Biking with Baci

Well, I've decided to get back on the bike and try to shed some of this ton of weight I've gained in the last three years. Baci was looking so sweet, I couldn't leave him at home, so he's become my riding buddy. He has a specially designed doggie bike basket in the front, and is safely clipped in. When we go down hills, he closes his eyes and tips his head back. Ahhhh, the wind in my face, and the bugs in my teeth! Of course, we don't go very fast very often, as I am still a bit of a slug in the saddle, but we are having a nice time together! Stay tuned for more episodes with Biker Baci!

Here's Ted E. Bear

Wow! What an amazing day yesterday! I traveled with Olive and Baci to the wilds of Iowa (OK, not wilds, urban Iowa) to visit with my friend Chris at Fluffy Butts Rescue Resort and pick up Teddy (formerly Chips, formerly Bob). After an uneventful 5 hour, 40 minute ride to Chris' place, we were greeted with waggy butts and wet noses (and that wasn't Chris I'm talking about!). It was great to have a chance to eat pizza, see Chris' fur kids (both permanent and foster), and her amazing quilts. That girl can sew! AND she has good taste in fabrics and combinations. Good thing she's making the quilts and not me! Ha! Anyway, we had a great time and were able to add another perfect member to the Hundenruhe Pack.

Teddy spent his first nine (maybe more) years in a nasty old puppy mill in a cage walking on wire floors and servicing the ladies (if you know what I mean). Not cool - his poor teeth rotted out and he now makes due with the few he has left. But thanks to the Siouxland Humane Society and Chris at Fluffy Butts, he is living the good life! I can't believe he is as nice as he is. I'd be so mad at the world - scared and confused - if I'd had to live through what he has, but he is the most snuggly, happy-go-lucky sweetheart of an old dog I've ever met! His tail is wagging, and he jumps up on you, eager for pets. To err is human, to forgive canine. Anyway, after introductions last night and spending two hours on Dan's lap having a lovely conversation, Teddy spent the night curled up under my arm like a little teddy bear, confirming Dan's re-naming of him.
Welcome little buddy - hope you like it here!

Dear Sweet Nala

Lovely Nala went to join the others at the Rainbow Bridge this morning. She was such a dear soul - no trouble at all. We never even heard her bark! Nala was always tolerant of the little dogs - when they tripped her, or bothered her, or even (as in the above picture) stole her big-girl bed and she was left to make do with the smaller beds! There is comfort in knowing that she had a comfortable and peaceful life here at Hundenruhe, enjoying her home-cooked meals, walkies in the big fields, and long naps. Nala also did not have to endure a long, drawn-out illness. She was fine yesterday, running in the fields and eating her dinner. We think that there was something neurologically wrong with her that worsened during the night, as she could not stand without falling over this morning when she got up to go potties. Dr. Jeff gave her a very thorough examination, and we all decided to help her to the Bridge. She passed to the other side while lying in my arms. Run free, Nala-Bala Washington!

Esther Conquers the Big Field

Esther went for her first walk in the big field yesterday. She was a trooper, hopping along behind me and taking in the wide, wide world around her!

Woof, Y'All!

Introducing...allllllllll the way from Dallas, Texas.....Miss Esther! Thanks to some fantastic women from Texas Little Cuties (You're the best, Leslie and Linda!), Miss Esther has found her way all the way up North to the frozen tundra of Hundenruhe Haven. She is just an itty-bitty little chihuahua - around five/six pounds. We know she's a granny of at least 12 years old, but because she was found as a stray in a creek, then taken to the pound, and then rescued by TLC, we'll never know exactly how old she is, or the extent of her story. I do know that she's just about the sweetest little granny I've ever met! She doesn't have toofers, so her tongue sticks out a little, and it is just so endearing. She and Uncle Mort have the same coloring, and the same toothless smiles, though he now looks like a giant next to her! We are very glad she's here, and I am looking forward to many happy years with Granny Esther.

Me, My Tattoo, and I

It's my birthday, and I just got this, my very first tattoo, on my ankle. It is designed to represent three important philosophies in my life. The dragonfly represents important people that have passed away in my life, as well as overcoming a big challenge, the starfish represents my philosophy about kids and dog rescue, and the two pawprints represent Olive and Baci, as well as all the dogs I've loved and will love.

Sunday on the Farm

As usual, our day started with the canine alarm clocks (Shae, Coco, and Sammy) barking the household awake well before 6:00 am. The bright side of all this was that I was able to hear the turkeys in the backfield somewhere, and witness the mating dance of a male sandhill crane as he tried to attract his (largely unimpressed) mate. Spectacular! The birds were all chirping, much to Twig's chagrin, since she couldn't find all of them to bark at and chase away. The spring peeper frogs were singing away down in the marsh, and every now and again, the horses next door would whinny to each other. Ahhhh, lovely. Yesterday I planted the annuals in the pots around the house's gardens, and potted the herbs. Most importantly, I planted tulips in Tulip's Garden. We've always called it Tulip's Garden, though it had no tulips in it, because she loved to drink from the scummy water feature (despite the fresh water in the house!), and hang out there. We moved the beagle statue to Tulip's Garden when we noticed how much she liked being there. I always said that when she left us, I'd plant some tulips there, so there would always be a Tulip in her Garden. They are lovely, but not nearly so as she was.