tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12943639752919862832024-03-08T15:25:32.298-06:00Journey to Best FriendsMarch 2008Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-84017708584555179372008-05-21T14:50:00.005-05:002008-11-06T21:06:13.257-06:00Thursday, March 6thLong overdue, I know...I don't have a ton of pictures from this morning as I did a lot of actual physical work. ;)<br /><br /><div><div>We took Miss Bonnie Belle back to Dog Headquarters this morning and turned in her excellent report. She's a doll and her new family is so lucky! I was planning on working at the Lodges today, but Jorge was in the Gardens alone and needed some help. I had a great time with him the day before so I volunteered to head over there to help out. First, however, I couldn't pass up puppy class with the "coffee" dogs...they were all named after coffee drinks. Here's Cathi with one of the pups...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202925619276572754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBSNHCaFI/AAAAAAAAEIo/tS473incNw0/s400/p289029883-3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>After that I headed to the Gardens where Jorge and I proceeded to clean both octagons. Let me tell you...it's a LOT of work. These buildings are kept spotless, they smell great, the dogs are clean and happy but it doesn't happen magically. My rear was dragging by lunchtime. It felt good, though...much better than sitting at a desk all morning. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926173327353986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBydHCaII/AAAAAAAAEJA/PAHU92XDcNU/s400/p489601598-3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926169032386674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSByNHCaHI/AAAAAAAAEI4/AQO2UXoiMw0/s400/p399896746-3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>A few of the Garden pups...including Bonnie Belle and her roomies. :) (I don't have my journal handy so I'll come back and label the pics)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926186212255890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBzNHCaJI/AAAAAAAAEJI/_ljpbfuSbt8/s400/p523480772-3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926753147939074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSCUNHCaQI/AAAAAAAAEKA/gzC9QwiwBXg/s400/p1059812497-3.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202925597801736226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBQ9HCaCI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/RfHaTg-NMIw/s400/p67495639-3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202925610686638146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBRtHCaEI/AAAAAAAAEIg/4DyVLIB2Fw8/s400/p251634753-3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202925623571540066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBSdHCaGI/AAAAAAAAEIw/1Zre_0em-GY/s400/p293086414-3.jpg" border="0" />Long before I came to BF I saw a boy on their site that I just fell in love with....total love. I hadn't seen him yet this week and when I asked Jorge he took me right over. As soon as I saw Ozzie's face I was smitten. He had came from a California rescue that had closed down, he was then adopted and returned after a couple years for "not bonding enough". Sigh. Don't even get me started.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926194802190514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSBztHCaLI/AAAAAAAAEJY/o72QJLg_kgA/s400/p845762463-3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926735968069842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSCTNHCaNI/AAAAAAAAEJo/XYoLTWdAVlk/s400/p898755705-3.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>There's a whole Ozzie post coming so I'll stop here about him but I can't say enough what an AWESOME dog he is. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202926740263037154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/SDSCTdHCaOI/AAAAAAAAEJw/jGj0SXZaRUc/s400/p1005709499-3.jpg" border="0" />By this time it was lunchtime and Jen and I were meeting up at the Sanctuary cafe. I could kick myself for not eating there everyday of the week...unbelievable food. I would be sooo much healthier if I ate like that everyday, I just need to find someone to make it! Or maybe I should move to Kanab. ;)</p><p>Next...after lunch we head to the Lodges where I lose my heart a hundred times over. ;)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-88065362897661856442008-04-25T14:23:00.002-05:002008-04-25T14:23:48.101-05:00Excuse # 54902372054OK, I really don't have an excuse except that life has gotten in the way. My goal this weekend is to finish this trip blog....so don't give up on me yet!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-78686368870101684422008-03-25T10:44:00.006-05:002008-11-06T21:06:17.927-06:00Wednesday, March 5thJazzy and I spent a cozy night in bed then decided to take the Canyon drive on the way back to DHQ in the morning. We stopped to visit with some of the horses by the Disney Barn...they didn't really care if we were there or not. ;)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181706332157540738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kedIqkeYI/AAAAAAAADxs/OVShDKjj90M/s400/DSCF0864.JPG" border="0" />After dropping her off I decided to explore Cats a bit more...I just love the buildings over here and the freedom the cats have. Truly a feline paradise. A few of the buildings...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181706370812246434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kefYqkeaI/AAAAAAAADx8/bSlV6HH9Skw/s400/DSCF0871.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181706387992115650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kegYqkecI/AAAAAAAADyM/khLAKCJu8ZU/s400/DSCF0874.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181706379402181042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kef4qkebI/AAAAAAAADyE/drr3mx7rAXw/s400/DSCF0873.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181706357927344530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-keeoqkeZI/AAAAAAAADx0/JVDzWM8RoIY/s400/DSCF0870.JPG" border="0" />I ate at the buffet on property today (it was AWESOME!) then decided to head to the Lodges to help out for the afternoon. I just want to say that this ended up being my favorite area at all of BF. Roger and Jorge were WONDERFUL to work with, I'm quite sure more fun could not be had picking up dog poop. Although many of these dogs were staff only I was still able to work with a lot of them and at least visit with others from afar. A few friends I made today...first up is Reuben. A very serious look from a very sweet pup.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181740150730029538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k9NoqkeeI/AAAAAAAADyc/qJgqwS6rEw8/s400/DSCF0884.JPG" border="0" />Next was a legend from the Best Friends forums...I had read all about Theresa online before my trip. She has quite the following of supporters. Photos do not do this girl justice...you just want to cuddle her to pieces! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181740159319964146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k9OIqkefI/AAAAAAAADyk/JEdnGlayECA/s400/DSCF0902.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181740167909898754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k9OoqkegI/AAAAAAAADys/0nJIPbspm14/s400/DSCF0905.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181740176499833362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k9PIqkehI/AAAAAAAADy0/t7yfjBDKG4M/s400/DSCF0906.JPG" border="0" />Ophelia was a doll too....I know I keep repeating myself but I can't believe there aren't people lined up to adopt these angels!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181740185089767970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k9PoqkeiI/AAAAAAAADy8/Fc5PmyEl7tw/s400/DSCF0910.JPG" border="0" />I have many more pics of the Lodge dogs but I'm going to make another post for those. I did help with feeding and such and will detail more in Thursdays account since I was more hands on then. A few pics of the "kitchen" for the Lodges...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181741276011461186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-PIqkekI/AAAAAAAADzM/Kz48UImV-_Y/s400/DSCF0955.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181741288896363090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-P4qkelI/AAAAAAAADzU/-SyvpXHmoSQ/s400/DSCF0956.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181741293191330402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-QIqkemI/AAAAAAAADzc/t0o4Wk0f9RY/s400/DSCF0957.JPG" border="0" />Oh...and darling Kima who is staying in the kitchen area for now. :) I read she had a scary bloat incident this past week but that she's doing better. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181741301781265010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-QoqkenI/AAAAAAAADzk/hRjscIX4Fh0/s400/DSCF0958.JPG" border="0" />I had to hurry back to DHQ where I found out that Miss Bonnie Belle needed a sleepover in order to be able to attend the mobile adoption this weekend. We headed back...she was such a cutie and I'm happy to report that she's found her forever home! :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181742014745836178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-6IqkepI/AAAAAAAADz0/5JEirkAU-Qc/s400/DSCF0965.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181742023335770786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-6oqkeqI/AAAAAAAADz8/FYCM39NlEjE/s400/DSCF0967.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181742031925705394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-7IqkerI/AAAAAAAAD0E/APw7rjjVZoA/s400/DSCF0968.JPG" border="0" />We spent a lot of time hanging out on the patio waiting for Jen and watching the horses. I didn't have enough zoom but you can kind of see the horse being exercised with the ATV out there. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181742006155901570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-k-5oqkeoI/AAAAAAAADzs/aYJ86EXtvsM/s400/DSCF0962.JPG" border="0" />Tomorrow is a super busy day...Gardens in the morning and Lodges in the afternoon. Stay tuned. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-74969729466467542902008-03-25T10:05:00.007-05:002008-11-06T21:06:20.310-06:00Tuesday, March 4thToday will be short and sweet since I woke up feeling very under the weather. Bessie did wonderful overnight, I "helped" her understand the joy of the bed and she didn't move until morning. When we woke up she would run around then hop back on the bed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181696977718769842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kV8oqkeLI/AAAAAAAADwE/ED11-p1r-bc/s400/DSCF0790.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181696960538900642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kV7oqkeKI/AAAAAAAADv8/G8eZTsQ56z4/s400/DSCF0787.JPG" border="0" />Bessie lives in Maggie's Mercantile and I can't stress enough what a complete sweetheart she is. Like so many others at BF I can't imagine why she hasn't been snatched up yet. With a heavy heart I took her back to Dog Headquarters later in the morning. :(<br /><br />Juliette @ DHQ asked if I could help with a dog that needed to have a sleepover that night. I said sure and I was promptly delivered a little ball of energy named Jazzy. Wow. She is a gorgeous Pit mix who has just the best personality ever. I can honestly say this dog LOVES love and if someone is looking for a complete cuddle-bug she's the dog for you. I quickly found out she is a big fan of riding around so I used the opportunity to explore some. She made quite the co-pilot.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181698584036538562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kXaIqkeMI/AAAAAAAADwM/SXyiCCnK1pM/s400/DSCF0792.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181698592626473170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kXaoqkeNI/AAAAAAAADwU/lca0MQNL49M/s400/DSCF0796.JPG" border="0" />We stopped by the little Memorial Park in town, it was very nice and Jazzy enjoyed checking everything out.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181698614101309682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kXb4qkePI/AAAAAAAADwk/nDoqt6ZNUDE/s400/DSCF0804.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181698626986211586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kXcoqkeQI/AAAAAAAADws/uSfT9gIFtZA/s400/DSCF0808.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700783059794194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kZaIqkeRI/AAAAAAAADw0/Wree8c7_M0U/s400/DSCF0811.JPG" border="0" />I decided to drive around and check out some local real estate. It didn't take me long to figure out I couldn't afford to move to Kanab anytime soon. ;)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181698601216407778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kXbIqkeOI/AAAAAAAADwc/cZBViN3h2jA/s400/DSCF0797.JPG" border="0" />We went through the Wendys drive-thru because I was craving a Frosty where Jazzy about crawled over my head just to say hello to the nice lady at the window with the food. ;) Check out her split-ear in this pic.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700795944696098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kZa4qkeSI/AAAAAAAADw8/9yqr07dxqQ0/s400/DSCF0820.JPG" border="0" />(She's hard to get pictures of....total ball of energy. That's my excuse for the shoddy pictures anyhow!) We drove out towards Zion but didn't actually enter the park. I came across the <a href="http://zionmountainresort.com/"><em><strong>Zion Mountain Resort</strong></em></a> which I thought was gorgeous.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700808829598002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kZboqkeTI/AAAAAAAADxE/uRwOD-99bwU/s400/DSCF0822.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700817419532610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kZcIqkeUI/AAAAAAAADxM/_nschRD-7o8/s400/DSCF0832.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700826009467218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kZcoqkeVI/AAAAAAAADxU/glKndX2npY4/s400/DSCF0834.JPG" border="0" />There was still quite a bit of snow here...we got out and played a bit but I don't think she was too enthused about cold paws so it didn't last long. I was still feeling a bit blah so we headed back for a quiet night in the cottage where she graciously let me share the couch and bed with her for the night. ;)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181703501774092642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kb4YqkeWI/AAAAAAAADxc/8pxd_pYrmME/s400/DSCF0844.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181703518953961842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R-kb5YqkeXI/AAAAAAAADxk/5bq6OE_w97M/s400/DSCF0856.JPG" border="0" />Wednesday...a drive through cats, an afternoon at the Lodges and Jen gets here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-47502273460985291552008-03-23T10:52:00.001-05:002008-03-23T10:53:28.188-05:00Apologies...I'm sorry I've gotten so far behind in posting....the rest of the pics are uploaded and edited so I'll be posting this week for sure.<br /><br />I'm a slacker! ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-86164119476020640112008-03-07T20:30:00.005-06:002008-11-06T21:06:22.085-06:00Monday, March 3rd Part 4If you're wondering if this blog will ever get past Monday don't worry, you're not the only one. Here is the last installment for the day. (Thank Dog) <div><div><br /><div>After wandering the horse pastures I had a couple hours to spare so I drove out to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park which is not far from the Sanctuary at all. It's really an awesome sight...coral pink (hence the name, duh) sand dunes as far as the eye can see. I guess it's a big ATV area, but it was empty when I was there except for critter footprints in the sand. The pictures don't do it justice, the sand was so smooth and pretty....it gave you the insane urge to make sand angels. I drove the (empty) campgrounds and it looks like a great place to camp if you were so inclined. I didnt really explore much for a couple reasons...there was quite the incline in some places and of course you're trudging through sand. I figured no matter how loud I blew my Dogtown whistle nobody could help me there if I keeled over. Plus I was a little creeped out being literally in the middle of nowhere without a soul in sight. (Yes, I took that pic of me with the self timer)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175195201472945586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9H8ncsZ3bI/AAAAAAAADng/yMEaX5Mms84/s400/DSCF7282.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175195222947782082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9H8ossZ3cI/AAAAAAAADno/l1fGeFUc7fs/s400/DSCF7284.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175196064761372114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9H9ZssZ3dI/AAAAAAAADnw/ibIZcLcoqLI/s400/DSCF7294.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175196069056339426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9H9Z8sZ3eI/AAAAAAAADn4/NqWTX-wCwYs/s400/DSCF7299.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175199071238479362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9IAIssZ3gI/AAAAAAAADoI/YsAOTHJ-W3o/s400/DSCF7319.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175199079828413970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9IAJMsZ3hI/AAAAAAAADoQ/33vA5W6Deuo/s400/DSCF7325.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175199097008283186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9IAKMsZ3jI/AAAAAAAADog/gpVyXf0U8uw/s400/DSCF7363.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175196077646274034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9H9acsZ3fI/AAAAAAAADoA/CjXZP5eIpIw/s400/DSCF7313.JPG" border="0" />Oh and look....more deer on the way out!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175199088418348578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9IAJssZ3iI/AAAAAAAADoY/UrKZTc9nuMI/s400/DSCF7355.JPG" border="0" />I got back to the Sanctuary just in time to pick up Miss. Bessie for another sleepover. I figured she came so far the first night that another night would do her good. Plus I'm totally in love with her. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-16383349321572073922008-03-06T20:05:00.008-06:002008-11-06T21:06:24.711-06:00Monday, March 3rd Part 3After my trip to Angels Rest I decided to take some time and visit the horse pastures. I *think* they said there were 30 something horses here including a couple of miniature horses. Most of them don't mind you walking up and petting them and seem pretty friendly. I don't know names, sorry...so I'm just posting a photo montage. :)<br /><br />Oh yea...the ones that don't look like horses are donkeys. In case you're not married and have never seen a jackass.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqY9QxjEI/AAAAAAAADnI/GyLOOXoOHHI/s1600-h/DSCF7412.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174823317587201090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqY9QxjEI/AAAAAAAADnI/GyLOOXoOHHI/s400/DSCF7412.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqZtQxjFI/AAAAAAAADnQ/2BK5q9HOzi0/s1600-h/DSCF7422.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174823330472102994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqZtQxjFI/AAAAAAAADnQ/2BK5q9HOzi0/s400/DSCF7422.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqaNQxjGI/AAAAAAAADnY/FzbcpWv4acc/s1600-h/DSCF7434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174823339062037602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CqaNQxjGI/AAAAAAAADnY/FzbcpWv4acc/s400/DSCF7434.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoP9QxjBI/AAAAAAAADmw/ors2137rTDw/s1600-h/DSCF7392.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174820963945122834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoP9QxjBI/AAAAAAAADmw/ors2137rTDw/s400/DSCF7392.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoQdQxjCI/AAAAAAAADm4/ggwKv0GB0VU/s1600-h/DSCF7395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174820972535057442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoQdQxjCI/AAAAAAAADm4/ggwKv0GB0VU/s400/DSCF7395.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoRNQxjDI/AAAAAAAADnA/Q7XgLwzGKLI/s1600-h/DSCF7401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174820985419959346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CoRNQxjDI/AAAAAAAADnA/Q7XgLwzGKLI/s400/DSCF7401.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CleNQxi8I/AAAAAAAADmI/Y4HS3Qz5cRQ/s1600-h/DSCF7374.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174817910223375298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9CleNQxi8I/AAAAAAAADmI/Y4HS3Qz5cRQ/s400/DSCF7374.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9Cle9Qxi9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/LHsui2nJ8e8/s1600-h/DSCF7378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174817923108277202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9Cle9Qxi9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/LHsui2nJ8e8/s400/DSCF7378.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9ClfdQxi-I/AAAAAAAADmY/Mo4K-QvJ8n4/s1600-h/DSCF7380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174817931698211810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9ClfdQxi-I/AAAAAAAADmY/Mo4K-QvJ8n4/s400/DSCF7380.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9Clf9Qxi_I/AAAAAAAADmg/7lHkb23yM00/s1600-h/DSCF7381.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174817940288146418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9Clf9Qxi_I/AAAAAAAADmg/7lHkb23yM00/s400/DSCF7381.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9ClgdQxjAI/AAAAAAAADmo/Rh7DP2oynM0/s1600-h/DSCF7386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174817948878081026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R9ClgdQxjAI/AAAAAAAADmo/Rh7DP2oynM0/s400/DSCF7386.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />Next...Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-2036897537405341232008-03-04T22:19:00.004-06:002008-11-06T21:06:27.971-06:00Monday, March 3rd Part 2<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174110494749985634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84iFNQxi2I/AAAAAAAADlY/d5dUwTcT16Y/s400/DSCF7476.JPG" border="0" />I went back to visit Angels Rest again, the weather was much nicer today. When I walked in a gentleman approached me, it was Lenny who takes care of the site. He asked if he could help me locate a specific memorial and when I told him no, that I was just visiting he said "Good, good, the kids love having visitors." You can tell he is a very kind soul who cares deeply about these animals. He later told me that the majority of the markers are only memorials and also that 90% were sanctuary animals. The second picture is the Old Friends memorial area, it's very touching. If you look around the "trees" with the chimes the memorial stones are two deep and make the shape of a rainbow. (Thanks to Lenny for that info too) I wish I had gotten better photos but will visit again this week. The site is more peaceful than I can describe, everytime the wind blows the chimes fill the air. While you would think it would be horribly sad and it is to an extent, it really shouldn't be. Yes, they are gone and we miss them horribly but these are the lucky ones. The ones that someone cared about and loved.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84gqtQxitI/AAAAAAAADkQ/X-UUIhLlOtM/s1600-h/DSCF7465.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174108939971824338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84gqtQxitI/AAAAAAAADkQ/X-UUIhLlOtM/s400/DSCF7465.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174108944266791650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84gq9QxiuI/AAAAAAAADkY/4f0b_uebn6c/s400/DSCF7466.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174112882751802258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84kQNQxi5I/AAAAAAAADlw/A5jGQuT8YJw/s400/DSCF7484.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174108970036595458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84gsdQxiwI/AAAAAAAADko/ZEOSEesHXWQ/s400/DSCF7470.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174108978626530066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84gs9QxixI/AAAAAAAADkw/KyHdvTRrYy4/s400/DSCF7471.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174110460390247202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84iDNQxiyI/AAAAAAAADk4/k0IltqEyD24/s400/DSCF7472.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174110468980181810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84iDtQxizI/AAAAAAAADlA/ZibuhKXchhU/s400/DSCF7473.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174110477570116418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84iENQxi0I/AAAAAAAADlI/vc-MqaAvtos/s400/DSCF7474.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174110486160051026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84iEtQxi1I/AAAAAAAADlQ/9K_-mm8x1hU/s400/DSCF7475.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174112874161867650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84kPtQxi4I/AAAAAAAADlo/q8JKSrE1-gA/s400/DSCF7479.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174112891341736866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84kQtQxi6I/AAAAAAAADl4/v7mv1o5J97E/s400/DSCF7485.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174112899931671474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84kRNQxi7I/AAAAAAAADmA/b0bQnMpU2GE/s400/DSCF7486.JPG" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-45233425386032042492008-03-04T21:24:00.006-06:002008-11-06T21:06:30.750-06:00Monday, March 3rd Part 1Weather: Cold but bearable with layers and no jacket :) The wind is almost gone, woohoo!<br /><div><div><div><br /><div>I woke up to Bessie smooshed against me and she finally wagged her tail when I started rubbing her tummy. I pulled myself up off the floor and hobbled out to the porch to sit with her a few minutes before having to take her back to Dogtown. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174095466659416562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84UadQxifI/AAAAAAAADig/g_LUcP0Gmws/s400/DSCF0737.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>After I dropped her off I headed to cats for the morning. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174095470954383874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84UatQxigI/AAAAAAAADio/h-Sef4X6zY0/s400/DSCF0740.JPG" border="0" />There are SO many cats here...on the tour Jennifer said there were close to 900 now. It's unbelievable, people need to spay and neuter damn it. Anyway, I discovered two things in cats...I can't take a cat picture worth a crap and there was no way I could keep up with names. I can't tell you how many pictures of cat butts I had to delete. Just not pretty. So here are the few that came out ok, not great, but ok. I sat on the floor and was literally covered with felines, I've never met so many loving cats in my life. They were competing for attention, I could have sat in there for hours.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174096763739540098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84Vl9QxioI/AAAAAAAADjo/28L4zMzbPpU/s400/DSCF0767.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174096729379801666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84Vj9QxikI/AAAAAAAADjI/igbu0-YdscM/s400/DSCF0759.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174097060092283538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84V3NQxipI/AAAAAAAADjw/19TUq1bK1Pc/s400/DSCF0755.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174096737969736274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84VkdQxilI/AAAAAAAADjQ/W8bA6zUuaUY/s400/DSCF0762.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174096746559670882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84Vk9QximI/AAAAAAAADjY/EccM-bd1FzA/s400/DSCF0764.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174096755149605490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84VldQxinI/AAAAAAAADjg/MCM85LYQeOc/s400/DSCF0765.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174095479544318482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84UbNQxihI/AAAAAAAADiw/6sc05lxxxm8/s400/DSCF0744.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174095492429220386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84Ub9QxiiI/AAAAAAAADi4/6dhYO8FW5pk/s400/DSCF0748.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174095501019154994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84UcdQxijI/AAAAAAAADjA/GLrmiidpYtg/s400/DSCF0751.JPG" border="0" />Told ya they weren't great. I will get pictures of the outside areas later in the week, it was just too cold. The cats have 24/7 access to the outside enclosures through kitty doors. What is very cool and you can't see from the pictures really is everything is cat accessible. The rafters, cubbies, shelves, etc. It's like cat paradise. Again, I'll get real pics when I go back. I headed out for lunch and passed by the bird building...I haven't been inside yet but it looks really nice.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174098894043318962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84Xh9QxirI/AAAAAAAADkA/lTITttrtzmI/s400/DSCF0780.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174098885453384354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84XhdQxiqI/AAAAAAAADj4/yuS2Ygm87RQ/s400/DSCF0779.JPG" border="0" />Look, S, another deer....in action!!! :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174098898338286274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84XiNQxisI/AAAAAAAADkI/FEQSV0HONKY/s400/DSCF0782.JPG" border="0" />Next...Angels Rest and visiting with the horses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-7480967565196485742008-03-04T20:52:00.004-06:002008-11-06T21:06:32.068-06:00Sunday, March 2nd Part 4Finally it's time to pick up my sleepover dog. When I walked Bessie earlier in the day I had a special connection with her plus I thought it would do her some good to have one on one time. I went to pick her up and she was so fearful, it just breaks your heart. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174088792280238450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84OV9QxiXI/AAAAAAAADhg/pKxYCWQLD_o/s400/DSCF0676.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div>We loaded up in the car and decided to drive the canyon road back to the cottage. It is undeveloped and runs along the canyon rim and connects on side of the sanctuary to the other. It is definitely not somewhere I would like to drive in bad weather. First we saw deer...she was VERY interested in them out the car window.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174088800870173058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84OWdQxiYI/AAAAAAAADho/mP3ASHAko3s/s400/DSCF0687.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174088809460107666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84OW9QxiZI/AAAAAAAADhw/L-PfR5XWFZY/s400/DSCF0693.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174088822345009570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84OXtQxiaI/AAAAAAAADh4/YwIdXJXZ5gg/s400/DSCF0710.JPG" border="0" />We stopped by Angels Rest, but it was just too windy and cold to walk around much. I will go later in the week and will post pictures. It's an incredible place. I was about to delete this picture, but ended up liking the way it looked.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174088830934944178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84OYNQxibI/AAAAAAAADiA/yN0ixDgYfO8/s400/DSCF7268.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Bessie and I got to the cottage and settled in. She's an exceptional girl, she really is. Loud noises really frighten her and she was so skittish. She finally would nose the plush toy around a little so that was good. It was like she wanted love and attention but was afraid to ask for it if that makes sense.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174090776555129282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84QJdQxicI/AAAAAAAADiI/Y23Svlc0xKI/s400/DSCF0725.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174090780850096594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84QJtQxidI/AAAAAAAADiQ/MXm1cBbEdZQ/s400/DSCF0731.JPG" border="0" />When I finally got in bed she kept peeking around the doorway of the bedroom. She'd take a few steps in then run back out. When I went back out to the living room about midnight she looked so pathetic lying there on the floor. I ended up hauling my blankets out and sleeping next to her on the floor. I woke up a few times during the night and everytime she was a little bit closer to me. Around 5 am when I woke up she was all the way against me and half way under the covers. :) I also realized I'm too old to sleep on the floor anymore, everything hurt the next day. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174090789440031202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R84QKNQxieI/AAAAAAAADiY/uclKyfRnVSA/s400/DSCF0727.JPG" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-77577332568803603672008-03-04T19:01:00.006-06:002008-11-06T21:06:35.428-06:00Sunday, March 2nd Part 3Finally to the dogs...After feeding at Old Friends it was time to socialize. The caregiver made mention that she thinks this is one of the most important things. (and personally my favorite) First I want to introduce you to Lobo, he is running free in the octagon. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174061008136800386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R831EtQxiII/AAAAAAAADfo/bmB2jwNzZHQ/s400/DSCF0537.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div>His caregiver said he had just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that is causing him neurological problems. He suffered from seizures all last week but she said he was looking better now. I hope he hangs in there, he's a big sweetheart.</div><br /><div>I need to find out his name (I forgot) but I just love this guy. He reminded me a lot of Tucker. You can see their runs have a lot of room with multiple doggy doors and different kinds of beds. All of them had at least one (and usually multiple) <a href="http://kuranda.com/catalog/index.php"><strong>Kuranda beds</strong> </a>which are great for the older dogs).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174061021021702290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R831FdQxiJI/AAAAAAAADfw/PDC00YSmqnc/s400/DSCF0563.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Here is Rusty...he came back to his run while I was there. He had just taken his cat test and passed with flying colors! He has a possible home in New York so that is great news. Rusty suffers from a LOT of allergies...including to sage which is not a good thing in this part of the country. He was originally purchased as a "sled dog" but was passed from one home to another before coming to BF. Hopefully he'll be headed North soon.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174062077583657138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R832C9QxiLI/AAAAAAAADgA/J2tMna-VaVs/s400/DSCF0592.JPG" border="0" />This cute guy is Ohio Patches. He is super shy and would only go as far as sticking his front legs in the doggie door while I visited with his roomies. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174062064698755234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R832CNQxiKI/AAAAAAAADf4/OF8Gt7WLGiI/s400/DSCF0578.JPG" border="0" /></div>Next up is Gwennie. She's a lover for sure and was so affectionate. She really needs a good home, I bet she'd be an awesome family member. Her people left her behind when they moved out of the country.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174062090468559042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R832DtQxiMI/AAAAAAAADgI/g3TOKxj66b8/s400/DSCF0618.JPG" border="0" />Be still my heart....here is Vern. He's a BIG boy who is very huggable. When he came to BF he had a bad problem of chewing his tail completely raw. He was put on medications including anxiety/depression meds and it has helped. He carried his ball the entire time I was in there and he is a doll. He came from a shelter in LA and although he moves a bit slow you can tell he loves attention.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174062103353460946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R832EdQxiNI/AAAAAAAADgQ/YA0pKJywSn4/s400/DSCF0623.JPG" border="0" />One of Vern's roomies is Brandon. He was so sweet, loving and inquisitive. He was determined to figure out what was in my bag. He finally gave up and took a nap instead.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174065474902788322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R835ItQxiOI/AAAAAAAADgY/PSZaKpEK-jw/s400/DSCF0631.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174065487787690226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R835JdQxiPI/AAAAAAAADgg/Jbd68SEVHSY/s400/DSCF0638.JPG" border="0" />I finally tore myself away from Vern and Brandon to visit the next run. First up is Sir Blackie, a black lab that is adorable. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174065496377624834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R835J9QxiQI/AAAAAAAADgo/0M4HIlRkCO4/s400/DSCF0655.JPG" border="0" />One of his roomies is Shasta, this picture doesn't do her justice. She is so pretty and her coat is gorgeous.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174065517852461346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R835LNQxiSI/AAAAAAAADg4/wEcF7lAutTM/s400/DSCF0660.JPG" border="0" />I would have more pictures of them both, but they share a run with the King of Attention Hogs, Droopy Dooley. He's got it all...a killer smile and is full of charm. I'm shocked he hasn't found a home yet.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174065504967559442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R835KdQxiRI/AAAAAAAADgw/zkzf7hkC4Co/s400/DSCF0658.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174069237294139698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R838jtQxiTI/AAAAAAAADhA/gxjO1tYyjzk/s400/DSCF0662.JPG" border="0" />The last run I visited that day was the home of Gramps and Maddie. Apparently Gramps is pretty grumpy about making sure he's always getting attention so if you're going to pet Maddie you better have a hand on him too. His highness first...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174069271653878098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R838ltQxiVI/AAAAAAAADhQ/tD12VnCSmpA/s400/DSCF0666.JPG" border="0" />Sweet Maddie was born in 95 and wasn't too interested in getting up. :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174069250179041602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R838kdQxiUI/AAAAAAAADhI/hKZPL4yDAbo/s400/DSCF0664.JPG" border="0" />Aside from the attention issue they seem to be great friends, Gramps was cleaning her ear when I left.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174069275948845410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R838l9QxiWI/AAAAAAAADhY/dRdw-bHNEXA/s400/DSCF0674.JPG" border="0" />I'll be back at Old Friends this week and will introduce some of the other dogs that live there. I wish more people would consider senior dogs, these guys were all angels and would be great family members. Up next, finally, is Bessie the sleepover dog. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-28155582982237272772008-03-04T17:42:00.006-06:002008-11-06T21:06:38.103-06:00Sunday, March 2nd Part 2I had an oh so exciting lunch at <a href="http://www.nedrascafe.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nedra's</span> Cafe</a>, it was actually really good although I'm not 100% comfortable with the whole eating alone in a sit-down restaurant thing yet. I checked back in at Dog Headquarters and saw they didn't have much help at Old Friends so I headed over there. I love the sign...."A Gated Community". :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174039236947576754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83hRdQxh7I/AAAAAAAADeA/dW9hC8Azt_o/s400/DSCF0531.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>The gates are gorgeous, I haven't gotten to take a picture of them closed so this is the best I can do. They were designed by a local artist.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174039258422413250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83hStQxh8I/AAAAAAAADeI/Udwil_NEFEc/s400/DSCF0533.JPG" border="0" />Old Friends is made up of two octagons that house (as you might have guessed) seniors and other special needs dogs. The floors have radiant heat to help with older joints and problems.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174039271307315154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83hTdQxh9I/AAAAAAAADeQ/rl4rAYHGKUQ/s400/DSCF0534.JPG" border="0" />I took a photo of this plaque in one of the octagons...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174039292782151666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83hUtQxh_I/AAAAAAAADeg/HZkTktnT1gU/s400/DSCF0554.JPG" border="0" />In case you can't read it...<br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dogtown</span> Heights, a Gated Community, was built thanks to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">generousity</span> of Homer and Dolores Harris who gave a matching grant of $500,000 to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Thousands of Best Friends members responded to this gift by donating the matching funds to build these state-of-the-art homes for the dogs who live at Best Friends."<br />Two of the octagons are named Dolores and Homer in their honor.</p><p>A few pics of the inside of one of the Old Friends buildings...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174041345776519170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83jMNQxiAI/AAAAAAAADeo/gZ1DwSTp6sY/s400/DSCF0556.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174041354366453778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83jMtQxiBI/AAAAAAAADew/exZXaIvCmXU/s400/DSCF0558.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174043175432587346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83k2tQxiFI/AAAAAAAADfQ/Je8VYAm5P-g/s400/DSCF0567.JPG" border="0" />The kitchen area where the food is prepared for both buildings:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174041371546322994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83jNtQxiDI/AAAAAAAADfA/WSmSrF3MCyU/s400/DSCF0564.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174041380136257602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83jONQxiEI/AAAAAAAADfI/vwXstKFEnyU/s400/DSCF0565.JPG" border="0" />Each of the runs have pictures of the residents and a chart showing any special issues.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174043192612456562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83k3tQxiHI/AAAAAAAADfg/QuPzqDhhFDo/s400/DSCF0560.JPG" border="0" />All of the dogs at BF are wearing one of four colors of martingale collars. There are signs posted to remind you of what each color means:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174041362956388386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83jNNQxiCI/AAAAAAAADe4/STmDLMjLtno/s400/DSCF0561.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Each of the runs have a large outdoor yard, the dogs have 24/7 indoor/outdoor access through doggy doors.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174043184022521954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83k3NQxiGI/AAAAAAAADfY/1ksJ_q1yJEo/s400/DSCF0575.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>After spending the afternoon here it is AMAZING how much work goes into it. Old Friends is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">immaculate</span>, the caregivers are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">knowledgeable</span> and kind and you can just tell the dogs are happy. I helped with feeding time and it put my rituals at home to shame. Both octagons get fed in not much more time than it takes me to feed the Brats. Everything is very regimented to avoid problems.<br /><br />If there are say three dogs in a run the following is done:<br />-One dog is blocked inside, the door covers for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">doggie</span> doors are installed<br />-One dog is tethered to the fencing to the right of the outside yard, the other to the left<br />-When you pick up the bowls in the kitchen they are stacked...the top one is the indoor dog, the second is the dog to the right side of the yard and the bottom is the left dog<br />-Depart the run and start the process for the next run of dogs<br />-As soon as the first run is finished eating you go in, collect all bowls and remove them completely from the run area<br />-Go back in, unleash the outside dogs and secure the leads on the fencing for next feeding and then remove the door covers for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">doggie</span> doors</p><p>Times a million runs. Or at least it feels like it. ;) There was a chore list on the wall:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174039279897249762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R83hT9Qxh-I/AAAAAAAADeY/9_bJHSVZlB0/s400/DSCF0553.JPG" border="0" /></p>OK, now this post has gotten too long so I'll continue on the next....socializing with some of the Old Friends and picking up Bessie. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-5696677102350780622008-03-02T23:12:00.009-06:002008-11-06T21:06:40.379-06:00Sunday, March 2nd Part 1Weather: I checked the weather from bed...it said 28 with a real feel of 12, it didn't exactly make me hop up. :) I had on long underwear, jeans, thick socks, tshirt, thermal shirt over it and was ok without a jacket. The wind was cutting though and strong, other than that it was bright and sunny. For anyone coming to visit - bring sunglasses that wrap around, the sand is brutal when it's windy.<br /><br /><div>I have to tell you that this is a good face to wake up to... (yes, I was a horrible roommate and fell asleep with his harness on) I don't think he moved all night except to nudge me over. I even had to get him out of bed to go out, he was content to just lie there. :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173380510105567842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uKKgjFgmI/AAAAAAAADcY/dVQ2mMyVYEI/s400/DSCF0479.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173380527285437042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uKLgjFgnI/AAAAAAAADcg/ErY41nFA0wk/s400/DSCF0480.JPG" border="0" />We played for a bit longer before it was time to go back to Dog Headquarters (DH). I know I took a million pics, but who can resist his face?!? I was excited to hear he might be going to his new home in Florida soon. Yay!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173380535875371650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uKMAjFgoI/AAAAAAAADco/T6fcdMa2rbE/s400/DSCF0491.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173380544465306258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uKMgjFgpI/AAAAAAAADcw/OB7vveZ0exI/s400/DSCF0493.JPG" border="0" />That's the last Spuds pic, I promise. For today anyhow.<br /><br /><div>I checked in at DH, they said they needed help over at Maggie's Mercantile (one of the dog areas) I headed over and started walking dogs....I saw this path a lot today. ;)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173380557350208162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uKNQjFgqI/AAAAAAAADc4/oluSdQ3EiZI/s400/DSCF0498.JPG" border="0" /></div><p>This handsome boy was the first one up....I think his name was Cody but I'm not 100%. I still hadn't grasped the concept of taking pics of the run charts yet. Thankfully I figured that out after lunch. I do remember he was incontinent though and his caregiver commented how much harder it was to find a home for dogs with this issue. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173383168690324146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uMlQjFgrI/AAAAAAAADdA/ZwONm9o1in4/s400/DSCF0500.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173383177280258754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uMlwjFgsI/AAAAAAAADdI/MJhIHooEM_Q/s400/DSCF0505.JPG" border="0" />Next up meet Saffron and then Lily....both were wonderful on their leashes and really enjoyed being out and about. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173383185870193362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uMmQjFgtI/AAAAAAAADdQ/r_tdMlkhkjQ/s400/DSCF0506.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173383194460127970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uMmwjFguI/AAAAAAAADdY/QDAmVGAZK38/s400/DSCF0515.JPG" border="0" />When my next little angel came out I fell in love. This is Bessie and although this isn't a very good picture of her there will be more later. I promptly signed up for her to be my sleepover dog tonight. :) Very shy and skittish she reminded me of Tucker so much. (not in looks obviously)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173383203050062578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uMnQjFgvI/AAAAAAAADdg/4HGqBe7_b6k/s400/DSCF0516.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Are you starting to see the large black dog pattern yet? So many of them. :(<br /><br />When I took Bessie back inside there sat Otis...he had waited patiently at his door for his turn for a walk. He has (I think she said) arthritis in his front legs and he walks with a very heavy limp. We headed out for a leisurely stroll at his pace...which was nice for me too at that point. (I blame the elevation. Ha)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173384487245284098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uNyAjFgwI/AAAAAAAADdo/PRsfsTAv7ew/s400/DSCF0520.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173384500130186002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uNywjFgxI/AAAAAAAADdw/VMg_hlrNCOA/s400/DSCF0521.JPG" border="0" />By then it was time for lunch, all the animal areas shut down from noon to 1 daily. I headed into town to find something since my grocery store stash was already looking bleak. I guess you can't live on PB&J and Oreos. Did I mention it was windy???? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173384508720120610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8uNzQjFgyI/AAAAAAAADd4/1Yg2oIODnEE/s400/DSCF0530.JPG" border="0" />Next up....the afternoon in Old Friends and my night with Bessie. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-42960102400144239052008-03-02T18:33:00.007-06:002008-11-06T21:06:43.888-06:00Saturday, March 1st Part 2I check in at the Welcome Center, paid for the cottage and found out that I could take the earlier tour. I met a really nice lady that is here from North Carolina for the week so we hung out until orientation started. Patti was wonderful and explained everything, gave us all the information, our badges and sent us to watch the video. Afterwards we hopped in the van with Jennifer and several other day visitors to take the 90 minute tour. I had not taken the tour since 99 and SO much has changed and grown. It's just unbelievable.<br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div>We stopped at one of the cat lodges where I was all excited, went to pull out the camera and it wasn't there. Soooo we toured one section there where I spent the time worrying I had lost one of the cameras on the first day so there is no cat pics yet. Thankfully it had just fallen out in the van so that was a relief. We stopped by the Dotty Octagon (at the Fairway I think) but it was kind of rushed so I snapped a quick couple of pictures. It wasn't until today that I learned to take pictures then ALSO take a pic of the cage cards to match faces with names later. Duh.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173309385447145810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tJegjFgVI/AAAAAAAADaQ/IPgournJNwA/s400/DSCF0361.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173309415511916898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tJgQjFgWI/AAAAAAAADaY/s4DG_0mO7G0/s400/DSCF0363.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173309432691786098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tJhQjFgXI/AAAAAAAADag/soXea7Dk9W8/s400/DSCF0367.JPG" border="0" />I think that last guys name was Joey...he had just moved over from another area to be somewhere warmer with his joint issues.<br /><br /><div>We finished up the tour and headed back to the Welcome Center. By that time I was getting antsy to get back to Dog Headquarters to get a sleepover dog for the night since you need to do that by 4. The sleepovers while great for the people are really to help the dogs. It gives them a chance for more one on one interaction and to see how they react to things. I finally get over there and they said they were out of room for a few dogs. When that happened they have to sleep overnight in crates and Don suggested I take Spuds. I agreed, not having any idea of what Spuds looked like so you can imagine my surprise when he came around the corner. :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173309449871655298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tJiQjFgYI/AAAAAAAADao/ig5bJQFMTYo/s400/DSCF0371.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><p>Spuds has a GIANT head. HUGE. He is Pit Bull/American Staf mix and his profile says he weighs 61 pounds. That said, he's THE biggest baby I think I've ever met.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173309458461589906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tJiwjFgZI/AAAAAAAADaw/vyzlrwqQBf4/s400/DSCF0373.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>We settled in at the cottage...he made himself at home quickly and popped the tennis ball that came with him in about five minutes flat. :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173312941680066978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tMtgjFgaI/AAAAAAAADa4/rCfYKYI-8ug/s400/DSCF0382.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173312950270001586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tMuAjFgbI/AAAAAAAADbA/fUUVqmMFywg/s400/DSCF0384.JPG" border="0" />We decided to take a walk back behind the cottage, there is still a lot of snow & ice left in places from last month. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173312963154903490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tMuwjFgcI/AAAAAAAADbI/Fi77zUh_SnU/s400/DSCF0386.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173312976039805394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tMvgjFgdI/AAAAAAAADbQ/ErRFOqnzWKk/s400/DSCF0391.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173312980334772706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tMvwjFgeI/AAAAAAAADbY/N5iYYG-zMZQ/s400/DSCF0396.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173314535112933874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOKQjFgfI/AAAAAAAADbg/0atIGNj660E/s400/DSCF0403.JPG" border="0" />I took Spuds to visit some of the horses...I was curious as to what his reaction would be. I'm happy to report that he couldn't have cared less.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173314543702868482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOKwjFggI/AAAAAAAADbo/JjJrE_QoRWo/s400/DSCF0411.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173314556587770386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOLgjFghI/AAAAAAAADbw/gTwPOLW_yDo/s400/DSCF0421.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173314573767639586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOMgjFgiI/AAAAAAAADb4/jcGHMUY4Czg/s400/DSCF0432.JPG" border="0" />We headed back to the cottage where he took a quick nap on Jen's bed (ha)...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173314582357574194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tONAjFgjI/AAAAAAAADcA/9vxgsEqvsmo/s400/DSCF0453.JPG" border="0" />He slept while I unpacked my suitcases...until he saw the toy donation bag open. Green stuffy man lost his life in less than three minutes. I took the rest of the stuffing out and he played with the carcass for at least an hour. This boy LOVES to play.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173315222307701314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOyQjFgkI/AAAAAAAADcI/wSDOwgHlx6E/s400/DSCF0460.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Another nap on the couch and I couldn't stay up any longer. At this point it was only 9:30, but I was exhausted. He made sure to plop himself smack in the middle of my bed and that's where he stayed until morning.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173315230897635922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tOywjFglI/AAAAAAAADcQ/clgwb9LSHUA/s400/DSCF0467.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Whoever adopts this guy is one lucky person. He's got it all...looks, personality plus he's so much fun. He had on the harness and is known to pull but he was a doll on the leash the entire time. Sunday....we have a "sleep in" pass so Spuds doesn't have to be back at Dogtown till 10. Dogs are the agenda for the day and a new sleepover pal.</p><p>If anyone is interested the rest of the days pictures are at the link below. I haven't taken the time to edit, label or put in order but at least I got them uploaded. ;) If you click on the slideshow button at the top of the page you can then adjust the speed.</p><p><a href="http://thebratpack.zenfolio.com/p132152368/">http://thebratpack.zenfolio.com/p132152368/</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-25682662448244998322008-03-02T17:53:00.006-06:002008-11-06T21:06:46.661-06:00Saturday, March 1st Part IWeather...Warm and sunny! Gorgeous day, I was comfortable in a long sleeve shirt, vest and jeans. Low 60's probably.<br /><br /><div><div><div>It's hard to know where to even start so I'll try to go in order. ;) My flight on US Air was great, I had actually never flown with them before. An entire exit row to myself so I can't ask for much more. I ended up upgrading to a small SUV for only $5 more a day once I got to the Avis counter. The Vegas airport wasn't what I expected and I found it a bit smelly IMO. I didn't even get out of the secured area before losing a dollar on the slots so I kept walking after that. I do like how there is just one rental bus to all of the car companies, plus they were constant so there was hardly any wait. I know, nobody cares about the airport, just get to the animals. </div><br /><div>There looked to be a ton of construction along the strip, the parts I saw looked very nice and I was happy to see my hotel for next weekend as soon as the plane landed. I have to say that once I was past that I wasn't horribly impressed with Vegas, hopefully I'll get to see more later. The drive to Kanab was pretty easy even though I was worried at some of the cryptic directions. A little before St. George the scenary really was gorgeous so I started my, umm, talent of taking pictures while driving. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173300052483211410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tA_QjFgJI/AAAAAAAADYw/X3tEz_prMA4/s400/DSCF0272.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173300073958047906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tBAgjFgKI/AAAAAAAADY4/_-Ui8WvqvR4/s400/DSCF0298.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173300086842949810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tBBQjFgLI/AAAAAAAADZA/7N9iT9LfLSM/s400/DSCF0300.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173300104022819010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tBCQjFgMI/AAAAAAAADZI/Nsmp4Zm4gLc/s400/DSCF0292.JPG" border="0" /> About 3.5 hours into the drive I saw the first Best Friends sign so I was pretty excited. Once I got into Kanab I decided I had better stop for some food so I don't starve at the cottage. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173300116907720914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tBDAjFgNI/AAAAAAAADZQ/JnnflpUzycA/s400/DSCF0313.JPG" border="0" />Loaded up with stuff for PB&Js, chips and Oreos (it's vacation, I can eat what I want) I headed out of town towards Angel Canyon. This was by far the best part of the drive so far.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173303140564697314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tDzAjFgOI/AAAAAAAADZY/piz6gHAaaOc/s400/DSCF0325.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173303166334501106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tD0gjFgPI/AAAAAAAADZg/2QBymuov9mo/s400/DSCF0329.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173303196399272210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tD2QjFgRI/AAAAAAAADZw/pT_TiatYrYY/s400/DSCF0351.JPG" border="0" />Finally I saw THE sign and I was there!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173303174924435714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tD1AjFgQI/AAAAAAAADZo/1XGBVyMlXY8/s400/DSCF0348.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>You turn right directly after the sign and around the next bend is the sign for the Welcome Center. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173303213579141410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tD3QjFgSI/AAAAAAAADZ4/HV031_ugQC0/s400/DSCF0352.JPG" border="0" />The next mile took me an eternity because I kept stopping and taking pictures. (surprise, surprise)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173305103364751666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tFlQjFgTI/AAAAAAAADaA/piZIFUnq5GI/s400/DSCF0355.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173305120544620866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8tFmQjFgUI/AAAAAAAADaI/24AUAzboRJE/s400/DSCF0360.JPG" border="0" />OK, it's an entire post without one picture of animals. Shameful, I know. Coming up next...the sanctuary tour and I pick up my first sleepover dog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-10615147293156235482008-02-28T17:13:00.003-06:002008-11-06T21:06:47.559-06:00Only one more day of work to go!Tonight I have a million things to do...laundry, packing, lists for L, etc. :) I'm a horrible procrastinator, I know. Today I pulled some toys out to take with me for the dogs and cats...Ghost at the office "helped". Well, he helped until he ditched the effort for catnip anyways.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dByP1x5zI/AAAAAAAADXY/LhIoVtADnpc/s1600-h/DSCF0091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172175028559669042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dByP1x5zI/AAAAAAAADXY/LhIoVtADnpc/s400/DSCF0091.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172175045739538242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dBzP1x50I/AAAAAAAADXg/8uBHH5Cpjfc/s400/DSCF0102.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dBzv1x51I/AAAAAAAADXo/7dToTXSIH_E/s1600-h/DSCF0103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172175054329472850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dBzv1x51I/AAAAAAAADXo/7dToTXSIH_E/s400/DSCF0103.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dBz_1x52I/AAAAAAAADXw/ePMSqc_3AK8/s1600-h/DSCF0112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172175058624440162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dBz_1x52I/AAAAAAAADXw/ePMSqc_3AK8/s400/DSCF0112.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dB0v1x53I/AAAAAAAADX4/lLfpckIxd0Q/s1600-h/DSCF0128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172175071509342066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8dB0v1x53I/AAAAAAAADX4/lLfpckIxd0Q/s400/DSCF0128.JPG" border="0" /></a> In other news, I saw a couple posts on the BF forums today from recent visitors. Both said it was super muddy from recent weather and to be prepared for a mess... (hear that, Jen!?!?)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-38546299498242247972008-02-26T23:27:00.002-06:002008-02-26T23:59:19.039-06:00Under Construction...If the blog is a mess it's because I'm messing around with the template. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-37445655984738338572008-02-26T10:29:00.006-06:002008-11-06T21:06:47.715-06:00Down to a few days now :)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8RDQf1x5xI/AAAAAAAADXE/5MYXEGpjgIM/s1600-h/bf+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171332222832207634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R8RDQf1x5xI/AAAAAAAADXE/5MYXEGpjgIM/s320/bf+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This month has flown by and I'm happy (and nervous) to post that I'm only a few days from leaving! I don't have anything ready for the trip of course, but excited nonetheless. :)</div><br /><div>I finally broke down and booked the Mandalay Bay for my one night in Vegas. The price was ok (for a Saturday night) and although it's not in the middle of things I think it will work out great. I'm going to dig through my store bins and pack a bag of toy donations to take with me. I wish I had planned ahead and ordered some specific things but I can always send packages later. </div><div><br /> </div><div>I finished reading the book I had ordered, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Worlds-Beloved-Sanctuary/dp/1575667355/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204043883&sr=8-1"><em><strong>Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary.</strong></em></a> If you haven't read it then definitely make it a point to...it's amazing. It's a fast and easy read too, I finished it in one night. (plus I couldn't put it down once I started) Only four more days!!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-49947210301137419492008-02-14T21:18:00.005-06:002008-11-06T21:06:47.901-06:00The Latest SkoopThere's a section on the BF website that has videos and weekly updates from the sanctuary. A few people emailed me asking about how to visit...they have great videos with tons of info if you're interested.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bestfriends.org/atthesanctuary/latestscoop.cfm"><strong><em>In the section "The Latest Skoop"</em></strong></a><br /><br />Specifically check out 26, 27, 37, 5, 19 & 50<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R7UG6v1x5SI/AAAAAAAADTM/aMJU_RFfMtk/s1600-h/0607_DogPickles_FB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167043753821725986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R7UG6v1x5SI/AAAAAAAADTM/aMJU_RFfMtk/s320/0607_DogPickles_FB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I saw this guy and wanted to share...This is Pickles and he's available to sponsor through Best Friends. You can read more about him <a href="https://www.bestfriends.org/donate/detail.cfm?sponsor=7312&source="><strong><em>HERE</em></strong>.</a><br /><br />How can anyone resist that face?!?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-44383707054021071952008-02-11T10:31:00.001-06:002008-11-06T21:06:48.237-06:00Nothing much.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R7B4gf1x5MI/AAAAAAAADSc/Wjswsj7tDU0/s1600-h/KineticIIRecycled14XL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165761272292172994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R7B4gf1x5MI/AAAAAAAADSc/Wjswsj7tDU0/s320/KineticIIRecycled14XL.jpg" border="0" /></a> I wish I had something more exciting to report other than I bought a <a href="http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?productId=211&categoryId=4&subCategoryId=1&subCategory2Id=0"><strong>new hip pack</strong></a>, but that's all I've got. I spent an eternity in REI trying to decide on something and this is what I ended up with. It is made of recycled materials which also pushed me to pick it instead of another. Plus the water bottle holder was big enough for my SIGG.<br /><br />I have so many bags at home that I bought then didn't like after I used them...including camera bags. Once I actually get somewhere and use them I figure out what's wrong with them and then I'm on the search for something else again. I might be selling this for 1/2 price right after the BF trip if it doesn't work out. ;)<br /><br />I'm so looking forward to this trip although I'm still a bit nervous. Still haven't made my Vegas reservation, I have some kind of mental block with it I guess. I'm doing it by this Friday for sure. It doesn't look like there are deals to be had on a Saturday night of course. My goal until I leave is to do 20 minutes 3-4 times a week on the elliptical to try to get my legs somewhat used to moving. I would like to be able to hike some while there without keeling over. <br /><br />So to keep this post on topic try this, I saw the link on the BF site. Give it a try. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html">http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-47567128712430917132008-02-08T12:59:00.001-06:002008-11-06T21:06:48.663-06:00CharlieI received this bulletin from Best Friends through MySpace and thought I'd share it here. Great news for Charlie!<br /><br />*********************<br />Charlie is HOME!!<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164686109162685650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6ympxEJRNI/AAAAAAAADRI/Tw1K1IxKhnI/s320/charliemastiffadopted.jpg" border="0" />Best Friends rescued Charlie from euthanization at the shelter a year ago. He had severe mange, his skin was cracking open, he was in pain, he was underweight and very neglected. (pictures below)<br /><br />Charlie was brought to his new forever home in Apple Valley a few days ago. His new humans are Don and Elayne, who have a beautiful 3,000 sq. ft. home, with a sofa just for Charlie, and a 2 acre, fenced-in backyard. Don started crying as soon as he answered the door and Charlie immediately started wagging his tail. It was like he already knew this was his new home.<br />In the entire year Best Friends has had this gentle giant under our care, we agreed we had never seen him so happy. He was actually grinning as he loped around the yard, marking every bush in sight. Then he strolled into the kitchen to get a treat, already king of the castle. A big thanks to everyone who helped us over the last year with Sir Charles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczc0LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvaTI2MC9iZXN0ZnJpZW5kc2xhLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZjdXJyZW50PWNob2xvbmV3cGhvdG8xLTEuanBn" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/bestfriendsla/cholonewphoto1-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczc0LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvaTI2MC9iZXN0ZnJpZW5kc2xhLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZjdXJyZW50PWNob2xvbmV3cGhvdG8yLmpwZw==" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/bestfriendsla/cholonewphoto2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6ynDBEJRPI/AAAAAAAADRY/2L2HdheCGac/s1600-h/cholowithmange.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164686542954382578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6ynDBEJRPI/AAAAAAAADRY/2L2HdheCGac/s400/cholowithmange.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-54012424666218213032008-02-07T14:32:00.000-06:002008-11-06T21:06:48.860-06:00BF on CNN Tonight<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164340286985946178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6tsIREJREI/AAAAAAAADQA/h2WpUBF71cQ/s320/ellen.gif" border="0" />There's an article about the Vicktory Dogs on CNN today.<br /><br />Cooper Anderson 360 is also doing a show tonight featuring the Vick dogs at Best Friends at 10pm Eastern/9pm Central.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/07/vick.dogs.rehab/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/07/vick.dogs.rehab/index.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-16424939986359239862008-02-06T10:29:00.001-06:002008-11-06T21:06:48.990-06:00Flowers die, Chocolate goes to your thighs. :)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6ng9hEJRAI/AAAAAAAADPg/Mxfbh_MosDY/s1600-h/6303_DogCharmer_FB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163905795209380866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R6ng9hEJRAI/AAAAAAAADPg/Mxfbh_MosDY/s400/6303_DogCharmer_FB.jpg" border="0" /></a>I saw this on the Best Friends site and thought I'd share. It's a fun twist for a Valentines Day gift I think.<br /><br /><a href="https://gifts.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?source=sochp">https://gifts.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?source=sochp</a><br /><br />This adorable guy, <a href="https://gifts.bestfriends.org/03.cfm?AnimalType=dog&ItemID=822&page=2"><strong>Charmer</strong></a>, is one of the dogs you can sponsor. Here's his description from the site:<br /><br /><em>"Don't roll out the red carpet! Big, beefy Charmer is afraid of inside flooring -- carpets, linoleum, anything. Pretty goofy! It doesn't make sense until you know he was kept outside on a chain for the first part of his life. He didn't know the luxuries of carpet, red or otherwise.<br /><br />It's no fun for a dog to be chained outside. Weather conditions can be harsh, and life can be pretty darn boring. Despite his rough beginnings, though, when Charmer was brought to a spay/neuter clinic, the vet techs soon realized he really was a charmer. They convinced his people that he deserved better. So the people gave Charmer up, and eventually, he made his way to Best Friends. Here, this 80-pound, brawny American Bulldog mix has proven to be a loyal, happy guy. He's a bit particular about his dog friends, and doesn't like small animals, but is hoping to find a forever home where he fits in just right. Charmer knows someone will help him learn to walk the red carpet. In the meantime, he'd love to be sponsored and share his charms!" </em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-506745080285311482008-01-28T23:13:00.001-06:002008-11-06T21:06:49.194-06:00Meet Ozzie<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R564OREJQzI/AAAAAAAADNc/7brusjNa3-s/s1600-h/ozzie.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160764778251633458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TwKejrxWKnk/R564OREJQzI/AAAAAAAADNc/7brusjNa3-s/s400/ozzie.bmp" border="0" /></a><em>"OZZIE is a beautiful, solid white Husky mix who is a bit shy, but oh so sweet. It only takes a little patience to get him to become your friend, and then his quiet and steadfast ways are loyally by your side. Even though he's large, he walks beautifully on leash; he also likes to ride in cars, and he likes other dogs."</em><br /><br />That is the description of Ozzie from the forums. He lives in the Garden area of the Sanctuary. I saw his picture and was intrigued so I wrote asking for more information. This is what I received back:<br /><br /><em>"Ozzie is a neutered male (born 2001) 60-pounds Husky mix who came to us from California when the shelter shut down that he was in. He was adopted and returned after 2 years for his shyness and not “bonding” with the people."</em><br /><br />This makes me sad...to be in a home for two years after being rescued then being returned for this reason. :*( I hope I can have Ozzie for one of my sleepovers and maybe an outing somewhere fun if he hasn't found his new family by then.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1294363975291986283.post-89778964293510172042008-01-28T22:20:00.003-06:002008-02-26T23:56:55.936-06:00Yes, another blog...I am going to journal my trip to Best Friends here instead of mixing it with the other blogs, mostly to keep it on subject and to keep everything handy here. I decided last week to ditch the plans for a big vacation and to spend my time volunteering at BF instead. I have only visited the Sanctuary once in '99 and that was just for a tour so I'm pretty excited about getting to work an entire week here! So here's the 411 so far:<br /><ul><li>Fly into Las Vegas on Saturday early morning</li><li>Drive to the Sanctuary outside of Kanab</li><li>Take the afternoon tour of the Sanctuary upon arrival</li><li>Meet with the volunteer coordinator to loosely plan my week </li><li>Who knows? I would like to have a sleepover dog but don't know if I'll get there in time.</li></ul><p>Sunday through the following Saturday is shady at this point...I need to figure out what all I want to do, what areas I want to work in, etc and go from there. I also want to take the time to see <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion"><strong>Zion</strong></a> & <strong><a href="http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/virtualtour.htm">Bryce</a> </strong>parks so need to make a schedule. I'm still working on that part. There are several areas...dogs, cats, birds, pot-bellied pigs, bunnies and horses and although I'll probably lean mostly towards the dogs I want to try everything.</p><p>I was lucky enough to book one of the <a href="http://www.bestfriends.org/atthesanctuary/angelcanyon/cottages/index.html"><strong>Sanctuary cottages</strong></a> for the week. They are on property by the horse pastures and close to the welcome center. The great thing is I can take a dog each night for a sleepover and socialization. It doesn't get much better than that. </p><p>The following Saturday head back to Las Vegas (where I've never been), stay on The Strip and see a few of the sites before flying back on Sunday. I need to find somewhere exciting to stay there that won't cost a fortune. (ha)</p><p>So until I leave I'm sure I'll be posting aimlessly left and right on here about nothing in particular. ;)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4