Where Has The Time Gone

I just realized my last post was in Feb. So much has happened since then. This blog will no longer be about BC"S and Herding. Due to some medical problems I have had to step away from that. Maybe someday in the future I can get involved again. I do miss the people. I was able to find two great homes for my Border Collies and for that I am so grateful for.

Now my life includes my beloved Lab Mix (she does have Border Collie ), a Jack Russell who keeps me feeling someone loves me in this world (beside my Lord) and my Chihuahuas. Star who gives me comfort in the loss of your original owner and my best friend and Bambi who we rescued a year ago. Of course there are two cats, America and Lea the baby of the family.

This last year has been one of loss and challenges. I had to go live with my son for two months but finally got to come back home. We all were so happy for that. After trying for 3 years to receive Social Security Disability I finally chose to go back to work pain or no pain. I just recently found a job in a field that I truly like. It is a office job so working is easier than being behind a cash register. The biggest thing I have done is in the last few months I have chose to rejoin a church. It has been 40 years since I attended one. I have shocked those around me by the church I have chosen. Some have been supported in my decision and some have not. To those that have been Thank you. To the others I hope someday you may change your mind. The church I chose was the Church Of Latter Day Saints or Mormon to some.

But things are now going good and hopefull the new year will bring more great things.

He Has Found a Home

I am happy to say that Trey has found a new home. There was a ad this morning for someone looking for a herding dog. So I responded and than they called me. The guy is a school teacher in Elko NV. They have sheep and goats. He is driving up the end of April to get him. I think I have found the perfect home for my Bud. Now I need to find a few head so I can show this guy how he works and his commands. He is new to the sheepdog thing, been using his kids as herders but they are moving on with their life's.


I have come to the decision that I need to rehome my Trey dog. My life has taken some big changes lately and he is a unhappy dog because of it.

This is Trey, he is a nine yr old fixed male, with the spunk of a two yr old. He is out of Don Couch's Cassie and Derek Fisher's Gylen. He also goes back to Patrick Shannhan's Hannah. I trialed with him in novice. The home I would like to see take him is a small farm away from town. He gets along with other dogs but would be happier being the only one or maybe one other larger dog. He seems to get over excited with smaller dog movements. He is a sweetheart and my bud but I have to make some hard choices right now. And I know he would be happier in a different home life. You may contact me by email rrkline@msn.com for any other info.

Another Year

Well not much longer and another year will be history. It has been one heck of a year. One that I hope doesn't repeat. My journey to obtain Social Security Disability is almost over. Been praying that it will be in my favor. If it does come through I am planning a road trip back home, Chicago, IL. Well part of the time will be spend there and the other part will be WI. It will be good to see family and friends. There will even be a few new ones that I met when Eileen died. According to the clock 22 more Minutes until 2011. Happy New Years to ALL.

A Pittance of Time, A Tribute to our Veterans

On this day I really think of my dad and his service to his country. So that his family and future children could live live free. To grow and become whatever they wanted. Several years ago when Email was the only way to get different videos this was sent to me. I always enjoy listening to it every once in awhile to remember what are soldiers are fighting for. . Below you is the story of how this song came to be. Enjoy and take a moment to say a prayer for our veterans and our boys overseas. It is only a pittance of time.


"On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the stores PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.




Terry was impressed with the stores leadership role in adopting the Legions two minutes of silence initiative. He felt that the stores contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.



When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the two minutes of silence to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.



Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the stores clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, A Pittance of Time. Terry later recorded A Pittance of Time and included it on his full-length music CD, The Power of the Dream. "



Thank You to the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch #10 and Woodbine Height Branch #2 for their participation in the Video.

Old Memories

I have been going through some boxes of pictures and other stuff and came across a book. This book was done in 1988 by Helen Wilson, president of Pet Haven, a rescue group in Nampa ID. I had submitted this story written by my mom. And I wanted it to be published in this book to honor her. It was originally published in a Chicago, IL paper. This is a true story of something that happened to me and a doctor that had the foresight to tell my parents to get me a puppy so I wouldn't be afraid of dogs. Well you all know the outcome of that. So I hope you enjoy this little story.

PICKED BY 'HEART', SAVED BY 'LOVE'­ THAT'S RUSTY

by Mrs. R. R. Smith

Rusty wasn't chosen like most pets are. Usually when people buy a puppy they look around at a number of dogs, decide what kind and what color they want and finally choose one that fits that description. But Rusty was chosen with a little girl's hands and heart! You see - her eyes were swollen shut!

It all started in April, 1958 when Rhonda Rae was four years old. We had promised her a puppy for Easter and then, several days before, she was attacked by a large dog and bitten on the face, head and arm.

She had many stitches across the forehead and pressure bandages to control the swelling but still the eyes were swollen shut  She looked so tiny and so pathetic. One of the days when we were at the hospital to have the pressure bandage loosened I happened to mention to the doctor, "And to think we were going to get her a dog!" "Why not?" he answered. "It would be the wisest thing you could do."

Her daddy and I looked at each other and realized what , must do. A half-hour later, with Rhonda snuggled snuggled between us we set out to find a dog. At the Anti-Cruelty society we were told they did not place puppies in homes with small children. Then on to one pet shop after the other.

The day before Easter there wasn't much left in the way of pets. Finally we found a shop with two tiny puppies in the window! Rhonda groped her way blindly toward the sound of yelping and the sales lady placed the little furry ball in her arms..Her Her fingers caressed the soft fur and when the puppy licked her cheek, she smiled. We knew she had chosen this little mongrel with her heart!

In the weeks that followed Rusty and Rhonda became inseparable, so it was with heavy hearts we told her he must go  away for a little while. She was going into Children's Memorial Hospital for plastic surgery and there would be no one to look after him during the day when we were with her. We took him to a farm in Wisconsin where we felt it would be safe for him to run around until she recuperated.

The operation went fine and it was with happy hearts we set out six weeks later to pick up Rusty. We were met with sad faces and even sadder news. Rusty had been shot by hunters and although the people felt he should be put out of his misery they had waited until we arrived. Rhonda clasped her dog in her arms and with tears running down her cheeks sobbed, "He'll be all right, Daddy, cause I love him."

We brought him back to Chicago and x-rays showed he had many pellets in his head and body. One eye was almost destroyed! Even the vet felt there was no hope for him without surgery. But we had no more money and so we took him home - to die.

But Rusty didn't die! Somehow he survived. And we like to think a little girl's love pulled him through. He's blind in one eye and is so gun-shy he almost dies every Fourth of July but we love him no less for his infirmity. He is the gentlest, quietest dog on the block - loved by everyone - but loved most by a little girl who chose him with her heart!

PS Rusty passed away on Nov. 8, 1976, he was 18 yrs old

What would Dogs Do (if They weren't spending our money)

Had to take Trey to the vet this morning. Last night I was watching TV and he was walking around. Something didn't look right on his right elbow. Called him to be and he had this lump there. Well I had just gone over him a few days ago looking for mats, it wasn't there than. So for the fact it had popped up that quick I called the vet first thing this morning. Took him and the vet looked at it and said it was a hemotoma. That he most likely through himself down when he laid down and broke a blood vessel. He says they see alot of that in large dogs. Took a needle prick to see what the fluid was and it was what he thought. While I was there I talked with him about Trey's anxiety. Licking walls, his feet, the back of Brandi's crate. Freaking out when I pick up the remote, etc. The triggers that set him off are numerous. The other night has I was raising my arm to set it across the back of the couch it popped and he jumped up and the licking on the wall was on. So we are trying him on Prozac and see if it helps. I just want to give this dog some peace in his later years.

Stopped by and picked up a pair of parroletts from a friend of mine. They are sure cute little guys.

Well I have a hearing date for my disability, now if I can just hang on until then. All of my  UE stops the beginning of OCT. But things are caught up from no money this summer so just keeping my fingers crossed.

Until the next time, Love, Eat, and Pray!

What A Year, so far

Well my year just keeps getting better. not! On top of losing my best friend, in July I go and fall and mess up my ankle big time. Tried walking through Wal-Mart yesterday, lets just say I will take a pain killer before I go.

I have had to rethink alot of things lately. My disability has not come through yet and unemployment has run out so no money. Can't try to find a job because of the ankle. Can't work Belle because of the money situation. So After doing the ankle I realized that I needed to get really serious (I had been half hardly to find her a home.) about finding her a new home. She needed to be out doing something and I couldn't give her that. So a few weeks ago I laid my heart out there trying to find her a home. Well Patrick called and said he would take her and he thought he might have a home for her. So he came and got her. Right now she is staying with LJ Estes, who has Belle's mom. When Patrick gets back from Lacamas she will soon be on her way to Montana. So until sometime in the future I am out from a activity that has shown me things I never thought I could do. I have met some great people and want to tell them all thank you. I will still keep the blog but it will have tales from the 4 dogs I still have. Maybe some time in the future before Trey gets to old I will be able to run a few novice trials. Only time will tell.

Dog Rescue Groups

I never thought much about rescue groups until this last month. When my friend died I was able to get 5 of her dogs. The rest I had to be left behind, 2 because they are large dogs and the other 2 were Chihuahuas and I just couldn't catch them. I was able to find home for the 3 Chi's. But than I was left with the 2 boys. One of them was hairless. Well I knew that Eileen had worked with one gal on rescue so she was the first person I contacted. Well things finally led me to a rescue in Portland that was able to take the 2 boys. And it just happened that Susan L was headed that way.

Than just a week ago A friend of Eileen's had called me. She had got some bad news from her doctor and she would need to downsize on her dogs. So a gal I had met through the losing of EIleen, her and I went to talk with her and get pictures and info. By later that night Pam had found someone to take the 2 Chinese Crested. This gal also said she thought she could find homes for the other 2. And did she ever come through, there is a gal flying in from Maryland next week to pick the last 2. This has given Sandy such piece of mind. And for me it has shown rescues can have happy endings. And of the chi's that I said had homes well one of them has made herself quite at home here.

Waking up in Portland

I need more sunny days. Took the dogs out and I could of swore that I was in Portland or even Kodiak AK. Where is spring?

Well I think I'm finally getting back to somewhat normal life. I just made arrangments to turn the last two dogs of Eileen's over to a rescue. They are in portland and can find homes for both the boys. Plus they will get fixed. (Couldn't spell the other word this morning). My daughter in-laws sister took the youngest chihuahua, I am keeping one (I know I need another dog) she just attached herself to me. She is small and quiet. She won't be much of a problem. Bet of all the 2 queens of the roost approve. Of course it was done kinda of sneaky. Brought the dogs home (my dogs were use to them being be) and one will stay. Now if I can get on with life it would all be good.

My new baby is the black one.

Loss

Yesterday I lost my best friend, she was like a sister to me. We had the same interests and outlook on life. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have my Missy dog. I had to go get her small dogs after I heard because her husband drives truck and won't be here until Thursday. There is so much to do. Her husband and daughter will have to come to a decision on the dogs and the horses. Than I guess I will try to find them homes. I have suffered loss before but this one really is getting to me. I guess knowing that I was the last one she talked to makes it even harder. As the hours kept going past and she didn't show up to pick me up to go to Boise I tried not to think the worst. I was getting ready to call her brother and have him go by her house to see if she had fallen or something. Before I could do that I got a call from ISP with the news. With all the troubles she has weathered this past year I know that she is now at peace and a better place. Girlfriend I will miss you.

Coming Out of Retirement

I am looking at bringing Trey out of retirement. Why? Because at 8 yrs old he has decided to settle down. I have been working him a bit lately and he is so easy and is listening to me. I have even begun to start getting him to drive. Which was our big hang-up before. So we will see what happens in the next few months and hopefully he will run at the Boise Fair.

I worked both dogs today and I had a little extra help while Trey was working. My little Jack Russell Mix decided to follow us out into the field. Of course she had no idea what was about to happen. So here I was out there working Trey and the sheep see her and stop dead, by this time she is at my feet with the sheep right next to me. . So I had to get Trey back off the sheep so they would finish the turn and continue on. It was interesting to do this because having two dogs out there and keeping a eye on the sheep it made you really think on what to do next. This whole time Missy was just trying to figure out what was going on. Never barked chased or anything.

Now Miss Belle, well she was another story. She was a pistol and my timing was off and she wasn't listening so it was a minor train wreck. I think being in the kennel looking at the sheep all day is what fired her up. Anyway we are going to start working with her more often.

So everyone I hope you have a nice Easter with your Families. I'm off to Ontario to spend it with my son's in-laws.

Trial Weekend Update

Well did our first trial in a year (going to aim to do better than that this year). It was pretty cold on Saturday, might not have been if there wasn't a small wind. Novice class was the last one of the day. Remember I said the first in a year well did it show, even though we had worked a little recently (as recent as Tuesday). Belle went down and sent the sheep 4 directions I think. Crossed the course chased sheep but did eventually listen to me and came back to me.

Sunday was much better all the way around. Weather was nice, just a slight breeze that stopped once in awhile and best of all there was sun. Again our class was the last to run. I was next to last where yesterday I was first. I was really happy with her outrun and lift. She didn't hesitate at all picking the sheep up with Patrick and his dog there. That was a good start. Made our turn and started the drive. That went so-so but we did get it done. Next was the pen and between Belle not listening real well and the sheep not wanting to cooperate we timed out. Over all the weekend was a good one. Thanks to the Don, Jeanie, Patrick and Dianne for a great time.

Driving

I wonder what it would look like if someone flew overhead and could see our driving pattern. They probably would think that is one drunk bunch of sheep or a drunk BC. I think Dianne was finally speaking English today. We tried something different on helping Belle drive and she was doing pretty good. Now if we can duplicate some of that Saturday. Guess we will see.

Thanks Ellie!

Just got down reading Ellie's post and now the butterflies have kicked in for this weekend. Going to Dianne's tomorrow for a lesson. First one in a long time. My goal (no resolutions for me) is to get active again with my dogs. Saturday will be a good start, even though i have got in a few practices since the first of the year. So can't wait until Saturday. See you all than.

I can't believe my life has been so boring lately, that almost 2 months has gone by without me updating the blog. In fact I just noticed I had a couple of comments from Dec that I needed to approve. Sorry Jodi and Kathy. In answer to your question Jodi about USBCH having a rule about a bitch in season no their ins't one. I choice not to run her in consideration of other handlers with male dogs. Plus we couldn't get sheep time with Dianne with her being in heat. But we will be out there next month. I have met a neat person that will let me come and work sheep so hopefully we will get sometime on sheep before the trial. I have been sick with a sinus infection for 2 months and I think we have finally beat it. But thanks to all the antibiotics I'm dealing with another problem right now. I will be so glad to get back to normal. Well that is all I can think of for now. So I will go back to hibernation. See most of you next weekend at the clinic.

Why Do I Own A Female Dog?

I have been trying to figure that out for a couple of days. We have to fore go another trial because of Miss Belle. This time she is in heat. I never had a problem when I was running Trey. I see now why people have more that one dog going at a time. At least you have something for a back-up plan. Oh well such is life. Next year is around the corner.

We Will Be Back!!!!!

I just realized that it has been quite awhile since I wrote anything about the dogs. We have been victim to the current state of things in the world, no money. But we will be back doing what Belle and I love doing and the sheep better be ready. Right now she things she needs to help me with the horses so I'm having to put her up when I take them out. Even though she had listened to me when I told her to get back and lay down. So like Diane told me recently she won't have forgot what she knows. May even try to get out Sunday at Janies to work with Derek.

Where Does Time Go

I am doing my bestest deed ever. My girlfriend has been going through a extreme roughpatch the last year. Won't bore you with details. She has pets. Among them are 3 horses. They needed to find a better place for them so I just happen to mention something to my family. Next thing I know they are offering to take one of the horses. And I have taken in the other two horses. Well with having the horses here I realize it has been 34 years since I last owned a horse. My sons dad and I use to have a couple for riding. He wound up with the horses when we divorced. And for some reason I never got another horse. Thought about it. But didn't do it. I am reaaly enjoying looking out my window and seeing these 2 beautiful creatures. And my grandaughter is thrilled having Sport with her. Eariler this year I was chastised for giving her a dog without my son knowing. Here it is 10 months later and they are now living on a farm. They have 2 dogs, 2 goats, chickens, a duck and a goose. My son even lets the goose into the house when it was cold. I guess underestimated my son. I see now that I can get some sheep and it will work out. So after the horses move on some day than it will be time for the little ones.

Top Left: Sport, Spotted Saddle Horse

Middle: Bud Saddlebred

Bottom: Savannah Missouri Fox Trotter

What month is this?

Man, I just came in from taking the dogs out and is it ever chilly. Feels like Sept. or Oct. Well haven't written for awhile, where does the time go. Had to make the decision not to run Belle at the Boise Fair because she injured her pad. So I have decided I will wait until after Finals and start back with Diane.

At the beginning of the year I made the decision to breed my small dog and give my granddaughter a pup.(and I got grieve for that) There was concern about my son but in the end it all worked out. In fact the dog sleeps with mom and dad. Well a couple of months ago my grandson told me one day that he would like a friend. AS in a dog. Well he got into a little trouble with mom as teens do and so I never brought it up to my DIL. Well come to find out she had been thinking of getting him a dog. They are moving to a farm in Nampa and have the room for two dogs. So my grandson and I talked to her about a lab mix I know is looking for a home. But she wanted a small dog. The next day Kory brought up the lab again and than told her that he wished I would let him have the pup I kept out of the litter. Well I was thinking of doing that before I heard what he said. So I did the only thing a grandmother could do and gave him Kolt. I know he will have a good home I would trust this kid with my other dogs in a heart beat. I will get to see him all the time. I still have his mom and she is very special to me so I will be all right letting my little boy go.

Snowmobiles on Water

Yep that's what I said. Yesterday a friend told me that they had heard a guy was going to ride his snowmobile across the Snake River in Marsing. So about (11:00 am ) which is when he had been told it would happen we went into Marsing. Didn't see anything coming across the bridge so thought it was just someone blowing smoke. So I went to the store and decided to drive down into he park by the river. Went to the north side and sure enough there sat two machines. So called my friend and he came down. Well it was more like 1:30 before it went off. I think half the town was there and some of Homedale. I had the two small dogs with because I didn't think I'd be gone long. At least we had shade to hang out in. Got some good video of the run and the recovery of the one that didn't make it. They will up on You Tube and Facebook in a short. Was something to see and waste a Saturday on.