Now that summer is over....

Now that Summer is over and Fall is upon us, I can finally spend more time updating my Maroo's blog......I am amazed at just how far my little boy as come since this past March when he first came home with me! So much of what he does now and how he reacts to the world around him is so appropriate.....He still is an extremely loving dog who could spend an entire day just licking my face :) So....check back for daily, weekly, and monthly updates about Maroo and the world around him!

Summer Vacation....

Well I have finally gotten around to posting on my boy Maroo's blog....It has been too long since I have written anything here and I honestly feel bad about that....One of the main reasons is that summer has arrived in full force and all that goes with it.....dogs arriving for boarding......new grooming customers....the continuing story of "Webster"...and a laundry list of other assorted chores and commitments....so it has been busy to say the least.....But I am very happy to report that Maroo is doing excellent! He has become an extremely happy boy...making new friends each week......and forming an even stronger bond with his best bud "Webster".....I will be writing more each week now that life has settled down here at the North Star home....

Guilt

Well now that June if over and I have finally caught a weekend off from dog shows and work, and family obligations.......well not really off from work since my life with my dogs is 24/7 for the most part........but I do have a weekend where I can decide what I am going to do rather than the weekend deciding for me....But I have felt kinda guilty for not writing as much as I have wanted to......spending too much time on Facebook these days and not enough time here on Maroo's blog....And speaking of guilt.....Maroo has a new trick. I figured it would not take him too long but since my other dogs do this it was just a matter of time before he would start "giving me the eye" Oh it all started with my Liza who is an expert at parking herself right in front of you while you are either eating something that she of course wants........or there is a toy sitting out of reach from her and I can reach it for her. She would sit and stare at me and then if that did not work, she would proceed to lick my arms, hands, and work herself up to my face........all in the name of guilt. Well watching Liza and the others do this.....Maroo has figured out just how to get to my heart (like he has not already) and make his every wish come true at my expense :) He has also found a new game outside in the yard....It seems that he loves to hide from me when it is time to come in... This a skill that the others have also developed over the years.....Some call it "selective hearing" I call it just too funny for words........You can stand there at the door and call his name for him to come in and he will find a place to hide and just watch me as I continue to call his name.......finally when I bring the box of "cookies" (dog treats) to the door his attention is all mine again :) Funny how a little baked piece of dog goodness has worked miracles through the ages! But once inside all he has to do is park his little furry butt next to me and start licking my arm and giving me the look and it is back outside again with him..........As long as the day is light and the weather is beautiful I cannot see any reason for him to be inside anyway.......Oh guilt seems to be the name of the game these days.......but not in a bad way. I need to spend less time on Facebook of course and more time enjoying this gorgeous summer weather. I could bring my laptop out onto the deck and surf the web there but the last time I did that a very pretty blue bird flew over and dropped a present right on the middle of my laptop keyboard!!!! took me a half hour to clean it off carefully.............I wonder if that bird also felt guilty?

a busy month for running in the rain...

I feel really bad that I have not been updating Maroo's blog these past few weeks but things have been so busy that I have not had the chance to sit down without any distractions to type a single word........But this morning I am able to.

These past few weeks have been very trying as far as the weather is concerned since the sun has not been out all that much and it has been raining at one point each and every day! The dogs who do not mind the rain have actually have had enough of it! My poor Sabrina and Liza who normally won't set foot on wet grass in the morning just look at me like "you have got to be kidding" when I ask them to go out and "go potty" :) Of course as usual Maroo loves all that water in the play yard......He will run in that yard for an hour getting soaking wet without a second thought! He tries to get the other dogs involved with his running through the wet grass but they only look at him like he is nuts........but he just continues, running and jumping with a huge smile on his face. Then when it is time for him to come in I have to practically put him on the grooming table with the blow dryer to dry his coat again...The other day I brought Maroo to work with me to the grooming salon and he had is weekly bath.....he looked so good and smelled even better. Once he got back home and ran in the yard he looked like he just stepped out of the bath tub......but he still smelled great :) I don't know what makes him different from my other dogs as far as the wet grass and rain is concerned....perhaps it is that he really never had this treat to experience when he was growing up in the puppy mill........God only knows what other things we take for granted that he would get a thrill over? I only know that watching him have so much joy in his heart running through a soaking wet play yard can make my day even on a day when I think I have nothing to smile about........Maroo always brings me back to who I am and why I am here on this planet.

Luna and Maroo part two...

Well yesterday was another big win for Luna at the dog show......much to my surprise the judge gave her Best of Breed over the champions entered....We tried our best in the group but the breed rosette is all we came home with :) Maroo came along for the fun yesterday and since it was finally a beautiful sunny day he totally enjoyed himself playing with Luna before and after she showed.....One of the biggest steps he has taken recently is how he will interact with my sister when she visits.......In the beginning he would shy away from everyone including my sister Gerrill.......but just this past week I observed him going right up to her and giving her licks and kisses with no prompting......She has spent much time with him over these past weeks since she usually helps me with my dogs when I groom or when we are going to a show.......so Maroo is very familiar with who she is......But the fact that he is treating her as a family member now is very exciting! You have to remember that this is the same dog who would zone out when anyone would approach him in the past.....It is very difficult because when I have him with me in public most people want to touch him because he is so damn cute! He still remains shy with strangers but is slowly coming around with the people he continues to see on a regular basis.....I also wondered if Maroo made the connection between Luna, who he adores........and my sister who is Luna's mom? Who knows what language is spoken between our dogs that we cannot truly understand........Perhaps Luna is saying to Maroo........."oh she is ok, she's my mom".........That would explain why Maroo has begun to trust my sister and give her licks and kisses :)

Maroo's new best bud.....

A couple weeks ago when "Webster" was returned to me I was very cautious when letting him play in the yard with the other dogs........There was no cause for me to be concerned based on any behavior he had displayed but when you bring a non-neutered dog into a pack.....even if that dog was raised as a puppy in that pack and left......things can become a bit dicey. Webby's temperament is lovely........he always interacts with other dogs very appropriate and I like to say he has manners! Richard his full brother and litter mate is very similar to him in temperament and personality.......the happy-go-lucky dog! But with 4 intact males in my pack, 2 being my almost 18 month old Nobu and Richard you still have to be very careful.....Of course my girls are perfect little ladies around new dog friends who are sharing the yard and house with them.........and with the boys they can be little flirts :) So I never have to worry about my boy crazy TT girls in the play yard.........And then there is my Maroo and his dad Archie (who I am still fostering)

Maroo, who is always looking for a new dog friend where ever he goes was very enthusiastic when he first met Webby.......almost to the point that I honestly think that he got on Webby's nerves a bit.........all that jumping and following him around and chasing after him if Webby decided to run.....got old real fast for Webby......Of course Webby did not become nasty with Maroo but would start to avoid him if they were in the yard at the same time........all of this mostly took place the first week he was back home with me. As the days passed by I noticed that Webby and Maroo started forming their own games while playing and Webster would be searching out Maroo in the play yard instead of hiding from him.....These past 3 or 4 days I have seen them running after each other switching who was chasing who every minute or so.........almost like a game of "tag" Maroo has learned when I let Webby out to play and with which other dogs.........If he is not included with that group, Maroo will become very vocal and let me know that he wants to be included with that group so that he and his new best bud can play together! If dogs could smile and most people believe that they really can, Maroo's face lights up when he is out there in the play yard in the middle of a game with Webster.....and of course Webster has found a new pal in Maroo......someone who looks up to him and can run as fast as the wind!

The picture posted above is Webster when he was a few weeks old.........A very cute puppy who has grown up to be a very handsome TT!

Well another long week is over....

For some reason this week forever to become Saturday........since the past 2 days have been nothing but rain and today does not look so good, more rain most likely I am sure this is why the week seemed to be so long! Yesterday I brought Maroo with me to the grooming salon for his weekly bat and boy did he look great when I finished bathing and drying him! But as soon as I got home and let him run in the yard while the other dogs needed to be taken outside he was soaking wet!!!! I honestly do not think that there are enough towels in the world when you have a house full of wet Tibetan Terriers to deal with........I brought an entire stack of clean fresh towels up from the laundry room before I let the gang out to run in the wet grass and rain......by the time I towel dried each and everyone of them off before letting them back into the family room I had a load of wash to do! Of course I also had to load up my crated dogs with extra towels as well because there is nothing worse than a wet dog laying on a soaking wet dog bed inside of a crate! YIPES! Maroo I think was the most wet out of all of them since I know he has a passion for water and all things connected to water :) Remember he was the little guy who fell in love with the garden hose a few weeks back.....Oh he will do anything to take advantage of the chance to get his little feet wet.......which would also include.....his legs, stomach, head, tail.......actually his entire body! It is a very good thing that he is small and does not require too much time to dry off....unlike my Richard who also shares this same passion.........I really have to watch him during a wet day outside........he takes a very long time to dry since his coat is very profuse and has much length on it right now........Oh the joys of a raining day and a house full of TTs........there are few things that compare....except perhaps a house full of ducks!

June is busting out all over.......

Well Memorial day has come and gone......Parades, cookouts, dog shows, friends, family, and most importantly...dogs! It was a great weekend and week for that matter....so much happening. Maroo has changed so much for the better over the past month...that once sad look in his eyes has been replaced with an actual sparkle! Playing outside with the other dogs he has become the fastest dog in the yard! No one can seem to catch him when he is running with a toy in his mouth. Oh they try but he seems to be able to maneuver himself in and out of bushes, around trees and patio furniture...up and down the steps of the deck...fast is the name of game with Maroo! Now that Luna, his heart throb has gone back home to my sister's house...."Sabrina" seems to be his new flame...They both are almost the same size which helps when you are chasing each other....The larger dogs seem to not be able to get around all those obstacles like smaller ones do. The weather has been perfect for all play yard activities lately and I know that my dogs are so happy about that.....nothing like sun bathing on a warm Spring afternoon just after having a wonderful meal or treat...chasing the hose as I water the flowers or spray off the deck.....or finding a bird or cat to study in the yard next door....Oh we are all very happy that June is finally here! Maroo seems to be busting out also...busting with excitement and happiness!

a dies ex abyssus or "a day from hell"

Late entry, events happened on 5/20/09

Well what was suppose to be a very positive and productive day turned out to be somewhat of a nightmare! First I want to let you know that Maroo is fine and nothing that occurred today involved him in any way.......Wednesdays I usually work from home grooming my client's dogs during scheduled appointments....I was to have 4 dogs today that needed grooming....Since my first dogs owner works very early at a local hospital and I myself am usually up at the crack of dawn I allow her to bring her baby to me on her way to work, which is around 7am........no problem at all. "Denzel" is one of my puppies from my last litter in 2007 and is also the litter mate and brother to my "Nobu" Denzel is solid black with a small patch of white on his chest........and he is as cute as a button! On the small side for a male Tibetan Terrier but what he lacks in size he makes up in personality! He is a joy to have here during his grooming days.......my next 3 dogs were scheduled at 10am and 1030am to be dropped off.........The 10am dog scheduled was "Webster" who is another puppy from my other litter in 2007 and he is also the litter mate and brother to my "Richard"......Webster's owners have had issues with him on and off since he first went home with them over a year ago......I really am too tired right now to go into any real details about this family but I will say that it is NOT Webster's fault! We are talking about people who ask for help, you offer or give the help, and they do what they want to do regardless of the advice you gave them..........This past Fall they wanted to return Webster to me and I was all set to allow this to happen.....just became so sick and tired of all the mentoring I did and it all going in one ear and out the other..........Poor poor Webster to live in a house where no body could get their acts together for his sake! Well this morning after being 40 minutes late for Webster's grooming appointment the owner arrived and told me that she no longer wanted Webster! She stated that he has had many issues and has become very aggressive toward members of the family! I asked how long had this been going on and she told me that it had been for a very long time now...........NOW, I have spoken to the owner several times during the past 3 to 4 months..........even had Webster her for boarding and grooming on several occasions.........and NOTHING was ever mentioned about any problem that occurred in their home concerning Webster???? I asked why they did not contact me or contact a trainer to come to the home to work with Webster......and she told me that they had met with a trainer and she gave them some tips on how to handle Webster's rambunctious behavior.......obviously it was not working since he was still doing what they did not like.......ok, I don't want to go into too many details or we will be here all night :) the bottom line is that she dumped Webster off at my house this morning and even if she did want him back.........it just is not happening!



Also this morning my sister who will help me out with grooming on occasion agreed to give me hand all day with my scheduled dogs......She said that she would be there at 9am which would give us plenty of time to even grab breakfast at the local dinner up the street....very good food btw..........Well she showed up at 11am after I called her when she was not here at 9:15.........she over slept.

Well after my sister arrived and we started to groom "Melody" and "Domino", my good friend Susan's two dogs I realized that both dogs were matted pretty badly.......This was very strange because Susan is fanatical about brushing her dogs......but with the change in the weather and some rain that we have had it was understandable that both of them would be starting to "blow coat"......During the grooming of both of these dogs I realized that I would not have time to run to my doctor's office to pick up a prescription that he wrote for me so I asked my sister if she would not mind going while I stayed home and finished Domino............she agreed and asked if she could take my Van.......I said yes. While she outside of the yard near the driveway she called to me and much to my surprise she was holding Luna in her arms! She told me that Luna had gotten out of the yard!!!! I was shocked because the gate was closed and locked and there was no other way for her to exit? I asked her to bring her back in the yard and go out again to see if Luna does it again and to also find out WHERE she was escaping from? Well she left the yard, locked the gate and headed toward the driveway.......In a flash quicker than a blink of an eye Luna ran to the far corner of the yard near the driveway and escaped through a hole in the fence that I could not even imagine a rabbit going through!!!! The first time she escaped she ran right over to my sister but not this time.....she ran right past her and into the street! Well this is just not any street.....at this time of the day there are plenty of cars and trucks and Luna was right in the middle of all of them!!!! My sister ran into the street to block the traffic in both directions and kept calling to Luna to come to her......no such luck........Luna was free to run and play this very dangerous game she thought was fantastic! I yelled to my sister to stoop down and call her like she was playing a gamed........Luna finally came over to her and my sister grabbed onto her hair around her neck and secured her by picking her up.......Both of our hearts were pounding so fast and my sister almost started to hyperventilate once the episode was over.....she told me she needed to use the bathroom......no surprise there since I would have l lost all bodily fluids if this had happened to just me and one of my dogs!!! She brought Luna into the house and proceeded to go through the gate between the kitchen and dinning room......this gate is in place to separate both my "Luca" and "Adam" since they do not get along in the slightest and would fight with each other in a New York minute! While I was still outside I had heard some pretty intense growling coming from the family room....I quickly went inside to find both Luca and Adam standing up like two Bears in the wild ready to fight! I immediately grabbed hold of the first dog I could reach and lifted Adam above my head to bring him out of the reach of Luca........in the midst of doing this Luca had gotten a hold of my right index finger and produced a very painful puncture :( I honestly was not his fault since he and Adam were in the middle of a dog fight.......and I placed myself in the middle by removing Adam.......Once both dogs were removed and safe I took care of my finger by rinsing it and applying a pressure dressing on it........Once both my sister and I had calmed down she left for my doctor's office.........about an hour later she returned and things had calmed down.......at least we thought that they had :) I was in the kitchen when I heard my sister call me into the yard with a frantic tone in her voice...........I arrive outside and see my "Olivia" (the other escaped artist) in my neighbor's yard behind my house running with her dog!!! Now their yard is large but it is NOT fenced in.........I called to Olivia in a loud voice and she stopped running and stood there like a statue..........oh she knew she was in trouble.......but with what had happened during the entire day I was in no mood to even get upset about this at all.........I very quickly lifted the bottom of the chain-link fence up and called to Olivia to come over and get her cute little butt back in our yard.........she did with no problem! I did not even have the energy to scold her and actually laughed once I realized what had happened.......So, this was my day from hell........That night when I was all settled in and the dogs were all around me....I was able to reflect back on the events of day and thank God that no real damage was done.......except for my poor finger which was very sore to say the least.

Warning: Kleenex will be needed

A few days ago Camille sent me the "slide show" presentation which will be shown this year at the National Specialty Tibetan Terrier show in Colorado....So far I have watched it about 4 times and each time I could not stop crying....I don't know if it is the pictures of all of those sweet faces, the music, or the sad fact that some of those babies are no longer with us and have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.......or all three! I do know that I am so grateful for each that Maroo brings a smile to my face and the tons of kisses he places on my face and neck when I am holding him.....Archie, his father is equally as affectionate and will lay on your lap for hours just loving every minute of it....both boys are so sweet! I meant to do and entry on Memorial Day weekend today since yesterday was our Memorial Day here in the states.......I had so much to write about which went on over the weekend....all good stuff! But I just had to make today's entry of Maroo's blog all about the slide show..........Camille did an awesome job and anyone who watches it will surely be touched by the bittersweet nature of the photos......Here is a link to the presentation.....I hope that you are able to watch it.........Thank you Camille......for all that you have done for these babies! and thank everyone else who has also helped out, you are all Saints in my book!

Link to slide show: http://animoto.com/play/vzNxGr7w5hKzg7liNLN0Og

Small dogs, big hearts......

Well this weekend, Memorial day weekend.......I have my "Luna" staying with me. Luna is the cute little girl that I co-own with my sister........daughter of my Liza and Luca......sister to my Richard. Since my sister had to be out of town this weekend and Luna is entered in shows both Sunday and Monday it made sense for me to have her stay here so that I would not have to run back and forth to bring her to both shows.....Well.....Luna is no stranger to my dogs since she has been her many times before........and Maroo has met and played with her in the past. But for some strange reason this time I honestly think that there is a "Spring Affair" in the midst :) Both of them are showing very strong signs of puppy love! Yesterday I thought Maroo's sweet little brown eyes were going to bug out of his head when Luna arrived in the play yard! His entire face lit up with excitement.....You see both Luna and Maroo are about the same size, which makes it much easier for them to play together.........I have noticed this also with my "Sabrina" (Luna's full older sister from a previous litter).......Sabrina is almost a clone of Luna...same markings and size........but Sabrina is such a little Diva that she is very selective with whom she gives her affection to.......most dogs do not make the cut. Oh she tolerates Maroo and will play with him......but can be very bossy and very vocal....something that Maroo just does not find appealing. Luna on the other hand is very much a little lady.......polite, demure, and very sweet to the opposite sex :) A perfect recipe for two star crossed Tibetans on a beautiful Spring afternoon...........Last night when all the gang was resting in the family room after a long day of playing in the gorgeous sunshine.....both Luna and Maroo were cuddled up on the sofa together while I was watching some TV.....Maroo seldom settles down with another dog except his pal Adam......but he certainly settled down with Luna last night! It was just too cute to see how great both of them got along during the day......playing and jumping about.........chasing each other.....drinking out of the same bowl of water.......sharing a toy.........and now they are both sharing a quiet evening together. It is also nice to see Maroo relate to another dog so well, especially a dog who is the same size that he his....all of my other guys are larger than he is with the exception of the spoiled rotten Sabrina :) Well we will certainly have to see what today brings between the two of them....since love is in the Spring air :)

Just too sad........

It is with great sadness that I am writing to let everyone know that little "Sadie" my Maroo's sister/litter mate crossed over the Rainbow Bridge early this morning.......I do not know the complete details of what had happened to her but Camille had written to me this week to inform me that Sadie was not doing well at the hospital where she was being treated.....I remember Sadie as a very sweet and bright little girl.......Just like her brother Maroo, Sadie craved love and affection. She was a total joy to visit when Susan and I would make trips to the kennel where the Missouri 18 were sheltered...I am certain that in the short time that some of us got to know her that she touched our lives for a very long time...........Rest well my sweet princess, you are finally free to play in those fields of green over that wonderful Rainbow Bridge......

"Playing on a Wednesday Afternoon" the movie :)

This past Wednesday was a gorgeous Spring day....The sun was out, there was a gentle breeze, the temperature was in the low 70s........a perfect day to play in the yard! Normally I do not let all of my guys out at the same time to play because I become out numbered.....and cannot monitor who is pulling who's tail or ripping out who's coat while chasing each other......Everyone gets along just fine but sometimes the playing becomes a bit too enthusiastic! But on this Wednesday afternoon I through caution to the wind........or the "gentle breeze" so to speak.......and let everyone out to enjoy this awesome weather. Maroo was the in heaven with so many choices in playmates.........He managed to find a chew toy in the freshly mowed grass and ran with it! This engaged all of the other dogs to chase him and attempt to steal this treasure away from him.......no such luck! He was the fastest of them all......Now I do not know if this had anything to do with his size but Maroo managed to escape each attempt to tackle him and claim the toy..........he would weave himself in and out of the others.......between their legs......around the trees........up and over other obstacles......A pro football player could not have done a better job! I tried to capture this adventure on video but he and the others were just too fast for me........What I was able to film was some of the down time in comparison to the real fun! So for your viewing pleasure........North Star Tibetan Terriers present "Playing on a Wednesday Afternoon" .........Enjoy...........I know the gang did making it :)


Link to YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y7CatCxlgk

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We love you "Archie", oh yes we do. We don't love any dog, as much as you....

Well the North Star TT pack just grew larger yesterday afternoon with the arrival of "Archie"......the father/sire of my Maroo. Susan and I decided to share the fostering responsibility for Archie and since she was lucky enough to have him stay with her the past several weeks it is now may turn to enjoy this wonderful boy! She has called me a few times since yesterday to check up on him since she is very attached to him as well......The best thing is that she will still be able to see him since she lives very close and we both work together during the week at her office where she has her practice (she is an MD) I just pray I do not fall in love with him and not return him to her when she wants him back :) Sharing a foster dog is not an unusual situation since there is normally much care involved for one person to handle at times.......so this situation works out very well for all involved! Plus it gives Maroo a chance to play and interact with his father.........which I am sure that he misses very much since he left the shelter kennel months ago....The play that goes on between the two of them is hysterical! Maroo jumps on Archie and just does not let go......as if he is hugging him so tightly. My other dogs have accepted him with flying colors! I am so proud of the gang for doing this......At meal time Archie is polite and waits his turn........in the family room he finds his spot on the sofa to cuddle up with myself or one of the other dogs......He barks when something is there that is not suppose to be there....and he is just adorable sleeping like a baby after hours of running in the yard! Archie seemed to have a head start on the other rescue dogs from Missouri since he was the only dog who actually looked like a traditional Tibetan Terrier! His size was appropriate and he had a few inches of hair growth that gave him that classic look! Watching him move in the play yard I am impressed with his structure since he moves very well and can turn on a dime........just like some of my other TTs when they play! "Adam" my alpha dog of the house has found a new buddy who is not a threat to him also......seems that Adam can get his tail out of joint with males who are not neutered......but since Archie has been "clipped" pardon the expression.....all is well at North Star :) Right now it is also difficult not to spoil this sweet little boy....he loves to jump onto my lap when I am sitting and gives me the "look" like he knows that I already adore him........Camille is still working on finding Archie a "forever home" but for right now he could not be in a better place......with Susan or myself, Archie will always be loved and treated with the kindness and respect that he so well deserves now that he a liberated puppy mill dog!

A Tibetan Mother's Day.......

Today being Mother's Day I did a lot thinking about all the TT mothers I have known in the past and present....With three living in my house right now......my Liza, my Olivia, and my Kimberly. I remember Kimberly's first litter of TT puppies back in 1994. I never dreamed that she would have 12 healthy beautiful puppies with her first whelp! Retired from her show career and a well deserved AKC Champion of record, Motherhood suited her very well...she took excellent care of her babies...And 5 days later my first "Liza" had a litter of 10! Raising 25 TT puppies was a full time job and I was lucky at that time to be working from home......The quality of care that they needed was essential to producing a well rounded, socialized, and happy puppy to go off to their new home when old enough to leave......this work was shared between the TT mom and myself.....TTs moms are wonderful to watch in action with a litter of pups......it is amazing to see the progress each day.......and how the bitch knows far more than we give them credit for......nature is amazing at it's best. A year and a half ago history almost repeated itself when my second Liza and her daughter Olivia both had litters of puppies 4 days apart with a grand total of 15! This time I was blessed with plenty of support from family and friends......those puppies were handled and loved on each day and the proof is in the pudding so to speak because both Richard and Nobu are extremely well adjusted dogs today.... But I give much credit to both moms for turning out such wonderful boys. And then I started to think about my Maroo and what sort of relationship he had with his birth mother when she was raising the litter he came from.....Knowing very little about the conditions of the puppy mill, one can only imagine the worse. Out of the "Missouri 18" there were many female TTs......a few older than the others so I wonder if one of those sweet gals could have indeed been his birth mother. I was able to sort out who is Dad is by reading the website of the puppy mill....."Archie" who is a darling boy is listed as his sire. The both do resemble each other in both physical traits and temperament.........so perhaps this is correct information. Maroo has really come far with his ability to play with my other dogs outside in the play yard...today since it was a spectacular sunny spring day I let the gang play outside for most of the day........Maroo had the chance to interact with both Liza and Olivia during a number of times while playing outside. He loves to tease the other dogs and engage them in chasing him around the yard........this game is not received well with all of the dogs but Olivia loves to chase him! All of them going back to a puppy play instinct that only they can relate to.........Maroo was part of the litter again today......playing with his litter mates, chasing each other, jumping on each other, and having a ball........Liza layed in the sun on the deck and watched as Olivia and Maroo had a ball.......I am sure that she was thinking what a great daughter Olivia turned out to be....strong and beautiful.........and accepting another as one of her own..........Happy Mother's Day Liza, Olivia, and Kimberly...you all are very special moms!

Grass seed-$6.99, Garden tools-$22.99, Fun with a Garden Hose - PRICELESS

There are only a few things in my opinion that need to stay far away from a freshly groomed dog.....Another dog who wants to play rough, laying on a dirty surface, a rainstorm, and a garden hose spraying water at full force..........For the past few weeks I have been re-seeding the dogs play yard with new grass seed since this winter had taken its toll out on a large portion of the lawn and several smaller areas which have become completely bald......When it rains the bald areas become mud and when the areas dry out there is far too much dirt exposed which creates one big dust bowl in the play yard.....So faced with the choice of purchasing a large amount of decorative stones or re-seeding the lawn..........I chose to plant new seeds. Most of the new grass seedling has begun to grow and it is looking fabulous! But there are still a few small areas that need new grass seeded.........(ok where am I going with this you may ask?) This afternoon I blocked off a few more areas with ex-pens and sprinkled the new grass seed down............Once the seed had been carefully sprinkled I then needed to water the areas with the hose to get those tiny grass seeds started with a healthy drink of H2O.........all according to the directions on the seed bag. Now I knew that my Richard absolutely loves water........water in pools, his water bowel, bath time............and water from the garden hose. Last summer we had a ball together when I set up the doggie pool in the play yard for my guys........Most of my dogs would stop by and maybe dip a paw in the refreshing water on a hot and humid summer day..........but Richard would jump in and stand in the middle splashing himself feverishly until he was entirely soaked from his little black nose to the tip of his gorgeous long black tail! We would play game often where I would toss all of his floatable toys into the pool and some of those which did not float and he would actually go diving for the ones that sank to the bottom.........now we are talking about a "kiddie pool" here...........no 6 foot deep end :) I would love to watch him submerge his entire head under water fishing for those toys and bringing them up just to toss them onto the grass when came up for air! I never knew that dogs could do what he was doing...........I am certain that he was not holding his breath.......I do not think that connection is made in their logic.............but none the less he would put his entire head under water and search for those toys under he found them............an easy task in a very small pool.

Well today the fun of summer returned as I was watering the grass seed...........but along with Richard and his amusement, Maroo discovered that he too loves to play in water! Based on his trips outside for potty breaks this past week with all of the rain we have had I knew that he was threatened by wet grass or a strong and steady rainfall...........he would run around getting wet and jumping all over the place feeling the refreshing new rain on his legs and paws...........When he would come back into the house I would towel dry him and place him in a warm crate to take the chill off..........I do not need a dog with a cold :)

This afternoon both Richard and Maroo could not get enough of the water coming out of the hose during my watering task............Each time I sprayed an area, there they both were jumping in the way of the spray..........Maroo was trying to eat the water as it came out in a strong steady stream when I adjusted the hose nozzle to change the force.....Of course both Richard and Maroo had been just groomed and were recently completely brushed out...and looked so handsome! Now I had two completed saturated dogs who looked like two drowned rats! The fun that Maroo had was priceless........He was totally relaxed and free of any anxiety........After the watering job was over I towel dried both of them off and we came back inside........I cannot wait until the "dog days" of summer arrive so that I can watch Maroo discover the fun that can be had in a kiddie pool........This is going to be one fun summer around here :)

*UPDATE: Camille sent me an email this evening regarding Sissy#5. Read for yourself this great news!

Hi everyone, Today is a beautiful day - Sissy #5 came home today! With the exception of 7 different meds - you would never know she had been near death a week ago. She is barking right now along with the rest of my crew as the critters are stirring in the property next door......go figure.

The woman who saved the TTs in Missouri will be making a visit to Mr. R's home to see what else she can find out in terms of diet, vaccines, illness etc. She will also be contacting the miller's standard vets to see if any of these dogs were treated for anything in the past. It is a long shot but she is willing to try so that we may be able to figure out what is going on. She will also be asking the vet that treats many of these dogs out in Missouri to do a consultation with my vet to help rule out things and think of more.

But again Sissy is home - no worse for wear just loss of muscle tone which I am sure she will start filling out after a few good meals.

Keep praying

Camille

Raining cats and dogs...

Well today was the 9th day of rain that we have had here in the northeast........The sun came out yesterday for a short while and then thunder storms replaced the warm rays of springtime....Normally my dogs do not mind going out when the grass is wet or it is raining lightly. But after 9 days even they have had enough! Maroo on the other hand does not seem to mind if there are sunny skies or rain clouds above........he still enjoys himself running in the yard. Watching him jumping and leaping through the wet grass reminds me of the Gene Kelly movie "Singing in the Rain" He seems to love the feeling of the wetness on his belly because when he comes in from a run outside he immediately jumps onto the sofa and feverishly rubs himself up and down all over the cushions as if he was a cat! It is so cute to watch him do this ritual each time he comes back in from the rain or the wet grass....My other dogs seem to have forgotten this simple pleasure for some reason except for my Kimberly who will occasionally do a similar dance with the sofa cushions when she comes back inside.....He is such a happy boy most of the time....He is feeling so much more confident during his play time outside.....he does not stay so close to the back door as he did in the early days after his arrival to his new home. It is wonderful to see him go exploring with the other dogs in the play yard.......Dogs love to explore, so nice to see Maroo in action some days finding new smells, sights, and sounds in his outdoor world........We take so much for granted with our dogs who are socially adjusted...We do not notice some of the simple pleasures they enjoy on a warm spring day playing in a yard....But when that play has to be learned....we watch that dog for the slightest improvement each day....and hope that progress will be made.....Maroo is making progress in so many areas each day. I am so lucky to be able to share these things with him...even in the rain :)

Not out of the woods just yet.........

Another update on Sissy#5 came this evening from Camille via email.......It looks as though things are improving each day with her right now BUT they have yet figured out what exactly has made her so sick.......Medicine is a peculiar thing sometimes......and with dogs it can become even more peculiar......I am thrilled that she is eating again as per the email from Camille.......a true and tested sign of a dog's illness can be measured by just how much of an appetite is present........

Sissy #5 is doing much much better today. She ate on her own 3 times today - which is huge progress. If she continues to eat on her own she will be able to come home tomorrow night or Saturday. The IV fluids have been cut down progressively over the past few days. The only yellow that is evident on her body is now on her abdomen - no sign of yellow in her eyes, ears or gums . Her poop is becoming normalized (only way I can describe it) and her excessive urination has subsided and returning to a normal color and consistency.

Once again - all good news - but no ideas on what it is . My vets are speaking with several specialists throughout the community to come up with anything else it could be. Once again - all tests- lepto, tick borne, toxplasmosis, babesia, and Super Blood panel are normal which exception of liver and bilirubin which is getting better every day......

Still waiting on test results for 3 other dogs to see if they are consistent with Sissy's

Keep praying that she can come home.........

Camille

Update on Sissy#5

The following is an update on Sissy#5 as per an email sent by Camille this evening.......Please continue to pray for her!

Sissy #5 had a really good today.....her liver values are down and her bilirubin is down . This is the first time that she was standing in her kennel , wagging her tail giving me the finger when I left her - as if to say "Hey you are leaving me here again today!!)

All her tests came back negative (Babesia, Toxoplasmosis, Lepto etc) - this is not to say that she does not have any of these things as they are extremely hard to detect (even with a full blown Liver biopsy - which she is way to weak and ill to withstand) . She is loaded up many different medications as well as liver support therapy and the vets are not sure which one is having the positive effect. But are not going to wean her off anything until she is stable and eating on her own.

I have been going there daily along with Kathy a wonderful volunteer (thank you Kathy) to either give her love or syringe feed her so that she can tolerate the meds better. She has not eaten on her own for 1 1/2 weeks but is getting about 6oz of food daily since Sunday through a syringe.

So on the surface the news is good but unfortunately we still do not know what is going on or what has caused this but we keep searching so that we may help the others....we may need to choose another one who is affected to do a biopsy on....

In the end please keep hoping and praying for Sissy's full recovery so that she can come home....

Camille

Prayers for Sissy#5

Camille sent me this pic of Sissy#5 as one of her favorites of her and I have to agree.......she is adorable! I guess you would have to spend time with Sissy to really appreciate just how sweet she is........Please say a prayer for Sissy that she recovers from her recent illness.......She has come so far since leaving Missouri and does not deserve to be suffering like she is right now......

Brings May flowers.........

Well April has passed and May is here but since it has arrived we have had nothing but rain, rain, and more rain! This past weekend was a big dog show weekend here in the NJ/PA area.........On Saturday Maroo came along to the Bucks County Kennel Club show while I showed both Richard and Luna at their first outdoor show of the season......He had a blast meeting many new dogs at the show during his walk about the grounds while we went shopping........The rain held off for most of the day but arrived when we were at the show.......Sunday was the Trenton Kennel Club show which is my kennel club, so I had to work the show....It has been some time since I have seen that much rain at a dog show! It poured most of the day and it was not a pretty sight! Maroo was home with my other guys being watched by my niece for the day! Recently Maroo has taken to Marie, my niece and loves to cuddle up with her on the sofa.......even gives her kisses :)

When I returned from the show on Sunday I checked my email and read a very upsetting message from Camille..........Apparently some of the other dogs from the Missouri 18 have had elevated liver enzymes show up in their blood work......"Sissy #5 who I adored at the kennel when we would go and visit has been very sick........Camille has asked everyone who knows her to pray for her so that she recovers from this illness......so sad. God only knows what would have happened to these babies if they had not been rescued when they were from the puppy mill....I cannot even imagine the shape that they would be in right now! Maroo looks so good these days that it is hard to believe that he even came from that place..........his coat is shiny and growing, he has put on weight, he plays with other dogs appropriately, and he is happy! The other dogs who I hear about are also doing great! It does take time to rehabilitate a puppy mill dog but just like the flowers in May which come from those April showers..........Maroo is starting to bloom!

A very sweet thing.....

Late last night.........actually early this morning around 1am my Kimberly who is almost 18 years old, had a very bad seizure. To my knowledge this was the first seizure that she has had, and hopefully the last....All was quiet in the family room while I was watching TV last night.........all of the dogs were either cuddled up with me on the sofa or laying in their dog beds on the floor.......everyone except for myself was sleeping........Kimberly was sleeping on the smaller sofa by herself as she normally does at night.........when all of a sudden she jumped off of the sofa and started bumping into things very forcefully.......I quickly went to her to see what was going on when she then fell onto her side.........I have seen dogs having seizures many times in the past and this episode was classic. I carefully repositioned her and continued to stroke her head and body, telling her that everything was alright.......I remember even bringing my mouth to her ear and whispering to her that I was there and that she was going to be ok........I honestly thought at one point that she was going to be leaving me........I did not want this to be the way my girl crossed over that Rainbow Bridge but if it was, I was going to make sure she knew that I was there with her before she left.....
Now for the really amazing part...........During this episode all of my dogs had woken up and immediately went to Kimberly's side.........Each one of them licked her legs and face and kissed her and they were genuinely concerned about her.......There was not a sound out of any of them........no barking, no whining........nothing! This was probably one of the most beautiful yet frightening moments I have spent with my dogs.......Although none of my dogs have ever had a seizure up until this point........they all instinctively knew that Kimberly was in trouble and that she need their love....

This morning before I went to work I had to make the decision if I was going to bring Kimberly into the Vet's office or not..........Since bringing her to the Vet would really stress her out and she did seem to be much more herself later this morning, I decided not to bring her there......Had I done this the Vet would have suggested medication to prevent further seizures.......which would have turned my beautiful girl into a zombie! No, my Kimberly deserves much more that that........She has had an incredible long life filled with many wonderful adventures.......She deserved to be at home and at peace with her family this morning .........If she had given me any sign that she was in pain or discomfort, I would have brought her into the Vet's office in a flash..........but this was not the case.

Maroo.......was very quiet this morning when I was getting ready to leave for work........I let him outside with Kimberly right before I had to leave..........I watched them both from the window to make sure that she was ok........and I saw a very sweet thing, Maroo went over to Kimberly and started to lick her face........and for the first time since they have met, she allowed him to do this.

Rules For Non-pet Owners Who Visit, And Like To Complain About Our Pets

1. The dog lives here. You don't.

2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.

3. I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.

4. To you, he's a dog. To me, he's an adopted Son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

5. Dogs are better than kids. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant, you can sell the pups.

The same applies to cats, except they ignore you until you are asleep.

Some like it hot, some like it not...

This past weekend, today, and tomorrow has been our first "heat wave" of the year....and in April too! All of my dogs usually handle the intense heat of summer without any problems......but when the heat comes on so fast as it did this past weekend you have to pay attention to each dog while they are outside playing so that they do not develope heat stroke.......A dog with heat stroke is a very serious condition and needs to be addressed immediately! It is key to get the dog into a cool environment asap!....and then to carefully monitor the dog until the distress is over........Well.......try telling this to a Tibetan Terrier! My guys will lay out in the full mid-day sun in the middle of a heat wave and think nothing of it! Watching them sun bath, makes me wonder if there really is something to that "long coat keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter" theory........it must be true because they adore the sun! I have to pay even more attention to my dogs who have been "clipped down" for the summer as to protect them from sun burn.........Yes dogs can become sun burned very easily if not wearing a sun screen just like their human counterparts........This weekend Maroo got his first taste of a good ol' North Eastern heat wave.......and I have to say he adored it just as much as my other TTs have in the past! He has become increasingly more outgoing in the play yard and even ventures out on his own exploring the various areas of interest in the yard........He has also learned how to play with a group as they chase each other around the yard in what I call the "TT Train" 4 or 5 dogs all running in a line chasing the tail in front of them until someone is caught! Just too much for any dog to have on a wonderful warm spring afternoon........Maroo has really come far in his play behavior......During his first few days here, he would only run back and forth from the deck to the yard until I would let him back inside....This was frustrating because he just did not know how to handle the open space of a play yard.....The story is, that the Missouri rescue dogs had free run at the puppy mill during certain times of the year.....For a dog who had free run of any open space, he would be comfortable with it, right? He certainly did not behave as if this had ever happened to him.....he just could not tolerate any outside space by himself unless I was there physically with him.........and even then, he was still very cautious......It is a good thing now to see him relax more and have fun without me being there right by his side, I watch him play outside while I am standing near a window or the back door......He trust the other dogs and they love to play with him.........Life was good during a very warm weekend for Maroo.........I have a feeling he will be laying out there sunbathing with the rest of them this summer..........I bet he would look cute in a "Speedo" :)

"When I think of home, I think of a place"......

"Whisper" before and after..........

Today I heard some wonderful news from Camille via email..........Our little old lady Whisper who brought tears to my eyes the first time I met her at the kennel is finally going to her new "forever" home! This sweet little gal was in such bad shape when she was rescued from the hell hole in Missouri that it was beyond sadness.........it broke your heart to see her. I know that Camille and the others who work at the kennel spent many an hour getting this poor soul back into shape and ready for adoption. I remember the warm spring day when Camille and I were visiting the Missouri dogs at the kennel and decided to bring Whisper outside with the other dogs for some fresh air..........She had been very sick the weeks before this day and since the weather was so nice we let her have some fresh air in the play yard. She was so happy to be able to spend time with the others and was actually smiling! At this time most of the dogs still had kennel cough so it was important that she was on a good schedule of rest since she was one of the older dogs.......Not only did she pull through the kennel cough with flying colors she became so much more healthier on a diet of good food and plenty of love and attention.

I am uncertain of the relationship between Whisper and my Maroo.......and for all I know she could very well be his biological mother.......Based on the horrific condition she was in when rescued from the puppy mill it is clear that she had been bred many times in the past......I know that a few weeks ago on Easter Sunday when I visited the kennel to spend time with the dogs I brought Maroo over to the fence on the side of the play yard so that he could see his family that were still there.......All of the dogs including Whisper became very excited to see Maroo and they were speaking to each other in their own Tibetan Terrier language! I am sure that Maroo was telling them all about his new life and the others were telling him about how well they were finally feeling now that they had people who loved them taking great care of all of their needs.........I remember how happy Whisper was to see Maroo.......her little tail was wagging so fast and she was doing the famous TT dance that I have come to know all too well over the years.......The others were equally as happy and the day turned out to be more special than I could have hoped for.........

I do not know the two women who have decided to adopt Whisper and bring her into their lives but I can only imagine that they are two very special women to be doing this......And Jerry, who I believe is transporting Whisper to her new home since it is a distance away, somewhere upstate New York I have been told.......very kind of him to be doing this for her!

I love hearing the success stories regarding the Missouri rescue dogs......I have also heard that little "Fred" is in his new home too! .......without any details concerning this great news I really cannot say more than this right now but will as soon as I learn more....

I hope that Whisper's new family will be keeping us posted on her progress and new life in New York.........and will also be sending lots of pictures!

God bless you Whisper.......You have come so far and deserve the loving home that you now have!

a great sadness today......

A Tribute to Norma Jean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvux60fqNU8

It is with great sadness that I write this entry........During the early morning hours Norma Jean passed away and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I fell in love with this lovely Afghan the first time I saw her months ago at my handling class......I feel privileged to have been able to spend time with her and get to know her beautiful spirit. Her owners Larry and Loretta are devastated and need all the love and support friends can offer right now........Losing a dog in this untimely manner is a sadness that cuts right to the soul.....Only time can begin to heal these wounds. Norma Jean is now free to run with the countless others who have crossed before her.........her spirit will live and love til the end of time.


"Into The West"

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say:
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
And all will turn To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass Into the West

That's what friends are for...........

This morning I heard some bad news via an email from my friend Nancy.........Apparently Loretta had called Nancy sometime during the very early morning hours to inform her that "Norma Jean" the gorgeous blond Afghan had come down with what the Vet is calling "Canine Flu" There is also a strong chance that NJ may have contracted this flu at the Harrisburg Kennel Club show a little over a week ago when we were showing dogs there.........She became violently ill sometime during the night and was rushed to the Vet's office...........later this morning when all of the treatment at this Vet's office had be exhausted, she was transferred to C.A.R.E. (Center for Animal Referral) in Langhorne Pa....C.A.R.E is an awesome facility with a very state of the art Emergency Department. After I finished grooming my first client's dog this morning I took a long break and went over to Langhorne to be with Loretta, Larry (L's husband) and Nancy who had also left work early to be there.........I brought Maroo with me for the ride and for moral support since Loretta loves him so! I was able to bring him into the ER and held him in my arms the entire time since I did not feel good about letting his paws touch the floor........You never can be too careful at a Vet's office......too many germs on the floor from other dogs walking about......Before I headed up to see NJ, I stopped at a shop called the "Ave Maria" which sells numerous medals of saints and religious articles.........I found a very beautiful St Francis medal for pets which fastens to a crate or collar.........in addition I also picked up a holy card which had the St Francis prayer for pets on it.......I gave both of them to Loretta when I arrived...........St Francis is an amazing saint........He watches over all animals and especially those who are ill and in need of special care.....I asked the Vet Tech if it would be alright if we attached the medal to NJ's crate and she told me "absolutely"!!! NJ is listed in "critical condition" at the moment but the Vets are doing everything they can possibly do for her right now...........Loretta and Larry are on overdrive, with no sleep since the day before..........I am going to head back up there to spend some time with them in a short while and do what I can to lend a shoulder if needed......During my first visit Maroo sensed where he was and I knew without a doubt that he was feeling the turmoil of other animals which were there in need of help...........He is very much an Empath when it comes to other animals....he can sense when another dog is feeling fear and pain...........I have noticed this many times when I have had him with me at the grooming salon.........It is almost like he wants to comfort them..........considering where he came from and how much he had to depend on his dog family at the puppy mill I am not surprised that he can read the emotions of others. Many folks know about NJ and her illness and are praying for her.....If you are reading this I ask that you say a prayer for her too.....There are never too many prayers as far as I am concerned..........My little man Maroo would pray if he knew how..........I am sure of that :)

Just My Dog.......

JUST MY DOG

He is my other eyes that can see above

the clouds;

my other ears that hear above

the winds.

He is the part of me that can

reach out into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that

I am his reason for being:

by the way he rests against my leg;

by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;

by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.

(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.

When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.

When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.

When I am a fool, he ignores it.

When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man.

With him,I am all-powerful.

He is loyalty itself.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion.

With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.

He has brought me understandingwhere before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.

His presence by my side is protection against

my fears of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me...when ever...wherever--in case I need him.

And I expect I will--as I always have.

He is just my dog.

Copyright Gene Hill. All rights reserved.

*********************************************

The boy knows how to play!

Recently right before my eyes, Maroo has become "Mr Personality" in the play yard! He has always preferred dog over people from day one but I have noticed that lately he really is spending more time away from the back door and more time in the actual yard interacting with the other dogs.....Of course all of the dogs have been very patient and polite with him since his play skills left something to be desired at first but now it is very appropriate and actually pretty funny! He loves to weave himself under the bigger dogs and then jump on the backs of those he can and ride them around like a circus dog! This is one of the cutest things I think I have seen him do since he has come into my life........Once in awhile he will over step his boundaries and tick one of the girls off by being a bit too enthusiastic but they are never mean to him......It really is great seeing the progress he has been making now that the daylight is much longer at the end of the day and my guys can stay out in the yard playing on a warm spring evening.....Inside the house he has always been pretty good about picking and choosing toys and other dogs to amuse himself with.........But he has had spacial issues outside which are finally beginning to resolve! I could not be happier.........

Luna and Maroo's fabulous adventure.....

Well early this morning my sister and I were off to Timonium Maryland to show Luna at the Mount Vernon Tibetan Terrier clubs regional specialty.....After last week at the Harrisburg Pa show I was a bit apprehensive about bringing Luna back into the show ring again.....but after a weeks worth of training and bonding with me.......the work paid off! There was a huge difference in the show ring then her previous show.........During the ride down to the show site both Luna and Maroo snuggled and slept soundly on the dog bed which was placed securely in the van to avoid and possible injuries..........I always try to secure my dogs when traveling even it is just a short distance across town.........Both dogs seemed to enjoy the ride very much........occasionally Maroo would sit up and look out of the windows to see the world outside while it was passing by outside of the van......The one thing that has impressed me about Maroo is that he has never had any anxiety about riding in a car.......Since he has really had no history that I know of riding in cars I can only assume that this is all new to him..........I do know that when a very large truck passed by and makes that sound that we all know when trucks pass us on the road he does become a bit anxious, but so do I :) Right now I am dead tired from being up so early this morning to prepare and leave for the show........and Maroo is fast asleep at my feet right now............This has been the 4th dog show he has attended with me and each time has enjoyed the day out very much.........He is an excellent ambassador for our breed when I meet other dog folks at the shows and tell them all about his story.........He is learning to accept new people much easier than he did weeks ago.....still has long to go but he has a sparkle in his eyes these days...........and those who meet him for the first time are charmed with his very sweet nature........Oh well time to take a nap just like my boy Maroo is doing right now :)

Love can build a bridge......

I just realized today that I did not officially announce to anyone that I decided to adopt Maroo......Camille from the TTCA had asked me last week in an email if I had decided to adopt him or if I needed more time.........I explained to her that I could not imagine him going anywhere else then right here with me and my other dogs......we all have grown very attached to him and he fits right in to my canine family beautifully.......I do not remember which day it was but I had been thinking long and hard about the progress he has made and how I would feel if I had to let him move on to a new family.........it was then I realized that "I" was his new family and I could not part with him. At that very moment a song came on the radio which I had not heard for some time now........It was very popular back in the early 90s and was written and performed by the country/western group "The Judds" I believe it was the last song that they recorded and performed together as mother and daughter before Naomi had to retire from the business due to health problems..........the lyrics of this song resonated inside of me long after the song ended on the radio..........It was so fitting in relation to how I was feeling about Maroo that day.......If you have been in this situation perhaps you will know how I feel........a bit sentimental, yes.......but sometimes feelings can be very sentimental.....it is all good ......



I'd gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinkin'
Let me show you what love means

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?

I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart's desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time
Don't you think it's time

When we stand together
It's our finest hour
We can do anything,
anything
Keep believin' in the power

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time
Don't you think it's time

Love and only love
Love and only love

The White House has nothing on Maroo.......

With the news today of first family's new dog all over the television and internet, I have to say that I am disappointed that the Obamas did not decide on a "shelter dog" at the end of the day........Oh I understand that Senator Kennedy gave them this adorable puppy as a gift.......and that the PWD is a wonderful breed.......safe for the daughter who has allergies, but there was something about the hope of an unwanted puppy coming out of a life of turmoil to a life of privilege that gave many of us hope as well.

Spending time with the Missouri rescue TTs at the kennel when we visit each week has shown me something that I did not realize I had inside of myself.....or at least I did not think I had inside of me, that is humility....

Having purebred dogs from reputable breeders most of my life and really never taking a good hard look at the unwanted ones or the dogs which came from the horrors of a puppy mill has shown me that I am capable of sharing my life with a soul that has been damaged.......being able to accept love from a being that only knows how to give love because it is so primal to them and comes from the core of their existence.......not questioning this love.......taking it freely....

In the face of all that has happened to these dogs they still can give love to another being.......regardless if it is human or canine.......I have seen this in the way Maroo interacts with my other dogs and with me. The pure joy in his expression when he is happy playing or cuddling ....This is love at is very core. Seeing and feeling this has humbled me........and made me a better person....

This past weekend I purchased one of those magnetic signs for your car which was in the shape of a dog bone.........the saying read "I love my rescue" as I was showing it to my sister she informed me that there was another sign which was for sale..........this sign read "Who rescued Who?" I probably should have purchased this sign from the vendor at the dog show because those words are exactly how I feel right now......Who did rescue who?

Like Father, Like Son....

I am totally thrilled that Susan and Ira decided to foster "Archie" who is the Father of Maroo! This all happened in the blink of an eye between yesterday and today.......During our visit to the shelter yesterday Susan and I discussed the possibility of fostering Archie before he becomes adopted out to his "forever home" She needed the green light from Ira her husband first before jumping into this commitment.....Since Ira knows how important these rescue dogs are to her he agreed to bring Archie into their home.........So this morning with Maroo coming along for the ride we headed out to meet Camille at the shelter......Archie who is very sweet and fairly social greeted us when we stepped into the play yard.......almost like he knew we were coming back for him today! The ride back home in the van went very well......Archie sat on Susan's lap the entire time while Maroo kept giving him kisses every once in awhile......He handled the drive home with ease and did not seem to be distressed at all. After I dropped Susan and Ira off at their home I headed over to my house to begin the grooming process on Archie....His coat was a bit matted and tangled in places and he was in need of a good bath since he had been playing with his other TT family members at the shelter all week.....Once he was placed in the tub and the warm water started hitting his legs and feet he stood there and took the experience in stride.......He was very good about having his head and face washed as well........No trying to jump out of the tub what so ever! Once this part of the experience was completed we headed over to the grooming table to begin drying him with the power dryer......this was a bit unsettled for him because I have the feeling he never had a blow dryer used on his coat before.....with lots of words of encouragement and praise we got the job done! After he was dry I trimmed his feet and face up a bit to make him look more handsome then he already looked :) A stylish bandanna and a spritz of CK9 cologne finished the job! He looked awesome! Coat all shiny and smooth with no mats or tangles left to be found........At this point I decided to introduce him to my TT gang because they were just going nuts to meet this new little boy........in the play yard all went well.......no one got their nose out of joint and they all accepted him as one of the family! I called Susan to let her know how well he had done and then brought him over to the office where both of us needed to work this evening.......At the office Archie was "Mr Personality" with all of the new people he met........showing off his new look and bandanna the entire time :) He eventually fell asleep under my desk on the bed that I had brought here for Maroo when he comes to work with me........Right now he is resting .........He had a very busy day........and the best it yet to come....when he goes home with Susan after our work night is over.