the one time, as they lived in Kentucky and we lived in Missouri.) Little girls learn courage from their horses. To conquer that fear of falling off is a feat that will serve a lifetime. They learn about friendship without envy and beauty without vanity. They learn to speak without words as that is their language. Sometimes the life lesson learned is that loving someone sometimes means letting them go.

(Albert and Lexi saying goodbye.)

Albert has been part of Lexi’s life for the past 2 years. Her dad is my trainer, Gary. Albert has had the best of everything and has been a friend and teacher to them both. Today he left for his new home and today Lexi had a piece of her heart leave with him. She diligently interviewed  his perspective new parents and made sure they realized the love and devotion necessary to care for Albert. They did. I know from all my years of rescuing dogs how much it hurts to let one go, especially one as special as Albert. But we do it for them. Lexi will have a sleepless night tonight until she gets that first email from them tomorrow assuring her all is well. And Albert will be fine. Lexi will make sure of it. Their connection will be lifelong. This little girl learned about love and letting go.

Sometimes little girls come across that special circumstance where they get their first inkling of what it’s like to actually touch that horse they’ve been reading and dreaming about. I looked out my barn door one day last week and noticed a little girl standing by the gate. I walked out and introduced myself to her and asked if she’d like to come in and meet the horses. She didn’t hesitate! Lilly was visiting her aunt and uncle who live at the end of our street. Cass was there with me and she is as drawn to little girls as much as they are to her. She allowed Lilly to pet and walk all around her, they both had braids in their hair. I showed her the proper and safe way to give carrots as she wanted to bring some down later. Clementine the donkey also introduced herself and had Lilly and her aunt giggling at her antics.

(My girls doing what they do best.)

The next day Lilly is back, this time with her uncle and cousin. Becca hangs out with us as I relay their story of being rescued. I can see the impression they’ve made on this little girl. The uncle tells me all he’s been hearing about is coming down to visit us. I enjoy showing the girls off and take any opportunity I can to educate others. I wish there was a way to do this all the time… hmmmm.

(Becca being curious.)

As I’m getting ready to leave that evening after feeding the horses dinner, Lilly and her cousins come flying down the street. She brought me a painting to say thank you! I was truly touched. Of course, I brought them up into the barn and this time they got to meet everyone. The horses were all curious as to who was in our barn and Tanner even took some photos with Lilly. I asked her if she’d like to ride Tanner and the grin on her face was huge, of course!

The next morning Lilly got her first horse ride.

Tanner is such a good boy and Therese, his owner, also understands the importance of little girls and horses. Lilly was fearless and we were having a hard time keeping up. Tanner was more than ready to walk her right out the gate and go on a trail ride. We kept them inside our pasture for safety’s sake. Riding her first horse was an excellent way to end her vacation, don’t you think?

This little girl learned horses are real. Lilly left for home the next day. That special spark of little girls and horses may have been ignited. I know when I was little I always begged for my very own horse. Now that I have mine, I will take any chance to let other little girls share in their magic.

(Both “thank you” paintings are proudly displayed in the barn.) 

We had a long overdue lesson with Gary today. I admit I fibbed a bit on how much we’ve been working… well, I did say not very much! I think the girls and I have been working just not in any organized kind of way. I’ve been using my energy more to talk with all the horses so that is certainly work. Keeping my mouth shut isn’t so easy. Cass came trotting in from the back pasture as soon as I called for her. Her energy today was awesome and she led us on an interesting journey.

I saddled her up and she stood perfectly still even though she hasn’t seen the saddle in a long time. This is so different from the girl who used to flee at just a glimpse of the saddle or anything she didn’t quite understand. I started off working with her but soon handed her over. I hate it when Gary says, “ok show me what you’ve been working on…” and I know we haven’t been working on much. I was feeling awkward (my fault) and Cass was not getting that I really meant for her to walk away from me. She and I are so close and constantly touching that she doesn’t understand that I am sending her away. Gary took over and she sure understands what he says! He simply talks horse better than I do but I’m learning.

Cass must think he’s so strange when he does things like flip the rope all around and over her head.

Then he got out a totally new monster… a Hoola-Hoop! Yikes!

What grown man carries around a silly Hoola-Hoop?! Cass says, “Gary, of course!”

Gary started messing with her saddle and remembered the cinch isn’t quite small enough. The whole thing starts to slip off if you put any weight in the stirrup. So… he took the saddle off and that’s when things got really fun!

Yep, he’s a crazy person!

Cass was such a good girl and let Gary do all sorts of fancy dance moves atop her. Planking, anyone?

She’s wide, though, and every time he tried to move that leg over to actually sit on her she’d move. She was showing just a bit of protest. She could’ve freaked out, bucked him off, took off running or any number of things but she would just step out a little to tell him she wasn’t comfortable.

Cass always gets lots of scratches and loving when she asks the right questions.

It was my turn and Cass had no problem with me scrambling on top bareback! I cheated a bit and used the steps. We’re gonna have to work on hoisting my big butt on top of hers. I had purposely left a long tuft of mane at the bottom to use for holding on but it seems Becca and Sam have chewed it off. My girl was good so I didn’t have to hang on too tightly. Riding bareback is what teaches you about your seat and balance. It sure is different than the security of a saddle but we were both comfortable. Gary kept things controlled by holding a lead rope just in the off chance Cass would make a mistake. And, yes, he’s taught me the proper way to fall. Let’s hope I never have to!

We walked all over the front pasture. We made turns where I had to drop my hip into the turn so I wouldn’t slide off the other way. We stomped a few flies. We were moving as one. Cass got a few strange looks from the horses in the back but she paid no mind to them. Two hours flew by and all of us were sweaty, tired and thrilled! Have I mentioned lately how much I adore this horse?!

We’ve been hearing about this movie for months now, though it’s all been fairly secretive. This trailer proves Steven Spielberg is the greatest button pusher of all time and combined with John Williams scoring, tears will be flowing a plenty! I’m moved to water works with a crappy film if it stars a dog or horse, so this movie just may be the end of me. I don’t know much about the plot but can’t help but think of similarities to Black Beauty. We all know how that ends and it still gets me every time I happen to run across it on cable. Oooooh! How many days till Christmas?!?!?! Do you think I can sneak Cass & Becca into the theater?

“Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert (Irvine), who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets — British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter — before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land. “

Break your dog’s heart in less than 2 seconds!

This is our biggest girl, Jill. Have you ever seen such a heart breaking? This is also her lampshade, e-collar, cone, plastic-white-slowly-strangling-monster!

Jill is an interesting canine. She came to us in between hurricanes several years ago when we had five of them in a row. Her first weekend out of the shelter was in a crate barricaded in our closet. She didn’t pee for two days. Once the hurricanes died down and she was able to acclimate to our family we realized she’s a fantastic dog with unique skills. She can effortlessly jump onto and balance on our kitchen window sill. She can escape a privacy fence if given half a chance. She politely takes treats from your hand and she asks for them by sitting, then bopping her butt up and down so you see she is actually sitting. But, by far, her most unique skill is in trying to kill the other dogs.

Hard to imagine that smiling face has a killer lurking beneath, huh? Well, she’s personally sent 3 of the others to the hospital with various puncture wounds and one even sporting a broken jaw! Her patented move is amazing. In a split second, with the slightest of warning, she gets the other dog in between her front legs. The chosen dog for her assault is always upside down by her ninja move and their head will be in her mouth. Because of this propensity and her abilities in scaling houses and fences we had to make some decisions. Place her in another home? No, most who would want her would have other dogs and it would just take an instant for someone to be dead. Remove her canines? This was considered but her size could still harm a small dog if she was in attack mode. Use a basket muzzle 24/7? Yes!

That’s been our answer and Jill’s used to it. She can bark, eat, drink, lick herself and has even still jumped a dog or two and knocked them in the head with the muzzle. I give her breaks from it when I can but she proves, often, as long as there are other dogs around she cannot be fully trusted. Did I mention she can still lick herself?

This is a really good hot spot. Jill has licked her leg raw. Lots of dogs do this and for various reasons. They start off as a response but then become an obsession complete with endorphins. Jill has battled some allergy issues but she also just likes to suck on blankets and things. So I think those combined and wal-lah!

I’m treating this with a natural healing gel and keeping her away from it. When this all began last week she wasn’t wearing the cone. I applied the gel and bandaged her leg. It began healing within a day. Got up yesterday to find she’d started a new hot spot ABOVE the bandage! So, out came the lampshade. She’s never worn one before and had a hard time believing her legs could work at the same time. We couldn’t help but laugh at our troubled mutt but she soon ventured out and is now maneuvering like a champ.

Our cattledog, Dixxy, is also wearing a cone. She had the complete opposite reaction. Dixxy is our biker chick dog and you can’t phase her. Bring it on! She doesn’t care what she runs into or scrapes against or gets stuck against, she pushes her way past. First time I’ve had to deal with two dogs in cones at the same time. We must be aware of our legs at all times, being hit by one of them hurts!

Dixxy’s hot spot is on her flank but I’m suspicious of it being pain related. She has severe rheumatoid arthritis. I’m using the same natural gel and hers is healing, too. Once it’s completely healed, she’ll see our vet if she continues to chew.

Our poor, silly coneheads!

Rebecca Maye is now a THREE YEAR OLD! Hard to believe, isn’t it?

The past few weeks I’ve been watching a friends rescued mare on camera as we have awaited her foal. He was, just as Becca was, born off camera as soon as momma walked outside. I couldn’t help but remember Scottie setting up our camera, fussing with the barn owner over the lighting and the mere fact a camera was gonna be on! We had a live chat going with sometimes 100 people all night long, it was crazy. We would all hear that 10pm train whistle and stop breathing every time Cass lifted her tail. We watched her diligently for 2 weeks straight, waiting for our baby Becca.

She’s grown into a stunning Fjordhorse, already towering over her momma. She’s elegant, feisty, smart, good-natured and up for just about anything. To think how easily her life could have been tossed into a trash bin at a slaughter house still floors me. I’m thankful everyday that the Universe somehow saw fit to make my dream come true and bring me these two precious girls.

Happy Birthday Becca!

Remember that little, brown horse? JayBird  (JB) has made some big strides since the last update. During the months he was rehabbing at Terri’s barn, he was allowed to simply be. He was fed, he was safe and he was given a horse friend in Skipper. This time was essential for his overall mental and physical well being. He realized on his own that people no longer meant bad things, they could mean good.

It’s hard to remember him when he looked like this. The horse who had so little value to someone he was tossed away like garbage was about to hit the jackpot. He was still at the shelter at this point and the team of Gary and Terri was being formed. Saving this horse was their mission. And they did just that.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of working with rescued animals is that they need balance and stability. Skipper was the best teacher JB could have. He’s completely confident and adores the affection of his admirers. JB watched, learned and began to let his walls down.

Gary came to Terri’s to work JB as often as he could but it could only put a small dent into the real training portion of his rehabilitation. The time had come for JB to make a move. We are all forever grateful JB had this dream farm for his crucial months after the shelter. Terri and her sister, Jan, started him on the right path to becoming someone’s special boy.

This particular day at Terri’s was a first for a few things. He’s got a complete stranger in the stall with him while Gary’s touching him with the carrot stick and he’s calm. A few months ago it was impossible to even get him in a stall if a person he knew was close.

JB is more comfortable with Gary touching him with his hands now. Keep in mind, when the police rounded JB up where he was dumped by the mall, he was a freaked out stallion and allowed no one near.

He’s had the same grungy halter on for months so it was time for his change to begin. A new halter was the first step! Sweet Skipper always reassured him things were cool.

This was JB’s first time to venture into the round pen to do some real ground work. I was amazed watching it all happen and am so proud of everyone involved in saving this boy.

See what good groceries can do? He is sort of stunning, don’t you think?

JB began asking all the right questions. For a horse that was doomed about 6 months ago he’s proven with time and patience, trust can be built.

The next phase of JB’s rehab has already begun. Gary took him to his farm so he could work with him more consistently and begin pressing him to learn, not just react. I know first hand the value of my rescue horse – she saved me in more ways than one. I hope there’s someone out there JB can save the same way. We are in search of his next move, which will be his forever home.