December arrived with no relief from the warm weather. We highly considered turning the AC back on after only a few weeks of not using it. Finally, about a week ago, a cold front came in but it was short lived, as today was 70 again. I just can't get into the holiday spirit with this ridiculous weather.
A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the first annual "Rescuers Unite" dinner party. The point was for all of us in the local animal rescue community to actually put faces to the names we see every day. We all network and communicate with one another constantly but very few of us have ever met in person. Facebook has done wonders for animal rescue! I think there were about 70 or 80 people there. Most were from AR, but we had a few people from the neighboring states too! It was nice to be surrounded by people who share the same passion in life. It was a diverse group. Young and old, married and single, wealthy and poor, but there was never a lack of things to talk about. The only people who truly understand the crazy lifestyle that we choose to live are the others that have chosen it too. I can't wait for the next gathering which will surely be even bigger and better! One woman's husband joked, "So what goes on at one of these things? Do ya'll just go around sniffin each other's butts or what?" For the record, no.;-)
The other day, I got a box full of goodies delivered for the rescue dogs. Toys, treats, leashes and collars, even a thundershirt! Rheagan's mom sent them all the way from Virginia! She also sent a collage of photos of Rheagan who looks amazingly happy. I will always remember Rheagan as my first out-of-state transport adoption. So hard to go through, but SO worth it! I would be thrilled if every one of my dogs got a home like Rheagan's! Thanks Tangela!
Since he is still here, you have probably guessed that I chose to keep Winston with us and not transfer him to the rescue out east. He will be too much for many people to handle and I am more comfortable knowing that if he doesn't work out somewhere, I will get him back. I am committed to him and fully aware that he may be here for a long time. I just love him so much.
We have had several short term house guests lately too. Little Pearl, the deaf puppy, stayed with us before her trip out to Atlanta. Her new family is also deaf. Mom, dad, dog sister and cat sister all deaf. How cool is that for her? It took a village to get that little girl to such a wonderful new home!
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| I'm a spoiled brat...wink. wink. |
We got Phoenix the boxer from the shelter, bathed and de-fleaed him, and gave him a place to rest his head before he went on his transport to NH. He was an awesome dog. Fit in perfectly here.
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| Because one Winston just isn't enough! |
We currently have Patch. He was kicked out of his home by his "family" just in time for Christmas. He wouldn't have done well in a shelter. Poor guy is only four years old and about 20lbs overweight. His breathing suffers and it's hard for him to get around. He can't even scratch his own ears. It will take a long time to get him back to a normal weight, but once he gets there, he'll be a whole new dog! He will go into a foster home next week.
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| Our fat boy! |
We have also been on a few hikes, despite the warm weather.
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| Buffalo National River |
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| Winston and me in Indian Rock House cave. |
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| We hiked through Rush Mountain, a ghost town that was a mining town over 100 years ago. It was really neat. I'm sitting in an old mine cart. |
We will be loading up the dogs and the camper and heading to the Ouachita Mountains over Christmas this year to attempt a 28 mile hike! Not sure how many days it will take us, but it's going to be a challenge I'm sure. If I don't get around to another post before we leave, Merry Christmas to all of you from me and my pack!
