Sept. 23, 2011

luna is back on duty--- moving a little slowly-- not capable of fending off chaos and bailey--- but with someone in attendence-- they behave..

since you all like the details-----

i am amazed at george's capabilities thanks to an education--

a few visuals paul and i were witness to as bits and pieces of luna dripped onto the floor...

he was literally up to the wrist in the hole in upside down luna he would pull out a handful and inspect it -- then stuff it back in-- then he would be happy to find something the size of dental floss -- tie several knots around it- explaining that that one thread could make her bleed out in short order---

at which point i am wondering when he had his bifocals checked...

and i am remembering tom's comment about operating on a fat person-- "the gloves get slippery".

there was a lot for me to worry about---

luna has to have had about 4 pounds of STUFF removed--

paul and i looked over the contents of the dishpan which contained the 4 pounds-- there was nothing distinguishable as a puppy at least to paul and i-

after he had luna's tummy back together---george pulled several globs out of the dishpan and told us what they were... but in our lack of scientific education--- globs is what they were.--not unlike the stuff that is delivered with live pups in a normal delivery...

i hope you all enjoy your breakfasts.

one tidbit i did pick up from george ws that spaying a female before her first heat cycle slightly reduced the incidence of breast cancer

which means....... we have 3 females and charlie to get done very soon... theresa... book em????

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there is not a lot of training info-- crimson and charlie are the most mature of that 4 pups-- so we are onto them-- it is a shocker to go from trained to beginning puppy again...

or i should say educated...

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chaos is clanking the food cans ..

and i have a grant thing to write

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serena gave me the name of someone who might fit gwen's job search..

anybody else have anyone looking for a job in the charlton area????

gwen has posted 3 jobs from simple computer stuff ( turn on and off) to managing programs etc

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Sept. 22, 2011

ONLY DOG NEWS IS LUNA IS DUE FOR A CLEANING OUT AT NOON TODAY- AS GEORGE POINTS OUT-- SHE IS NOT AN IDEAL SURGICAL CANDIDATE. NOT YOUNG--- TOO FAT-- WITH DECOMPOSING PUPS IN HER.

I THINK WE ARE ORGANIZED.. PAUL IS ON DECK TO GET HER THERE IF I AM HELD UP AT A DR APT.

LORI IS SETTING UP THE INTENSIVE CARE AREA HERE (KITCHEN).

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1/3 THE ROOF IS TACKED ON THE DOG HOUSE.. I AM NOT SURE WHY WE DON'T SET UP SAWHORSES AND PAINT THE T-111 BEFOR WE PUT IT ON THE BUILDING.

CAN WE HAVE A PAINT COMMITTEE?? AND USE THE ARENA??

GREG SAID HE WOULD HELP NAIL TOMORROW-- BECAUSE ANYTHING I DO HAS ONLY ONE NAIL HOLDING IT WHILE IT WAITS FOR SOME STRONG ARM TO ADD NAILS.

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HERE'S THE TESS REPORT..

Hi Gang, Just touching base. Tess and I are doing fine. Went shopping again Tuesday and Today. She's really falling into the swing of things around here. Today was supper market and to town hall to get Her license, She was stoked until She found out She couldn't drive.

After reading the doggie daily's I figured I'd better talk poop! Monday Tess's was loose, however I figured I'd give it a day or two as She had the 3&1/2 hour trip home and different surroundings. Tuesday morn it was a bit firmer and Tuesday night and today it was just fine or nice and firm in the parlance of poop. I told her it happens sometimes the stress of stuff and all it even happens to us humans. Wow my first email with poop in it I feel like I blend now lol, Talk to you all later. Sincerely Al & Tess

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THIS IS NOT DOG RELATED BUT MAYBE SOMEONE KNOWS SOMEONE............

GWEN ( DAUGHTER) CALLS AT 5AM FOR A CATCH UP--- AND WE HAVE JUST HAD ABOUT AN HOUR OF THE PERILS OF TRYING TO HIRE HELP.

SHE WORKS SOMEWHERE OUT BY WORCESTER IN A SENIOR CARE FACILITY AND IS DESPARATE FOR HELP. SHE TALKS OF A "BLIZZARD" OF APPLICATIONS WHEN SHE RUNS AN AD- ONLY TO HAVE THEM JUST NOT WORK OUT FOR AN AMUSING VARIETY OF REASONS..

THE POSITION IS FOR SOMEONE COMPUTER SAVVY ENOUGH TO UNSTICK PRINTERS- CHANGE INK CARTRIDGES AND TURN ON TV'S FOR OLDER PEOPLE- AT ABOUT $20 PER HOUR.

SEEMS LIKE SOMEONE WOULD WANT THAT JOB.

ANYBODY KNOW ANYONE???

RE: EMPLOYMENT IN GENERAL-- HER BIGGESWT PROBLEM WITH EMPLOYEES IS RELIABILITY-

I HAD A SOLUTION FOR THAT WHEN I DID THE WANT AD MAGAZINE-- I HIRED HORSE OWNERS-- THEY GET OUT IN ALL WEATHER--- AND TO WHITTLE THAT DOWN IN GENERIC TERMS HAVING TO TAKE CARE OF AN ANIMAL AS A KID INSTILLS RELIABILITY. MY 1/2 THE WANT AD DELIVERY SYSTEM HAD FANTASTIC RELAIBILITY COMPARED TO THE "MAIN OFFICE" THEY WORSHIPED MY STATS... AND THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS HORSE OWNERSHIP.

SHE SAID HER BEST WORKERS HAVE BEEN MILITARY---

THERE IS A RELIABILITY FACTOR MISSING IN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.

I THINK THE ONLY THING I LEARNED AT COLLEGE IS THAT THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A DEADLINE.

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LET US HOPE LUNA COMES THRU THIS WITH FLYING COLORS..

Sept. 21, 2011

biggest news--- alison is great with child--- actually children

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Hi Carlene,
I'm 12 weeks pregnant...with identical twins! Yes, we were definitely shocked at first and still are to some extent, but also very happy and excited. :-) Women carrying twins are expected to gain 35-45 pounds. Do you think Spot's back/shoulders will be able to handle that? I walk with her about half time and use my w/c the rest of the time. I've only gained 6 pounds so far so I'm not worried about her yet.

Allison

i see no reason she can't pull your chair-- just explain that to her.

*****************next biggest news

luna is not great with child--and a removal of what was puppies and spay is planned thurs/Friday

she is not an ideal candidate for surgrery-- too fat and probably an infected uterus?

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next news sterling and gigi have not got it together yet--- i think it is early--- and am betting on success thurs thru Monday

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tim puppy sat last night so tom and i could go out with the cashmans--- first time out in a very long time--- since birth of pups???

tim is going to work with pistol-- actually megan and i are going to work with pistol-- she has been happy to forget all she knew- plus the fact that tim has not spent time with her enough so she realized he is the one she is to pay attention to

she is a character and will be a fun dog-- hopefully enabling him to walk while entertaining others in rehab.

he is coming back today--

hanging out is so important-- he needs to learn to "read" her better. you watch the top of her head and you can get a good idea of what she is thinking.

and she needs car rides-- as soon as she stops jumping in the front seat. megan can deal with that one.

even with cars passing she rolls her eyes.. where is the boredom factor????

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i already sent out marks weekly puppy pictures--- which were taken before greg got 1/3 the roof rafters up.

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geeks squad due here today---8am - i probably ought to clean this desk so they can find my computer

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since th e pups just fell asleep--- i want to get a few minutes to go out and play with my mental blocks

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theresa should be here today---

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i am tod there are 5 new horses in the barn--- one needing vet care of some sort-- with a great flurry of activity-- janine moved her riding horse out just before they arrived. she plans to hunt that horse this fall and did not want him exposed to all the germs which are bound to come in with these rescues.\

mary seems to survive whatever...

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as for training... we are back at the bottom with crimson , charlie and siblings..

that is a tough transition

you don't realize how well trained our dogs are until you start at the bottom with a puppy again.

goal of the day-- each of you get one person to buy a brick today

i check it constantly--- so far we don't have the $500 prize paid for-- but it is close...

i think we can send out the sh#tting live cam this next time -

that would be 3:00 on Sunday October 2nd

Sept 20th, 2011

biggest news is that indy has a tummy ache-- as of last night was eating a little maybe slightly better

bloat can happen totally at random-- and if anyone says they know the reason, ask them why they are not multimillionaires..

so bud-- when people tell you why it happened... just smile--- they might be right--- but no one has proven a thing.

and the internet rumor mill makes it worse.

i remember..... here we go----

when i was a kid-- polio was around- and the way you got polio was to exercise then drink too much cold water.

that's how old i am because THAT rumor was related to the one that if you had a hot sweaty horse you must not give them a big drink of cold water--- or they would colic... and i am not sure they knew why a horse collic'd either.

rumors

say it often enough and people would believe anything.

my sister told me--- when i was about 8--- that if truman got elected the world would come to an end-- i worried about that for days.

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so anyway....

megan jacky and i think quincy katie spent the day at a mansion in rhode island with frankie and pistol for a "boston wedding" photo shoot.

big mansion-- green grass--white BIG steps-courtyard

tough day

they had to sit there on the beautiful lawn for hours in the nice breezes

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while here on the farm----

greg got 1/3 the roof on the nut house done

and he has done such a nice job i am ashamed to continue

it won't match

but i will try

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and wayne and lyn arrived for a visit-- ( wayne cashman-- as in bruins with bobby orr- stanley cup etc) lyn and i have been round the block together,-- she is a knowlegable animal person-- as we sat in the t-tent she noted how well our danes move-- an odd comment--- but a huge compliment-- she knows things like horses and movement.

she was the one who improved my training 100%

once i compained about a dog walking in front of me too often, she said" you dummy you are telling him to do that with your other hand pulling across in front of you"

second set of eyes always welcome.

so we sat-- while paul enjoyed the privlidge of loading lumber into the van at home depot with wayne cashman. wayne is never one to sit still and lyn and i had a lot to talk about--so he went on errands with paul and tom.

they are wandering the countryside in an RV with a bunch of little dogs. lyn said she could live in that 100% and easily give up the horse farm in ocala.

interesting. she was serious.--- also she no longer has horses.

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today schedule

9am-recheck the breeding dates for luna and check that it is not tooo early to xray her and see exactly what is going on. we know one huge pup of unknown status.

then tim will be around to play with pistol-- and see if we can get a rroutine going so he could help with her aversion to trucks and air brakes and maybe get some papertowels at costco

serv dog project without any papertowels is not a pretty thing.

Sept 19th, 2011

the mary job at appleton farms went well yesterday -- except for the first time in a long time i was here absolutely alone for a couple hours - til volunteers drifted in.

mary unloaded at appleton without incident-- and got back on the trailer to come home-- but once home she worried about that step down trailer. in the push off to step down she once went to her knees- and she has never forgotten that-- 12 years ago.

a new volunteer who had never met mary commented "look at the stubborn donkey"

it is tough to shed a preconceived notion

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sterling was here and asked gigi to dinner-- she said "not yet" - so he will be back today to see if she had a change of heart.

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we sent alan home with the breifest of instructions--it worked well for his son to pick him up today with out having to jockey children around...- and tess was following him around without a leash--- which is one of my big criteria for deciding when the dog is learning to work with someone.

he has had a serv dog before--the part i meant for megan to go over with him was the stairs--- one at a time-- under strict control as long as the harness is on.. the "gimme a step--whoa" is the routine--

alan --- i would practice that with her for those times when there is no hand rail.. she is good at it--- but would happily forget it and go bounding up or down the steps... so keep after her.

he paid for the harness i had just bought-so i am back to scrounging around for harness for training

bud2 -- do you want this green one- or did you get one...??

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the animal episode job today--

danes with natural ears...rhode island

pistol and frankie are going--- we had to draft frankie as the only presentable harl with natural ears who did not have pendulous nipples from nursing pups.

jacky is going with megan-- to be followed by pAUL AND TOM WHO WANTED TO GO FOR THE RIDE..

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PISTOL---

TIM WAS HERE YESTERDAY AND IS COMING BACK TO START WORKING WITH ME/PISTOL/ AND PUPS TO SEE WHAT WE CAN PUT TOGETHER FOR HIM--- HE HAS A COUPLE WEEKS "OFF"

SO WILL START TUESDAY. I DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY IT WILL GO

PISTOL HAS TO GET OVER THIS CAR RIDE PASSING TRUCKS EPISODE BEFORE SHE WOULD BE SAFE FOR HIM TO TAKE.

OTHER THAN THAT-- SHE IS FINE..

IF WE DON'T START, WE SURELY WON'T FINISH.

SO IT IS WORTH A SHOT./

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GREG BANGED NAILS YESTERDAY-- HE WENT THRU 5 POUNDS -- AND IS COMING BACK TODAY-- with more nails

I AM NOW IN DESIGN PHASE-- HEIGHT OF SLEEPING LOFTS ETC

AND I THINK IN THE PUPPY SIDE I WILL HAVE A RAMP-- BUT THE OTHERS I WILL HAVE STAIRS-- SO THEY CAN TEACH THEMSELVES ABOUT STAIRS BETTER.

POLLY AND BOB ARE DUE-- BOB'S CHORE OF THE DAY CAN BE TO LOCATE/CLEAN UP/ AND STOCK THE STAPLE GUNS-- I OWN 2 REG AND ONE ELECTRIC FROM MY HORSE SHOW MANAGING DAYS.

THIS IS IN PREP FOR PUTTING UP THE INSULATION AND TYVEK COVERING. and find the extra drain i have from years ago..

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THE ONLY POO REPORT IS QUANTITY--- YESTERDAY BETWEEN EARLENE AND I BEFORE 9:00AM, WE HAD PICKED UP 23 MOVEMENTS FROM 3 PUPS..

AND THIS MORNING THE QUantity was the remarkable fact. as i tossed the bag out the front door, i wish i had weighed it.. it seemed to be about the weight of one of the pups

can't be

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karen report

She is an amazing friend, support, and comedian. We enjoy the "Marmaduke moments" a great deal. Karen

i loved the marmaduke monents.

boy ain't it the truth !

Sept. 18th, 2011

ALLAN AND TESS

WHERE HE HAD A SERVICE DOG BEFORE, THE WHOLE PROVCESS IS A LITTLE "OLD HAT" -- WE WENT OUT TO HOME DEPOT AND WANDERED AROUND-- AND THE MARKET ETC-- AND THERE WASN'T ANYTHING SPECTACULAR TO REPORT .

THE PUPS - THE HATS AND PI---JUST HAD A BIG LESSON IN KLEENEX EATING-- AS IN "THIS IS A NO AND DO NOT TOUCH IT" AND I SET IT DOWN IN THEIR PEN WITH THEM-- THEY ARE ALL LYING THERE LOOKING AT IT BUT HAVE NOT GONE NEAR IT

SO IF ANYONE NEEDS A KLEENEX TODAY --- IT IS ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE PUPPY BED.

OLIVES BUNCH ARE LOOKING SOOO MUCH BETTER( AND EXCEPT FOR SAMMY THEY HAVE PERFECT POO'S-)

I WOULD SAY WE ARE NOW ON FIRMER FOOTING... SO TO SPEAK.

THE CHAOS TRIBE ARE ON THE DECK--- FULL DECK-- WE REMOVED THE BARRIER- WHICH MEANT ALL THE BIG DOGS ARE Back in the house. as they went out this morning i counted as they went thru the door---7

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training tip of the day

the command as the kitchen barrier is opened is " outside" loudly as you run to open that outside front door too. as we progress--- and they start to "go" in the house a loud " outside" then has meaning.

actually any time you open the door you should be saying either " outside--- or wait" indecision in a dog is a bad thing.

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busy day.. mary etd (est time of departure) is 8:52 to arrive at appleton by 9:30 (appleton farms is that huge oldest farm in the US so they say --- on rt 1A just south of ipswich across from ne biolabs) it is family farm day-- and mary is exhibit "A"

this will be short so i can try and dig out some flyers to hand out

theresa if you are reading this-- i don't know if we have any or where... i may ghave to call you before 8:52 if you don't respond..

there will be a crowd - and we should take advantage of it.

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now for the life experiences to share

those very sharp knives advertised on tv--ceramic knives-- never needs sharpening.. well--- i bought one... and while th e coffee perked... i read the directions.

the reason it never needs sharpening is all the things you may not do with it--like frozen peas--chicken with bones,,, or even hard cheese.... and don't chop stuff--- this is for slicing soft bread ,tomatoes..and your fingers if you don't keep it in it's special holder.

of course - never put it in the dishwasher.

not the kind of thing condusive to a long life here on the farm

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now for my current million dollar idea someone ought to patten ---is salt that has been dyed with vegatable coloring so people can be aware of how much they are using.... or if the salt shaker is working at all;/

that is a better invention than george's poop extractor.

probably has more universal appeal.

Sept. 17, 2011

life is complete--"the 3 hats" have not had breakfast .... they have a pizza box to shred first---

and i had to bring in chaos pups--- it was cold out there-- got to redo that- we need to have an in and out the doggie door practice with them so we can get some heat going and keep them in that 4x4 area just in the door of the back room.

it is hug a HEATER weather again.

and we have not had a pancake poop in 2 days

bless that vet med education.

and they are beginning to look like rolly puppies

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alan is here- in the cabin with tess-- we will let him out of seclusion today and go out in the real world.

mostly to home depot. for more lumber AND TO WALK WITH HIM..

ALAN HAS A FULL BEARD SO HE CAN HAVE THE ASSIGNMENT OF PUPPY PLAYING LATER ON TODAY ALSO..

more LUMBER --- as in many--- 2x4-s for the walls--- which are ABOUT 50% UP--

THE UNDERFLOORING NEEDS TO BE NAILED/SCREWED DOWN- ? A SUNDAY PROJECT??

I KEEP THINKING WE CAN GET ALOT DONE ON SUNDAY-- BUT BY THE TIME HELP GETS HERE, I AM DONE FOR THE DAY... I DO MORNINGS MOSTLY.

MEGAN AND ANYONE SO INCLINED --- IF THE BUILDING IS 10 X 30 YOU SHOULD SUBMIT A PLAN FOR THE INTERIOR "STUFF".

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH 2 "DUCK UNDER" BEAMS

THAT 30' IS A LONG WALL NOT TO BE TIED TO THE OTHER SIDE.

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TOMORROW IS APPLETON FARMS FAMILY DAY- AND THEY HAVE REQUESTED MARY--- WE NEED TO GET ORGANIZED TO HAND OUT FLYERS - AND FIGURE OUT WHO IS GOING..

IT IS A DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ABOUT 8:45 AND BACK 3:30ISH

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AND THEN THERE IS MONDAY'S PHOTO JOB WITH HARL DANES- EARS DOWN-- SO THAT IS PISTOL --

? WITH CHAOS AS BACK UP... ON LEASH... WITH A KEEPER...??? PAUL WANT TO GO? THEY COULD USE HER IF IT IS A LYING DOWN SHOT SO HER PUPPY CAFETERIA DOESN'T SHOW\.

FOR BOSTON WEDDING... IS THAT A MOVIE, MAGAZINE, OR TV SHOW-- BUT IT IS FOR MONEY-- THEY WILL BE DONATING $300 FOR THE SHOT.

CALL TIME IS NOON IN RHODE ISLAND

Rosecliff Mansion
670 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840

SO THAT HAS TO BE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY 10:30-- MEGAN AND A VAN LOAD OF DOGS AND INTERESTED SPECTATORS..

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OTHER THAN THAT......

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we will set aside $6 for jody's bail money - in case she gets arrested for peeing in the rain.

the rest of that story is... she is from texas

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It is raining. Real rain. It has been raining for four hours now. Slow soaking rain. I know you probably don't understand my joy. Especially since Danes and rain don't seem to mix.

We haven't had any rain to speak of in three months. The wildfires have even come close to my house and I live in a very populated area in Arlington between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is scary when someone can set off a fire that burns 1,000 houses and hundreds of thousands of acres of land just by being stupid. One spark from a saw set off a big blaze the other day. It took two days for firemen to contain it.
This is the worst it has ever been in Texas in recorded history. I know the rain tonight won't cure it, but it will help.

Stormy opened the back door several times to go out. She looks at the rain and backs up and closes the door.

I have never understood the Great Dane attitude about rain and walking on wet grass when it is raining. None of mine will go out to pee even it they have to wait 24 hours. I have even gone out with them under an unbrella with me getting soaked while they just stand and look at me like I am out of my mind if I think they will pee when it is raining.
Yet, Stormy will sink herself into the stock pond mud up to her neck and sit. Cinder will go in, but she will only stand in the water and mud up to her belly.
I have to force them out of the house if the grass is just wet from rain. No sense at all. Or maybe they have some good sense and we just don't know what it is. Dogs seem to be a lot smarter than humans a lot of the time.
I hear more thunder. Rain, water, cool clear water and finally a break from the 100+ degrees. I think I will go out and pee in the yard to celebrate even if my dogs won't. If I get arrested, come bail me out, will you please?

jodi*******************