Psalm 71 one

Here are some more pictures, the foster family took these and posted these. They gave him a bath/dip with some medicine for the mange, and it's amazing how it helped his skin. She also posted about the type of mange Mugsy has--I'm gonna paste that here now. "This is the story of Mugsy, a male Shar-Pei/Lab mix puppy that was dumped by his owner when he developed demodectric mange. Demodectric mites are hereditary and are passed from mothers to puppies. It is a type of mite that every puppy has present on its skin. However, if a puppy has a damaged immune system, the mites can take over. When the mites take over, demodectric mange occurs. This type of mange infects the hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out. The skin becomes rough, bumpy, and itchy. The dog will literally scratch until he bleeds. Demodectric mange is not contagious to humans or other animals. If the puppy receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and lives in sanitary conditions, it is rare for demodectric mange to even develop. But if it does, it is easy to treat and cure. In Mugsy's case, his demodectric mange was so far advanced when he was rescued that his was a long and painful path to recovery." Pictures: Before After the dip: There are a lot more, but I had to pick and choose!

HAP, I apologize for my statement about the construction workers. I really didn't mean to imply they were the bad guys, but in rereading what I said, it is a negative statement--prejudging them. I'm sorry. I'll try to s'plain myself better. This is going to be an upscale developement, and I thought someone--anyone in any way connected to the developement, would come along and see the pup and be "offended" at him in their developement, and try to run him off, and the picture I got in my mind was throwing stones or such at him, yelling "GIT!" OR picturing an accident--someone driving heavy equipment, accidently running over him. Or just plain ole mean people-not necessarily workers or people who'd purchased a lot there, but drive-by mean people--I've heard some awful stories of abuse of stray animals. Linda-- love your statement about piggies! LOL! And I agree with ya-- I can't even imagine someone dumping a pet so crulely (sp?) Feathers, HUSH! When the boys and I were at the shelter, we asked about naming him, since we found him, but I think we asked the wrong person. I coulda called him Porky! HAHA!!! WG--I'm so glad you found Sophie-- or she found you! LOL!

Vegan, I hope this works, if not, I'm gonna have to get instructions as to how to get these pictures over here. (I don't have a digital camera, so I'm pasting the pic here, I hope!) This is the pic that earned him the name Mugsy And here is the condition he was in--actually worse than this a couple days before when we'd found him

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!! Someone over at that website is going to take the pup in for foster care!!!! They have a dog that they had taken in a couple years ago that had mange and they nursed her back to health, so now they're gonna do the same with this one! It is only a foster care, then they will put him up for adoption later, but I am still soooo happy the hear it!! BTW, they named him "Mugsy" LOL!

Vegan, There's a chance he could be lost, or stolen, but given where he was, according to the shelter, he was more likely dumped. (that doesn't mean he wasn't stolen then dumped). But it's most likely he was dumped because of the skin disease--people dump their animals when they can't afford to take care of whatever medical situation comes up. This is all what I learned at the shelter. He's not up for adoption yet, they want to clear up the mange better. They posted a picture of him on the other web site, if ya want, I can try to paste it here--he looks pretty scaley still, though. Other people who visit this shelter to love on the animals posted how sweet he is, too--I'm glad they met him! LOL!

Well, we went to the shelter to see him today. His skin looks better, but he's still pretty scaley. They said the type of mange he has is not the one that can pass over to humans, so they lat us pet him. (It's a type that is more likely hereditary) Isaac would have none of that! LOL! Ben and I were nervous about it--he has so many dried icky spots! But he's a sweet, friendly little guy. He was fairly quiet, too--a good trait of SharPeis. I did a search on SharPeis last night. Yes Vegan, they are expensive--about $1000!! And prone to skin problems. And not good to have around other small animals, as they can be aggressive. And people who are very consistent trainers, as they are strong-willed and aggresive. Okay, then. My guess is the people who dumped him didn't know all this. Thought, "oh how cute, lets buy a Wrinkle Dog!" And then the skin problems came along. And he wasn't as easy to train as they thot. And maybe he bit their cat. And he grew bigger, wasn't as cute as he was when they got him. BUT THAT DOESN'T GIVE 'EM AN EXCUSE TO DUMP HIM!!!! (I know, I'm preaching to the choir, I'm not yellin at you all, just yellin!) And this guy isn't even full-breed SharPei!! He's got Lab ears and doesn't have that fat, hippo head. I asked them at the shelter, and they said the same--and that they haven't seen an aggressive side to him. DARN those jerks for dumping him like that! I'd like to see them dumped somewhere where they can't leave, don't have fresh water or food, have to live exposed to the elements, and have a skin disease! SHEESH!

The Shar Pei rescue folks didn't have room for him right now, nor did the other rescue place. They're full right now. The animal shelter here says he IS a SharPei and he's only about 4-5 months old! :( Why would somebody dump a PUPPY? In a location like he was in, I don't think it's likely he was a run-away. Poor poor baby! They are not going to put him down--there's a lady who works there who takes a special interest in mange dogs, healing them up. The director of the shelter tells me they are going to give this guy a chance--they want to see him placed. I'm so glad! I'm going to keep following up on him.

Thank you all! I don't think I could have slept if we'd have known he had to spend yet another night out in the cold. And yeah, I know he'd spent many a night out there, but now that we saw him, there was no way we could have left him. The lady at the shelter says he was probably dumped right there, at the fire hydrant we found him at, and he sat waiting patiently for them to come back. That makes me tear up again, just typing that! (I know, I'm weird) Dot he looked like the Sharpei, but not quite as wrinkly--and thinner--but he was thin because he was hungry. I did wonder if he would chomp down too much too fast, which was why we left two dishes--I thought he'd puke the first bit back up. Yes, it is a kill shelter. I hate the idea he'd be put down, but figured that alternative would be better than his staving to death. I'm going to call the lady at the pet rescue, and leave an email for the Sharpei rescue people-- maybe they can get him outa there. My older son, Isaac, came whispering to me last night , that maybe we could keep him after he got all cleaned up. That would be nice, but we have two dogs and two cats, and that is really pushing my hubby's threshold for animals in the house! (Two was almost too much for him!) We're still gonna broach the subject. . . :D

My family and I were taking a drive in this beautiful sunshiney day, and pulled into a new developement--so new there are only roads, no houses. Looking out the window as we drove, I saw something furry-- looked like discarded trash, but then it moved. I had my hubby stop and back up. It was a very thin dog that looked sick--it's fur is all patchy and it's skin shows through. (mange?) The dog looks like one of those Wrinkle-Dogs (Sorry I don't know the name of the breed) We went home and got a couple tins, some dog food and water dishes, and an old towel. We filled two pie tins with food-a LOT of food. We drove back to where the dog was, and my hubby said he would give the dog the food. He made me and the kids stay in the car, in case the dog turned out to be aggressive. The dog jumped up scared, ready to run away til it saw he had food, then ate greedily. My hubby was able to put the other dish of food down, and two water containers. (We did two in case the dog spilled the water). He also put the towel on the ground. The dog was extremely wary, but seemed submissive--tail wagging, crouched low. He was jumpy-- like he's probably been chased and expected it again. We didn't know what else to do--we'd called the local animal shelter, but of course, they were closed, and there was no emergency # on the message. I left a message, but I didn't really want to see that poor dog left out in the cold one more night. But we were also afraid to try to catch the dog ourselves. Afraid of getting bitten, afraid our own dogs would be in jeopardy. But we couldn't leave him out there another night. (Ben and I had cried when we saw him stand up, and how sick he looked) And this is a construction site. When the workers get there tomorrow, how would they treat the dog? Run him off? abuse him? Accidently run over him with heavy equipment? I remembered a discussion board set up for the county I live in, and an animal forum there, where there's always some information about local pet shelters. (animals for adoption, cool rescue stories, sad stories, etc). So I registered there and posted this same info there. Instantly, I got several responses and pms, people who've worked as volunteers for the shelter, asking me where the dog was, they would be willing to go get the dog, and keep him til the shelter opened. I couldn't type fast enough to respond to all of them, so the first pm I answered, I gave the lady my phone #. (Not something I do with some strangers from online!) She called and I told her about the pms--she told me which one was the lady who runs the shelter, so that was the second one I answered. She got someone on it immediately, and the dog was picked up within an hour--and had medicine given to him right there! They all welcomed me and thanked me! They did the work! She's gonna keep me posted on his progress--and I'm actually headed over there tomorrow to see him and give a donation in his name--honor? I dunno! I had sent some stuff to them awhile back, through a donation location, but I've never made it to their shelter, so it's time to get there! It was nice to see he was picked up so quickly--I couldn't stand the idea that he might spend another night out in the cold. And I know it's possible the shelter may have to put him down if he doesn't get adopted, but better that than his dying all alone and cold out there, staved to death, or worse, abused by someone.

I understand where WW is coming from. Both of my sons are dyslexic, and would NEVER pass that test. As they get older they will notice people's reactions to their writing--and write even less than they do now. <_<

WOW! What a post to read, George/LG! Words are hard to come by. I don't think death is ever "good", but it is precious for your daughter that you both know and can really value your last days. We had an inkling about our Dad about three months before he died, and in his last weeks, he had good days where we could really talk-- memories, future plans for our children-- his grandchildren. It was a precious time and I cherish it. While you are still able, write some memories for your daughter. Thoughts while she was growing up-- her first day of school, those kind of things. Everyday type things too. Write about your own life-- your first days of school, etc. Tell her your own thoughts about things--uncertainties, etc. If you can't write it all, tape record yourself. My Dad had done some "tape letters"--where instead of writing us letters, he'd tape himself--ususally while talking to my step mom--they'd banter back and forth. It took me about 3 years to be able to listen, but they are so precious to me now! I'm one of those who will pray, also :)

They're both gone :( We sold Gertie to a lady from South carolina--her Maltese companion of 10 years had just died. She'd looked for a local breeder in her area and all the Maltese pups in that area were in the $2000-3000 range. She asked a friend who lived here to look for a pup. That friend called, saw Gertie and fell in love with her-- in fact says if we breed again, she may want one for herself! Eli just went tonight to a couple whose 13 yr old Maltese had died a yr ago. They are the sweetest people, they brought their albums of their precious dog and let me see into the life Eli will have. OHHHH they are wonderful! We visited for awhile, they said to come see him, we took pictures of each other holding Eli! There will be a friendship growing here, I think!! But it didn't make it any easier to see the last pup go! :( Belle, I saw the pics of Vixen in Gallery-- she is BEAUTIFUL! WW, that is exactly what we did!! I took a bunch of pictures! (I bought bear clothes at the craft store) I can't wait to develope the film!

Chas, the page can't be found! (The link comes up a white page "page can't be found") I may have to resort to glue fer that ole Birdbrain!

Vegan, from what I've read, it seems if I want to really be a responsible breeder, I also ask (pretty much "demand") for the option of being the first one they call should they discover they can't keep the dog. (Illness, divorce, moving etc). I'm planning on doing that--makes sense to me--it seems only right, if I bred them. My hubby jokes about "Ka-ching", but if we're gonna breed them, I think we need to be responsible about it or get the adults fixed! LOL! FEATHERS!! Just --just HUSH! I'm gonna train 'em to chase birds and de-feather them! HA! I just gave the pups a bath. . .

Suda, They are Maltese--I've always thought Westies were pretty cute, but I'v also heard they have skin problems or problems with their coats or something. Wish I'd have thought to take a pic of Zippie and Moses, their parents. They are also adorable! (Can't wait to get my OWN digital camera! LOL!) Waterbuffalo--cringe--$750-850--and they usually go for that unless they are more yellow/tan coated! We are listing them at 12 weeks, though, as opposed to 8 weeks, cuz I read at most breeders sites they don't sell them til 10-12 weeks. It's been cool having them this long, and I've been able to housetrain them. (I also made them little coats, bears and pillows to go to their new home! LOL!) Vegan, thanks so much for asking. Zippie is back to her normal weight, and as feisty as she was before pregnancy! I had no trouble getting her back to dog food. I still make homemade stuff, but her diet is mostly the good stuff Dot recommended--Solid Gold. Moses upchucks junky food! LOL! (A neighbor brought him some "Benefull" and he lost it soon after he ate it!) I don't want to breed her on her next cycle, though--and I really want my hubby to agree to let me breed her with a smaller male. (If I can even handle it then! It's hard to let these guys go!) I am screening the potential buyers--I see too many dogs left out all day while the owners are all gone--these guys have already been pampered and I want them to go to a home where they'll be doted on!

We're going to be selling the puppies this week, so I got a frind's digital camera to be able to post pics of them when I list them. I'm not real good with their camera yet, so most of the 29(!) pictures I took were blurred. And the pups show up more tan in the pics than in real life, but I don't have a photo program to edit them yet. I posted some of their pics in the gallery, but I hadta post these here, too. Eli Gertie Yeah. . . I dress em up! LOL!!!

DARN!! I can't see either of your pictures, Chas and David! :blink:

((((((((((((Belle))))))))))))) backatcha! I hope it would work out for your family to do the Christmas baking--maybe you can find a church or school that would allow ya all to use their kitchens. I wanna be part of your family! All the memories you share about your family makes me want to know them! A lot of your memories sound similar to mine. ('cept we also had a lot dysfunctional junk too :( ) But we did the shelling peas and canning stuff, and fun Christmas gift exchange games!! LOL!!! (I've been even more sentimental than usual lately) My 9 yr old and I made a gingerbread house tonight!! We had a blast!!! Sounds like you've made some beautiful candies! LOL about the Miss Popularity! I KNOW they were goood!!

Chas, we sometimes decorated the cookies before they were cooked--that way we could press the decorations into the dough-- the sugar stays on, too. But I also agree with Linda, that Bow's method works well, too. My boys seemed to like those better anyway--icing the cookies first with white icing and then decorating the icing. They didn't look too pretty when two little boys were done!! LOL!!!! But the pictures are priceless! THese are sweet times, Chas, and they go by so fast!! I really enjoy my boys at the ages of 13 and 9, (I've pretty much enjoyed all the various ages they go through) but I miss the age yours are now. (siiiiiiggghhhh) I have very sweet memories of those times.