Bob

Over seven years ago in a different life , a tiny kitten was left in a box , at the vets office. He was dirty , cold and broken . But Dr. Donna worked her magic and he survived and thrived. He was neutered and adopted out to a good family who promptly brought him back without giving a reason. We thought it odd because Bob was such a friendly little guy that everyone he met liked him at once. He went out again and came back again. He had no teeth left from his abuse and his back end was out of whack but he was a lover so I didn`t understand any of that.
I have a soft spot for orange male cats and asked if I could adopt him for my dog Ozzie. Dr. Donna said `Take him home and love him`. I did. So did Oz , Maggie, Tobey, Jack and my other male kitty Pekoe.
I did my best to keep Bob inside where he would be safe from the country creatures but he still got out on occasion and wandered over to see Oz when he was in the yard. Bob would help take out the garbage and meet visitors at their vehicles to say hi. He trusted the whole world , including dogs and other cats. And that turned out to be a bad thing.
Last Monday, Bob went out when the dogs did at six a.m. like always, but he never came back in.
The one foster dog I have here seemed to think Bob was fair game once he was outside.
I guess I can be thankful that dog broke his neck but I`m not. I couldn`t do anything but crate the dogs and take Bob to the vet for cremation. I think it took me quite some time to get out the door with him as I remember crying hard enough to make me sick. I kept telling myself that it was my fault because I had taught Bob to trust all dogs.
Well, the vet called Christmas Eve day to say that Bob was back . I picked up his remains and placed them on the mantle so he could share Christmas with me one more time. He`s still there in his little cedar box . Then again , he really isn`t. I have to believe that I will see him again . I have to believe that he is waiting for me at The Bridge with Maggie Dog, Pekoe, Kane and his dog Oz, who died last spring of a heart attack. When I have the courage, I`ll place his remains inside the china cabinet with the others to be buried with me when its my time.
I have no anger in me about Bob`s death. I do have an empty spot , a hole, a dark place and it will remain there until I`m finished grieving for my orange friend. Don`t know how long that will be .
Keep your fur friends safe . At least give it your best shot.

later

Christmas and Cats

I have a few beefs to get off my chest before the year is over.
The first and main one concerns cats.
Many good intentioned people will set out food for cats and kittens all summer. Then, when winter comes they call rescues to bring in those cats. Why? Obviously you have been feeding them, interacting with them and hoping the best for them, so why wait until now to find them shelter.
Once you feed a neighbour`s cat, it wont go away. Period. If you want the cat for yourself, bring it in and look after it. But don`t expect us all to have room for hundreds more cats at this time of year. And for gawds sake, keep the cats in the house , at all times.
Cats have become a throw away animal much like mice, rats,and rabbits . There are hundreds of homeless cats right here in this area. It doesn`t take a rocket scientist to figure out why that is the case. Cute fluffy kittens in the spring, turn into sexual beings around Christmas. If you have been an cat owner, you know what happens when the cat isn`t neutered. I truly feel that if a human adopts a kitten, that human should do so only if they realize the cost involved. We spend huge amounts of time and effort begging for money and supplies to keep our cats safe until a proper home is available. Right now we have 40 cats and kittens in care. Our foster homes are fighting Upper Respiratory and therefore cant take even one more cat or kitten until the virus is cleared up and the place is bleached.Vet bills are getting way up there and a bit scary. Cats, initially cost just as much as a dog to care for properly.
At least in my opinion this is the way it has been going. And yet adoption fees for cats have to be almost at a free level because there are just too many available for society to choose from.
Gee, I wonder who`s fault that is?? Mine? Yours? Yes, its our fault for not working harder to inform, educate and put a stop to indiscriminate breeding in the cat population. It cracks me up to see kittens for sale on the popular sites. FOR SALE!!!! ROFL.
We need to find a way to begin Neuter/Release programs for our Ferrel colonies and to build a clinic where neuter can be affordable to everyone who can get there.
Then theres the matter of the T.O Humane Society. In my opinion, Tim Trow is a gangster in a fat suit. He has caused endless suffering for thousands of animals in his charge ever since he was first elected to his post. I pray for Karma once again to intervene and put him in jail. He deserves no less that Vick for his actions . JMO of course.
There will be Christmas at my house . The animals and I will have each other and will be thankful for a roof, warmth, and food. I have become a bit jaded with family Christmas`. Theres always someone who didn't get what they wanted and someone who sits under the tree and cries for the past . This is a time for joy and singing. My kids will all go their own ways this year. My Mom will be happy at my sisters. I will enjoy the peace and love of my dogs and cats.
Being `animal poor` isnt always a bad thing when there is so much more to it than hair and slobber. I chose to be an animal mom. I live the life I have always wanted. My love and respect for Gods creatures overshadows the sadness that surrounds us all with wars, both National and family , death and taxes.
Its just better this way right now. Its been a horrible year for everyone. This one day of the year, I would like peace to surround me.
And all of you who read this drivel .
Tobey is still with me although not so quick as he was last winter. Here he is trying gallantly to get up the steps. Kira is in good shape . Jack is the look- out boy and takes his work seriously , especially at 2 am if a car goes by on the road.
I really do wish you all love and joy during this most Christian of seasons. Forget the gifts. This is the season of miracles, blessings and love.
So to all of you , Merry Christmas. May God Bless you .

4000 and counting

June 2008, Wag the Dog Blog posted this statistic.

Roughly 4000 dogs have been killed in Ontario since the ban was enacted - because of their appearance.

- The population of all three banned purebreds in Ontario is less than 1,000 and only one purebred is among the dead.

It is now June`09. Whats the count ? Do you care?

Does anyone wonder whats going on here or why they continue to kill dogs that have done absolutely nothing wrong but be born? MCGUITY SAYS IT MUST BE . HE IS THE NEW ALPHA AND OMEGA . IN HIS OWN MIND.

Here`s a posting from Nathan Winograd, No Kill Advocate and distinguished writer of Redemption. It is an actual excerpt from a pound log .

Puppy number 43063 was never put up for adoption and was killed for one reason and one reason only: Puppy number 43063 was identified by the shelter as a pit bull mix. On the puppy’s pre-euthanasia report, the official reason for euthanasia is typed in as “breed.” Let me repeat that. The recorded reason for why puppy number 43063 was killed under current shelter policies was “breed.” That reason at some point was crossed out in ink and “behavioral observations” was written in its place. Behavioral observations. The shelter’s canine behavior assessment for puppy number 43063 notes that the puppy, “Approaches the front of the kennel seeking evaluator’s attention. Happily greets evaluator. Is sociable. Initiates gentle, physical contact. Wanted to be in evaluator’s lap. Moves closer for further attention. In evaluator’s lap playing. Wiggly. Leans against you. Bouncing around. Very lovey.

O.K. got that??
Do you see what the Breed Specific Law is doing?
Yes, its killing innocent animals . But have you really looked into it?
The base of this law is to forbid we people of Ontario to possess the animal companions of our choice. Choice has been taken away.
Who are the ones to say what breed a dog is?? Anybody at the pound!! And they don`t know f___K all about dog breeds, let me tell you. They get warm furry bodies, wait 3 days and kill them off. These deadly , killing machines must die. Give me a friggin break.
The law says a pound `MAY` kill a suspected `pitbull or mix`` . It does not say they MUST kill the dogs . They have the option of sending the dog out of province themselves , or to a rescue that will whisk the dogs away to safety.
What happened to getting a second unbiased opinion? How about individual evaluations ?
MY point is, WHY SHOULD HAPPY , HEALTHY , INNOCENT PUPS HAVE TO EITHER DIE OR LEAVE??
This Liberal Government, under Mr McGuinty, has continued to chip away at my rights on a weekly basis. If I hadn`t gotten so riled about the BSL, I would never have awoke to see exactly what this scum sucking ass hole is doing.
He isn`t part of any democratic union that I can see. He is a little dictator, telling me what I can and cant do and what I can and cant own . I no linger have the right to choose the dog I want to share my life with. I no longer have the right to drink or smoke if I want to and where I want to.
I cant talk on my cell phone and drive. I never did because its stupid, but why the hell did a law have to be passed to say so. Drinking and driving is also stupid. Humans know that. Why lower .08 to .05? One is as bad as another but they had to have a law. Kids cant be in my car if I smoke. I know that. Why the need for yet another law.?? I am up to my neck in laws. I cant smoke on the street. I cant have a smoke with my coffee at a sidewalk cafe. I cant walk here or drive there. How many more friggin laws have to be written before someone gets angry and goes postal on McGuinty`s ass??
I am an adult. I have worked most of my life and paid my own way. I have raised a family.
MCGUINTY, STOP TAKING AWAY MY FREEDOM. I AM NOT AN AXE MURDERER OR TERRORIST. STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO.
I am quite capable of making my own choices and my own decisions.
This is my damn country and my damned money has paid his wages . Likely paid for his hospital bills when he was born. He and his over paid lackeys make all these petty laws to corner us , then he taxes the shit out of us so we cant afford to fight him on anything. If we try to fight him, he poo-poo`s us as the crazy minority.
Oh really!!!
My Grandfathers family , my grandmothers family, my father and my uncles fought for my freedoms. I am suppose to have freedoms...most of which have been taken away from me in my own home of Ontario. The Government has made sure that I will remain in poverty until I die. ( I didnt work for CAW companies to pay for a golden retirement and I certainly never worked for the government)
Will someone please kick this guy in the ass and tell him he`s wrong . Thousands of us `crazy dog people` have tried. He doesn`t hear us. Soon there will be no breeds that are safe in Ontariostan. This pitiful little man will continue to add more dog breeds to the endangered list as more dogs bite humans, because the voters allow him to continue. If this guy would see the light, dogs bite for a reason. We need to educate humans on how to associate with dogs, how to act around dogs, how to love dogs as they are and not keep thinking of them as four footed humans who understand what we are telling them. Dogs need to be taught with love and guidance .People are no different in that respect. He cant tell a hound from a hot dog for gawds sake and he aint all that good with us poo` folk either.
But I digress.
Please look at all the tiny new laws that the Fibrels have tabled lately.
Tell me there isnt one of them that you are upset about. Can you?
Do you see yet?
Its about rights and freedoms, folks. Now the OSPCA can come into my house and take my dog if they want to. Nice. My home is no longer my sanctuary and safe haven. My world is full of useless laws and so much tax that I find it difficult to remain calm .
The dogs are dying because no one cares about human rights.
For God Sake, Do Something.
When you do understand why we dog people are fighting so hard for the American Pitbull Terrier and their relatives, you will understand that the fight is about all of us , for all of us and not only my dogs.
There but for the grace of God go I.
Dead is Dead. We cant bring back thousands of innocent (dogs)(relatives ) but we can bring back some sense and our hard earned freedoms . But we have got to get it together .
Thanks Uncle Fred, Dad, Uncle Ang. I bet you are rolling over in your graves.
Later

Something has to give.

I am going to sue the Ontario Government for pain and suffering. I think about a trillion dollars will do. Our wonderful Supreme Court, in its infinite wisdom,has refused to hear arguments against the BSL. That`s so much bull. They haven`t even heard the friggin` evidence. The real evidence. Not the crap that spewed forth during the hearings. Everytime an innocent pup dies just because it might be a `pitbull` I get a little crazier, a little more cynical, a little more angry. And this isn`t just me. Thousands of us are at war here . We are all feeling the same way. I have a problem with public speaking so can`t even think about talking to these dummies. But there are intelligent , highly respected , good people out there that are fighting every minute of the day to save even one of the innocent dogs that pour through the pounds daily. And DIE. Mr McGuinty is an ass.
I no longer have any rights. You don`t either.
I do have a question. Why the hell do we have a humane society? ospca? whatever....
Why aren`t they putting their donation money into the fight against the BSL?
They know its wrong . They know its deadly. They are supposed to protect the animals and their rights. Why aren`t they doing that?
But I can answer that one myself, cant I? They get so much damn funding from the government they can`t kick up any dust. They can`t bite the hand that feeds them. How bout this , ass holes. No more donations for you until the BSL is thrown out.
And you can take your Animals for Research Act and stick it because you certainly don`t give a shit about animals at all unless there`s a big dollar sign attached to it.
I don`t think I`ve been this angry in my life. I want my family and friends and anyone who can see or hear me to check into the BSL., find the facts and not the gossip about `pitbulls` and join the fight. We have to do something before we aren`t allowed to own a poodle without worrying whether its a killer or not according to the government.
We already have all the laws we need to keep dangerous dogs under control. We already have laws that charge the owners of those dogs for harm done. We don`t need to kill innocent dogs for no reason.
All dogs deserve a fair and proper evaluation before they are even considered as dangerous. And even then they don`t need to die. There are ways to retrain dogs. Its the people I`m afraid of.
Later

I`ll see you again Rooster

Grief
by Norah Leney

Deep sobs -
That start beneath my heart
and hold my body in a grip that hurts.
The lump that swells inside my throat
brings pain that tries to choke.
Then tears course down my cheeks -

I drop my head in my so empty hands
abandoning myself to deep dark grief
and know that with the passing time
will come relief.

later

ROOSTER

2:00 a.m. I hear him whimper. Right on time for his night feeding. I pick up his warm little body and hold him close talking to him while I get him something to drink. He looks at me, sighs and takes his last breath. I`m numb. I sit cuddling and rocking him as I have done so often over the past week. If I let go of him now, it`s forever..I stay awake the rest of the night.

Six weeks ago I got a call from a great family who had brought home a two week old pup and really didn’t know how to care for a baby animal. They were directed to me and I took up the task. This was something I could do well, so I thought. Roosters
story started two weeks before that when he was born into a crack house situation . Rooster`s family, then Beau, saw an ad on the infamous KIJIJI for shepherd x pups and went to London to pick their new family member. There was a discussion of money, the deal was sealed that this baby boy would have a decent home in the near future. Shortly after that visit, our good family got a call to come and get their pup as Mom wasn’t feeding the babies and the woman wanted her money `right now`.
Mom WAS feeding the babies. Crack Addicts always find a way to get their fix.
And Beau came to my house. You all know about the special formulas and mixes and concoctions that we rescuers have come up with to give almost new borns the best possible chance so I wont go into that.
Beau and I settled into a routine of food , play, sleep and he thrived. He was doing very well, so well , I changed his name to Rooster because as soon as there was any light in the room , he would start a little puppy barking act . His little body got fat . He loved wandering in the grass and he was learning so much about life. He refused to eat any kibble but that didn’t concern me. I felt since he hadn’t had proper nourishment enwomb and after birth that he was enjoying the fabulous soft puppy meals he was getting on command. He was eating and drinking on his own so I sent him home to his good family.
But, I did tell them to get him to a vet for a check up asap. They did. He went down hill from there.
I hadn’t asked what breed he was when they needed help. When I was told ShepX, I felt someone either lied to them or there was something wrong with him. He was so tiny, so fragile, so loved.
. I was their last resort. I am humbled, and grateful at the same time. Knowing a special pup for a short time grows an old heart like mine a few sizes . There are more babies that need saving and I need more heart to do that, now that another piece is gone.
Something inside of me said this was going to be a life fight and I was right. The day they brought Rooster to me for the last time, I offered them one of the pups that were here . The good family now has the new family member they wanted. Rooster is safe in Gods arms , surrounded by other little guys like him .
And my heart is broken.
I`ll bury him under the biggest maple in the yard after I kiss him goodbye.
Later

Bichons and Doodles and puppies , Oh My!

Its spring at last. Our little group is getting noticed and my email is busy, busy.
With only two of the first set of pups left for adoption and the next set of 8 not ready for two weeks, I have time to concentrate on the other fur kids .
The little beagle boy that you see on our main page will need an operation so I have got to call in the troops and get fundraising like mad. I don`t think that the money fairy is going to drop a grand into our bank account to save a leg.
We sure could use some fosterhomes. The calls are increasing for surrenders and I have had to send a few dogs to other rescues .
This house is huge and hard for me to keep up. There aren`t many little houses out there that I can afford but if one comes up, I want to be prepared to move .
Little Mollycat, in fostercare, hasnt had her babies yet but Tiff and Tawny have managed to calm her down . Ferral cats are a difficult job to give to anyone but I`m proud of this family for stepping up.
I brought in a little Bichon boy who was scared of his own shadow a few weeks ago. He`s now ready for a home . One bio with pics coming up. Thanks Brenda.
Another young lady is having financial trouble so wants us to bring in her golden Doodle. It`ll happen , of course, but where the heck will I put her?
Foster anyone? Doodles are a handful at the best of times.
We`ve had a setback this month. We brought in a handsome large breed mix boy . Badly battered through out his life, he is now in quarantine for biting fostermom.
Its up to me to decide what to do with him. I know what should be done for the safety of others . I don`t want to do it. Any suggestions? Its been keeping me up at night.
Then there`s the 2 week old husky mix boy. His Dad called me with a different kind of story . The baby is now here with me until he can eat on his own . Good thing I`ve done this before , eh?
So now you know why my blogs have been so sparse. Its still raining out there. Got time to do some laundry .
later

Selma` s take on the BSL

I have borrowed a post from Caveat. Selma has been in the main arena , fighting the BSL legislation since before its inception and I follow her blog religiously .
When I learn how to post links, I`ll put it up on here for you to read for yourself.

Caveat said...
There is no pre-screening process so that owners have a clue that they may own Ontario 'pit bulls'. The only way they find out is when some cowboy of an AC officer who thinks he really knows his stuff points and says "that's a 'pit bull' who is too young, isn't wearing a muzzle, isn't neutered, blah blah blah".

There is no appeal of this arbitrary, subjective (and if you know dogs, usually hilarious in a gallows-humour kind of way) decision outside of the courtroom. There is nothing in the law about behaviour, it's all about looks. Not breed, mind you, looks.

In some cities, for example, AC officers hunting 'pit bulls' have targeted (both purebred and mixed) Viszlas, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Boxers, Boston terriers, Bullmastiffs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, French Bulldogs - there's more, but you get the picture.

Incidentally, nobody is obligated to identify a dog as a 'pit bull' or to enforce these regulations. Cities such as Ottawa have refused to try to enforce it and there are others. The only reason to ID a dog as a 'pit bull' under the law is because they want to kill the dog. There were already enough [unenforced] laws around to protect people from dangerous dogs but that's not what this is about.

There are fewer than 50 registered American Staff terriers in Ontario. There are about 300 each of Staff Bull and American Pit Bull terriers.

To get an idea of how rare they are here, there are roughly 3.5 million dogs in the province.

Once the magic words, 'pit bull', have been uttered by some flunky with no credentials, experience or training, the dog owner is presumed guilty. Wam bam, got ten grand? They must prove their dog is something that the govt can't define and that doesn't actually exist. There's no such thing as a 'pit bull' and while the law says 'substantially similar in physical characteristics' to the 3 (very different) banned breeds, it doesn't say how you prove your dog is not SS( substantially similar) to those breeds. It even advocates using breed standards to identify mongrels, when they aren't used to identify purebreds.

This garbage is a classic example of when people should know what they don't know. It's too bad only smart people understand that concept.

Kill numbers and outrage.

Where are the compassionate and caring human beings these days?
Kill numbers for local spca`s and pounds are available upon request to everyone.
I have to wonder why communities continue to pay $110 for every dog that is murdered at the local pound? Is it because they don`t see these dogs so its out of site out of mind?
Don`t these community leaders stop to think that it would be more cost effective and beneficial to their constituents , if these dogs were given back to their owners for a more reasonable amount or adopted or signed out to a rescue?
Perhaps its time to go to council myself and let them in on how much money they can save that could be invested in other things we all want.
When a pound kills 126 dogs in one year, City of Woodstock would pay them 126x$110 on top of their 90,000 bucks a year.
How much is a dog life worth to me? Much more than that. Much more than you will ever know. So, if I have to do this alone, I will but please do some reading and make yourself aware of what goes on at the budget meetings in your own area of Oxford.
Norwich , for example, gives the same pound, almost 10,000 a year plus the cost of killing any dogs that don`t get adopted, also $110 . Why?
Every single animal that is picked up, belongs to someone. Why cant the pound lower its release fees so the average family can afford to bring their dog home?
Why cant the city/township/county give some of the tag money back to the community so good people can have their pets neutered without taking out a bank loan? Or give them free rabies clinics so they can get a tag.
Please stop and figure out how many animals might be picked up and murdered in the whole of Oxford County and what the cost is to all of us.
I say, make the pound open its doors and its books to the public.
Have regular hours of operation so everyone can get there in time to save their pets.
Open on weekends so people looking to adopt, can go there to find a new family friend.
Order them to cease and desist the slaughter in the name of money.
And CATS. Why in the name of all that`s good would anyone try to make people buy tags for their cats? Most cats are indoors where they belong. If they get out, they will likely loose the tag anyway. The cat tag thing is a money grab, pure and simple. That money is to pay for the dead dogs at the pound, no doubt.
I am way past angry and really tired of hearing about animal overpopulation or unwanted animals. There aint no such thing. Every animal is wanted by someone, somewhere.
If you are using the bread bank, you likely have a hard time with tags and neuter.
But that doesn`t say you aren`t a good animal parent. It just says if your animal gets picked up and you have no money for three days, your pet dies. Simple. And the pound gets paid twice anyway. Is that fair? Just? Humane? No, but it is reality around here.
As for the spca...not missed at all. If you read its site, its says in little letters that they dont guarantee that any animal you bring in will stay alive. They are also lying to you when they say they arent government funded. Just google them to see how much money the government has given to them .
This bull____ has to stop in the name of all thats decent and good.
Give me some help here.
I`m mad as hell .
You should be too, even if you arent an animal lover/care giver.
later

Too much

Its days like this that would make a weaker person fold. It has just dawned on me that there must be a hundred dog foster homes in this little county and not one of them has a County dog in it. I have a zillion animals waiting to come into rescue and have to say no because there is no room for Oxford dogs and cats. Its maddening. I need some outside suggestions on how to rectify this situation. I shouldn`t have to shuffle and shuttle area dogs all over Ontario to keep them safe when there are places for them in this area.
I am one person. I have few helpers. I am feeling very overwhelmed right now. To all of you who have bailed on rescues everywhere, shame on you. It i`snt the government killing the animals anymore. Its people who promise a hundred percent to an animal and then dump it at the first sign of trouble of any kind. Get a grip. Do some reading. And before you volunteer your time, make sure you have some to give. Before you adopt an animal, do your damn homework and figure out how much this is going to cost you in time and effort, not to mention the money. I am so sick of hearing all the lame excuses. Rescuers everywhere make a joke of the` excuse list` We have heard every single one of them. And if we are given a new one , we share with the others so they, too, can have a laugh . A hollow laugh is better than none but very bitter in the light of what may happen to said animal if we don`t find space.
We need rescuers on every corner of every street of every city, town, village, or country mile in order to finish what we have started. That is, to end the unnecessary deaths in pounds and shelters and to educate humans on how to care for the animals they choose to bring into their lives. Its a simple concept and it can be done. But..But...we ...I need help. WE/I cant keep doing this by myself. Step up for heavens sake. Do something. Be part of the solution.
I`m tired.
Maybe later

and the light went on

Other bloggers in the animal word have so much more insight and have done many hours more research than I .
Upon reading the following blog just now, I became extremely angry( not at the blogger but at humanity) but also very enlightened.
I wish to share this persons views with you .
I keep saying that rescuers must stick together for the sake of the animals. And now I know that I am more animal than human which is quite a statement.
Read the piece and see whether you may be an animal too. Makes me want fight on !
The blog is quite explicit. If you have a weak stomach, ...........

http://onebarkatatime.blogspot.com/

later

GOOD Morning

And how have things been at your house?
I heard through the grapevine this week , that our local pound, Hillside Kennels, had called a Rescue group to take in a dog. Knowing the history of this place made me a bit skeptical to say the least. I did some digging around, asked some questions, and found out that `yes` they will call a Rescue to take in a dog . But so far its only the single breeds , and not very often . Still, its a start and I have to commend the ladies out there for at least making the effort . I`m not sure where they get the Rescues names from but , you know that I`ll be trying to get ours on that list . Mutts are just as worthy of life as a single breed,for sure.
I`ve had several calls this week for surrenders. As the economy dips lower, and people have to move to smaller digs, the animals have to go( but its against the law to discriminate against a person with pets trying to rent). So if you want to foster, let me know. We can save one more together.
Its been a good week for the cats. Two more babies have good homes. Strange that the cats are getting homes and the dogs are being evicted. But then again, cats are more portable . However, they do get quite upset with change so I hope any new kitty owners don`t move around too much or the cat will have a meltdown.
I put out bird food this year to see what would come by for a snack. The usual's are here;Blue Jays, Cardinals,Black Caps,and the like. I left some flowers up, too, so they could munch on the heads where the seeds are still hanging on and the birds are coming right up to the porch. My cats sure enjoy watching , with their little jaws quivering and their weird little hunting sounds . Neat! Who needs T.V.?
But it seems I have also attracted some other critters . Rabbits are normal. Deer are normal.The neighbors cats are normal. But this year, there are other tracks out there in the mornings. I don`t know if its a wild dog or a stray, but it keeps coming back and going to the back door. You know me. I`ve started to put any kibble that gets swept up and any left overs with stale bread out in the wind-row for him/her. I don`t mind having this creature around but Jack starts barking about 4 am and doesn`t quit until I get up. He takes off outside and barks his face off but I cant see a damned thing in the dark so have no idea whats out there . This morning it was 5 am so our guest must have slept in. And I got an extra hour .YAY!!
Well, things are almost back to normal around here and it`s almost spring( I start counting down to spring as soon as Christmas is over with), so I guess I`ll make it to another birthday. Don`t know what lies ahead for us but I`m ready to do what I can for the animals.
When you get time, have a look at the Caveat Blog.I don`t know how to do this right, so I`ll just give you the whole thing. Maybe I should just learn how and save some words.
http://caveat.blogware.com/blog
Selma knows her stuff and there are links on her site for other great bloggers with thoughts to share.
later

The new is still old

And a Happy New Year to you . Or at least give it your best shot.
Sitting here this morning waiting for the bondo to dry on my water tank so I can run water again , I got to thinking how the other half lives. If I didnt have something go wrong or break down around here at least once a month, I would be thinking I was asleep and dreaming. With old age comes patience and acceptance of things I do not have control over. This includes the weather and how fast people drive on my road. Things break. I have the good fortune of being taught alot of weird things in my life by the men in my life( Grampa, Dad, and so on). Every human can teach us something . It may seem silly at the time but believe me, it will come in handy eventually . And me being somewhat of a hermitess, I depend on myself and my knowlege to get me through the day. Remember McGiver? ( is that how to spell his name?) He could make stuff out of paperclips and elastic bands to defeat his enemy of the day. My enemy is an old house with old pipes and wiring.
I am blathering .
But there is something more pressing on my mind today.
I recently went into Pet Crazy in Woodstock to see about having a cat day with them.
I discovered that they are now selling puppies, for outrageous prices, FROM QUEBEC. I dont know if you keep up with this stuff but most of Canada`s puppy mills are in Quebec. I mentioned that it was a sad thing to see since there are hundreds of pups looking for homes and are in a rescue situation right here in Ontario. I got the feeling that the staff is unaware of exactly where these pups might have originated from so I`m not going to smear them at all.
I am going to look into this further though and will keep you informed. I wonder if I can get a straight answer from Pet Crazy`s home base?
A few months ago, we received an advertising email that made it through our filters from a dog broker just down the road near T.O. We looked into it and surmised from all the info that this person was a broker and the dogs were from that areas Mennonites.
We have the same problem right here in Oxford but I know for a fact that they are being watched carefully by our local SPCA . who are doing the right thing by trying to stop this nonsense but are getting shut out at the door and are being given misinformation by the breeders.
I am grateful to our local group for going after Trails End even when is wasn`t their jurisdiction.
London is now there every time there`s an animal auction , making sure the animals are being cared for properly . Its a start. Now to get it shut down completely. I doubt if that will happen but these animal brokers are now aware they are being watched so may be treating their property a bit more humanely.
So now lets see if that bondo held.
later