Fifi's Last Trip

August 9, 2015

On July 20, 2015, we lost Fifi to kidney failure.  It was one of the saddest days of our lives. Fifi was Pam's soul mate and traveling companion of fifteen years.

The day of our wedding (July 11), we noticed that Fifi was not feeling well. We got her dressed in her tie dye scarf and she put on her best  face as she walked up to the stage and watched the ceremony. Afterwards, we put her in the camper so that she could stay cool in the air conditioning.

Fifi awaiting her turn in the wedding procession

July 11, 2015

We took Fifi to the vet on Monday. Blood work confirmed that Fifi was in the late stages of kidney failure. We dejectedly took her home and decided that we would postpone our honeymoon trip to Siesta Key while we gave Fifi subcutaneous fluids.

By Wednesday Fifi seemed to be improving. She had a little more energy and would eat a few bites of chicken and rice dog food without vomiting it back up. With an ok from the vet, a drip line, and several bags of fluid, we headed to the beach.

Fifi and Pam on the beach at Siesta Key, Florida

July 16, 2015

Fifi enjoyed her days at Siesta Key. She walked on the beach and visited with Pam's nephews and sister. We gave her fluids twice a day and fed her whatever she would eat. Sometimes it was chicken, sometimes steak or ribs. It became increasingly difficult to predict what she wanted. She turned her nose up at the steak she had eaten the night before. I walked to the local market to purchase hamburger and came home to fry it up, only to have to walk back to the market to buy turkey. Sometimes she would keep the food down and sometimes she would throw it up.

Pam knew that her days with Fifi were limited. She would not let Fifi suffer. We took her to Dr. Farrar the Saturday we got back. Dr. Farrar agreed that it was Fifi's time to go.  She gave Fifi one last bag of fluids intravenously and told Pam that she would come to the house on Tuesday to euthenize her. By Monday, however, we knew that Fifi should not go on. Pam said her goodbyes and we took her to Spencer, where Dr. Farrar awaited us.

Fifi was cremated and a small amount of ashes were placed in a locket  that Pam can wear. Fifi will never be forgotten.

July 8, 2015 The Poms go to good homes!

This summer, we took on two Pomeranians who had been left outside without food or water.  They finished their treatments and were up for adoption.  My friend, Susie, adopted Carmella.  They love to cuddle and go for long walks.  Susie sometimes has to carry Carmella home (she is spoiled).  Since they live next door, Carmella runs over here for visits.  Pam and I like that.

Carmella's daughter, Diamond, went to a friend of Pam's in Ohio.  Diamond is having a great time in her new home, too.

This is what makes rescuing so rewarding.  Finding the right home for the right dog, cat, goat...........

We have also taken in a tiny Chihuahua named Hillary.  Hillary's mom died a couple of weeks ago and her dad is not in good enough health to take care of her.  We are looking for the perfect home for her, but in the meantime Hillary is sleeping on my chest at night and sitting pretty for treats.  She is a sweet little girl!!!!

More to come....

July 8, 2015 Roxanne Animal Rescuer

This morning we found out that we lost a friend.  Roxanne, Honey's mom, died on Monday, July 6.  Roxanne was a trooper when it came to going out on rescues.  She was bitten by a dog and attacked by a goose!

One of the last rescues included six wild horses, three feral dogs, and a wild attack goose.  Pam and Roxanne traveled to the site to assess the situation.  A woman had died and her boyfriend had just gone out to her house and thrown food and water to the dogs.  Rascal, a little black dog, was matted beyond recognition.  He couldn't wag his tail because it was matted to his body.  His eyes were hidden under a matted mess.  He was extremely shy.  The other two dogs were inside the house on top of piles and piles of garbage.

The horses hadn't been touched in years and there were stallions in with mares.  Needless to say, the mares were pregnant.  The goose was walking around the yard next to the dilapidated house - honking, hissing, and raising his wings in an intimidating manner.

Roxanne had to go to the bathroom and there wasn't a working toilet in sight.

Pam said, "Just go to the back of the house and use the bathroom.  I will stay in the front of the house and talk to the man who called."

Roxanne went to the back of the house.  She pulled down her pants while grabbing onto a flower box that was attached to house so that she could steady herself.  The rotten flower box gave way and Roxanne went rolling down the hill, a piece of flower box in her hand and her pants around her ankles.  The goose chased her down the hill.  He stuck out his tongue with his mouth wide open in a hiss.  He was flapping his wings and honking at the top of his lungs.

Pam was oblivious to all that was taking place in the back of the house.  Roxanne, red faced and gasping for air,  stumbled up to her.  

"The goose.....the goose.....it tried to kill me!" she wheezed, "I am sitting in the car for this rescue.  That goose is crazy!"

Yes, we will miss Roxanne and her funny stories.  She had a big heart for animals and was kind to her family and friends.

June 9, 2015 I Kissed a Goat and I Liked It!

Last Saturday, Pam and I had a booth at Spencer Pride.  It was a beautiful day for the festival and we were excited to celebrate the third anniversary of our first meeting - Spencer Pride 2012.

Pam had the bright idea to enter Lloyd the Goat in the pet parade. Well, Lloyd was a hit.  Adults and children alike wanted to pet Lloyd and have a picture taken with the iconic goat.  Pam was so busy hobnobbing with Lloyd's public, that she almost missed the parade!  The announcer stated that the pets were to line up on the south side of the courthouse - no Lloyd.  The announcer said that the parade was to start and the pets were to take a lap around the courthouse block - no Lloyd.  I finally found the two of them on the opposite side of the courthouse talking to a woman and her alpacas!  

"Pam," I screamed, "the parade has begun!" 

She and Lloyd ran across the lawn to the south side of the courthouse to catch up with the already started parade.  Poor Lloyd was so tired out from all of his hobnobbing, that he practically had to be dragged around the block!  Lloyd was disappointed that he did not win a prize in the parade, however, he made many new friends and has promised to return to Spencer Pride next year wearing a fabulous outfit that is sure to capture the judge's attention! 

May 19, 2015 The Honk of the Horn

Nancy feeding the donkeys

The honk of the horn brings the farm animals from wherever they are to the gates of their enclosures to receive their treats.  A couple of times a week, our local grocery store (Babbs) donates outdated produce to the farm.  The goods are picked through to weed out any rotten or moldy food and then distributed to their respective connoisseurs.  The donkeys prefer the apples and carrots, the steer's favorite is cantaloupe. 

Pam enjoys the days when she takes the truckload of goodies around to each of the animals.  The animals seemingly show their appreciation by braying, clucking, and rushing to see what is being offered.  Lloyd the goat even gives kisses.  We appreciate the produce donations and the opportunity that it affords us to interact with the outdoor animals, all creatures great and small!

Nancy feeding Andy a cantaloupe

May 10 The Bad News and the Good News

May 10, 2015

This weekend we found out some sad news about the Poms.  As you all know, we took the dogs to the veterinarian last week to get their shots and to have them tested for Lyme disease and for heartworm.

The vet called us on Friday with some bad news.  Carmella has heartworm and Diamond has Lyme disease.  We thought that Carmella would be at higher risk for Lyme disease as she was covered from head to tail in ticks, but that is not the case.

They both have appointments with Dr. Farrar next Friday and Saturday to begin the treatments that they need.  Carmella will have to be kept quiet for several weeks following treatment.  This will be difficult as they are both really active dogs!  They run and chase each other as well as the cats.  They also leap from the ground into our arms. We will work hard to not get them excited.  

We appreciated all of your donations that helped with the diagnosis and will greatly appreciate any donations that can help us with the costly treatment.  All donations are tax deductible.

And now for the good news!

On a positive note, Cherigene (a licensed rehabber), Pam, and I released a few baby squirrels and opossums.

              An opossum in the roof of the shed.                     Cherigene with a good friend!

May 3, 2015 Saturday was a beautiful day to go the the vet's office!

Saturday was a beautiful day to take the Poms to our local veterinarian and have them checked out.  We loaded them up in the Subaru and headed to Town and Country Veterinary Hospital in Spencer.  The dogs were very happy to be going for a ride.  When we arrived at the veterinary hospital, they entered the building without any hesitation.  Diamond even growled and barked at two pit bull puppies like she owned the place. Thankfully, we were soon called into Dr. Farrar's office.

Denise (Dr. Farrar) thought that it would be a good idea to have blood drawn and sent to the lab to check for Lyme disease.  This was due to the fact that both dogs were covered in ticks when we picked them up.  We also felt that it would be good to test for heartworm because we didn't know if the dogs had received the preventative medication.

Carmella was first up on the table. Victoria held tightly while Denise inserted the needle into her vein.  Carmella bled a little after the blood draw, so Dr. Farrar wrapped a pink bandage around her leg. After getting her heart checked and all of her shots, Carmella happily gave up her spot on the table to Diamond.

Diamond took her turn like a trooper and the same routine was followed.  We left the office and headed back to the farm.  Hopefully everything will check out and the dogs will be free of Lyme disease and heartworms!  For now, they are happy to be home!

We want to thank Dr. Farrar and everyone who donated to help us with the care of these two loving dogs.