They're Heeeeeeeerrrreee!!

Bella

Bergen

The new Hundenruhe Haven pups have arrived from National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado, thanks to help from Theresa and her volunteers at NMDR, Tom Beard, a kind trucker who brought them across the country, and my very own hubby Dan, who drove 700 miles yesterday to pick them up. Bella (formerly Tessie - her new name means "beautiful"), is a teeny, tiny toy fox terrier. She's even smaller than Baci!! Baci doesn't know what to do with a dog that looks up to him! Bella is the same age as Olive, eight, and is quite skittish and scared. She arrived late last night, so Baci and Olive let her share our bed. Bella spent the night tucked into the crook of my arm, sleeping the sleep of the exhausted. Less than twenty-four hours after her arrival, however, she was following us around in the field, and took her first joyful run around the big field. The sense of freedom and joy was so apparent on her face, when she realized that she could run to her heart's content. Bella ran so fast all by herself that her back legs overcame her front ones and stopped her in her tracks. But, she just pulled herself together and did a few more laps before coming back to sit at my feet.
Bergen the min pin is ten years old. He hasn't told us his name yet (maybe Bert?), so he's Bergen for now. Last night this chubby fellow walked in like he'd lived here his entire life, said his "how-do-you-do's", and immediately fit in. Bergen is already running with the pack when they go to investigate something, and had his first taste of peanut butter with the others this morning and again tonight at feeding time. He is absolutely adorable, and Sera is already in love with him.
It is so heartwarming to see these little babies, knowing how their lives started, enjoy the sun and grass, warm beds, and gentle hands. We are so blessed to be able to welcome them...hopefully very soon Bella will truly find "hundenruhe" (dogs' peace).

Cozy Blankets for Cool Nights

Our new friend Sylvia Thomas, whom we met through Saving Senior Min Mins on Facebook, made the dogs these beautiful blanket covers. All we need to do is slip a pillow or dog bed inside, and voila! The dogs can sleep on top of the blankets or burrow down underneath, which they love to do. Sylvia even embroidered paw prints and Hundenruhe Haven on each one! They are gorgeous, soft and cuddly. Thank you, Sylvia!!

Reflections on Rescue

Click on the pics to get the whole picture!!
Barry and Lola

Roo

Meme and Barry

Sera

My Boys - Baci, Roo, Teddy, & Barry

Over the past week, I was reminded of the goodness of people. Though sadness, carelessness and cruelty are a large part of what is experienced in rescue, the wonderful part is some of the dedicated and big-hearted folks that make a difference in the lives of these abandoned animals. I could write pages and pages about the woman in Ohio who runs a sanctuary for farm animals, or the group of volunteers who have never met in person who work to save senior miniature pinschers, or the individuals who give up evenings, weekends,and family time to make calls, share on Facebook, walk dogs at the shelters, or arrange transports. The list is endless of compassionate human beings who use their talents to help animals.
This week I am especially heartened by "meeting" (on the phone) Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue. We are anxiously awaiting two former puppy mill dogs from NMDR, who rescues thousands of dogs from puppy mills in Missouri every year and starts them out on their new lives in loving forever homes. Despite this being their biggest weekend of the year, the day of their annual Open House, Theresa made time to talk to me on the phone, make sure the dogs that are coming to me got their veterinary needs taken care of, and found volunteers willing to get them to their transport pick-up. Daily she must overcome heartache and tragedy to make happy endings for the dogs she loves. I am in deep admiration and gratitude.
I also met Tom (again, via telephone and internet), a trucker with a heart as big as his rig. Tom volunteers his cab and his care to dogs needing a ride across the country - he's bringing Tessie and Bergen from NMDR to Effingham, IL, where Dan is meeting him to pick them up. Tom has helped hundreds of dogs to freedom - all as a volunteer whose only reward is the satisfaction of helping the dogs who need him. It brings a tear to my eye to know that he is out there on the road, with a dog or two keeping him company, heading for their new lives.
Heroes...you may not even know it when you meet them at work, or on the street, or at your kids' sporting events. But if you do discover one, please thank them...they deserve our gratitude for the love they are quietly adding to the world each day.

Labor Day is Over...

...and Autumn is here. It was a golden, crisp late afternoon and the pups enjoyed a last walk in the field after dinner tonight. Sera, the new girl, is fitting right in, and the pups were sereneded by Grandpa Squawkie (the sandhill crane) and his wife. There is a certain sadness to the end of summer, especially when one is a teacher, but the onset of Autumn brings its own loveliness. Bring on the apples, cider, pumpkins, and colored leaves. I may not be ready, but I will enjoy what each day brings...
Click on each picture to get the whole thing. For some reason, blogspot is cutting off the right side of each picture.


Roo

Lola

Obie

Sera and Roo

Sera and Olive

Skylar

Barry Bear

Olive and her ball

Go to Bed in Summer...Wake Up in Autumn!

Brrrrr! It was chilly when we woke up this morning to a gorgeous dew-dappled day at Hundenruhe Haven. Yesterday we had to have the air conditioners on for a little while when the heat and humidity got intense, and today the windows are only open a crack for fresh air. The dogs are all finding the sun spots on the floor in the house, and the brave few are laying on the deck in the sun. It is warming up, so it should be a very pleasant day, despite the chilly start.

Though it was raining in the morning yesterday, so I couldn't take Baci on the moped to the market (took the car instead), we still got out for a little ride into town later in the afternoon. Dan took a couple of pictures of us for posterity...isn't Baci the cutest thing ever??? He loves to ride with me, and his Doggles protect his eyes from flying debris and allow him to keep his eyes open and enjoy the ride. He doesn't want them on when we are stopped for any length of time, but doesn't fuss at all while we are on the road. He's such a great companion. Olive has always been my traveling companion, and when we adopted Baci he started joining her. However, Olive enjoys getting out in public less and less as she gets older, so I don't feel bad leaving her at home where she'd prefer to be.