Dear Diary, Feb. 11, 2003

It was a good day. Rick set out early this morning to transport seven of our dogs to Colorado, and Utah. The Boulder Valley Humane Society accepted three of them, Best friends Animal Sanctuary, four. We were also able to help our friends in Oxford, MS with three of their dogs. They will go to Boulder Humane also. We actually tried to set up a larger effort, but Oxford recently transported 46 dogs and cats to Boulder, and couldn’t spare a staff person to aid in the trip.

It has been an amazing week of blessings. Sunday, while at PetSmart a woman came in to plead with us to take three puppies that were abandoned in her horse trailer. We really had no place to keep them. Our foster friends already have as many dogs as they can care for right now. Well, a really nice couple and their three children walked in the door and saw the one pup she had brought in. Instant bonding. They thought this was the cutest pup they had ever seen.

I called our friend Catherine who always helps us out of jams. She said she would pick the other two pups up in a few minutes. Well, it gave our family just enough time to see the two, and chose another on. Catherine, the lone pup, and Catherine’s cell phone drove away. It was only minutes until she called to tell me that one of our friends was holding the pup, and was considering a playmate for hers. Yes! Bid Time Yes!
We placed ranger, the little abandoned pup Gay has fostered for a few weeks. Our day was perfect. The downpour we left PetSmart in didn’t dampen our moods in the least.

On the serious side of things, the cruelty cases never stop. If it were just a matter of seizing animals, or convincing guardians of the relationship they should have with animals; that would be tough enough. Finding haven for animals in trouble is like performing magic in front of a sell-out crowd when the only trick you know is the broken toothpick and water drop star that your dad taught you at three.
Today I trapped one of the kittens our black and white feral cat has moved in with. I am anxious to catch at least the other one I surprised in the stable this morning. I hate seeing the terrified glazed over eyes of a lonely feral kitten. He, or she, is set up in the cattery with a blankie, water, a litter box, and enough food to thrill & fill. The other presence of our other cats may ease his/her. They are not just curious. They are sweet.
We have traps set at our neighbors too. He is sick, and he can’t care for the kittens that another feral cat left him a few months ago. I wish we had known sooner. It makes it nice that he is just up the road, and can call us. We don’t have to check the traps.
The animals here are exploring the changes that this morning’s departure created. The dogs that left, and the ones we recently placed have allowed for some regrouping. Of course the dogs that are bonded are not disturbed, but those that were left without their friends are making new friends.

The goats, pigs, chickens, and horses are fine. It is a warmer day, and they are soaking up the rays. Nanny & Sabra goats are on the porch asking me to come out and treat them to some goodies. I gave the spinach that Rick left behind. No, they want an apple, banana, or wheat thins.

BJ boar met me at the fence early this morning asking for fruit. He got the rest of Paxton’s banana. Dr. Ann took a look at the sore on Paxton’s chin this week. The news wasn’t good - cancer. Poor little guy. Rats don’t live long, but he has had a pretty good life since we rescued him. It was amazing how his leg healed and he regained use of it. An employee of a pet store asked us to help him. His leg had been nearly bitten off by his tank mates. Dr. Ann told us what to watch for in keeping Paxton comfortable, and making wise decisions for him. For now he is still very much enjoying himself.

There are so many things to write. It sometimes reminds me of trying to count each rising on a textured ceiling. Where do you begin, and how do you keep track of them all. Then you have to ask yourself if they don’t all get lost in the count. Sometimes it’s better to end near the beginning.

Just me, Doll