Bernese Mountain Dog

I appreciate all of the input and name suggestions for this wonderful addition to our family. I liked so many of your names and tried many of them out. He has been called a multitude of names over the past few weeks, and I continue to hear Amy calling him the most bizarre things. She really is not too fond of dogs, she is definitely a 'cat person', but she seems to really like this guy.

He fits in well here and is feeling so much better than when he arrived. Improved health and an increased energy level has brought out his true personality. Still rather dignified, he plays like a puppy and can be quite the goof-ball. He is quietly affectionate and has won our hearts.

Cort is active, rambunctious and in constant play mode. They balance one another well. I still feed them separately to monitor food intake and prevent any falling out over meals. Above, shows how well they get along even when one has something quite yummy to chew on; such as horse hoof chunks, pine cones, logs, you know...dog stuff.

They communicate well, sniff noses, clean one another's ears, snuggle together to nap, wrestle like maniacs, and have become good buddies. The one negative that has occurred with this, is that Cort has become infected with some sort of upper respiratory crud carried from the Animal Shelter jail time mountain dog served, prior to our adoption.

And yes, Cort has been well vaccinated, but the infectious agent still invaded. I didn't send samples to the laboratory to identify his specific infection, but he is responding to treatment and sleeping better at night. He is eating, drinking, playing, but less active and continues to nap a lot, sneeze, cough and is typically worse at night. Last night he was sent out of our bedroom, banished to the kitchen to sleep, so we wouldn't have to hear dog snorts, snores and snuffles all night. We needed sleep!

It makes me feel bad when any critter is not well. Well, I guess that explains why I am in this profession, hmmm.

Speaking of not-well critters, Wrangler is doing great. His massive chest injuries barely left any scars. My next post, I'll show how well he is coming along with his training. He also has won our hearts and the rest of the horse herd has finally accepted him and spend hours playing silly horse games with him, really.

OH! I need to mention the dog's name! Again thanks for all of the suggestions. We called him Carson for just too long so the name Carson stuck. But I loved so many of your ideas. I do find myself referring to him as the Big Dawg, the Skinny Dawg, Stinky, or Hey Buddy. To test his acceptance of the name Carson, I have called out to him any of the above and he comes to me no matter what I call him. Good Dawg!

December in Photos

Local Christmas Tree Farm.




Funny Tristan!


Tree Decorating at the Log Cabin.




More Tree Trimming.

Burn Day.

How Jerry entertains himself after work. This is the result of just hours of leaf blowing. Not his first pile, not the last either. I have convinced him that leaf burning is bad, we return the leaves to enrich the soil in the back corner of our property.

Sometimes the weather is gloomy.

Some days are good for laying around and snuggling.

Putting together a Christmas present.


Enjoying the Christmas present.

We marched in a parade.

Parade dress.

Parade theme: An Old Fashioned Christmas. Jerry, Remington and Cheyenne.






OK finished! Blogger has decided not to allow any further picture uploading. It is a miracle that I was able to get this many pictures posted in one sitting.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, time off school or work, and a delightful December. The days are getting longer again, have you noticed?

A Happy New Year to ALL.

'Tis the Season.....

Our original plan was to ski all day on Christmas Day. We had friends from out of town staying with us and everyone was 'pumped up' for a first day on the slopes.
It rained, heavy rain, on our tin roof all night Christmas Eve. Up at 0'dark thirty, we checked weather reports, road reports, travel advisories; and we decided to stay home and let the blizzard in the Sierras wear itself out.
Tristan was relieved to find that Santa himself, had no trouble making it through the blizzard.





The following day, also Tristan's birthday, we headed up the hill. These check points are a common sight on the chains required days. Our 4-wheel drive and all 4 snow tires allowed our ascent without the chains.





Traffic was heavy but evenly spaced, driving was slow and careful, we made it to the ski resort safely.

Yeehaw!

I took up skiing just a few years ago and it is my winter-time love. I would ski daily if possible. I don't remember the exact number, but my first year, I skied over 20 times.

When I started dating Jerry, I remember telling him that my ideal partner would love to ride horses, love the country, camp, travel and snow ski. He smiled, I wondered, "is that his smile when he hasn't heard a word I said?, or is that the smile of a man who just agrees with everything?, or can he really be the one who does all things?"

Our first winter together, Jerry was recovering from a traumatic dislocation of his shoulder, the Dr. said NO skiing. We went to Durango that winter and Jerry sat in a chair at the bottom of a ski run sipping 'spirits' while his son and I had an awesome day skiing Purgatory.

We entered our second winter season with one recovering from cardiac surgery and the other recovering from a riding accident.

Our third winter together and I discover the truth........

The Cowboy skis, and he likes it, a lot! He even went back and skied all day the following day, while I was at work.

Birthday Boy spent the entire day taking snow board lessons. He was hot, worn out and in no mood for a picture. I took some anyways.

Whether they be dusty, muddy or snowy;

Happy Trails to all!

My Mountain Dog

Two weeks ago I drove 5 hours south, to one of my favorite hospitals. It was a long, foggy, stressful Monday morning drive. I entered the hospital through the back door, going into the kennel area and was greeted by a small huddle of employees sitting at a kennel door baby talking to a patient I couldn't see. "So what do you guys have there?" And I was introduced to the sweet faced fella below.





His sad story is not uncommon. He was picked up by Animal Control, a young intact male, roaming the streets south of Fresno. He was filthy, matted, covered with skin lesions, thin, and passing blood instead of stool. Animal Control dropped him off at the hospital for an exam and blood tests. It was determined that he most likely had ingested rat poison. Treatment was started, he was bathed, clipped and treated for the dermatitis. hhmmmm.... I kind of liked this dog.

I found myself drawn to this guy frequently over the next few days, just stopping by to say hi, taking him out for walks, having some quiet private chats. Then I went home for the weekend.

Shared pictures of him and I admitted my thoughts of bringing this dog home to the family. Jerry, Tristan, Amy, Cort and the CATS were all in agreement (well... maybe not the cats so much).

Monday back at the hospital there was a message from the Animal Control Officer to please call.

No owner had been located, the Rescue had no foster home for him, would I be interested in him?

Have you noted his breed? He is a Bernese Mountain Dog. I have always admired these guys. He had a microchip which lead to a disconnected number in Missouri, we have reason to believe he was from a puppy mill. Just look at that face, how could I resist? I am very reasonable about not adopting every animal that needs a home, but I really liked this guy. Showing up at home with two kittens, then taking in a beat up colt all in one year, I am beginning to wonder about my ability to just say NO.

Well, animal control brought him back to the clinic at my request and I looked for a reason to turn him down. Hip Xrays; good. Chest Xrays; good. Heart worm test; negative. Blood panel; regenerative anemia, good. Blood clotting is improved. Skin condition; clearing up on meds. Neuter performed - dog is mine. We agreed on a trial visit to insure that everyone at the log cabin gets along. I worry about disrupting the harmony that exists between our pets at home.

This is honestly, the cats' reaction to the dog being brought into the house the first time. 'Ho-hum'. They stayed in their napping spots but kept their eyes on him. He approched them slowly but didn't invade their space.

He trots around the property with a big smile on his face. I love a dog who smiles. Cort likes him but we had to keep them apart at first, Cort wants to play too much. The Mountain Dog has to take it easy for a while. Introduced to the horses, he sniffs their muzzles and shows no signs of aggression or desire to chase. I like this dog. Cort is not kept away from him now and they are perfect together.

The following pictures are disturbing. He was thin when picked up off the streets. Very thin. He had put on 5# in the 10 days or so that he was with Animal Control.

He will get several medicated baths weekly. This is his first bath at home. Thin.

Very thin. I am feeding him frequent meals during the day, he is not an eager eater. He is on several medications.

He is a very happy, friendly, calm, eager-to-please dog. Life continues to be good; harmony and peace between my furred family members.

Our only delemma now is the naming of the beast. I feel like his name has to be just right. Jerry suggested Socks or Boots or Concho, sorry Jerry , no go. I have tried out Luke, Luca, Lucas, Jake, Ivan, Ian, Gorgan, Bruce.... and a multitude of others. I get raspberries, gagging motions, rude looks, or the names just don't fit. Yesterday I called him Carson. I like Carson, Tristan likes Carson (since we won't name him Hector), Jerry says 'just name the dog already', Amy says Carson is ick, way too yuppy. What the heck is yuppy anyways?

So I am inviting your comments, suggestions, feelings, input on names. I reserve the right to pick his name myself, I will reject your names kindly as long as you aren't too harsh with my choices. I want a strong, gentle ,dignified name that is not one commonly heard. Rover or Spot won't make the cut. (Or Boots or Socks, sheesh Jerry)

I feel like he is a very wonderful Christmas gift. I think he kind of likes us too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

Today is my Mom's Birthday. In my defense, I did try to call her today, she was shopping, I spoke to Dad for a while. The cell phones went into typical mountain static mode and I lost Dad. Fully intending to call back to wish Mom a Great Day, it is now evening, and I missed calling back. As things go around here, we had friends drop in, they stayed for dinner, they left, we cleaned up, and now it is too late to call.

So .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Miss you. Sorry......

It has been another busy month. I got my previous to-do list done in a matter of days. I have nice pictures of going to cut our Christmas tree. We brought home a tall one, and have more good photos of Jerry balancing on a ladder decorating the top. We were in a Christmas parade, and our riding club was awarded a first place trophy for our participation. I have spent days and nights away from home working. Weekends have been a whirlwind of business and social Christmas Parties. I have gotten most of my Christmas shopping done. We intended to shop very light this year, and succeeded.

I did bring home a family gift Thursday night. It is one of those gifts that really is mine....

Tristan and Jerry are on the couch playing a game of Battleship by flashlight. Interesting.
It's peaceful here and I'm glad to be home again for a while. Country music is softly playing, the Christmas tree lights are on, there is a large lit wreath in the front window, Tristan and Jerry are on the couch, a warm fire glows in the wood stove, Amy is reading at the kitchen table, the furred creatures are warm and napping, dishes are done and the house is clean.

We have out of town guests coming for a few days over Christmas, they plan to ski every day. We'll go up and enjoy the slopes ourselves once or maybe twice with them. We were getting worried two weeks ago that we may not have snow. There's plenty now! Tristan even had a snow day from school this week; school is only 5 miles from us. We get no snow here at our house! I'll let you know if our real estate agent was being honest about that....

I tried to post a few pictures but the connection won't allow pictures tonight.
Good night. Thanks for reading.

December

Old age isn't for wimps.
Our (mine and the cowboy's) old tympanic membranes just 'ain't what they used to be'.
We've all heard that communication is the secret to a long, happy marriage.
Based on communication, ours is destined to be short and unhappy, or a good natured comedy of errors.
I submit a sample of a typical morning exchange here in the log house.

Bright eyed and cheerful farm-marm (me) preparing to provide breakfast, asks "- Cream of Wheat OK?"

Cowboy with tilted head and wrinkled brow slowly responds, "ummmm, y e a h ......"

Noticing his hesitation, farm-marm questions cowboy, "ahhh, what did you just hear me ask?"

Cowboy is quick to answer. "Can you read OK?"

*sigh*

Last year at this time, Jerry was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and 3-way bypass. This has been an incredible year for us. And I am so thankful that he has recovered so well and is such an active, busy guy.

I fully intend to update my blog more frequently than once or twice a month. When I am not working for a paycheck, our at home chore list keeps me busy around here. Winter is coming, rain's on the way (we hope) and frost is on the ground.
A sample of chores on the list for the past two weeks:
Seed pastures
Seed yard
Neighborhood dog proof front fence (again)
Stack fire wood in wood shed
Cover wood piles outside with tarps
Put up corral fencing
Bandage horse leg
Float horses' teeth
Create huge brush piles
Burn brush piles
Till garden and fertilize
Make curtains
Make cute pillows
Organize office and catch-up on paperwork
Closet - reorganize seasonal clothes
Balance checkbooks and sort bills for taxes
Organize new business venture

- and lots of other stuff that I haven't even started yet.....
So I'd better get busy again.

Kayaks

Spending the day kayaking up the Wailua River, hiking jungle trails, and finally reaching the waterfalls was my favorite activity while we were on Kaua'i. I used a water proof disposable camera. The jungle was dark so my pictures turned out dark. The day was partially cloudy, sometimes full cloud cover. The weather changes frequently and quickly in Hawaii.



Close to the ocean, the river was wide and open, silky smooth and peaceful.

Beyond the bridge is the ocean. We put the kayaks in the water at a small boat ramp near the bridge.

The clouds never cleared completely but we didn't mind. The weather was lovely.

The further up river we paddled, the narrower the river became.

Eventually we were in tunnels of jungle trees. Paddling upriver was easy, the current was not strong.

Here we landed and got out to visit the Fern Grotto. It was a lovely large flower garden; at one time. Now it is being destroyed by wild pigs rooting up the soil, trees and plants. A half circle of rock cliff was covered thick in ferns, before the dry spell, now the ferns remaining are brown and dry. We stayed for a brief walk through and I got no pictures.

Eventually we reached our final landing site. We found the trail and headed into the jungle. It was dark, humid and warm; very warm.

The trail was narrow and slick with moist mud. Much of the trail followed the river.

We passed these little falls and the trail forked. We agree on which fork to take, the one continuing along the river. As we hiked on, the trail became more narrow, increasingly wet, and suspiciously similar to a wild pig trail. We climbed on and on. The trail stopped, no warning just an abrupt end. It was a pig trail. We had climbed higher and steeper than I had realized as we had been trudging uphill. The hike down the narrow, slick, mud trail with a raging (at this point it seemed to be raging) river below was not pleasant. We made it to the fork without plunging to a watery death. I was emotionally and physically exhausted.

We made it to the falls. Those small spots at the bottom are people in the pool. A very high and beautiful waterfall. We didn't spend much time here, we figured we had just enough time to get back before nightfall.

I slept quite well that night.

Speaking of sleep, it's time to get to bed. I'll be heading home tomorrow and will be working in my home territory for a while. Back to the land of poor Internet connection, thus fewer pictures to share.

Thanks for joining me and sharing your thoughts.