My Imperfect Loves - Sadie - Part III of VIII

"I trust your love, and I feel like celebrating because you rescued me.  You have been good to me, LORD, and I will sing about you."

~Psalm 13:5,6

June 28, 2013

It's been one of those scorching hot summer days here in Central Texas ... even the still night air feels hot.  What a gift to have air conditioning!

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a dog in my life ~ usually 2-3 plus a cat.  That is what I have considered normal.  Six dogs?  Somehow, that seems rather abnormal; however, that has quickly become the new normal in Seidler Dogdom.  Regrets?  Absolutely not!!

Heard the term pay it forward?  Ever since the Lord rescued me, I have been passing on my legacy to others (including my 4-legged friends!).  If my blogs have touched your heart for Jesus, then, I am doing what I am created to do.  If I can make the lives of my furry kids comfy and happy then, I am fulfilling a purpose besides just taking up space.

Sadie ... my precious Sadie.  AKC Scottish Terrier albeit larger than the breed standard.  Sadie was purchased from a BYB (back yard breeder) ~~ a family who just had a couple of Scotties and wanted their children to experience the process of having puppies.  At the time, I thought that was pretty cool; and, besides that, Sadie was very reasonably priced.  What I didn't understand was that because of inbreeding, Scottish Terriers have a myriad of skin issues and without careful breeding these dogs are showing up in shelters because owners didn't realize what they were getting in to.  

All that aside, I loved Sadie from the moment I saw her and she became an integral part of our family.  It wasn't long though and my beautiful puppy became the most ugly dog I had ever seen.  Her head and ears grew first to the point that she resembled a huge black monster.  She developed the loudest bark I had ever heard in my life and became a ferocious hunter gracing me with half dead baby rabbits, mice, and rats.  As time passed, Sadie went from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.  She was perfect in my eyes.  I saw her as God saw her blinded to her flaws calling her my regal princess!

A few years ago, Sadie began developing skin issues.  The bite of one flea or one mosquito would send her system into overdrive.  She would chew, scratch, and bite herself until huge sores appeared.  We tried all sorts of medications, itch sprays, and shampoos to no avail.  On top of the skin issues, Sadie developed thyroid and liver complications and it's been touch and go several times.  There are times when she is crying out that I lift my hands to the Lord asking for him to heal her and help her rest.  Thank goodness, there are times when she is almost symptom free and she frolics like there is nothing wrong.  She's a fighter!  All I have to say is, "Sadie, come get your medicine," and she comes running.  Gotta love my Sadie Girl!

Sadie is a wonderful mother to our rescues.  She's taken them under her protective black paw and has shown them the ropes. They follow her out and copy her as she "does her business."  I couldn't ask for a better partner!

When the bite of life sets my own life into overdrive, like Sadie, I come running to my master in heaven.  I know that the medicine he has for my soul is worth taking and I gobble it up!  How about you?  Who do you turn to when life's not fair and your woes are making breathing difficult?

"You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor; and you rescue those people in times of trouble.  You protect them and keep them alive."

~~Psalm 41:1,2

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day!!

Miss Dottie

PS  Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight ~ it's the size of the fight in the dog."  You know something, I know he's right!  God bless my Scottish Lass!!

My Imperfect Loves - Kennedy - Part II of VIII

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

- Unknown Author

June 27, 2013

Dear Readers,

I truly believe that all things work to the glory of God for those who have been called according to his purpose.  Not some things, ALL things.  (Romans 8:28)

What began as a search for a tiny female Pomeranian rescue has culminated in the adoption of four rescue dogs.  Kennedy was the first rescue to come in to our home and, as a poster boy for perfectly rehabilitated rescue, paved the way for Zeke, Harmony, and Ruffles.

I've blogged about Kennedy before so y'all are familiar with his sweet face and tale of wandering the streets of Houston looking for his furever home.  Kennedy is perfectly imperfect ... he's an oversized Pom-Chi with a chopped off tail.  He has these soulful eyes that make me wonder what he is thinking as he goes through his day.  Kennedy is my therapy dog on call 24/7.  He knows when I'm happy and when I am sad.  He follows me everywhere and when I sit, he sits beside me ... always touching.

When I talk to Kennedy (sometimes I call him Khenzea), he cocks his head and listens intently.  There are times when he talks to me and I'm the one listening to what he has to say ... usually it's, "I need to go outside, I am hungry, I need a drink of water."  Kennedy's life is simple, the way I like my life to be.

The vet said Kennedy is probably two to three years old.  He's missing some teeth (probably from a very bad diet) but the ones he has are pearly white.  He's finicky about what he eats and waits patiently for me to sit his bowl in front of him.  Kennedy dines slowly savoring each morsel on his plate.  My neighbor and I were having tea the other day and she set Kennedy on one of the dining rooms chairs (needless to say, Beverly LOVES Kennedy!).  He sat there with his chin on the table watching us sip our tea.  He's not used to table scraps so there was no begging ... however, every now and then he would let out this low whine and chattering that sounded almost like he wanted to join in the conversation.  We would glance his way, acknowledge him, and go on about our tea.

What was life like BK (before Kennedy)?  I guess you could say that we rolled along just fine.  Then again, what is life like AK? Kennedy has been the chocolate on my ice cream.  He's truly become a best friend and I am a better person with him in my life.

God created all creatures great and small and, I believe, that along with their creation, each has purpose.  Kennedy has a heart as big as Texas and I am one of the lucky ones that he decided to share it with.

"Be comforted, little dog, thou too in the Resurrection shall have a tail of gold."

~~Martin Luther

Kennedy may be a mix of Pom-Chi and goodness knows what else but he is perfectly unique and I like unique and one of a kind!  God created him for a greater good and to be a part of my life -- perfect timing.

Always remember that you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day.

Miss Dottie

PS  "I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness.  If it takes my dog being there [in Heaven], I believe he'll be there." ~~Rev. Billy Graham  

My Imperfect Loves - Zeke - Part I of VIII

June 23, 2013

The Sensational Six woke me this morning with yips, yaps, and kisses!  "Wake up, Mom, it's "potty" time!  They all are so exhuberant first thing in the morning.  They don't think about the concerns and worries of the day, they just know that it feels good to be alive, pee on a plant, and eat some breakfast. They teach me so much about living the good life and I love it.

I was drinking my coffee this morning when the thought "my imperfect loves" came flooding through my brain.  I smiled ... a perfect blog subject!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

~~Psalm 139:14

Because Zeke was so very sick this week, I decided to start my series with him.  Zeke was an abandoned puppy who was found by a young lady by the name of Sarah.  Recycled Poms took him in and he was fostered by Sarah's mother, Laura.  He was a throw-away puppy...

The vet says Zeke is a full blooded Maltese; HOWEVER, Zeke is imperfect.  His mother gave him viral hepatitis, he has light tan markings throughout his white coat, and his spine is a little crooked.  To someone wanting the perfect puppy, Zeke doesn't fit the bill.  Michael and I took one look at Zeke and saw "perfection" ... God's love manifested in a tiny, 4 pound, 9 month old Maltese by the name of Ezekiel

Zeke is our "son of dust" ... he loves to romp and rough-house with his brothers Toby and Kennedy.  He runs as fast as his little legs can carry him following big sister Sadie as they chase squirrels.  He rarely barks but his big brown eyes speak volumes.  He sits beside me as I type on the computer and every now and then nudges my hand for a quick pat on the head.  Zeke seems ... well, magical!

About this time last week, Zeke started acting funny ... lethargic, wouldn't eat.  Monday morning we were on the vet's doorstep when he opened and there began a week of intensive medical treatment via IV.  When the vet gave us an estimated bill, my husband (with a tear in his eye) said, "Do what it takes." Zeke would spend the day hooked up to an IV and come home at night.  For four nights, I cat-napped checking on him and praying over him.  Friends across the country, prayed for Zeke and I cried out to God to save our little furry son.  Wednesday night, I took him outside to potty.  He did his business then fell over into his mess too exhausted to walk.  I picked him up, wrapped him in a warm towel and took him inside.  I knew God could heal him but I was preparing myself for the worst.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding:" ~~Proverbs 3:5

Thursday morning, Zeke looked perky!  What?!  Perky??  Yep, Zeke turned the corner Thursday morning and it's been uphill ever since.  I took him back to be hooked up to his IV and Dr. Arnold checked him and said, he could go home with meds AND they took out his port.  I did the HAPPY DANCE and those praying for Zeke across the country did the HAPPY DANCE.

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

~~Psalm 30:5

It is Sunday morning and Zeke continues to rally.  He has been eating huge meals twice a day, and has developed a new interest in his toys.  Sadie made a mad dash to the back of the yard today to chase a squirrel and Zeke was right on her heels.  What a beautiful sight.

In a world where people and animals must be perfect, I find beauty in the imperfect.  I especially enjoy hearing and observing the stories of people and dogs who have overcome hardships and found their way to success, love, and happiness.  Zeke is one of those!!  He is so perfect in my eyes ... a creation of the wonderful God I serve.  He was perfectly knit in his mother's womb albeit infected with the hepatitis virus, a slightly crooked spine, and tan markings.  His courage and fighting spirit makes him a hero!

Look for the imperfect and you will find it.  Look for the beauty and good and you will find that too!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... yes, each and every day!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state."  ~~Thomas de Quincey  

I Feel So Helpless

June 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

It's been a jam-packed day full of activity starting about 6am.  Sadie started shaking her big Scottish Terrier head and got Harmony going.  Harmony got Kennedy, Toby, Ruffles, and Zeke up and we headed out for morning potty time.  Fixing breakfast for six hungry dogren made me giggle.  They acted like they'd been starved to death stumbling over each other getting to their individual bowls.  Mind you, six dogs albeit small, take up most of the floor space in my kitchen! After breakfast, there was a flurry of fur heading out the back door to attend to business.  Michael shook his sleepy head ... "I'll make coffee!"  No such thing as quietly rising to greet the day at the Seidler Casa.

Michael needed to go back to Dallas to pick up Lily who was at the dealership getting her 40K checkup and new shoes.  I decided to ride along to see if my bones could take the longer drive.  All in all, I think I did pretty well (Yay!) and will be up to traveling more than 30 minutes at a time without reaching for my cane.  Believe me, that's a BIG step.

Wouldn't you know, while we were waiting for Lily to be brought to us, we looked at some cars and I found one that was just perfect ... a VW Beetle, charcoal gray, with black leather seats.  Well, guess what?  I drove it home.  I wholeheartedly recommend Rusty Wallis Volkswagen in Garland, TX for best all-around customer service.  I literally hate dickering back and forth over price, trade-in, etc., so I told Gabriel a number to meet or beat or I would come back next year.  We were done and out of there in about an hour!!

We had our pet sitter come in while we were gone to let the dogren out and she didn't call us to say anything was amiss but once I walked into the cottage, I knew one of the furry kids was sick.  Zeke had been very quiet yesterday, spending a lot of time in his doggie bed.  I chocked it up to pouting about the new arrivals, Ruffles and Harmony, and figured he'd be okay in a few days.  Well, today, he was throwing up and had a bout of diarrhea.  He is so tiny and I felt so helpless.  I texted his former foster mom and she told me to fix a mixture of half chicken broth, half water and give it to him.  He's not buying that, preferring to snuggle up against me.  I'll keep trying.

Why is it that kids whether human or furry get sick so often on nights or weekends?  I feel so helpless watching my normally sweet, energy filled boy lay beside me so still.  It reminds me of when my babies were small and couldn't tell me what was wrong.  I had that helpless feeling then and I hated it.  It reminds me of when my little grandson was so sick with asthma and laying in a hospital bed.  I hated that helpless feeling.  It reminds me of when my little Yorkie, Pete, was paralyzed and I held him hoping God would do a miracle and heal him.  It reminds me of when my oldest daughter got so sick and was snowed in out in the country in Minnesota while I was in Texas.  Right now, I am doing my best to keep from panicking and am thinking that it's a good thing I have the vet's office on speed dial for Monday morning at 7 bells.

Earlier this evening, I had a friend tell me about a situation she was facing.  Oh how I wished I could do something ... anything.  Again, that helpless feeling came over me.  Time after time in my life, whether it be friends or family or things going on in my own life, I have run up against that brick wall of helplessness.

I am fortunate, I am a believer in a God who hears our cries and steps in to minister to those helpless feelings.  He tells me to work like everything depends on me and pray like everything depends on Him.  We do make a great team!!  As soon as I finish this blog, I will light some white candles, grab my Bible, and enter the realm of prayer ... just some heart-to-heart, one-on-one time with my Lord.  There have been many people that the Lord placed on my heart for prayer today and they got quick attention.   Still, I like that deep soulful time of uninterrupted prayer.

My beloved Mom Seidler loved the song, "One Day At A Time."  I was humming that as I held Zeke.  I was humming that after I got off the phone with my friend.  I am still humming that.  I am only human and I when I get those helpless feelings, I have to remember who is ultimately in control.  Oh sweet Jesus, what would I do without your loving care?  Those of us with tender hearts need a warrior to help us in our time of need ... our time of tears and fear.

Over and over, my Lord has said that He is faithful and just.  I rarely understand the big picture; however, I trust in the one who does.  If you are like me and are feeling so helpless about a relationship or a situation, I would invite you to join me in prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven,  I trust that you have everything under control even when I am frantically searching for solutions and answers not only for myself but also for those I love and care about.  I ask that you come into my life and give me renewed hope and peace.  For those who are reading my blog, I ask that you minister to them exactly where they are at this moment in time extending your open arms to them, inviting them to come to you.  You know how afraid I am when I feel out of control and helpless; yet, I know that as I fill bowls with petitions and raise them to you, that you reach for them lovingly.  I rest in knowing that you will bring your healing powers in every corner of my world and in the worlds of my Readers.  In your precious son's name I pray as your servant, Miss Dottie.

Do you feel better?  Maybe so, maybe not.  There are times when I have to keep on praying, sharing my deepest petitions with not only the Lord but with a dear friend in Christ who will listen and not judge.  I know I leave you in good hands!

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

~~Romans 8:26-27

Miss Dottie

PS  I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs.  ~~James Herriot

PSS  Please remember there is a big difference between helplessness and hopelessness.  There is ALWAYS hope.  Think on that today!!

It's A Grand Old Flag...

June 14, 2013

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." ~~Romans 13:1

Dear Readers,

It's Flag Day.  I must admit that I forgot but my neighbor put their flag out and reminded me.  I made a mad dash to Walmart and got two small flags and got them out.  Somehow I think that our American Flag doesn't quite stand for what it used to in the eyes of Americans.  Michael was telling me that one show on TV recommended using the flag as a tablecloth.  No kidding ~~ was on HGTV.  I drove down the street and very few people had a flag flying.  We've all become so complacent in our interest in the workings of our government and the flag.  What we don't know can hurt us!!  Just sayin'!

"If anyone, then, asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him - it means just what Concord and Lexington meant; what Bunker Hill meant; which was, in short, the rising up of a valiant young people against an old tyranny to establish the most momentous doctrine that the world had ever known - the right of men to their own selves and to their liberties." ~Henry Ward Beecher

Yesterday, my sweet friend Laura from Recycled Poms came for a visit and brought the cutest set of Poms ever ~~ Harmony and Ruffles.  Harmony is the vocal Pom who is always mumbling and growling about something.  Ruffles is the prissy one doing the spins and tail wagging.  Ruffles and Harmony will be spending some time with us.  They're probably five pounds soaking wet and have faces that can melt a stone cold heart!  Right now I have five dogs out in the cottage with me ... Sadie is asleep under the chair, Zeke is asleep in his puff bed, Kennedy is sandwiching me on the left and Harmony on the right, Ruffles is curled up beside Sadie.  All is well in Seidler dogdom!

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~~Roger Caras

Several months ago now, I was feeling pretty do be dooby do do down.  I was lonely and jealous of friends who were traveling here and there, and doing all these fun things.  I looked back at my life and wished I was back in the throws of taking and teaching classes, meeting new people, and having great adventures.

As I prayed, all God brought to my heart was "bloom where you are planted" and "adopt a rescue dog."  I guess my gardens are a way for me to release my creativity and I've started greeting people like they will be my next best friend.  Surprising how many people smile back and respond to a happy outgoing person.

And, as for the adoption bit, you've read my blogs and know that Kennedy (my 24/7 therapy dog) and Zeke (my exuberant puppy who fills my heart with joy) arrived in May and June.  Through them, I developed a friendship with Laura at Recycled Poms and have kindled an interest in abused, neglected, and abandoned small dogs.  I may not be able to ride long distances or run with the jet set any longer; however, I can feed, love, and rehabilitate those little ones left by the wayside.

"Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive,  let go of the past, and live each day joyously.  It's something the rest of us strive for." ~~Jennifer Skiff

And so, I have a purpose, a reason to get up in the mornings.  I am learning from my rescues how truly forgiving they really are.  I am awakened by their joyous yips, yaps, and sounds of "Get up Mom, it's a new day AND chow time!"  I feed them, give them space to spread their little wings, spend time with them, and love them.  In turn, they surround me with their presence, their individual uniqueness, and their love.  Simple ... no pretense.

Today, let's wave a flag and remember what that flag really means to us as Americans.  Let's celebrate the opportunities to forgive and move on making the most of our days.  Our days may be long but the years go by so quickly ... believe me, I know!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day!!

Miss Dottie

PS  One of my favorite authors is Nicholas Sparks.  I've read every one of his books and find the story lines fascinating.  I especially like this quote:

"People come, people go -- they'll drift in and out of your life, almost like characters in a favorite book.  When you finally close the cover, the characters have told their story and you start up again with another book, complete with new characters and adventures.  Then you find yourself focusing on the new ones, not the ones from the past." ~~Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue 

Blah, Blah, Blah!

June 11, 2013

Dear Readers,

Ever get the blahs?  I woke up this morning thinking negatively setting the stage for a blah blah blah blah day.  Unusual for me.  I didn't know what I wanted for breakfast.  My get-up didn't want to put itself into some clothes and my doggies were being extra cuddly after their breakfast making it even tough to get up out of my cozy bed.  Usually they are raring to play so maybe they caught wind of my blahs.

Is it okay to get the blah blah blah blah's without over analyzing and freaking out?  I think so.  I'm naturally a spirited, positive lady so I guess a day every now and then of the grumpies doesn't hurt anyone or anything.  I looked in the mirror this morning and said to myself, "Myself, you look sad and crabby all at once."  That made me laugh because I almost scared myself.  Ever look at yourself in the mirror when you've first rolled out of bed and are standing at the bathroom sink with toothpaste running down your chin?  Not a good thing!

After I drooled all over myself at the sink, I moved into my closet to try find something that would make my spare tire less noticeable.  Remember those mumu's women used to wear in the 70's?  Today would be a good day for one.  I moved the dress form in front of the mirror ... "Not dealing with you today."  I found a long sundress ... "Perfect even if the hem gets wet when I water my plants!"

I pulled on my hat, grabbed my phone (don't we always have to be connected to a phone these days?), and headed out the door with my Fabulous Four right behind me.  Yesterday I got 25 pieces of St. Augustine sod and put it down in the area where I have been working to make a meditation area.  I was still thinking blah blah blah...

All of a sudden I had an overwhelming desire to get into The Word ... Jeremiah and Luke came to mind.  Michael showed up with a great cup of coffee and Kennedy and I snugged on the settee on the back porch.  I'd been amiss in my Bible reading and the words seemed to leap out from the pages.  I was hungry.  Hungry for the mighty God to speak to me.  As I moved into my prayer time, visions kept coming and I prayed through each one.  I'm such a skeptic though.  I asked God to confirm my prayers.  Holy Cow!  Within a few minutes, Michael called me and said, "Are you sitting down?"

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great

 and unsearchable things you do not know."

~~Jeremiah 33:3

The news my husband delivered was exactly what I had been praying for.  I told him about my vision and prayer and his reply was, "Get that meditation garden finished!"  I laughed...  Yes, my meditation area will soon be finished and I will once again have a specific place to pray.  Jesus loved to pray in the garden and so do I!!

I hung my head, how could I possibly have a blah blah blah day when the Lord God was sending blessings to me.  My cupboard was bare and now it would be full.  Blessings, blessings...

My dogren are playing around me ... yipping and yapping at each other, rolling around on the floor of the cottage.  Every now and then they look to see what I'm doing.  The little Pom, Chloe, who was lost was found.  Blessings, blessings...

My sweet special daughter has extended an offer for me to go visit them in Georgia.  Oh, my heart is fluttering for joy.  The last time we spent any time together was about 11 years ago.  Melissa is showering me with videos and photos of the children.  Blessings, blessings...

My daughter, Jane, in Florida fills my day with joy with her texting and photos of the girls.  Blessings, blessings...

A text from my son, Tommy, telling me life was great!  Blessings, blessings...

My blah blah blah day has turned into a rah rah rah day.  I have 94.9 playing on the radio (loud enough for me to sing along in the back yard!).  I'm going to give my kitchen a thorough cleaning and I'm going to make a Hummingbird Cake and try one of those interesting recipes for chicken that was on Facebook.  I'm going to get my blog book published for 2012 and look for the silver linings in life.  Blessings, blessings...

The Lord God turns our blah blah blah days into days of dancing.  He rescues us from the muck and mire of life, using it as fertilizer to make our lives blossom and grow!  He says, "Turn to me..."  I did and you can too.

"You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth

 and clothed me with joy."

~~Psalm 30:11

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... each and every day!

Miss Dottie

PS  Dear Lord, I pray that you can bring each of us to a point of acceptance for where we are in our lives.  If we are having a blah blah blah day, help us to see your goodness and blessings.  Amen and amen.



















































   

I will always love you...

June 3, 2013

Dear Readers,

Between you and me, I've never been surrounded by so many dogs of different breeds, shapes, and sizes.  I looked at Michael last night and said, "Two months ago, we had our hands full with two dogren and now we have five in the Seidler Dogdom."  He just shook his head.  "Somehow, we are managing just fine."  I looked at this 6'1" man laying on the floor covered with doggies ... tails wagging, yaps-a-yipping and thought ... "Really??!!"

Finding Huckelberry, gave way to new emotions and thoughts today.  Whatever happened to I will always love you?  Have we become so flippant in our relationships and our responsibilities that we just forget the commitments we solemnly swore to?  I totally understand that circumstances in our lives can throw a wrench in our plans; and, that being said, we need to make some difficult decisions.  But, when we make those decisions shouldn't we think about the ramifications made on those around us including our pets and animals?

Some years ago, I was at a crossroads and needed to find a home for one of my dogs.  Oh, how I grieved over that decision.  Amazingly enough, there was a young lady who was looking for a dog and Callie fit the bill.  They were a match made in heaven.  As things worked out, I could have kept her and I think about that a lot.  I know how much she was and is loved and what a wonderful home she has.  Still, somehow I feel like I let her down.  You see, I'm as guilty as the next one about making decisions regarding pets.  I could add the "BUT, I found her a loving home."   Somehow, whether you're a mom giving up your baby for adoption or a pet mom giving up her baby, it still hurts inside.  Maybe forever...  Maybe I should say ... I will always love you and loved you enough for you to have a better home with people who could give you what I couldn't.

I am becoming more aware of animal abuse since we adopted our first rescue, Kennedy.  I was doing some research and came across some photos of horses who had nearly been starved to death.  My friend, Mary, took in one of those horses and my goodness, look at him now!!  I have no room for horses, pot bellied pigs, and cats because I am allergic to them.  I do have room in my heart and cottage for some small dogs needing a warm bed, some love, and a bowl of kibble.

My friend, Laura, who was the foster mom for Kennedy and Zeke, told me that she thought that rescues were so appreciative of any kindness shown them.  I believe that now.  The rescue we picked up today, sat on my patio table for nearly three hours while I brushed and scissored out matts of fur.  Every now and then, he would lick my nose and stick that left paw up for me to shake.  We'd known each other for only a few hours and he showed me such appreciation for making him more comfortable.  He'd been running scared looking for that someone to save him.  Oh golly, then here came Michael and Dottie and, for some reason, we stopped to help.  The rest?  Well, God saved him for a reason and I'm not sure how our taking him in will play out in the grand scheme of things.  Stay tuned...

Huckleberry won't come in the house unless we lift him up and carry him in.  He won't get up on the furniture preferring to lay quietly on the floor.  He's very submissive even though he is "intact."  Zeke pushes him around while Toby just says, "Come on, let's play!"  I'm not sure what ten year old Sadie thinks about all this commotion!!  Kennedy is sooo insecure ... I keep telling him, "I will love you forever, you're not going anywhere."

My blogs aren't written to chastise others for the decisions they've made.  My gosh oh golly, I've made every wrong decision in the book so I have no right to point fingers.  Still, if what I write can make others think then that's all I want to do.  We all have our "Oh, if only I would have ______."  Maybe we should just think longer and deeper when we make those "I will love you forever" promises.

Always remember, we travel this road of life together living and learning.  AND, know that you are loved and prayed for ... every single one of you, every single day!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.  It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them" ~~John Grogan

And then there is Huckleberry

June 2, 2013

Dear Readers,

It's been a beautiful balmy 80 degree day in Central Texas.  Perfect weather to be out and about taking photos and enjoying the day.  I was getting dressed this morning and Michael came into the room.  Almost at the same time, we said, "How about Cameron Park in Waco today?"  Guess fine minds think alike!!

Cameron Park is absolutely beautiful with it's biking and hiking trails, and scenic lookouts to the Brazos River.  I wished there were turnoffs on the winding drive through the park because there were so many places for amazing photos.  We also took some off roads to look at the old mansions ~~ I wondered if movies had been filmed at some of them as they really resembled the Old South.  Of course, I was drooling over the landscaping in the park itself and around the mansions.

We decided to head over to Lake Waco and take pictures there.  We kept looking for a road that went to the lake and turned into a subdivision hoping that would lead us to the lake since the homes backed up to it.  Again ... the architectural details on the homes were breathtaking!

All of a sudden, Michael said, "Look, there's a little Pomeranian.  I think he's lost."  We stopped and Michael coaxed the little guy over to drink some water out of his hand.  He was covered in mud, matted, and his collar was nearly embedded into his neck.  He did have tags on him and we called the vet's office who immediately put us in touch with the owners.  We found our way to the owner's home and waited.  The owners called us and out of the blue said, "Do you want the dog?"  They had three dogs and only wanted one.  Huckleberry had been put out to fend for himself.  We had two options:  either put the dog back on the street or take him home.  It absolutely blew my mind that Huckleberry's owners would just give their dog away to strangers ~~ over the phone no less.

Anyway, we took Huck home with us and gave him a bath.  I spent the next three hours brushing and cutting matts out of his fur while he patiently sat on the table.  Every now and then, he would give me his paw and I would say, "Thank you, Huck, good boy."  It will take another several hours of brushing but at least (for the most part)  most of the big matts are gone and he looks like the handsome boy he was meant to be.

I hate to judge someone that I don't know; yet, I wonder why Huck's owners would be so negligent when it came to Huck's welfare.  Didn't they know they had other options rather than just turning their dog out to find his own new home?  Did God put us in the right place at the right time to rescue him?  I probably will never know the answers to my questions.  All I do know is that Huck is safe now; and, until he gets his furever home, he will be fed, loved, and taken good care of.

To give my fellowman the benefit of the doubt, I'm going to say that desperate people do desperate things.  I'm going to say thank you, Lord, for bringing Huckleberry into our lives - You turned something not so good into something with hope and promise.  I am so in awe at the miracles that God has his hand in each and every day ... even with Huck.

Our home resembles a dog zoo ... Sadie was like, "Oh dear, another dog."  Toby was like, "Oh good another dog to play with."  Kennedy was furious ~~ "What do you mean taking up Mom's time, you dog you?"  Zeke was confrontational, "See here you matted Pom, I'm the baby here."  Ah yes, after a few growls and butt sniffs, it's business as usual!

Always remember I am loving you and praying for you!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Pets are humanizing.  They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life." ~~James Cromwell

Dialogue with Jane

June 1, 2013

Dear Readers,

I have been a strong advocate of journaling for quite a few years.  The problem with private journaling is that most of the time, our journals fall into the hands of family members after we pass on.  Haven't you heard, "Oh, if I'd only known..."?  We've gone on to heaven, leaving our families with notes from a person they didn't know and no longer was around to talk to.  Why is it that we keep the very things private are often times just what others need to know to appreciate our humanness.  Our lives are filled with peaks and valleys as well as our instincts of survival.

For more years than I care to remember, I led a shame-based life.  If I would allow them to return, the words of darkness would swallow me up forcing me to retreat from my blogs and my openness.  I fight the battle every single day, just like an alcoholic or drug addict would.  There is a little girl inside me that I comfort, treat gently, and encourage.  In turn, she smiles and thanks me.  I won't let her down.

I began my blogs in October 2010 so we've covered a lot of ground together.  Maybe you've traveled the same road that I have, maybe not.  At any rate, you've gotten to know me and what I stand for.  As a mother, I kept so much from my children.  Protecting them, I told myself.  What I didn't realize was that they needed to know my struggles so that they could know my strength in the Lord.  What began as blogging for my own mission of helping others turned into much much more ... a dialogue with my daughter, Jane.

It's been surprising that reader's haven't commented on my blogs at the end; however, I have received many emails and private notes on Facebook.  The one who has regularly commented on each blog has been Jane.  My blog has opened the doors of our communication to a level so deep that there is nothing that we wouldn't feel comfortable sharing.  I will always be Jane's mom but I am no longer her parent.  I hope that makes sense.  If you're parenting an adult or they are parenting you, something is amiss!!

There is a freedom that comes from dialogue.  There is a sense of respect allowing each person to view opinions and feel heard and accepted.  As a relationship coach, I had the deepest admiration for those who could set aside their own "stuff" long enough to really care about another person.  So many times, I wish my mom was alive so that I could ask her more about her and her mom.  Everything seemed so ... surface. When my children (or now grandchildren) are ready to talk, I'm there to listen, not be their judge and jury.  They ask my opinion ~~ sometimes they take it, sometimes not.  Either way, it's okay.

How long has it been since you had a deep heart to heart talk with someone (other than a pastor or therapist who is bound to secrecy).  Scarry isn't it?  What if you would be rejected or hated?  Well, that's the risk.  There's also that dialogue that can be developed one conversation at a time towards transparency and wholeness.

My husband just came in and told me that he fixed the fountain that was knocked over by the tree limb.  Yay!  Thank you!!  The fountain has always been such an important part of the garden by the house.  To have a big iced coke and listen to the fountain while reading or writing??  Heaven on earth!!

I hope that you think about my blog today and how you can open the doors of communication with your own family and friends.  If you want to know about the present and future, study the past.  Those elephants in the room can get pretty darn stinky!!  Glad to have chased that creature back to the zoo where he belongs!!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ~~ each and every day!!

Miss Dottie

PS  Thank you, Jane.  As I look back over my blogs, I've come to know you and to love you more than I ever thought possible.  I saw this quote on Facebook today, and it stuck.  No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you.  After all, you're the only one (besides your sister and brother) who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.