Exciting News

Last week we promised to share some exciting news about the goings on around the Ranch and today is that day. Normally we don’t post on Thursdays so today seemed like the perfect opportunity to share the news.

As you probably know, Norman was rescued from the Old English Sheepdog Rescue of Colorado two years ago. Since bringing this sweet boy home, I’ve become more and more involved as a volunteer with the rescue. They are a great group of folks whose sole mission is totally dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of unwanted, abandoned and neglected Old English Sheepdogs. Like most rescue groups, we’re constantly trying to stretch limited financial resources to best fulfill our mission.

We recently became aware of an amazing opportunity which will further our efforts. I am pleased to announce, Old English Sheepdogs of Colorado has been chosen by Canine Colorado Magazine for its latest fundraiser. The magazine features a two page spread of each dog from the recipient rescue and we’re very excited at the fundraising potential. Ranch Hand Norman is one of the dogs who makes an appearance in the magazine. Here’s a brief video look behind the scenes at last week’s modeling session (Elsa also had professional photos taken of her by DelaFoto Portraits, photographer for Canine Colorado Magazine but will not appear in the magazine- sorry Ninja…only Sheepies for this spread). The session latest about 45 minutes and the big guy was a total professional.

I may be slightly biased, but think he’s every bit as handsome as David Beckham’s days on the runway. Guess there’s more pressure than ever for him to sign an agent now with his new job as a SuperModel.

Once the final magazine is published, I’ll share more of this new newest modeling phenome. So far fame hasn’t gone to his head (yet) and he continues to be the same easy going ‘grounded’ pup as always.

Norman

In other news, we are no longer able to post images to Instagram. The “MetaVerse” has been less than responsive in resolving an issue despite multiple requests. Sadly we cannot even log in to see others’ feeds. On the plus side, it’s one less black hole to be dragged into go down {insert snarky snicker}. I’ve wasted enough energy and brain power trying to resolve this issue. I’m done. {mic drop}

See you guys tomorrow for our regular Nature Friday post. I hope to not post any more snow images though Nature isn’t quite cooperating and may need to dig into the old archives to avoid playing into Mother Nature’s cold, cruel hands. Happy ‘Fursday!’

Live, love, bark!  🐾

96 thoughts on “Exciting News

    1. I wonder the same thing. Doggone little twerps! Thanks for stopping by; we <3 visitors.

  1. Mee-yow wow mee SWEET NORMAN yore so hansum an adorrbss inn yore video! Green iss yore color!!! Concatss on beein feetured! An Elsa wee betss yore fotoss terned out beeuteefull two!!!!
    ***paw kissess*** an ~~~head rubss~~~ BellaDharma~~~ an (((huggiess))) BellaSita Mum

    1. I’m excited to see all the proofs for both of them! It’s an exciting opportunity and will impact the rescue in ‘pawsitive’ ways.

    1. Thank you, and thank you for swinging by the Ranch and for the follow. We 💙 visitors!

  2. Lulu: “Wow, what cool news! I’m going to call you Stormin’ Norman, because you’re storming the world of fashion photography! Oh hey our Dada has one of those ‘Instagram’ things but he goes so long without using it he forgets all about it and then when he looks at it he’ll have like twenty notifications and various messages that he never saw. I’m not sure why he doesn’t just delete it!”

    1. Thanks, Lulu. He is Stormin’ Norman without the drama of a fashion model. 😉

      At first I was bummed about the Instagram but now I realize it’s actually a blessing. Course I miss seeing others post cool pics, but…sometimes it’s just for the best. Have a lovely weekend.

  3. WooooHooo! Go, handsome Norman! Now when you are all famous, don’t forget your friends! 😉 I think you look like a movie star in your photoshoot (well, always actually!) Congrats to you and your momma! This is so exciting!

    1. Thank you! I love hearing others think he’s a star just waiting to happen 😉

  4. I am not one bit surprised that the camera loves Norman, I know I do! I just knew his handsomeness would take him places.:) Congrats on getting this great fundraising opportunity!

    1. Thanks, Jan. It comes at a good time and we’re excited about its potential. Have a great weekend.

    1. Many thanks. We’re very excited about the fundraising potential, plus the magazine will be a wonderful keepsake.

  5. Handsome boy, isn’t he! Good luck with the fundraiser…I just wish there was something similar to help my friend in Turkey…she is overwhelmed with the number of dogs being dumped at the nearby industrial estate, all of whom she is managing to feed, treat and neuter with the help of her kindly vet and the support of her friends…but with prices of feed rising it is an uphill struggle.

    1. The business of rescue is definitely not for sissies. I know all too well the obstacles they face and hope your friend finds some resources to help her take care of all those abandoned pets. Is she familiar with Pets In Turkey rescue? https://www.petsinturkey.org/

        1. Happy to share it. Hope they can help her out or alternatively provide other options. Good luck!

  6. Congrats!! 🎉 Norman is such a handsome dude!! A SUPERSTAR! He’s sure to attract a lot of funds for the rescue! He’s a great ambassador for the OES breed! And he already has a manager – his Mum!!

    Oh! Are we going to get to see the pro’s photos of the Ninja Girl?

    1. Thank you! While she won’t be included in the magazine, but as soon as I get her proofs, I’ll share. She was surprisingly quite the rock star herself so I’m looking forward to seeing her ‘Glamour Shots’ as well!

    1. Thank you. He rolls with whatever is presented to him with such grace. I only wish I were as adaptable as Norman is! LOL

  7. Norman is every bit as photogenic (and maybe more but I’ll never own up to saying that) than my Lexi, who loved the camera…and the camera loved her. Congrats on the fundraiser…it’s sure to help. Oh, and Norman, I’m not letting Lucy see your pictures. She needs to remember she already has a boyfriend. XOX Mom Amy

    1. You’re too sweet to say that. He’s one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the fundraiser is a resounding success. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

    1. Look out Mason…there’s a new handsome dude in town whose got amazing hair! 🤣

  8. Omg a star!!! He looks super handsome and I love the green bow tie!!!!!! Congratulations Norman!

    1. Thank you. We’re doing pretty well. Handsome and sweet…a pretty good combo.

  9. Wait a minute! An Olde English Sheepdog posing in an St Paddy bow with an Irish jig in the background? Cultural appropriation! Next thing we’ll see Elsa dressed as the Lucky Charms leprechaun We’ll see Irish Wolfhounds wearing bowler hats and talking about taking The Tube. Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria! Anyway, I think The Normster is devilishly handsome and will probably attract huge donations just be himself. The cause is a great one and I’m sure success is guaranteed with such fine models and astute management by two-leggers. Congrats!

    1. Thank you! It has amazing potential for our group which will go to help take care of sweet dogs.

  10. Regarding no more snow images: You know they are already forecasting snow for next Thursday? And March is Denver’s snowiest month, followed by April? Bwa ha ha ha! (Evil laugh).

    1. Yeah I just can’t wait. 😇

      Did you see the issue with Corgis? Unbelievably cute and they raised a boatload of funds for Corgi rescue. 👍🏻

  11. That is fantabulous! I’m glad I have a VPN and was able to see Norman’s handsome mug – which, we, your followers are absolutely biased in believing he is the most handsomest!

    1. Thanks. Hopefully people will vote for him for the cover but even if he doesn’t win it, he’ll be inside and the cover will be another adorable sheepie. There were some that were just beyond adorable!

    1. They sure are! He was a bit stressed in a new environment like a photo studio but always behaves beautifully. He has such a sweet demeanor.

  12. Norman! OMGoodness! We are so proud of you. You look like a little prince at your photo shoot. What a pro! If that doesn’t raise some funds and interest, I don’t know what will. You nailed it.

    Bummer about IG, but whatever. We will see you wherever we can.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

    1. Thank you, Cupcake. This has potential to help provide the rescue with some serious money!

      You know at first I was beside myself about the loss of Instagram but now find it’s easy to live without. Just more sad that I won’t get to see our favorite online friends on that platform but I’ve tried everything to rectify it. It’s out of my hands now.

  13. Norman!!!! You’re a STAR!!! He looks beyond adorable and handsome and was SO GOOD for the photographer. That is exciting for sure. I bet he gets some fan mail from some sheepdog chicks!

    Hugs, Pam

    1. Thanks! He was a really good boy though trying to position him on that ottoman was no small feat. LOL

    1. Thanks! I loved it too but I admit to being biased where he’s concerned. There have been others that are adorably cute. Sheepdogs like the camera. 😉

    1. Thank you. Young OES’s can be handfuls. Norman is the exception in terms of energy levels. He’s super mellow.

      1. This dog is not mellow. They keep him leashed inside when they have guests but he is sweet. Active, but sweet. He may need to grow up a bit or maybe more training.

        1. OES can be very high energy (and certainly need someone who knows how to drain all that energy. Being leashed up is not the way because when they’re released, it’s like turning the Kraken loose!

          1. Many people chose dogs (cats too) by the looks and prestige of the breed rather than the fit for the household. I would say he’s high energy for this older couple but he’s certainly loved. He’s always groomed and has beautiful collars. He does have a tiny back yard. Maybe he’s allowed out there. I don’t see them walking him much.

            1. It’s a story I’ve heard too often. Large, high energy dogs need to have their energy issues dealt with. It doesn’t mean they have to be heavily exercised (though a tired dog is generally a good dog). This clever, problem solving breed needs to have their brains exercised too which will do much to drain their high energy surges. And of course, training is an absolute necessity.

    1. Awww, that’s very kind of you to say. There are several rescues worthy of the cover.

  14. Norman stole my heart long ago. He’s perfect in every way and he knows how lucky he is to have you.

    Sorry about Instagram. It’s always something.

    Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. Scritches to the pups, a smooch to Norman and a big hug to you. ♥

  15. All very cool. Norman makes an excellent model. I wish I was as skilled as your photographer at using one hand on the camera and one hand to hold up a toy…the camera just weighs too much!!

    1. I know! She’s completely amazing, and so patient with reluctant pooches. She did a number of beautiful shots of Elsa and we all know how difficult photographing a black dog can be, especially one who doesn’t want to look at the lens.

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