Whiplash. That's what it feels like, at least. Balmy temps for a day or two, then WHAM! Sub freezing. It makes negotiating the ups and downs of the LLF terrain an adventure. I am determined to make this the first winter in a long time that I don't have a major fall. With the melting snow during the day, then freezing into sheet ice overnight, it's been a challenge. Not to mention having to chop the gates out of the grip of two-three inches of ice on a regular basis. As I sit here this morning trying to get the feeling back into my fingers, the sun is shining, it's 15 degrees and the wind is whistling outside of my window. I managed to chop my gate to the chicken yard free of the ice (with only a small sacrifice of one of the vertical boards), schlepped 100 lbs of poultry feed and a bale of shavings back there, then wrenched the gate closed and prayed that would hold me until the Ice Age passed. It's getting old, folks.
I spent most of Friday in my car - a three hour round trip to get sheep minerals, followed by a two-and-a-half hour round trip to take my car up for some repairs, followed by an hour round trip to do most of my weekend errands. I managed to get into and out of Tractor Supply WITHOUT chicks. It was painful - but I kept telling myself there was no place to put them. I almost ran out the door, but made it out chick-less.
With camera in hand, I have been milling around taking pictures of the interior of the house and trying to shine a favorable light on my boy. We are in the process of negotiating for a sister for Scrappy. After many disappointing attempts to find a suitable, adoptable dog locally*, we ended up contacting a great rescue group out of Mobile, Alabama. If all goes well, Lovie will be joining us the first part of April. And Gunner. Yes, this is what happens when I am not under adult supervision. We are adopting two dogs. BUT, in my own defense, one is a very little dog. So I am counting it as one-and-a-half dogs. Lovie is a delightful, playful, sweet natured Pit/Hound mix, who looks a lot like Scrappy. They could be mistaken as, well, brother and sister. Gunner is a 10 lb dachshund mix with the family trait of one ear up, one ear down. And - as if I needed one more reason to justify the multiple addition - Lovie's foster mom and a couple of other volunteers are driving them up, with ten other dogs who are going to NE rescue groups. One of the biggest problems with the southern rescues is that, not only do they have a bumper crop of homeless dogs (as do ALL parts of the country), but there are more high-kill shelters than there are up here. Apparently, there is room at the inn up north and, as Lovie's FM was going to be coming up anyway...
I have pictures of both dogs on the fridge, and I point them out to Scrappy at every possible occasion. It's a good thing there is no one of a two-legged stature, listening to this insanity. I'm starting to get a glimpse of what I will be in 30 years. And, frankly, it could be worse. Maybe my nephew will make a documentary about his crazy ole auntie.
*Is it just me, or is demanding over $300 for a rescue hybrid a bad idea? I realize how much money and time is put into these dogs, but, c'mon, people. That's a heck of a lot of money. I am also sure that it's done to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, and deter people with evil intentions, but it also deters those of us who just want to give them a loving, good home.
9 comments:
Whiplash. That's one of the best descriptions I've heard of what our weather has been like. Geesh. We had -8° this morning after a couple of days when we could almost (with a good imagination) see the snow level going down. Spring is not easy in the north, is it?
Best of luck to you and the upcoming arrival of the two new furry kids. You, my dear, are an angel in muck boots. (With grippers on them.)
I wish the temperature would decide where they want to be, just so I know how many blankets to put on the bed at night, I am either sweating or freezing.
It costs more than $300 where I live for vet checks, neutering, immunizations, microchipping, flea treatments & grooming, which most rescue dogs need when when "rescued". Try adopting a $40 dog from the local animal control and getting all of the above and you'll end up paying more. No to mention the groups have gas and admin expenses.
I made the mistake of saying my land was beginging to dry out, it promptly rained for three days straight. I'm looking for a dog too (or two). Really don't know what to make of the fees. No doubt there are costs but sometimes it seems a bit steep.
Dog adoption has become "trendy" and I think this has driven the cost up more than it should be...plus...this is going to sound harsh but we have to get a grip on reality somewhere...some dogs with extreme medical conditions should be humanely euthanised. Our neighbor adopted a 12 year old Mixed breed with a heart condition and asthma who is now costing them a terrible amount in Vet fees. He may need surgery and the vet is pushing them toward the operation. This dog is 12 years Old....I may sound hard but I love animals but they do need quality of life not the stress and agony of things they do not understand. Sorry for the rant! Hang in there with the ice....try old fashioned Kitty litter on the worst patches of it. NOT CLUMPING...it just gets dreadful and sticky gooey etc!
that is great news about the new pups! i had trouble leaving tractor supply without chicks and ducks too!
$300 for a rescue dog a bad idea? YES! I would and check your local shelters and wait if it were me. That's horrendous. We paid $20.00 for Anya, and more for our 2 dogs from the Humane Society. Unless you have $$$ to burn, I'd wait.
Congrats on the new additions!!! The cost of adopting at some places really has gotten crazy. So glad that you were able to find a situation that works and is still adoption!
I forgot- We're going to have whiplash too- 69 today (unreal!), high of 49 tomorrow, with lots of wind...
Whiplash yes that is a good name:)I honestly don't know anyone who could possibly pay that much for a dog and give it the love that they have to share, and that is sad. Hug B
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