Just Today, Diary Entry of 4-14-3 Breaking News added at 1:57 a.m. wed. 4-16-3

Yesterday was delightful. The weather was great, unlike last week’s hailstorm. The sanctuary was in order, and we were off to PetSmart with 17 dogs, and pups, and one lone cat who’s carrier safely rested between our seats.

The McIngvale’s had arrived at 8:00 to bring the remaining 4 of 7 pups they rescued from abandonment. We would stop in Winona to meet Lisa Adams husband. He was bringing two of the three pups they found abandoned. And we had already picked up four other foster pups, and a pup we enjoined in rescuing from a shelter. Memphis’ time was up.
Ollie, and Ossie too would travel with us. The city of Duck Hill had asked us for aid with them on Friday. They were abandoned at the gas/food mart on the town’s two-block business center.

I was pleased with the brightness of the day, the hope that people would be out to see our adoption hopefuls, and I was not disappointed. Ollie, Memphis, and Frank went home with new guardians. On the trip back Mr. Adams met us and compassionately welcomed the two pups I knew he had so hoped would be placed. He thanked us for taking them, and expressed his commitment to caring for them until loving guardians could be found for them.

The McIngvales had said that they would pick up their foster pups when we got back, but we called and told them it would be fine if they came this morning. There was no sense in them having to come out when bedtime was so close. And, precious Catherine had offered to foster the pup Tina had found, plus three we aided Cleveland with. How awesome things work out when there is a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the animals we all so willingly want to help.

I was thankful for a happy day, and totally thankful that BJ had showed his precious face just before we had to leave. BJ had wandered beyond the normal scope of his sanctuary travels, and I had spent Friday night, and all of Saturday somewhere between panic, and hope.

When BJ didn’t come to me for his evening treat I was concerned. I spent most of the evening, and the first part of the night checking every place I have ever seen him hang in. I was temporarily sidetracked by a precious woman who drove all the way from Senatobia to bring us a cat she rescued. I arranged for Catherine to foster the soon-to-be mother. The dear woman missed our road in the dark and was lost for a time.
It was so clear that this cat was loved. The problem was her rescuer was taking care of her mother, husband, and disabled son-in-law. She just knew she couldn’t have kittens to watch also. As she started to leave the sorrow she was trying to suppress was overwhelming her. We discussed her situation, and it was settled – she would have Kitty back when her kittens were placed.

I was back to my unfruitful search for BJ. At last I surrendered to the night. I knew he was asleep somewhere, and I wouldn’t be finding him.

Saturday morning BJ had not come for breakfast, but the other animals had to have Tina’s, and my full attention. When they were cared for the quest would begin.

Tina and Sammy engaged their 4-wheeler in combing the woods, I made the entire loop around the hills we nest on, speaking with at least 20 families. Then I set out on foot. I was grateful that the beauty of the day somewhat soothed my anxious feelings.

The day wore on, I missed church, and my friend’s grandbaby’s shower (which she had set on Saturday to accommodate me), I was worn out, and we still had not found BJ. How jubilant I when he showed his precious self Sunday morning.

Back to Sunday night. After settling in the dogs that returned with us I took Gay home. When I returned I was greeted by Ossie. As I walked with him up the drive to his quarters, I noticed that Savannah too was out. Their gate wasn’t open, and there were no holes that they could have wedged through. They must have climbed.

I put Ossie in with Sophie, and set a trap for Savannah. Bob recently rescued her, but only after having to dart her.

It took a while, but Savannah was lured by the treat I put in the box trap. When I opened the end and took hold of her to move her to her enclosure she panicked and let me have it. I was forced to release her, and I spent most of the night reminding myself just how stupid I was not to have gotten the truck to move the trap to her enclosure. I had picked her up so many times without her biting, that I had underestimated her fear.

She is still loose. At least she isn’t thinking about going anywhere. She is hanging with Annie, at least until I approach. Then she moves to another area of our canine care center. It may be a few days, but she will be safely returned to her quarters.

Of course this morning began with the usual Monday morning demands. I started the PetSmart trip laundry last night, but there was plenty more to finish. The other cares of the sanctuary too were there for us. Of course the waiting messages urgently blinked on the answering machine.

A dog had been shot by his guardian’s neighbor.

A 15-month-old lab, and 3 pups were suffering from a toxic reaction to a Hartz product.

A cat had been killed by neighborhood dogs.

Three birds had mysteriously died (? Nile virus).

A breeder was keeping dogs in small pet carriers. And was know to hit them with a stick until they bled.

A woman needed help with spaying feral cats.

The Charleston Police Chief was under duress due to the stray, and abandoned dog population of his town.

A “dangerous pit bull” was frightening a neighborhood.

And the day had just started.

I quit writing last night at just after 2:00, but I’m back for the best news of all. Ray Watkins, our farrier volunteered his time yesterday to train Danielle to have her hooves trimmed. In less than two hours he had gently and respectfully taught her to take a halter, be led, and to stand while he trimmed her feet. It was amazing. I am forever indebted to him. This was the first spring that her hooves didn’t ware down. It rained too much for the ground to ware them.

Breaking News!

I drove in about an hour ago, and just finished setting up emergency quarters for 7 pups, 1 very pregnant mama, and Savannah, the dog who had the jug stuck on her head for a year (Bob had to dart her to catch & aid her. She nailed my arm, but I’ll live.)

Bob and Susan got a report that our puppymill pal in Shannon had more dogs. Sure enough, they found them fenced in his backyard, with no access gate. They swore out an affidavit, and with the cooperation of the Shannon Police Chief, seized the dogs. I believe there were 15. WCBI & WTVA covered the event.

I was headed in their direction this evening to pick up a load of donated dog food from Susan’s. Because of the seizure I stopped at Bob & Robins to see what I could do.
Seven pups were already at their house. It was obvious that at least 3 of them were seriously ill, perhaps all of them. Bob rushed the 3 to the home of one of the vets who helped with the last seizure. We fear parvo.

I called the McIngvales to ask for their aid with 4 healthy pups that were already at Bob & Robin’s. They are the same size as the pups they are already fostering. I was hesitant to ask them to take on any more responsibility, but this was an emergency. I started by asking if they could take one, then 3, and finally boldly asked if I was pushing it by asking if they could take the 4. I screeched with delight when Elaine promptly said of course they would care for them. One of the pups is the one that was thrown out of a speeding vehicle. We have a reward out for info leading to the arrest & conviction of the vile being(s) who did this. “Lucky” was just that, lucky to have escaped with only a broken jaw, and abrasions. He has no tail, but I’m not sure if that was a result of the incident.

Anyway, the McIngvales will pick the 4 pups up in the morning. I have 3 tiny pups in our office, and the pregnant mother. I will have them checked out tomorrow. We didn’t want to risk them staying on the premises with the sick pups. These little guys seem too healthy. What rascals. Mama-to-be is absorbing the change of location, but seems calm. None of these dogs can be released for placement until court. They really aren’t going to be much trouble, but I will check with friends to see if they can be fostered.

It’s 2:17, just about my pumpkin hour. 3;00 a.m. is becoming my standard bedtime. It actually works, I’m tired enough to sleep, but keen enough to wake for any sanctuary disturbance.

I’m so thankful for:

Bob, Robin, Susan
Tina & Sammy
Ray Watkins (hero status with me)
The ride mower Judy Jones bought me a couple of years ago.
Our van
Just absolutely everything good. There is so much that is good.
I’m just totally consumed with gratitude for our washer & dryer, donated sheets, blankets, & towels – just everything, everything!

No one could be more blessed.

The girl that once thought being a hermit was the only way to go is in the midst of it all. How delightfully ironic.