Hitting Close to Home

Over the weekend, my fabulous group of high school girlfriends and myself were able to have a long awaited get together.  5 of us are dog parents, and all of us are animal lovers. We had a fantastic time catching up, and part of our weekend included seeing this IMAX movie about orphaned elephant and orangutan rescues in parts of the world.  Eyes welled up beneath those 3-D glasses. 

Needless to say, when this beautiful coon hound began to hang around our cabin all weekend, we were quick to give her attention.  The second day we were there, we noticed some sores and she had begun to limp on one of her back legs.  I asked the neighboring cabin if they knew her parents, and sure enough, they admitted that where they lived was a common "dumping ground" for unwanted dogs, and that was more than likely what had happened to her.  Through all this she continued to wag her tail.  The day we were leaving she was still around, her leg was swollen, and she wasn't putting any pressure on it.  We decided to get her out of the "wilderness" and get her some medical attention.  Here she is below... Soooo sweet!!

It is so easy to get angry at humans for situations like this.  After all, dogs depend on us for care, and she is probably a case of another dog that simply became unwanted.  It is tough to understand how people can let this happen.  My dogs do not go without a warm place to sleep or a meal, much less a lack in medical care.  As I am writing this, my friend is on her way with Birdie, as we've begun to affectionately call her, to the vet.  She is going to get the medical care she deserves and eventually a wonderful forever home with people that will appreciate her.  This isolated situation reaffirms how glad I am that I will be able to give back to a rescue that assists dogs like her that are injured and left behind.  And how grateful I am for compassionate friends.

Quick Hello

Hi Friends,

In taking a quick study/ work break I wanted to say thank you to all of the donors so far.  Some of you I am very close friends with, and others I have never even met.  The support is amazing and I know it'll help me stay motivated when my legs are screaming at me around mile 20! :) Training is going well, and we are officially 9 weeks away from the marathon.  Long enough to gain more preparation and more mental stamina. If you are just reading this blog for the first time, the very first post explains why I feel compelled to give back so much. 

To put it simply, our dogs bring us great joy.  And for the time being, they are the closest thing we have to children.  Rarely does a phone conversation with my best friend go by where we don't share a story about our dogs (hers also being a rescue). Often we discuss dog health issues, or funny things that happened recently.  Apparently Finley, my BF's dog, has learned to open the back door to let herself in (clever little thing).  And it is after these conversations that I realize the impact these little furry animals have on us.  In being able to assist the rescue efforts of BTRNC, I hope to aid in making this joy of dog parenting happen for a few other humans, as well as Bostons.  This morning I was telling my husband that I am glad we were the lucky family to get to "recycle" Bob, and I am sure like most other rescue families you always wonder about the previous life your dog led. The one thing that is for certain is that these "recycled" dogs are able to find caring homes because of BTRNC.  And to me, that is a very worthy cause. 

Proud Mama

Hello All,

I kinda can't help myself.... and I have to brag a bit.  Bobby was entered into cutest pet contest at Mike's work, and took the gold.  I can't say I am too surprised, but I accept that not every person sees the beauty in Bostons like I do.  Supposedly he beat out a corgi by one vote... it probably helped that we put a camo bandana around his neck and Mike's dog tags (Mike has a job in the military).  His prize was a paper mache trophy and a UGA dog jersey that he will proudly sport come August. 

And I have to brag on Chloe too. For those of you who know Chloe, you would agree that she is the "crazy" one.  So to let her get some of that energy out I have begun to take her on 1.5 mile runs.  It seems to help, and she seems to really be enjoying herself (just like Mama.)  Not to mention with her turning 6 soon I have started to worry about her staying in good physical fitness. 

All that being said, Boston4Boston forms are coming in and I can't thank the donors enough!  The wonderful part is that these pledges are being made on behalf of other dogs that have touched the donor's lives.  Dogs are perhaps one of the most forgiving creatures and despite being another species, they find a way to connect to humans.  For those who are interested look for the BTRNC on facebook or visit their website for a continuous supply of uplifting stories of rescue.  Some of those babies have come through hell and back, and the wonderful people that help to give them a second chance are fearless and beyond compassionate.  Often you can find funny little videos as well... like the one I will share below! So friends it is back to work for me, but thanks for the continued support... I am gonna need as I get further along in the training!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1Ol1NE2SSrQ%26feature%3Dshare&h=oAQHDz_otAQGohFK2DexTyEo4Ily2WJ2ii2fGY1AEtREN-w