We’re baaack! And hopefully for good after our return to Blogville following the big move was delayed by a few days last week when Xcel Energy decided to initiate ‘preventive power outages’ after high wind alerts were forecast which added a layer to getting settled after quite the moving day experience (I cannot recommend being up 24 hrs straight on moving day for anyone, much less someone my age-the first few days I was stupid exhausted). It finally feels good to sit at the keyboard in my own home wearing sandals without being surrounded by (a) too many boxes around or (b) having to drive to a nearby bakery to charge devices, filch a WiFi signal to catch up with the world and (c) nosh on scrumptious pastries and drink regular coffee. Notice, I mentioned sandals…we’ve experienced unbelievably warm temps and set a few records. Today we’re looking at reaching another record temp with low 70’s. In December!
I can’t begin to thank the family-owned bakery folks who welcomed me during the power outage and gave me a place to hang out using their WiFi while charging my devices. I told them they could claim me as a tax deduction for all the graciousness that the entire Meyer family provided me. Thanks to them, I wasn’t completely removed from the modern world (at least for a for a few hours a day) but will admit life without electricity is no bueno and definitely not for the faint of heart. I now have a deep and abiding appreciation for electricity that is typically taken for granted. If you’re ever in the Denver area, please go by and enjoy their kindness and tasty confections at Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet. Judging by Saturday’s non-stop crowd coming in all morning long to pick up their Christmas cakes and other treats, they are beloved by many in the metro area. Plus they have fresh eggs for $5 a dozen. I haven’t seen eggs that price since forever.
After trading our ‘Ranch’ in for a ‘barn’ (more about that soon), let’s get back to our regular routine and enjoy a smile or three, something we’ve desperately needed these past two weeks.
I couldn’t agree more with these next two smiles. Sadly, both come from personal experience.
Not an exaggeration
However you celebrate this holiday season, we wish this week fills your heart with loads of Christmas spirit and ushers you forward to a wonderful New Year.
Happy Thanksgiving week. Wilson is particularly chuffed that food will be at the center, along with gratitude. He thinks it’s a whole week of celebrating food for which he’s extremely thankful. While it’s Thanksgiving week, it’s still a Monday which means we want to share a smile, or in this case three smiles since we couldn’t decide on just one.
We can’t help but wonder if Noah was a factor in putting turkey on Thanksgiving tables but do know Thanksgiving typically ushers in the Christmas season in earnest. Mostly thought of as the low-to-no-stress holiday with food, family and football punctuating this holiday along with a good dose of gratitude. This year however, it’s going to be a bit different around the Ranch as we are preparing to move. It’s been stressful in ways I couldn’t have imagined but we’re taking it as best as we can and trying to keep meltdowns to a minimum. Now on to Monday’s smiles.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in the US is well known for watching a load of football with the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys teams always playing on Thanksgiving Day. This year the festivities begin at 1:00 PM Eastern time with the Lions playing the Green Bay Packers and the Cowboys playing the Kansas City Chiefs around 4:30 PM. Not content with over 6 hours of football, the NFL is offering a third game with the Cincinnati Bengals playing the Baltimore Ravens beginning around 8:30 PM. If you like football, Thursday will be your day. If you don’t make yourself a leftover turkey sandwich and go for a walk.
Needless to say, because this has been a crazy time even before we began to think about the upcoming holidays, the Ranch will be taking an extended break for the next month to move and settle into our new digs. We will not be online much but please know we’ll be with you in spirit. We want to say thank you for your support and friendship and look forward to seeing you again once we get settled. Wilson has already christened the new neighborhood and gave the trail a four paws rating. He has been enjoying multiple visits introducing his presence on the canine bulletin board where he’s already left several messages while enjoying an absolute olfactory feast.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hope to return soon. Until then, keep smiling and have a Happy Monday.
Today we are doing something different from our usual fare, we’re reviewing a book written by the award winning author, Dorothy Wills-Raftery. Dorothy is one of the premier lay people on canine epilepsy and one with whom I became acquainted with nearly 10 years ago following the rescue of Elsa, my Standard Poodle shortly after her epilepsy diagnosis came following her adoption. Elsa has now been a “Ninja Angel” for 5 months (gosh…where has the time gone?) and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and still miss her every single day. Dorothy’s blog and all the resources she shared got me through some dark times trying to help keep Elsa well and live a good life despite the diagnosis. She made me realize that epi-dogs can live great lives despite the diagnosis. I shall forever be grateful for her support, knowledge and shared resources.
When Elsa passed away in early Spring, it was shortly thereafter that Dorothy released her latest book “Wolfie, WhatIsTheRainbow Bridge?” When Dorothy hosted a promotional drawing for a copy of the book, I entered, never imaging that I’d win and was beyond honored and thrilled to receive a copy, especially given that my great granddaughter’s own pup is now showing her age and our family will need for a loving explanation once Nala earns her wings. Knowing how hard Elsa’s passing was on me as an adult, I was thrilled to see a book written expressly for children to help them cope with this life inevitability. The fact that it was written by one of my favorite people in Blogville who just happens to be an award winning author and one of the kindest humans I know…well, I knew a review was in order and think this lovely and gentle book could be a wonderful resource to share with any small child when the time comes to address the loss of a pet.
When it arrived, I was excited to try to read it to my great granddaughter but being the independent little miss that she is, she sat down and carefully went through each page as if she was reading its message on her own.
Wilson also took a gander and was particularly smitten with Dorothy’s co-author, her 7 year old grandson.
This book is ever so gentle and handles a tough topic about the passing of a beloved pet with the little people in our lives. I was quite touched at how thoughtful and tender it approached the subject. At just 50 pages it’s a small enough book to keep young readers engaged and it’s beautifully illustrated with precious photos as well as questions to answer that will help process the loss of a pet.
I cannot recommend this lovely book more. In the US, as adults we tend to gloss over the topic of death and it can be a challenge on how one should explain it to a child when their companion earns its wings. This book will make that hard topic more understandable on an emotionally charged subject.
About Dorothy Wills-Raftery:
Dorothy is a PhotoJournalist, Romance Author, K9 Author, Children’s Book Author and Editor
Romance Author at Woman’s World
Author – Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Series & Rosie the Riveter Book Series
Author/Creator FiveSibes.com
Book Author of the following:
Wolfie, What is the Rainbow Bridge?
EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living and Loving Life with Canine Epilepsy
Getting Healthy With Harley: Learning About Health & Fitness
What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy
Buddy, The Christmas Husky: Based on a True Holiday Miracle
Dorothy has been published in these publications:
Petful, 4Knines, AmericanPet Magazine, Hudson Valley Paw Prints
Sled Dogger Magazine, Kings River Life Magazine, The Wedding Journal, In Focus Magazine, Ulster Magazine, Times Herald-Record
The Daily Freeman
She is the Founder/Author of #LiveGibStrong 💜 K9 Epilepsy Awareness & Education and a recipient of DWAA Maxwell Medallion “Excellence” for FiveSibes Blog & #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Resource Library and author of #Paws4Purple initiative for PurpleDay®️ Every Day/Anita Kaufmann Foundation and is an International PurpleDay®️ for K9 Epilepsy Ambassador Since 2012
Although my precious angel left this earth just 16 days ago, I was and remain a big proponent of the Five Sibes’ Live Gib Strong Epilepsy Awareness Day. As many of you know, Elsa was adopted back in the autumn of 2016 and two weeks later was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy following several severe Grand Mal seizures. Having owned an epileptic dog before, I knew a little about what to expect. Because I was 100% committed to keeping Elsa and helping her enjoy a good life with me despite being offered the option of returning her to the rescue. That option never occurred to me. Instead, I became obsessed with providing her with the best life possible. Enter two fellow bloggers who are lay experts in providing the best life for their own epileptic fur companions. FiveSibes and Knotty Toys for Good Dogsbecame my go-to for info, tips and resources and I couldn’t have found two more dedicated advocates for the treatment of canine epilepsy. Both of these remarkable epileptic ambassadors provided Elsa and I with amazing info to manage her condition along with our vet. My vet once told me, the advice I was getting from them both helped me keep Elsa’s seizures manageable all the while providing me with some much needed hope when I needed it most. To both of them, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please keep sharing your valuable info and resources for epileptic pets as well as their caregivers all over the world. Thank you for all you do.
Many people don’t understand that epilepsy affects both the epi-warrior as well as the caregiver so having reliable and supportive info can make all the difference for us. I will always be grateful beyond words for their help as well as for all the resources they shared. Their advocacy makes me want to continue to be a supporter for Purple Day even though Elsa is now seizure free at the Rainbow Bridge.
For more educational information and a list of resources, please watch this short video.
On a closer and more personal note, I also want to thank everyone who sent donations in Elsa’s name to RMOES Rescue as well as notes of condolences after she earned her angel wings. Your notes of gentle support have buoyed my heart and I know the rescue is equally grateful for your donations. Your supportive thoughts of comfort have been so very appreciated. Blogville is the truly the best at supporting its own and especially at times of heartache. If only words of gratitude were as easy and heartfelt to express as what your support has meant. I’m truly at a loss for the right words of gratitude and will simply leave it with the humble but deeply sincere “thank you,” from the bottom of my heart.
Happy Monday, peeps! Now that the holidays are over, winter seems to be in full swing with snow and cold temperatures. Our weather forecast calls for a warming trend and we’re good with that. With Elsa’s aging joints and Wilson’s attitude about snow, we’re looking forward to blue skies without the ‘lace-woven ice’ Nature so kindly provided us with last week. The snow that did fall here is 96% melted and was only about 4-5 inches deep.
Over the weekend one of our Instagram followers surprised us with a Gotcha Day gift for Wilson. Can we just say how cool was that? Thank you, Barkland Bakery, a local family business. We loved your treats and will look for you at various events when you come back to town. You can follow them on their Facebook or Instagram pages. Having once launched a dog treat business myself, I am impressed that Barkland produces small batches of tasty treats that have no artificial additives and zero preservatives. The fact they made a personalized Gotcha Day biscuit for Wilson was so unexpected and appreciated. Wilson thought the peanut butter flavor is the bomb and Elsa was thrilled to get in on the treat action. Thank you, Becky for the treats and speedy delivery. Wilson and Elsa both think your taste taster, Kylo, deserves a raise. Barkland’s next event is the Winter Farmers Market this Saturday at the Foothills Mall in Fort Collins from 10-2pm. Keep your eyes open for this up and coming local pet treat company around the metro area and follow them on social media to see when they’re near you.
Before we get busy with the week, we ask you to keep all those impacted by the LA wildfires in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to reputable groups who are help pets and people who have been impacted. Watch out for scammers. Happy Monday.
Welcome to the first Monday of 2025. Today is also notable for another reason, it was one year ago my dear friend, Cheryl and I drove to Missouri (along with Elsa, riding shotgun in the back seat) to pick up a gigantic and severely matted floof, then named Sam, to foster. He greeted us enthusiastically and I knew right away that it was more than likely I would fail at the foster aspect of this journey. We drove 1500 miles roundtrip through snowstorms on highways and tiny rural roads over a 24 hour period. I couldn’t have made that trip without Cheryl’s presence, good nature and common sense to guide us (and keep us squarely on the road and not in a ditch after it became dark). I’ll always remember our conversations which reassured me along that uncertain road where we recalled the past 20+ years of friendship, with observations on life, people and dogs (and egg sandwiches bought at a gas station convenience store). Her great company surrounded me in comfort and continues to this day. I’ll always be grateful for her joining me on this transformative journey, with all its twists and turns. Thank you my friend, for accompanying me then, as well as for your ongoing loving support and friendship. I love ya!
The transformation of this filthy, matted mess…
to this handsome boy after his first grooming…
While we’ve experienced few hiccups over the past year, I still have a dear friend who was always there for both of us.
You’ve come a long way Wilson, both literally and figuratively. From all the ups (learning how to navigate the ways of a noisy, chaotic urban environment while becoming an beloved pet therapy dog at Lutheran) as well as the downs (losing those unnecessary pounds and a couple of damaged teeth), you’ve been quite the addition to the Ranch, Wilson. Here’s to many more happy trails, buddy. Happy Gotcha Day, House Pony.
And because it’s also a Monday, we would be remiss if we didn’t share a smile to welcome the New Year. Have a great week!
Greetings sports fans, yeah, I know it’s not our usual day to post but I just couldn’t contain my excitement that our friends Ann and June from Zoolatry featured the House Pony on her blog today. Way to go Wilson, although I’m sure I would have been an equally pawsome feature subject. Elsa here, I’m very proud of my oaf of a brother, especially because he will begin bringing joy and smiles to all kinds of folks when he starts visiting the staff and patients at the new Lutheran facility which opened earlier this month. And a special shout out to dear Ann who created such fabulous badges-we love them both. Isn’t she amazing? Be sure to visit her website-she’s so creative and quite generous making badges of all types for the cats and dogs of Blogville. We are so very grateful to her for her work here and throughout Blogville. Way to go Ann!
Wilson’s Wagon will begin his probationary visits at the hospital next week and both Mom and he are so looking forward to bringing comfort to the folks at Lutheran. Once he completes his probationary period, he’s be awarded the purple scarf indicating he’s a full fledged pet therapy pooch. Couldn’t be more proud of the dude! Way to shine, “Intern Wilson.” You’re on your way to becoming a full fledged dogtor. And again, thanks every so much, Ann for doing an amazing job on today’s badges-you’re the best. That Denver skyline is the bomb! Don’t forget to drop by her truly wonderful blog. She’s the best!
Good Monday morning. Before we get to today’s musing, Wilson wanted me to thank everyone who left such wonderful birthday wishes for him. The House Pony had a fabulous celebration and the party was a raging success. We received a surprise during in the middle of it. Can you guess what it is from today’s smile?
No, okay then…here’s the skinny. This past weekend while Elsa and I were celebrating Wilson’s birthday, my daughter texted me a photo. To say I was shocked is a bit of an understatement. I had no idea. And while they’re small now, they will grow into that giant breed known as Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest of all breeds. Right now they’re tiny little beans (ranging from 1.96 to 2.84 pounds-55.6-80.7 kg), but will grow up into gentle giants. Let me introduce 9 (yes, you read that right…n-i-n-e puppies and no that’s not a typo) squeaking, little Irish Wolfhound puppies. I know, it’s hard to fathom these little guys start out so small yet grow up to become so huge. Everyone is doing well including the parents who live with my daughter and her family. Life is going to get pretty interesting until the pups are weaned and move on to their new forever homes. And to think I call Wilson a house pony. Irish Wolfhounds definitely gallop.
Hello, Elsa here. We normally don’t post on Thursday’s but because today is the last day of November, we are focusing attention on epilepsy (especially after the recent return to Standard time which always winds up my Mom as she tries to phase in the meds to keep my anti-seizure medication as level as possible so I don’t seize). Mom hates having to figure out when to integrate those incremental shifts in time to keep things on an even keel since my meds must be administered every 12 hours at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Sometimes she’s better at it but it gives her heartburn nonetheless and she always worries it might trigger a seizure. Luckily we got through it unscathed again but it’s always a colossal hassle. Can anyone tell me why we still do this stupid “spring forward/fall back” nonsense?
Originally we had hoped to have had this post prepared during the Thanksgiving holiday week rather than on the last day of the month but we were hampered with poor cell phone coverage and no Wi-Fi while visiting Mom’s Dad and we only just returned yesterday afternoon. As a blogger, this is as troublesome as trying to deal with the whole WordPress block editor garbage, and ranks right up there with Daylight Savings Time in dumb things you shouldn’t have to deal with. Between you and me, Mom’s bandwidth to deal with such junk is pretty slim so I knew we’d have to publish today.
When you’re a dog like me, you become pretty used to taking your meds. Mom has become quite creative in wrapping my pills in a very tasty treat so it’s not like she has to hog-tie me and pop a pill in the back of my throat. Having that happen would be weird, not to mention rude.
I began having seizures shortly after Mom rescuedme over seven years ago (you can read about it in the highlighted link) and she’s been educating herself ever since.
My diagnosis came two weeks after I was rescued. There I was, a completely feral dog started having seizures getting used to being around people. I was fortunate to have Sam and Norman as my brothers-they taught me how to be a dog. I mean, I didn’t even know how to accept food from my Mom’s hand I was that shut down. Grand mal seizures started at first and following a short stay at the emergency vet clinic, I was treated and diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy which meant the vet wasn’t sure what the cause was. A likely factor was believed to be most likely was genetic (all the dogs seized after the owner of the puppy mill passed away had various conditions and he didn’t keep health records of any of us). Initially it was challenging determining what the right dosage of anti-seizure medication should be. I was placed on the least potent dose of Phenobarbital as well as given CBD oil but the dosage proved to be inadequate. The Phenobarb had to be adjust several times and for the most part I’m happy to report that Mom has been pretty good keeping me seizure free since late May {knock on wood}. Having a dog like me who has seizures can be a terrifying thing to witness. Even with treatment, seizures are no picnic in the park and there are always challenges. Despite a few hiccups along the way like determining what the right dosage would be for my situation, Mom and my vet have seemed to hit the sweet spot and manage to keep the seizures mostly at bay. Even when I do have one, Mom has learned various techniques which make them fairly minor compared to when I first experienced them. I even went over a year without a single one.
Mom says she’s lucky to have been part of an amazing blogging community who are far smarter and more knowledgeable than her when it comes to epilepsy and is particularly grateful for loads of advice from our friends over at Knotty Toys for Good Dogsand The Five Sibes who have shared amazing and informative resources and tips that have helped me. Remember that epilepsy is not a death sentence by any means and it is super important to get accurate information when treating epilepsy. There are also various epilepsy websites including Canine-Epilepsy as well as generalized info found at the Epilepsy Foundation and The Wally Foundation for educating oneself if it ever happens to you or your pet. I’ve certainly learned a lot since that first seizure and hope, with proper nutrition and the right balance of medication, I will live a long and happy life. If chewing on various items like reading glasses is any indication of happiness, Mom thinks I’m in hog heaven.
Did you know one in every 100 dogs is affected by epilepsy? Idiopathic epilepsy (the most common cause of seizures in dogs), is an inherited disorder, yet its exact cause is unknown. Other causes may include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. Onset in dogs usually beginning sometime between 2-6 years. As I mentioned, my onset episodes were quite severe, life threatening in fact and required emergency vet intervention but are now mostly managed. I live a good life and enjoy things considered normal for dogs now and when the epi-monster hits, Mom knows how to treat me and get me through it easily. Do you know anyone who is epileptic?
Again, many thanks to Knotty Toys and the Five Sibes for their counsel and support along this journey. With their help and info they share, Mom hopes to have me around chewing on her things for a good long time.
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are making ready for Santa Paws.
Today may be the last Monday of the week (and month) but it’s also the day we celebrate Memorial Day in the U.S. (we encourage you to click on the link for historical background on how Memorial Day came into being). Today is also special for another reason around the Ranch.
Today is my youngest granddaughter’s birthday. It’s hard to believe this young, gifted woman turns 15 today. It seems like just yesterday when she was just a wee tyke who charmed everyone she encountered. Where did the time gone? Happy birthday, sweetie. From a little cutie to a talented, incredibly caring and beautiful young woman, you continue to impress all who know you. Love you, L.
The Head Ranch Wrangler will be leaving for Hawaii in a couple of days to celebrate the wedding of my oldest granddaughter to the love of her life so posts/comments may be sporadic but I will do my best to visit your websites as WiFi and time permits.
All of us at the Ranch wish each and everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Monday and hope you spend a moment thanking those who paid the ultimate price so that you can remain free.
