…and the numbers are in

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 41 Comments

OES Banner — *Welcome to the 2023 Spring Fling*

Bubble machine — *Somebody gonna turn this thing on?*

We added up the numbers and were blown away by the generosity of so many who bid on gift baskets donated by a wide array of companies and organizations as well as silent auction bids made by attendees, and from donations received online at our website for those unable to attend in person. Are you ready for this? I nearly fainted when I heard the total. We raised just shy of $2,800! That’s $1,000 over the previous picnic held back in 2021.

Thirty-nine people showed up in person to celebrate a fabulous day in a gorgeous setting in Elizabeth, Colorado along with a fair number of dogs who chased one other (and bubbles) while others nanny-sat people who attended. We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who made this event such a rousing success. Among the many dogs attending was ‘Conner’, the 2021 AKC winner of the Herding Group (click on the link to watch his Herding Group win at Westminster) who is still a total charmer and had a great time watching over uprights and a couple of babies who attended with their parents. There were even a few ‘honorary’ sheepdogs checking out the festivities including a Portuguese Water Dog and a mixed-breed Saint Bernard, brindle-colored pup who first checked each other out before checking out the ‘pawsome’ gift baskets.

Everyone welcomed

Norman helped at the check in table and supervised the ‘Game of Bones’ game.

Game of Bones

Norman at the picnic

I’m not sure Norman realized Conner was waiting for his bidding paddle. He’s apparently not fazed by celebrities, even the nice ones.

Conner waiting at check-in table — *Do you know who I am?*

OES

Here are some of the donated gift baskets that attendees could bid on in the silent auction.

Gift Baskets for OES picnic

OES picnic

Some took a more clever viewing approach by ~~going below the tables~~ jumping the line to check out the baskets.

OES picnic

While others simply backed into their seats to view the tables from a distance.

The crowd visited with one another and then listened to a message by the Board president who welcomed attendees and shared the rescue’s vision as it gears up to fulfill its mission.

OES picnic

The local VFW served up BBQ that was a tasty hit with attendees. Does anyone know why food cooked outdoors always seems to taste better?

VFW

Another volunteer supporter made adorable desserts to follow lunch. Everyone absolutely loved those OES cookies. OES picnic desserts

After the event ended, the Board and its ‘advisors’ met to review how things went.

OES Board meeting

It’s a ruff life being an advisor.

Tuckered out OES

Everyone agreed the event was a great success even before the numbers were compiled. Thanks to the hard work of so many people and supporting companies, our rescue will soon be able to begin to provide Old English Sheepdogs with a second chance at a great ‘fur-ever’ home. Thank you for your support-we very much appreciate it.

Live, love bark! 🐾

Check Your Chip Monday ~ August 15, 2022

August 15, 2022 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

Welcome to National Check The Chip Day — a day created as a reminder for pet parents to check their pet’s microchips, to make sure they contain the most up to date information with the provider. With last month’s July 4th celebrations where more pets are lost than any day of the year, microchips are especially important for keeping your pets safe. Pets are far more likely to be reunited with their pet parents when they are chipped. Personally I think National Chip Day should be July 5th, but that’s just me. Visit this website to find out how to check your microchip status.

Microchip your pet

The Ranch Hands say there’s no need to be scared, just make sure your pet is microchipped for their safety and your piece of mind. Have a great week.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Purple Day ~ 2022

March 27, 2022 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 35 Comments

This weekend we are honored to join Fur Angel Gibson from the FiveSibes blog and fellow epi-warrior, Olivia at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs for the 2022 edition acknowledging Purple Day for Epilepsy (with apologies for being a day late of the actual date, March 26-I got my dates mixed up).

You may recall, the Ranch’s resident Ninja (aka Elsa) was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy a couple of weeks following her adoption. You can read part of her story here.

We are so grateful for all the info Gibson and Olivia have shared on their respective blogs about epilepsy and remain appreciative for their leadership in sharing information and resources. Please visit the Purple Day website for additional information about epilepsy. Elsa is living proof dogs who have been diagnosed with this condition can live relatively normal and productive lives.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ February 14, 2022

February 14, 2022 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day. We hope you had a fun, sports-filled weekend. Fans were treated to a plethora of events from the Olympics, NHL hockey and NBA basketball games, as well as the Super Bowl. Whichever team you supported in yesterday’s big sporting event (Super Bowl LVI), we’re ‘pawsitive’ yesterday’s Puppy Bowl XVIII hosted by Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart was the most fun of it all. Team Fluff came from behind (much like that other team did in the Super Bowl). Long-time ‘rufferee’ Dan Schachner (himself a former NFL referee), was the only human to take the field at Sunday’s Puppy Bowl game along with over 100 pups.

Puppy Bowl — *View from the ‘water cam’*

Puppies from both teams gave it their all, but in the end it was Team Fluff that slid into the end zone with 7 seconds to go for the last-minute victory. A lineup with photos of the on-screen competitors can be found here.

More than 100 adoptable dogs from 67 shelters across 33 states dragged various toys around a miniature field in the event’s largest competition yet. Nine special needs dogs were featured during the game, led by one year-old Benny, a wheelchair-bound Labradoodle. Benny was born with an abnormal and inoperable spinal deformity and is paralyzed from the shoulder blades but was a zooming dynamo on the playing field. Moby, a French Bulldog with a cleft palate; and Rocket, a deaf Chihuahua/Dachshund, were also part of the event designed to raise awareness about shelter adoptions.

Kirby, a Labrador retriever and service dog in-training, was named Team Fluff’s MVP after helping his team win the coveted “Lombarky” Trophy.

Puppy Bowl

It was a fun alternative to the Super Bowl and all the dogs and kitties were winners.

All best wishes from both the Ranch Hands for a ‘pawsome’ week as well as a love-filled day with your Valentine.

Live, love, bark❣️

Monday Musings ~ January 17, 2022

January 17, 2022 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 37 Comments

Welcome to Monday but today is not just any Monday. Today we honor two giants of humanity, Martin Luther King (MLK) and Betty White. Around the country, parades are being held with an emphasis on the participants honoring the civil rights leader through a day of national service. Since 1994, the day of service is being coordinated nationally by AmeriCorps, a federal agency which provides grants to organizations coordinating service activities on MLK Day. The only other national day of service in the U.S. officially designated by the government, is September 11th’s National Day of Service (9/11 Day).

Today would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. Fans of the “Golden Girls” star who passed away recently, have created a virtual event asking for donations of $5 be made to animal rescues or shelters in her name. White was a big animal lover and well known for her efforts of saving endangered species. She helped fix conditions at the Los Angeles Zoo.

In addition to her efforts at the LA Zoo, White was also a big supporter of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo’s entrance to the “Heart of Africa Exhibit” was named Betty White Way in 2014 in her honor.

We typically use Monday’s for sharing a smile, but today we also support of the efforts of both of these legendary Americans. Everyone at the Ranch supports the essence of MLK Day as well as the remarkable work of Betty White and hope you’ll participate in a meaningful way to honor both of these special people. May your Monday be the beginning of a good week filled with smiles and positive actions, just go easy on the mice, okay?

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Whoopee Wednesday!

September 29, 2021 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 62 Comments

Hello there mates, Norman here sharing the final total figure raised as a postscript to yesterday’s post recapping the OES Picnic and Fundraiser. We in fact raised…ahem…drumroll please…$1,812 which will help provide resources for Old English Sheepdogs who come through our rescue. It was a well organized event for which I offer my deepest gratitude to all who helped, donated and attended this event.

Congratulations with loads of butt wiggles to all who work tirelessly all year long to benefit these remarkable pets who, through no fault of their own, come through the rescue. To everyone who has a special love for this wonderful breed and to all the vendors, supporters and attendees who have contributed to the cause, thank you from the bottom of my OES 💙.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

2021 OES Picnic Recap

September 28, 2021September 28, 2021 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 55 Comments

It’s unusual for us to post on Tuesday but Norman ‘insisted’ we post a recap about the weekend’s OES Rescue Picnic and Fundraiser so I’ll let him take it from here.

Norman: Over the weekend, mum and I went to quite the event. We’ve been visiting our sheepie friends, Clifford and his brother, Sully helping put together a bunch of gift baskets so had no idea what this adventure would be like. I always enjoy seeing Clifford and Sully since they have the BEST toys that I take full advantage of when we visit. Sometimes, mum has to take them away from me. But this event had so much space and so many sniffs to investigate, I could have cared less about toys.

I now think I’m in love. Check out this gorgeous girl! Mum said I’m a bit of a cad since I didn’t get her phone number (or name sadly). I told mum she was in charge of names since she has the thumbs to write those things down but she apologized saying she was too busy checking everyone in and keeping the water bowls filled. It was a gorgeous but warm day and if you know sheepdogs, we like to party and can drink like fish.

*Isn’t she gorgeous? Photo courtesy of Colorado OES Rescue*

Taking my welcoming duties seriously I posed at the entrance making sure everyone knew where the fun was.

Norman

Here’s my pal Yogi who got the award for best dressed sheepdog.

Once folks came inside the party area, they checked in at the registration table. Notice those ‘welcome bags’ on the right? They each contained an OES fridge magnet, either a photo frame or collapsible dog bowl as well as a donated product from our pals at Licks. Everyone who attended received one.

Let’s check out all the amazing gift baskets! There were all sorts of cool things including donated pro-sports tickets and athlete autographs, brewery/spirits tours, bandanas, hand made sweaters, knit hats, dog treats, original artwork, and dog-related items. Bids were made on various baskets raising funds for the rescue with some folks engaged in ‘bidding wars.’

There were loads of sniffs to be had, games of chase, corn hole, golf cart rides around the neighborhood, a kissing booth, a BBQ for peeps with some special sweet treats.

My pal Sully knew just what to do.

And look at these adorable ‘kids,’ our pals, Anastacia and Dave with Clifford and Sully (along with doggie friend, Gracie, owned by the owner of the home that held the event).

OES Picnic

Lots of peeps got into the spirit at the Kissing Booth, even mum and I.

The baskets were given a good once (or three times) over for all the amazing items that were donated.

OES Picnic

And consultations were held on bidding strategies.

Everyone was well behaved, enjoyed one another’s company and had a great time. We sheepdogs come in all shapes, sizes and shades of grey but we all have one thing in common. We 💙 peeps.

Don’t you wish you could have attended? Join us tomorrow when we’ll report how much was raised to benefit the Colorado Old English Sheepdog Rescue.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

International Epilepsy Day ~ 2021

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 75 Comments

Welcome to Monday where I usually share a smile but since today is International Epilepsy Day (a joint initiative created by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy), I wanted to shed awareness on the condition since epilepsy has personally touched the Ranch and to encourage everyone to advocate for legislation guaranteeing the rights of all those who suffer from epilepsy. International Epilepsy Day is a global event which is celebrated annually on the 2nd Monday of February. It’s also the day when those who live with epilepsy share their experience with a global audience and encourage and remind anyone who lives with this condition to live life to their fullest potential.

Elsa You may recall that shortly after adopting Elsa (read her adoption story here or another post about some of the trials and tribulations here) from the puppy mill she had been in, she started initially having severe life threatening Grand Mal seizures. The diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy was personally devastating, however I was determined to make her life better after all she’d already endured. Epilepsy can be managed. Elsa’s on anti-seizure medication as well as receiving multiple doses of CBD, spread throughout the day. It has taken many months to get the dosage for both appropriate in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures. With epilepsy there can be lots of trial and error. Once the anti-seizure medication dose seemed appropriate, her vet recommended adding CBD. Initially, she continued to experience seizures at the rate of about every 6-9 weeks although the intensity was reduced. After switching to a locally sourced organic CBD, her seizures came far less frequent and were minor in their intensity.

Once a year Elsa has her blood levels tested to determine the impact of the medication on her liver. While reducing the number of seizures, CBD is metabolized the same way in the liver as anti-seizure meds so her blood is monitored closely. For the most part, they’re fairly good and she had been been seizure free for 15 months but then suffered a minor seizure last month so the clock restarts but the vet is reasonably pleased with her progress. We’re working on her diet to help her shed a few pounds and to reduce slightly elevated cholesterol levels. Overall she’s doing well, giving her brother a run for his money and bringing joy to me with her sweet ways and always entertaining behavior with toys where she frequently stands over them, barks and then pounces, as if trying to cow them into submission.

Elsa is the second dog I’ve owned as an adult who suffered from seizures and while I’ve learned a lot since adopting her, I certainly don’t have all the answers. Luckily there are many online resources and forums available to help epi-warriors’ families with ongoing questions and tips.

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 begins sometime between 2-6 years. Elsa’s first episodes were quite severe, life threatening in fact that required emergency vet intervention but are now mostly well managed. Her life is relatively normal, all things considered and when the epi-monster hits, I know how to proceed to treat her. Do you know anyone who is epileptic?

In honor of International Epilepsy Day, I hope you’ll wear something purple today to honor and support anyone who suffers from this condition, be they two or four legged.

Elsa

A partial list of resources:

Canine Epilepsy Network (http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html)
The Wally Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/thewallyfoundation/)
The Epilepsy Foundation (https://www.epilepsy.com)
AKC Canine Health Foundation (https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Fostering and Rescuing – A Book Review

June 30, 2020 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 41 Comments

As you probably know I’m very passionate about rescues (both Norman and Elsa were rescued) so when I was recently provided an opportunity to review a new book by best-selling author, Cara Achterberg, I jumped at the chance. Yes, we’re talking about THAT Cara Achterberg, author of Another Good Dog. Squeals! Ms. Achterberg is one amazing upright who has taken dog rescue advocacy to a whole ‘nother level. Reviewing One Hundred Dogs & Counting One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles and a Journey into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues” being released on July 7, was just something I couldn’t pass up.

Book review — *Cowgirl author and rescue advocate, Cara Achterberg*

For anyone not familiar with Cara, she is an award-winning writer, blogger, and consummate dog rescue champion. I was keen to review her latest book which explains the ins and outs of rescue work like nothing I’d ever read before and I learned so much about the behind-the-scenes work of rescuing and shelters. Who knew the public perception of shelters and the private reality could be so disparate?

One Hundred Dogs & Counting follows the footsteps of Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs. Cara’s latest book began as a mother/son trip into the world of ‘dog pounds,’ private rescues and some of the most desperate public shelters around that most people are completely unaware. I had no idea how the world of shelters and rescues worked. With humor and deep compassion, Cara writes the book every dog lover needs to read and provides a remarkable journal how shelter dogs end up with a rescue and some of the heartbreaking details as to why some do and others don’t. This book offers hope in the face of unthinkable heartache, limited resources and long odds toward success. It also provides a narrative of hope shared by a cadry of real heroes working with limited resources in shelters and rescue groups while providing you an opportunity to help by sharing its message.

With generous praise and gratitude for her family, Operation Paws for Homes (OPA), the group with which she fosters dogs, numerous directors, rescue coordinators, Animal Control Offices and countless volunteers, Cara takes you through just what a “no-kill” shelter is. She provides a terrific resource list giving readers an opportunity to help in exposing the quiet reality of too many shelters by crafting a remarkable story with a heartfelt plea. As dog lovers and pet bloggers, it’s up to use to educate people of the all too familiar goings on in cities and towns across the country. As she puts it: let’s all work toward bringing Gandhi’s words to fruition.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.

Book review

Be sure to put this book on your summer reading list and order your copy of this remarkable rescue journey and spread its powerful message today. The Ranch Hands enthusiastically give it a 4 out of 4 paw endorsement. 🐾🐾

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Good News Tuesday ~ July 2, 2019

July 2, 2019 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

An interesting story in the paper caught my eye over the weekend. Last week, the small town of Berthoud, Colorado (pop. approximately 5500) made history in Colorado by becoming the first (and only) municipality in the state to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs in pet shops. While probably just symbolic (Berthod has no pet shops), the town is making a statement on the topic of puppy mill pets.

Puppy mills In his statement, Mayor pro tem Jeff Hindman said, “We can be up front and take a stand and hope this will spread to other towns and other pet shops across the state,” following the 6-0 vote approving the ordinance banning the sale of puppies from inhumane breeding facilities. You may recall that Elsa herself the product of a puppy mill, came from Greeley, a mere 29 miles (45 Km) away from Berthod. Local residents, many holding their rescued dogs in their laps, filled the Town Hall and applauded the vote. Loveland, CO resident, Lauren Kujawa said, “I’m hoping it spreads to Loveland, Fort Collins, Omaha, Oklahoma, everywhere.” We share Lauren’s sentiment.

Rudi Taylor, who founded Harley’s Dream, a Berthod-based organization had proposed the ordinance. Harley’s Dream was established in 2016 to create awareness and educate the public about cruelty in the commercial dog breeding industry, aka puppy mills. By using a grassroots approach, Harley’s Dream believes large groups of concerned citizens is the most effective way to bring about change regarding these cruel, for-profit farms. Their sole focus encourages advocacy by providing the tools necessary to educate the public on the puppy mill crisis. Puppy Mills

Let’s keep our paws crossed that more cities around the country accept the challenge to ban the sale of puppy mills dogs in pet stores. Hitting these profit based farms is likely the best way to combat this insidious practice of abject animal cruelty.

Well done, Berthod! Elsa and I tip our hats to you for your efforts in getting Berthod to ban puppy mills dogs. It’s the first step which I hope snowballs across the state and country.

Elsa

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Category: Pet Advocacy

…and the numbers are in

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