Happiness

Well, its been awhile since I've had time to post, so I apologize for the lack of news about the furries here at the Haven! The new furnace boiler has finally been installed, but the in-floor heating isn't yet here, so the pups are still enjoying the radiant space heaters, like Truvy and Teddy are above. Truvy is still battling her skin issues, so she's getting two baths and blow-dries every week, along with two different meds and some special spray. So far, its working - she's itching far less, but it has affected her appetite. We are tempting her with all kinds of goodies, so I'm sure she'll come around soon.
The others are doing as well as can be expected. Uncle Mort and Sophia are really starting to show their ages, now that the weather is chilly. Sophia's sweater is on almost all the time now, and Mort's back is hunched up with arthritis. Several of the dogs are on daily pain medication, and it seems to help the achiness.
We've had an amazing breaththrough with Grandma Esther. We have finally beat the yeast infection that she came with, and she has come alive!! Esther now begs on her hind legs to be picked up and put on Dan's or my lap, and hollers at the dogs if they happen to choose the bed she wants to lay in. What a wonderful character she's turned out to be!
Lately I've been having to turn away so many dogs. It makes me sad to think of all the dogs that are missing their families and homes, and we are unable to afford to take them in. However, all these dogs are living here and enjoying hearth and home, so they at least can experience happiness. I know that I just need to think harder about how I can find more money to help more pups. I think we could probably handle four more here - a total of twenty - if we could just find the money to support them. I will put my thinking cap on...

Fantastic Fall Weekend

It is a glorious autumn morning here at Hundenruhe. The mist rising from the fields muffled the few sounds that could be heard, including the distant honking of geese rising to begin their trek south. As the sun came up, the ridge across from the house burst into color - I just had to get a picture of it, even though the photo doesn't do justice to the brilliant oranges, reds, and golds that struck my eyes. I think this may be our Indian summer, and the last of the warm days before the chilly fall days take over.
We had a wonderful weekend. Friday night was spent sharing yummy pizza in our pajamas, and then toasting marshmallows over a campfire on the patio. Saturday was filled with the usual chores, but also included some time for walkies in the fields, and chatting whilst sitting outside - first on the patio, and later on the new deck. We capped off the day watching the classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" that we had DVR'd earlier. One of my favorite books, the movie was also excellent.
Today we are going to a local orchard for breakfast, and then coming home to bake pies and have a traditional Sunday chicken dinner at home with the pups. Truvy has already had her bath, the coffee is done brewing, dogs are fed, and it's time to wake up Dan to go have some breakfast.
Hundenruhe indeed - peace for people and dogs.

Tentative Success...

Well, the furnace man was out again yesterday and we have some options now for a new boiler.Old houses are kind of funny - they limit your options for replacement - so we only have a couple of options. I am so thankful that we did some refinancing last week (thanks dear husband Dan!!), so we should be able to buy the new boiler.The nice thing is that it will be installed before it gets really cold, so we won't have to all sleep in our coats! I am hoping that it will save us money in the long run because it will be a little more efficient. We're waiting on the estimates now. Geothermal would be such a great thing - eco-friendly, less fuel usage and cost - but it is so cost-prohibitive for the average consumer. The same thing applies to both solar and wind power. My question is this: if these items save money (by a lot!!), then why can't the people who need to save money afford them? Another one of life's mysteries...

If it isn't one thing...

..it's another. The furnace man says our furnace is done - beyond repair. Now what? I will try to stay positive and figure something out...we have so many blessings and I am grateful. At least we found out before it's 30 below. But honestly, this one is really putting a damper on my positivity! Not sure how, but we'll find a way somehow...we always do.

Autumn has Arrived!

Brrrr! It was 48 degrees this morning! The snap of fall was in the air, the squirrels are trying to get in the basement to store their nut supply for the winter, and the walnut tree is pelting us with nuts. We don't quite have color on the trees yet, though the trees whose leaves just turn yellow and drop are showering us with every gust of wind. The dogs always have the hardest time adapting to the temperature change at this time of year. Later on in the winter, they will have built up their resistance, but right now they shiver and tremble with every damp step on the lawn. So, it's time to break out the.........sweaters! Some of the pups seem to be able to keep up their body heat without a problem, but a few need a little help. We got some beautiful handmade sweaters at YorkieStock in Iowa this summer, and our dear adopted Granny Scrapkins (Gloria) also knitted some sweaters for the kids that we love. I went out this morning and took these pictures of the kids as they enjoyed the gray and blustery Sunday morning at the Haven. There's lots of pictures...so enjoy!

Teddy/Chips

Sophia

Sophia and Baci

Olive

Obie cleaning Olive's eyes. He feels that this is his responsibility, and does it frequently. How cute is that?

Skylar

Esther

Shae the Beagle

Shae and Sophie with Twig

Baci

Whew!

Fourteen dogs bathed in under an hour. Enough said. :)

Extreme Makeover - Hundenruhe Edition

Well, we didn't get picked for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Wisconsin home makeover. Another teacher and his family in Neenah were selected and received a really wonderful home last month. However, we weren't left entirely out of the loop! Our dear friends Halvor and Teri (really chosen family members) made our dreams come true over the past two weekends by surprising us with a new deck/front porch. The front door was the only door left unprotected from the outside world, but it is unsafe no longer! Halvor and Teri (with a tiny bit of help from Dan and I) built this amazing front porch with a doggie-safe gate. It is SO beautiful and I can rest easier now, knowing the pups can't get out.
Yet another miracle for us here. I am so blessed by these wonderful people in my life - and then they go and do something so incredibly generous and sweet. I know I don't really deserve this kind of love and kindness, but I am so grateful for them, and for this gift.
Here's what it looked like before, with its ancient cement slab steps and rickety iron railings: