Giz/Emma and everyones pets on the board

Thank you so much. You always put life back into perspective with a ray of sunshine.

 

BTW, I just found out the history of "Kyle" our mixed-breed wethered (castrated) sheep. I always knew that he came from a rescue group in Ohio (Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary | Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Inc is a non-profit (501c3) organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and provides an adoption program for abused, abandoned, and neglected farm animals such as horses, ponies, pot belly pigs, farm pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goats, and cattle. Happy Trails serves the entire state of Ohio, and works in cooperation with county humane societies, animal protective leagues, and local and state law enforcement officers.) that found him neglected at a farm and took him in. Just this week I learned that he was previously "adopted" out to a local family, but had to be returned because he was very "aggressive" and in fact rammed a boy and broke his leg. UGH! After that he was returned to Happy Trails by remained "aggressive" and they actually considered euthanasia. Eventually, we got him onto our farm, where he had all of his needs met - food, water, space - and now he is our most calm and friendly sheep in flock. I'm so blessed to be in a position to provide this type of care to "special needs" animals. It makes all of my hard work, and more importantly my wife's hard work worth it. Here's a picture of Kyle (Lower Left with arrow) and his current flock. Now days, Kyle is the most loving and least aggressive sheep in our entire small flock. He just needed the appropriate balance of companionship and room to be alone.

 

Poor Kyle, so unfortunate to have been so stressed out. but now lucky Kyle. Stress is low so he can be what he was intended to be. Good work there.

 

I will tell you that the rescue I got my Rita from (cat) had to house her for several weeks, get 3 teeth removed plus deworming and who knows what else. Heck, I spend about $12 a week just feeding my two cats - that isn't top shelf food, and that doesn't count the expensive food for my older cat that needs k/d canned food. Also they need cat litter and other stuff - although they get a lot as donations, they still have to buy supplies, pay rent and utilities etc. Fortunately, Rita was fairly healthy (besides the teeth) and they work with vets who donate their time/service so that helps. The place often has dogs that need to have amputations, surgeries to correct issues etc. There are also dogs/cats that spend a year or more waiting for adoption.

Rita had a $75 adoption fee but someone had already paid it, so technically she was free and they didn't expect any money. However, I paid it forward and donated what the fee would have been.

 

Very cute!

 

Wonderful story, we also have a few here who rescue horses and other animals and they are good to work with.
The laws here in Arkansas are brutal. If you see a farm animal in desperate need it's basically none of your business. You are not allowed to take pictures or videos. Our big Humane Society decided they didn't have the budget to investigate animal cruelty anymore, a purely political move. By the way their budget is enormous, they supposedly serve several counties. In most areas the Sheriffs can't be bothered. If you call about stray dogs they tell you to shoot them.
I know there are good people out there, but over 30 years in animal rescue (voluntary myself and my hunsband) makes you very cynical and all but destroys your faith in humans. I finally burned out, i was getting too negative, so i quit.
You can't unsee the things you have seen they live with you forever. Please forgive me if i go on sometimes.

 

Forgiven Lucy.. that's what we're here for.
Our GSD was a rescue, she is loving and gentle.. albeit a bit over sensitive to gun shots, raised voices etc etc..
Dear friends in Hardwick Rescue horses, sheep, goats, and pretty much everything else. We donate a few sunny days to them for haying season, and Help out when fresh air kids come up to see farm. Kids from NYC go crazy for sheep and goats especially little ones.

 

Thank you for being so understanding.
Neo has fit himself into the family, The girls are fine with him too. He is still glued to Max and tries to sleep with him even if it means to be on the concrete. Poor Max can't get away from him. He gets groomed and cleaned if he likes it or not. Neo is still worried when i pet him.

 

Watching "non sanctioned" home made agility videos are fun.
Some of the most impressive are pitbull agility videos. Pure physical prowess.

 

All 4 of my "rescues" came from down south.
Rescues here bring them up by the dozens.
I don't buy from breeders period.too many better dogs(mutts) without homes.

 

The only "purebred" I think I have is Duke(from South Texas). I haven't dna tested him yet so I can't say for sure. but some sicko destroyed his teeth. The top two are nubs.
We're going to try and keep what teeth he has for as long as possible.

Putebreds aren't bad but alot of breeders are. I know half a dozen and there is only one that knows her stuff.

Alot of abuse comes from and happens down south. It happens here too, but much less and not a extreme and as common.

 

My ferocious feline loves the wood heat.

All three of the pets enjoying the heat.

 

120f

 

My youngest and the Floyd. He follows her everywhere.