tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388733458698989712024-03-12T21:02:31.292-05:00Hundenruhe HappeningsWelcome to a glimpse inside the fenceline at Hundenruhe Haven Senior Dog Sanctuary and TerrierTown, a safe and happy place for dogs to live out their lives in peace and love.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-14826522401547196152012-10-01T17:40:00.001-05:002012-10-01T17:40:14.376-05:00Hello Friends!
So sorry that I haven't updated the blog in so long...but I have a great deal for you! If you aren't on Facebook - join up.If you are on Facebook, you can get daily updates (usually with pictures) of all the Happenings at the Haven just by "liking" our page - Hundenruhe Haven Senior Dog Sanctuary.
I may occasionally still update this blog, but the majority of the updates will now be on Facebook. Join us there - and thank you all for your emotional and physical support! ~Jodee and DanJodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-78606432953444517662012-07-13T09:20:00.001-05:002012-07-13T09:20:55.163-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sun streams through the sliding glass door, as I wade through the river of pups on my way to open it. Excited snuffling begins to escalate as the pack realizes what is about to happen. I reach out to open the door, and the atmosphere explodes with joyful yips, playful shoving, and excited chasing as 67 little paws go charging out the door to start their day. Just another blessed day at Hundenruhe Haven Senior Dog Sanctuary and TerrierTown.
Wait…67 paws? Not 68? That’s right…one of those little pups is our tripawd, Pearl. Pearl is a 10-12 years young toy fox terrier/Chihuahua mix, according to our beloved vet, who has come to be so very skilled at caring for all of our seniors over the years. Pearl was purchased at a slave auction – a “dog swap” – in Iowa, where puppy mill breeders come to exchange their breeding “stock” and old dogs are passed from one hell into another. But not this time, for five lucky little dogs, whose freedom was bought by a kind and brave rescuer.
Pearl’s hind leg was horribly twisted – turned nearly backwards – and useless, probably from a former injury. The compassionate rescuer who freed her got her all the veterinary care she needed – vaccinations, spay surgery, dental, blood tests…and the removal of that pesky back leg. After a plea for a home through another mutual friend, we agreed to have Pearl join our pack and live out her retirement here at the Haven. Less than two weeks after her surgery, Pearl was running joyfully in the secure three-acre field with the rest of the pack.
Whenever a new soul joins our crew, there is a subtle shift in our day-to-day routines to accommodate the new fur-kid, and the structure of our day evolves to integrate the needs of our newest family member. Pearl is the first tripawd to come to live with us, and she brings her own flavor and character to our group. Because our dogs live in our home with us, confined only for eating and safety when we are away for short periods of time, there is a constant movement through our open-concept house.
Pearl has adapted quite easily to our routine. She runs with the pack, plays with stuffies, waits patiently to be lifted into her crate for breakfast and dinner, and navigates quite well even with some jostling and wiggling that happens when a group of happy dogs gets together. The only accommodation that we have had to make is that half of the house has textured vinyl flooring, which is great for Pearl, but the other half has vinyl flooring that is shinier, and a bit more slippery. Pearl resolutely refuses to walk on that floor! So when we go from one area to another, we have had to remember to carry Pearl to one of her “safe zones” – either on the textured floor, or to one of the many dog bed “islands” in the other room that she uses to hop around and not touch the evil slippery floor. If by chance we forget to bring her along, she is quick to give a very loud and vehement reminder!
Pearl is a remarkable daily inspiration to us. She is proof incarnate that a disability is nothing more than a chance to become a good problem-solver. Within days of her coming to live at the Haven, she was out greeting children with our Ambassa-Dog Baci at a speaking engagement, inspiring the next generation to see obstacles as opportunities. I feel so blessed to have this wonderful little soul to love and be loved by me.
The nice folks at Tripawds asked me to write this for their blog. Check them out at http://tripawds.com.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-59693120858200032922012-07-01T11:22:00.001-05:002012-07-01T11:22:24.346-05:00<object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/4e9744821a9e4dc7"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Annual%20Vet%20Visit"></param><param name="event_desc" value="Help%20us%20raise%20enough%20money%20to%20have%20everyone%20vaccinated%20for%20the%20next%20year%21"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/4e9744821a9e4dc7" flashVars="event_title=Annual%20Vet%20Visit&event_desc=Help%20us%20raise%20enough%20money%20to%20have%20everyone%20vaccinated%20for%20the%20next%20year%21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-14795112454292393692012-06-19T21:20:00.002-05:002012-06-19T21:20:25.098-05:00Blessings<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6thv_997BdY/T-EsZXCOZdI/AAAAAAAAAQI/tBtrgV1cUNw/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6thv_997BdY/T-EsZXCOZdI/AAAAAAAAAQI/tBtrgV1cUNw/s200/DSC_0006.JPG" /></a>
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For the past several years, I have been really struggling to develop an attitude of gratitude. On this journey, I have become so much more attuned to the blessings that surround me, though I am often derailed by what doesn't surround me. It is easy to worry about the bills and how they will get paid, the repairs and improvements that I'd like to make here but can't, and wish that I could spend less time working and more time with Dan and the dogs.
But the blessings are so very abundant, and sometimes I get a nudge to remind me that I am very fortunate. This weekend, Dan and I were guided into accepting a little three-legged senior girl into our pack. Dan named her Pearl, precious and rare. Pearl came from a breeder who never treated a painful and serious injury to her rear leg, and when she reached rescue and freedom it was determined that she would be better without that leg. And, they were right!
Pearl came into our lives less than two weeks after her amputation, and less than a month after a kind rescuer bought her freedom. She has every right to be frightened, suspicious, and cranky. But she's none of those things. Our Pearl is loving and happy, wagging her tail and moving about as if she never lost her leg.
She greets each day and person with soft eyes and ears, a bowed but not frightened head, and a gentle pose that begs for a scritch under the chin or a stroke down her velvety back.
Today, on a whim (or so I thought), I brought Pearl along with Baci and me to a speaking engagement for two groups of young children. Pearl acted like she had been an Ambassa-dog for her whole life, working the room and greeting each child like an old pro. Her whole carriage changed when we got home, and she spent the rest of the day prancing around with her tail held high. She had found her purpose for being.
Olive had always been my Ambassa-dog, and when Baci came along, she taught him to accompany her. Without her by my side, it has been difficult to keep up our enthusiastic presentations and lobbying on behalf of senior dog adoption and the Haven. But now, I believe that Olive played matchmaker from her side of the Rainbow Bridge. She knew that Pearl needed a purpose, and that Baci needed a partner, so she nudged me with her tiny cold little nose and told me to ignore my better judgement in bringing a newly rescued, recently amputated, undersocialized senior puppy mill survivor to meet a group of children just days after joining our pack.
As I smiled and tucked the dogs back into their carseats after our engagement, a single yellow butterfly flew around us and up into the sky. Yes, Olive, I listened to you. Thank you, my baby girl. Your life and love was an undeserved and precious gift, and you continue to gift me even beyond this life.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-48795783308840351102012-06-03T18:37:00.000-05:002012-06-03T18:37:24.411-05:00GenerosityI am so blessed to work with some wonderful colleagues. One of the very best is the person that I work most closely with, my partner in the gifted and talented program. Coincidentally, her name is also Jody (though spelled with a "y")and both she and her husband, Chad, are kind and generous people who give of themselves without reservation to their friends and family. Chad and Jody have passed on their compassion to their two daughters, Madison and Katherine. These delightful young ladies have birthdays in the early summer, and upon hearing what Dan and I do here at the Haven, promptly told their parents that they would like to do something different at their respective birthday parties. Instead of presents for themselves, they wanted to ask their friends to bring something from the Hundenruhe Haven wish list to give to the puppies. Isn't that amazing?! I was so delighted to convey a load of cleaning supplies, blankets, towels, and paper products to the Haven on behalf of the dogs from Katie's friends. These little things add up so quickly to our expenses, and the donations from the Girl Scouts coupled with the new supplies from Katie's birthday party really help. Maddie the animal lover is next...
I really hope the girls and their parents will be able to come out to visit the recipients of their generosity and goodwill this summer, so the oldies can thank them in person (or dog-son)! Many, many thanks dear ladies. The dogs and I are so grateful!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-21244400992620230172012-05-27T12:26:00.000-05:002012-06-03T18:37:52.316-05:00Ah...Ruhe (Peace)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't had much time to write lately - the demands of three jobs plus running the Haven have kept me from all but the briefest comments on FaceBook lately. But this weekend, I found some time to just Be Still, instead of constantly wrestling with my thoughts.
And what I discovered was...
birds singing.
the first fireflies of the season.
a campfire crackling and mesmerizing me with its dancing flames.
the rush of wind in the trees.
a hawk circling overhead...and being chased away by the blackbirds.
flowers (and weeds!) blooming in my garden, and all over the property.
a yellow butterfly (certainly Olive!), playing with Bella - and Bella playing with her.
the caress of a soft breeze on my cheeks.
the tinkling of the wind chime made of the tags of dogs gone on the the Bridge. (see photo above)
marshmallow stuck to the bottom of my flip-flop.
the soft sighing snore of an elderly pup on my lap.
the hypnotic comfort of sitting on a yard swing with pups on either side of me.
Truvy the pekingese dragging the soiled towels out into the yard - helping with the housework that is going undone whilst I sit on the swing.
As I encounter the many firsts without my little heartdog Olive, I am reminded again and again of the blessings that are mine if I just listen. And just Be Still.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-84404154657387411002012-04-08T09:23:00.000-05:002012-04-08T09:23:05.168-05:00Kuranda Cots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijK0YJ0MHU/T4GecuuZPzI/AAAAAAAAAPg/hJpFoeZmPO8/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijK0YJ0MHU/T4GecuuZPzI/AAAAAAAAAPg/hJpFoeZmPO8/s200/DSC_0014.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our dogs love the Kuranda dog beds that have been donated to us! They sleep on them all year around - indoors during the winter months, and snoozing on the patio during the summer. We'd love to have a few more, so that we could leave them outside during the spring, summer, and fall and not have to move the indoor cots in and out. If you'd like to send the dogs something they will really use for a long, long time, see the link at the bottom of the page to order from Kuranda. They will give a discount price and ship the beds directly to us! Thank you in advance for your consideration!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-55687326005262044202012-03-20T20:36:00.001-05:002012-03-23T16:36:03.981-05:00Thanks Girl Scouts!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQiw31C-kt4/T2zstMEP4ZI/AAAAAAAAAPU/enb3088pbes/s1600/Kiel%2BGirl%2BScouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQiw31C-kt4/T2zstMEP4ZI/AAAAAAAAAPU/enb3088pbes/s200/Kiel%2BGirl%2BScouts.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Baci, Lola, Bella, and I stopped in to visit with the Girl Scout Troop that meets in Kiel at their gracious invitation. These delightful young women and their leaders made us feel so welcome! We chatted about dog rescue, taking care of dogs, and loved on the pups that came along to visit. <br />
The reason for the invitation was that these compassionate and generous leaders of tomorrow elected to use some of their hard-earned cookie money to donate to our vet fund! Can you believe it? I feel so confident that we are in good hands with these future leaders, who believe in kindness and service to others.<br />
The ladies also learned how to make snuggle sacks and made twelve new snuggle sacks for the Hundenruhe Haven dogs to cuddle up in! Great work! <br />
We made some new friends and hopefully the ladies had as great of a time as the dogs and I did. Hopefully, we will get a picture of us all together to post in the next blog entry.<br />
Thanks for having us!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-91459804645478573542012-01-28T11:14:00.000-06:002012-01-28T11:14:24.111-06:00Racetracks and RunwaysToday is Saturday. Generally, it is one of the best days of the week for me - even though it involves lots of housework and cleaning! This morning was no exception. I was wonderfully self-indulgent today - staying in bed with Baci and Bella until 8:30, listening to the wind sweep off the fields and batter the house. Even though I knew it would put me behind schedule for the day, the time spent with them cuddled together in bed is time that cannot be retrieved at a later date. It is becoming more and more essential to live in the now and take advantage of every precious moment.<br />
As we lay in bed, I could hear Dan already out and about, shoveling the couple inches of snow that fell last night. <br />
Starting down the steps with a pupster under each arm, I realized that Dan was outside longer than usual, so I peeked out the window and had to grin. As he does every winter, Dan had not only shoveled the usual deck, patio, and sidewalks, but also an elaborate racetrack around both of the big trees in the backyard, so that Twig and Mimi could do their several-times-a-day chases. It is hard with tiny old dogs to get them enough exercise in the winter, when we can't get to the outer fields and the snow is too deep for their stubby little legs. They also don't want to freeze their nether regions when they go out to eliminate, so Dan makes sure they have plenty of shoveled area in which to comfortably do their ablutions. <br />
As the pups ran or ambled outside, depending upon their infirmities, the sun shone down on their customized playground. Simple things that we can do to make our dogs' lives better...they may require a little extra effort, but the dividends are immeasurable! Enjoy your day and stay safe - I'm going to put in another load of dog bedding, and pour myself another cup of tea!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-22706646519561816582011-12-31T11:54:00.000-06:002011-12-31T11:54:44.919-06:00Endings and Beginnings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhArErThYd8/Tv9MWbsXaNI/AAAAAAAAAPI/xHytYEbiEO4/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhArErThYd8/Tv9MWbsXaNI/AAAAAAAAAPI/xHytYEbiEO4/s200/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a></div><br />
2011 is drawing to a close tonight. It was a year of comings and goings, beginnings and endings, cycles of life. It would be easy to dwell on the heartaches of 2011...the biggest, of course, being the sudden loss of Olive. I still cry every day when I think of her - which is all the time. She is everywhere and nowhere...and I miss her beyond expression. <br />
2011 also sent nine other dogs on their journey to the Rainbow Bridge: Kibble, Cubby, and Moses only made a brief stop at the Haven before ending their earthly journey; Foxy, Shae, and Coco graced us with their lives for a longer stay; and long-time residents Uncle Mort, Frisbee, and Sophia also said good-bye. It is hard to let them go...but the silver lining is the immense comfort that Dan and I were able to share with these little souls as they discovered family, space, and love. <br />
We also were able to open our arms to Sera, Bergen, Lola, Barry, RooRoo, Edna, and little Bella. We have discovered the joys of miniature pinschers and through them met wonderful new friends like the Kims, Mendee, Clara, and Sylvia. Daily I am astonished at the wonderful people I have connected with through rescue via Facebook and this blog. <br />
Dan and I continue to be grateful for Dr. Schuette and his staff at Kiel Vet Clinic - they take great care of our dogs (and us!) and we consider them part of our extended family. We are also fortunate to have some wonderful friends and family members who continue to support our mission and give us encouragement. Kind words and broad shoulders to cry upon are the best gifts we have received over the years!<br />
Money continues to be a struggle, with changes in my salary due to political unrest in our state. However, I am SO thankful for a new job working with teachers, administrators, and students in my same school district where I can exercise my problem-solving skills and call upon my experience with teaching, while still learning many new things every day. I miss my students from McKinley Academy, but I remain in touch with a few of them and get to see them from time to time. Ah, more comings and goings...<br />
I have also been fortunate to find a second freelance job that I can do from home to try to offset the reductions in my pay, and help to pay the enormous vet bills that we incur every month. We continue to have to evaluate our financial situation when called upon to take in new dogs and I wish we could do more and take more. Perhaps 2012 will be the year that we must decide whether to apply for non-profit status or scale back what we do here...I don't think that we will be able to continue in the way that we are without some help. A special thank you to those wonderful, generous folks who have sent us money and supplies this year...you have kept us able to serve the dogs that we have and enabled us to say "yes" to the last couple of dogs that we would have had to turn away.<br />
As I look ahead to 2012, I am hopeful that we will find the resources and energy to improve our environment for the dogs and ourselves. Major projects that I hope to accomplish include some fence repair, and expanding the dog run by fencing in the horse pasture so that we have a larger area in which to walk the dogs. They so enjoy our twice daily "amblings" where everyone goes their own pace - from RooRoo, Twiggy, Mimi and Bella's full-tilt mad dashes to Ozzy and Grammie Esther's slow toddling. Our land is beautiful, and my goal is use more of it regularly.<br />
Of course, I'd like to lose weight and get fit again, spend more time with my photography and card making, explore the roads with Baci on my moped, and enjoy time on the deck and patio conversing with Dan. Most of all, my goal is to try to find the joy in the ordinary - I live in a spectacular setting, with some of the most interesting and entertaining souls. If I am cognizant of all that I have, I hope that the joy will reveal itself to me. <br />
Wishing you peace, love, and prosperity in 2012...Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-38428716914987330632011-12-10T09:56:00.000-06:002011-12-10T09:56:38.216-06:00Hundenruhe Lost an Ambassa-Dog - I Lost My Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveClaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveClaus.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Olive the Other Reindeer, the best dog I've ever met, died today in my arms on the way to the vet's office for more tests. They tried, to no avail to revive her. I will never recover from her loss. I have had other heart dogs, but none like her. Olive was my best friend, my shadow, my ambassa-dog, my business partner, my lovey-alarm, Baci's big sissy, and my heart. I am empty now. I miss every dog we share our home with...but Olive was more than family and I am devastated. No Christmas miracle this year...8 years ago, four days before Christmas I picked up Olive in Atlanta from Southern Hope Rescue. She became my Christmas miracle, both for her perfection and effect on my life, but also to help me heal from a loss that happened in my life on the very day I returned home with her. Christmas will never be the same again.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-44213902393438920462011-12-04T18:28:00.001-06:002011-12-04T18:31:14.084-06:00Pre-Holiday FrustrationSome years I am luckier than others...every year I TRY to get a cute photo of Olive and Baci for the digital holiday card. This year, I included little Bella in the "festivities". Well, it didn't work out so well...I may or may not try again, but in the meantime, here are some of the results. Hope your attempts are more successful than mine! LOL Don't forget to click to get the whole image!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/BacilistensforSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/BacilistensforSanta.jpg" /></a></div>"Wait Olive and Bella!! I hear Santa's reindeer on the roof!!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/3Helpers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/3Helpers.jpg" /></a></div>Santa's Three Helpers<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Bellabyfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Bellabyfire.jpg" /></a></div>Beautiful Bella<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/BillyisWatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/BillyisWatching.jpg" /></a></div>Bella: "Okay, so this Christmas thing sounds great: extra yummies, new toys, the humans are home more...but I am worried about the naughty vs. nice thing. This elf guy next to me keeps staring at me, and I heard somethin' about Santa seeing you when you're sleeping and knowing when you're awake????"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Olivebyfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Olivebyfire.jpg" /></a></div>Pretty Posing Olive<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveClaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveClaus.jpg" /></a></div>Olive the Other Reindeer<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveWhispering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/OliveWhispering.jpg" /></a></div>"Guess what, Baci? Santa comes down the chimney!"<br />
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"No way, Olive! He comes down the chimney?!!"Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-2000652168764530982011-11-23T17:41:00.000-06:002011-11-23T17:41:53.280-06:00The Thanksgiving Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/314657_2449128280553_1622363633_2363360_1204693690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/314657_2449128280553_1622363633_2363360_1204693690_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am really loving how Facebook brings a lot of people into my life that I would not otherwise have met. It is wonderful to hear other people's perspectives - even when they don't mesh with my own. Another benefit is that interesting challenges come across my computer screen. This year, the following message caught my eye: "November's Thankgiving Challenge: Every day until Thanksgiving, think of something that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for". If you think you can do it, then re-post this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what you are thankful for today...". I started out by being thankful for my mom, who recently very bravely went through radiation treatment for skin cancer this summer, and this month had both of her knees replaced. She is an extraordinary woman, and I am so proud that she (along with my dad) was chosen to raise me. I have been working for the last year or two on cultivating an "attitude of gratitude", and this challenge was a good way to keep me on track. Though I didn't manage to post every day, I did pretty well, and more importantly, I was blessed with the opportunity to stop and think about my many blessings. The following are the entries that I posted during the month of November. I hope that you are inspired to cultivate your own attitude of gratitude...<br />
Today I am thankful for trained medical staff that sacrificed sleep and trained for hours, devoting years of their lives to learning their trade so that they could care for my mom when she needed them most. What are you thankful for today?<br />
Today I am thankful for a husband and partner who is as passionate as I am about allowing as many old dogs as possible to enjoy the twilight years of their lives in comfort, warmth, and as little pain as possible, surrounded by love. Thank you, Dan, for helping me fulfill our mission.<br />
Today I am thankful for the beautiful view that greets me every morning, living out here in the country. Every day the lighting and the landscape is different, changing with the seasons, including the wonderful scents of things growing, frost in the air, or flowers and trees blooming. I am grateful for the prompting that led us to buy this place twenty years ago.<br />
Today I am grateful for a great vet. He takes great care of our pups, really listens, and is always there when we need him! Click like if you are thankful for your vet!<br />
Tonight I am grateful for the new washer and dryer that are humming merrily along in my laundry room tonight. I am very, very appreciative of the means to pay them off over time so that we could get them washing those pee pee towels right away!<br />
Today I am thankful for the brilliant and dedicated people that I work with. Educators and other staff involved in education are tremendously devoted to their work, and I for one am grateful not only for their positive impact on our society, but also that I can count myself among them.<br />
Today I am thankful for a vehicle that is reliable enough to take me where and when I want to go. There were many times in my life when I could not have said this, so I am extra grateful now!<br />
Today I am thankful that my parents raised me to be an independent person, willing to problem-solve when I really want to do something that seems impossible. I am so grateful that life wasn't handed to me on a platter so that I could gain skills needed to function as an adult, and be okay with things that at least come close to my dreams.<br />
Tonight I am thankful for the food that graces my table and fills the bowls of our little four-legged loves here. Though sometimes I cannot resist the bounty, I am grateful that our bellies never growl with hunger.<br />
Tonight I am thankful for the excitement and exuberance that comes with learning something new and the thrill that I get helping children to discover that feeling. Some days I am SO lucky!<br />
Tonight I am thankful for the simple joy of running around in a big field with a passel of puppies streaming out behind and ahead of me. We need to take a lesson from little kids and dogs...sometimes it is good to run just for the fun of it!<br />
Tonight I am grateful for a new additional job that I can do from home surrounded by Dan and the dogs. We need the extra money to pay for kibble and vet bills, and I feel very fortunate to have a way to earn that money!!<br />
Today I am thankful for the heat that pours forth from my boiler every day to warm my feet and soothe my spirit. I am grateful to be able to pay my oil bill so that we (Dan, the dogs, and I) can enjoy each others' company without being uncomfortable now that the weather is getting colder!<br />
Today I am thankful that my mom is home safe and sound, and able to sleep in her own bed tonight. :-)<br />
Today I am thankful that I didn't have to be at work, toughing it out while I feel crappy. :-) A good nap is priceless!<br />
Tonight I am thankful to have the blessing to work with a co-worker who is intelligent AND has a delightful personality. We make a good team, and I am so grateful for her help in making me a better educator.<br />
Tonight I am thankful for all my rescue friends out there...working tirelessly every day, every night, holidays, weekends....giving of their money, homes, and time to help save as many animals as possible. Thank you for teaching me that there are many, many good people in this world. You inspire me.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-38812262965933981852011-11-23T17:28:00.000-06:002011-11-23T17:28:02.239-06:00ThankfulSorry I haven't updated this blog in a while. There's been a lot happening here since Frisbee passed away. Edna the min pin has joined us from IMPS - MN, I've taken on a second job to help pay for the vet bills, and we've been getting the Haven ready for another winter. I was cooking and baking all afternoon today, and while I was working, I was musing about how many of our little friends are celebrating their first Thanksgiving at Hundenruhe Haven. We've lost so many this year, but the silver lining is that we have so many new friends living out their twilight years with us. Enjoying their first holiday in our home are: Edna, Barry, Lola, Sera, Bergen, Bella, and Roo Roo. We are so thankful that they found their way to us, and for the rescue friends we've made along the way. It is with much gratitude that Dan, I, and the pups will spend the day tomorrow tucked in together - enjoying a nice meal, a warm house, clean blankets, and each others' company. Life is good.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-85574905589580626312011-10-30T19:43:00.002-05:002011-10-30T19:43:59.980-05:00Patience, please!I just did some organization on PhotoBucket, so the links for some of the pictures are broken. I will fix them when I have time! Most of the older entries still are current, so please be patient until I can fix the others. Thanks for visiting!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-82292088700847532962011-10-28T11:58:00.002-05:002011-10-28T11:58:16.561-05:00<object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f546847bb8ab463d"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Can%20You%20Help%20Us%3F"></param><param name="event_desc" value="Vet%20bills%20have%20hit%20the%20Hundenruhe%20Oldies%20hard%20over%20the%20last%20couple%20of%20months.%20Roo%27s%20ongoing%20issues%2C%20Frisbee%27s%20dental%2C%20treatments%2C%20and%20eventual%20passing%2C%20and%20the%20ongoing%20needs%20of%20the%20oldies%20have%20racked%20up%20a%20bill%20of%20over%20%241400%20at%20our%20vet%27s%20office.%20I%20hate%20to%20ask...but%20if%20you%27d%20like%20to%20help%20us%20continue%20to%20take%20in%20oldies%2C%20we%27d%20be%20happy%20to%20accept%20your%20help.%20We%20are%20not%20a%20501%28c%293%20charity%2C%20so%20your%20contributions%20are%20not%20tax-deductible%2C%20but%20they%20are%20dear%20to%20our%20hearts%21%20Thank%20you%21"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f546847bb8ab463d" flashVars="event_title=Can%20You%20Help%20Us%3F&event_desc=Vet%20bills%20have%20hit%20the%20Hundenruhe%20Oldies%20hard%20over%20the%20last%20couple%20of%20months.%20Roo%27s%20ongoing%20issues%2C%20Frisbee%27s%20dental%2C%20treatments%2C%20and%20eventual%20passing%2C%20and%20the%20ongoing%20needs%20of%20the%20oldies%20have%20racked%20up%20a%20bill%20of%20over%20%241400%20at%20our%20vet%27s%20office.%20I%20hate%20to%20ask...but%20if%20you%27d%20like%20to%20help%20us%20continue%20to%20take%20in%20oldies%2C%20we%27d%20be%20happy%20to%20accept%20your%20help.%20We%20are%20not%20a%20501%28c%293%20charity%2C%20so%20your%20contributions%20are%20not%20tax-deductible%2C%20but%20they%20are%20dear%20to%20our%20hearts%21%20Thank%20you%21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-70792795335233412752011-10-25T20:36:00.000-05:002011-10-25T20:36:02.918-05:00Sweet Dreams, Dear Frisbee...see you at the Bridge. My tears are too great right now to write a proper tribute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBGRIjUr9XE/TqdjzVfjyAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/zJ0KZbPrfME/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBGRIjUr9XE/TqdjzVfjyAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/zJ0KZbPrfME/s200/DSC_0072.JPG" /></a></div>Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-58667752005260769342011-09-19T19:02:00.001-05:002011-11-04T21:16:57.129-05:00They're Heeeeeeeerrrreee!!Bella<br />
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Bergen <br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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).Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-66895399375490296382011-09-19T18:47:00.002-05:002011-11-04T21:23:18.710-05:00Cozy Blankets for Cool Nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0020-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0020-7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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!!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-39899658741955553712011-09-18T18:58:00.001-05:002011-11-04T21:30:12.510-05:00Reflections on RescueClick on the pics to get the whole picture!!<br />
Barry and Lola<br />
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Roo<br />
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Meme and Barry<br />
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Sera<br />
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My Boys - Baci, Roo, Teddy, & Barry<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-81684966920137453532011-09-05T19:05:00.003-05:002011-11-04T21:44:59.002-05:00Labor 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...<br />
Click on each picture to get the whole thing. For some reason, blogspot is cutting off the right side of each picture.<br />
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Roo<br />
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Lola<br />
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Obie<br />
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Sera and Roo<br />
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Sera and Olive<br />
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Skylar<br />
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Barry Bear<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0069-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0069-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Olive and her ball<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0040-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/Life%20at%20Hundenruhe/DSC_0040-4.jpg" /></a></div>Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-8442754824927272682011-09-04T08:23:00.000-05:002011-09-04T08:23:53.675-05:00Go 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.<br />
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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.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-42634051816946336862011-08-22T21:28:00.000-05:002011-08-22T21:28:15.392-05:00Earning the Kibble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/DSC_0029-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="640" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/cestmoijodee/DSC_0029-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was back to work (new school year) today, and I started a new job. It was exciting to work with some phenomenal new people, and have lunch with a friend from my previous position. But...I still missed Dan and the pups and the sun on my face. It was truly a joy when I got home to see all those eager faces at the gate, welcoming me back to the pack. At first, they were just barking, but as I called out to them, they recognized me and fifteen barking dogs became fifteen wriggling, wiggling backsides. Ah, how I love them!<br />
Later, after all of the hellos were said, the work clothes shed for worn t-shirt and sweatpants, we were ready for our walkies in the field. Lola the blind min pin led us through the gate and took off running - how nice that she can safely run at full tilt without danger!! Obie and Skylar, the rat terrier brothers, played tag in the crown vetch, hopping and leaping so they could see each other to give chase. RooRoo, the baby, wants to be just like his big brothers, so he was tearing around after them, weaving in and out of the vetch like a professional kangaroo. Then he took off on his own, zooming around and around. His joy was so infectious that Teddy, the old puppy mill chihuahua, began making his own silly loops around the field, backside tucked under, tongue hanging out, and running like a maniac. Tired from their shenanigans, we all walked back to sit in the yard, Twig and Olive playing ball with Dan. Suddenly, our little Pekingnese Truvy started dancing and playing with her unstuffed toy - we call toys Truvy's "babies" - shaking it and prancing around with it. She even started soft-mouthing Dan's hand to get him to play with her - very soft-mouthed, as she only has two teeth! Truvy has really found "hundenruhe" (dogs' peace) this summer. Her itching is under control thanks to some great shampoo, so her hair is growing in thick and lush, and she has become spunky and silly. Her head is no longer tilted, and she can walk in a straight line - a huge improvement from when I first met her and Chris at FluffyButts was getting her rehabilitated after living in a puppy mill for nine years. I went inside to make dinner, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Grammie Esther's blanket making it's way outside. It was Truvy, being silly and sneaking off with Esther's blanket!! <br />
After dinner, Dan and I sat outside with the dogs, he again playing with Olive, Twig, and Truvy, and I rocking Obie, Roo, and Mimi on the patio swing. As the shadows lengthened and the lowering sun gilded the trees and turned the cut oat straw to spun gold, the evensong of the meadow birds serenaded us.<br />
And now, with crickets chirping in concert with the constant rumble and rattle of snoring pups, our day ends at Hundenruhe Haven. I'll return to work to earn the kibble to start it all over again tomorrow. "Day is done...gone the sun...from the lakes...to the hills...to the sky. All is well...lay thee rest...God is nigh."Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-28049965925411373822011-08-15T19:41:00.000-05:002011-08-15T19:41:08.443-05:00Uncle Mort - A Character Leaves Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WI83Sy_rHk/Tkm5nIHQR-I/AAAAAAAAAO0/jJdih5wnLns/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WI83Sy_rHk/Tkm5nIHQR-I/AAAAAAAAAO0/jJdih5wnLns/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Heavy, heavy hearts abound at Hundenruhe Haven tonight. Our dear Uncle Mortie went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. He was 16 years old. I cannot explain in words the impact his death leaves in our pack. Mortie was the Omega, the bottom of the pack, and often the brunt of the other dogs' pushing. He not only endured it, he met it head-on, with a grumble and a lift of his deformed lip - revealing empty gums. When he was younger, he loved to get "heinie happies" - scritching of his hips and backside. He would march in place with his back legs, rising up onto his front legs in sheer ecstasy. <br />
Uncle Mort came to us with two green, rotting teeth hanging out of his mouth, his jaw rotted away and deformed. After removing the offenders, he blossomed and became a crazy, funny little fellow. He would stand in the middle of the kitchen, barking for no reason. He had petit mal seizures, where he would stand stock still and stare at the wall - so he was put on seizure meds, which helped a lot. As he aged, he needed more and more pain meds to manage his crippled and hunched back and fused hips. But it never got him down - he always participated in the walkies in the field, and followed the pack on all its adventures. Near the end, Dan made sure that Mortie got extra treats like ice cream and graham crackers from the palm of his hand.<br />
Uncle Mort was with us for over five years - a long time for the seniors who come to us - and I can't believe he's gone.<br />
Tonight, as Dan was in the yard reading, a gorgeous butterfly came and hovered around him - then landed on his cheek. Later, a huge swarm of multicolored dragon flies (Jodee's favorite) put on an aerial display. Uncle Mortie is fine and sending messages of love to us - running pain free and waiting for us at the Bridge.Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38873345869898971.post-27611991620084011322011-08-07T20:25:00.000-05:002011-08-07T20:25:59.305-05:00Fun Fundraiser!I just got back from having a great time with the nice campers at Nature's Villa in Palmyra, WI. My mom lives there year around, and the other folks are there from May to October. I have a fondness for karaoke, and the equipment to run a show, so I went down to do a little karaoke show with them on Saturday night. This was my third time doing this, and we decorated the clubhouse with poster-sized blow-ups of some of the dogs' photos - it looked so cool to see all my past and present furkids up there on the walls!! I'd never mentioned the sanctuary before when we did karaoke (you all know how I hate tooting our horn!), but my mom and some of her friends thought that if people knew about what we did, they would want to help. They were right! I told the nice people who attended about Hundenruhe Haven, and by the end of the night these kind and generous folks had donated enough money to feed and medicate all the dogs for an entire month!! Thank you SO MUCH to the campers at Nature's Villa - I had a blast and I hope you did, too!Jodee Stahmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15496219343248589786noreply@blogger.com1