Wednesday update

Many thanks to all of you who have checked or continue to check on Dolly's well being. She's doing somewhat better, but still not eating as well as she should. I finally decided to try canned dog food and she liked the chunky chicken, but would only eat a little bit this morning. However, she did request a bite of my breakfast sausage.

We've been walking 2 to 3 miles a day in good weather and she's showing improvement insofar as not wanting to pull me into a tree, just the pond. So far, I've managed to avoid getting my feet wet.

Yesterday we rode over to Lake Chatuge, which is one of my favorite places. As we walked around the edge of the lake, the excitement of smelling so many woodsy critters overrode her senses and she was in doggy heaven.

Plans for her fence are underway, more to keep other critters out than to keep her in.

Thanks for being there.

Big boo boo

The vet shaved around and cleaned her cheek wound yesterday. She ate well last night, as I made her plain rice with hamburger.

But today she has not eaten much at all. I may have to cook up some fresh chicken and see how that works.

Thanks for being there.

It's been a rough week.

Last Wednesday evening, I let Dolly out to roam in the yard a bit. This is something she's done many times before. She stays close by, doesn't bother anybody and enjoys dangling her paws over the porch step sniffing the evening breeze.

When I went out to check on her, I saw her by the front porch, wagging her tail in a friendly greeting to another dog, but could not see the dog. Then came the growls and the terror.

I grabbed the big shovel and ran down the steps. Sure enough, my neighbor's pit bull, who is known to thoroughly dislike other dogs had Dolly by the face. Whacking it on the back did no good and then they took off into the dark.

It seemed like an hour, but it was only a few minutes. All I heard from my neighbor was "I got 'em." No, I'm sorry is Dolly okay. No checking the next day to see how bad the injuries were.

No nothing.

When I calmed down, I called the sheriff, who came out right away, saw all the blood, and took my statement.

Then I took pictures. This was difficult, but it's important. Everything needs to be documented.

The next day I took her to the vet's office where she was checked out, wounds treated, and pictures taken. Due to all of her hair, they missed the wound on her face. I found it and will be taking her back for reassessment tomorrow. That too will be documented.

When I have the vet report and copies of all the pictures in hand, I'll call the dangerous animal control dept. After that I'll see my lawyer.

It's taken me a long time to learn the steps and follow through when something like this happens. And it's happened to me before in other states with other dogs and other neighbors. Each state has it's own set of laws so if you run into a problem with a dangerous animal, don't be afraid to document and follow through. Be sure to check out free legal aid if you need to.

Many people have pit bulls for a variety of reasons, but if they're aggressive, they need to be on a leash.

Unfortunately, the one that attacked Dolly seems to be left alone quite a bit.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks for being there.

No assembly required

If you have a featherweight, then you'll want to check out the Stanley tool carrier. It's not just for hammers anymore.

The exterior side pockets have room for small rulers and fabric packs. The interior pockets hide your extra bobbins and scissors. The hard plastic bottom protects your machine and the wide carrying strap makes it easy to haul around.

Recently on sale at Wal-Mart for only $15.00, I consider it a true bargain.

Here's Dolly doing her guard dog immitation. Good thing though, as a clan of coyotes has been seen in the immediate area.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Allow me to introduce to you . . .

a "gentleman quilter" by the name of Rob, who, I might add, does lovely work in wood. The Xmas ornaments are ready for hanging and come in several designs.
I also purchased lone star earrings, but I don't see them on his web site. Perhaps, if you mention that you saw his name on my blog, he'll work these into his product offering. He also has pins and jewelry boxes. You may want to shop for Christmas early, as these are unique and wonderful works of art, not mass produced by any means.

And of course, here's Dolly enjoying a bit of a rest between romps.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

This story was sent to me. . . .

. . .and Dolly asked that I share it with you. Enjoy!


Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.

The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.He said,''

People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''

Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!