PuppyGal Welcomes You To...
Events & Happenings At Dogwood Pond
| If you CLICK HERE and have the sound turned up on your computer, you can hear "Old Time Rock 'N' Roll". It's the theme song of Dogwood Pond where the Bullies and I do the Bully Butt Wiggle every time we hear it on the radio!! Dancing is good for the soul and keeps us doing our "range of motion" exercises. |  |
Sunday - 03/22/03 - 12:38 PM
Kids caught the woods on fire, it's
all around the pond and coming this way, PLEASE PRAY!!!!
1:00 PM
The pond prevented the fire from coming straight at the front of the house. The Volunteer Fire Department
has arrived and are spreading out hose. We've moved all the Bullies that were in harms way onto the front porch, they are going
crazy. It's hard to handle them, it's brute strength to lead them around to the porch and into a
crate. They don't want to be confined.
Oh God I'm scared, but I refuse to give way!!! I'm suppose to avoid stress!!!!!!!!!!!!
It can't get much worse than this.
1:23 PM
The Forestry Department has arrived with
bulldozers, the fire is moving west, but if the winds change it could engulf the house
and kennel in minutes. We have 3-250 gallon propane gas tanks. I've turned the overhead water spray on in the kennel, installed
for just this reason. The fire is so close it's getting really hot. I've got the water hoses
ready if I need to spray down the Bullies to prevent heat stoke.
The fire has circled around us on 3 sides, less than 100 yards from the house, 30 yards from kennel.
2:22 PM
We're safe, the fire has been put out!!! It was within 10 feet of my parent's home.
I've filed an arson report. A 14 year
old kid, who owns a piece of my heart, will probably end up on jail. He's on probation now
and the neighbors tell me he was involved in this. I don't believe it was intentional
because they do love me, but they are unsupervised, neglected and abused.
Now I
can cry - out of fear watching helplessly as everything we have could go up in flames; I
would be unable to save all of "our gang" my mind flicked to which ones I would favor if it
came to that...the thought tore at my heart; out of caring for the kids who were probably
responsible, they were here just yesterday telling me their problems, I told them I was
unable to help them and told them to be strong... (I had to protect myself from a
heart attack). Their problems are bigger than I can handle. As they left, all three hugged me
and told me they loved me....today their probable actions almost killed me.
The Arson Investigators are coming.....I told these kids because their actions had been so bad that no one would believe they hadn't done it so get ready to go to jail....etc...etc...etc. They all swear that it was the kid, I don't know's older brother. I'm sure Bryant will end up in jail.... God I will be tempted to rescue but I can't. Bob told me "If you do, it will kill you, your heart can't handle the stress. BUT I'll support whatever you decide."
5:00 PM
The smoldering fires have burnt themselves out, probably 30 acres of pasture and trees have been completely destroyed.
Sorry to be so emotional..
Notes For The Investigators: A neighbor came riding up on his 4 wheeler so I walked out to greet him. He said there is a fire coming this way, I didn't know if you knew it or not. My eyes followed his, there was a giant cloud of smoke to the East of our house, across the pond. I asked what happened, the replied "those !@#@!#@! kids". What kids, I asked. He replied you know what kids!! I asked "The Taylor Kids". The reply was they have been going up and down this road destroying everything. He also said he confronted the oldest. During the fire, my father came up here and told me he had allowed Bryant and "his friend" to go fishing as long as they didn't bother anything.
9:50 PM
Poor thing, I had to wake Bob up and tell him there was a fire the size of a small camp fire burning in the woods. I have a keen sense of smell so I had been out on the porch to see if I could see what my nose was smelling. It was a stump on the other side of the fire line, he put it out with 2 large buckets of water and a rake.
We're leaving the attic fan running although it will be down to 40 tonight...even though I might doze I will be alerted to fire. It's my nature - I put food on to cook (ham, turkey, big pot of beans) and wake up when it's done, the smells alerts me.
The Arson Investigators will be here at 10:00 in the morning.
Saturday - 03/22/03 - 8:00 AM
The demands upon us from the puppies are increasing daily plus we are working hard to insure we find the best possible homes for them. To those of you have a puppy reserved, we appreciate your patience, you are wonderful. Those who were not patient after I explained my health situation, got their deposit returned. As most of you are aware, I have been very ill but am making progress daily.
I have received many, many pictures from the owners of our Bullies and will post them shortly. Some of the stories have had us laughing out loud, which is the best possible medicine. We every much appreciate getting updated information on our "babies", it makes it all worthwhile!!!
This week I've gotten many applications to be a Puppy Parents and my usual amount of "hate" mail from those to whom I responded that I did not feel one of "ours" would be right for their environment. I've gotten wonderful e-mails from people telling me they enjoy our website, others shared stories of their "crew", and one was a special "Thank You" from a man who facing a life crisis turned to our puppy pictures to make him smile. I've been asked questions, given information, told about tragedies and received many "it's been a long time" e-mails. Plus I received two which told me I had inspired them to make their lives better, the steps they had taken and how appreciative they were.. it had never entered my mind that I might be an inspiration to someone. I have sent 194 response e-mails. With rare exception, everyone who writes gets a response.
Today, our objective is to turn on the PuppyCam and take updated pictures of some of the pups.
Judy
When I sat down at my computer to check e-mails all is quiet, "our gang" are all taking naps; there are no radio or TV sounds in the background. All that is to be heard is the clicking of my computer keys, then the modem dialing in for a line. Almost immediately, there is the responding call of Ladder-backed Woodpecker, perched on the side of the tree outside my window, anxious to mate with the beauty tapping out a love call from within my house. He waits a minute and calls again....
That's a pretty good indicator that this is going to be a weird day.
In times like these our souls are in need of nourishment. Those of us who believe in God, find solace in prayer asking for guidance, protection and strength. In times of my greatest need, I find comfort in knowing the Good Lord has given me the will to endure and the intelligence to chart the best course of action for my personal needs. We have a special relationship, I take care of his 'fallen angels' and he never gives me more than I can handle, although sometime I walk the edges of Hell.
The most tangible of comforting things he has given me is the appreciation of the aroma of food meant to nourish my body and buoy my soul, making me feel comfortable and secure. In times of my greatest need, I turn to Southern Cooking.
Judy
This world crisis reminds me of my "strays that came to stay". Our 5 heard movement in the underbrush, they were all on the porch barking their heads off. As soon as the first of the neighbor's dogs showed itself, Dumpy jumped to the ground ready to defend us, Fluffy scampered down to back him up while the other three who had barked so loud and sounded so tough, stayed on the porch (- France, Germany and Russia).
I don't like war, but I believe there comes a time when you've got to get off the porch, face the threat and fight if you must. I'm trusting in the Good Lord and our leaders, for just like me they are giving the warning "Get Out Of Here". When I yelled, the neighbor's dogs took off, I hope President Bush's warning will be as effective.
Judy
The Champ Is Ready!
The Champ was feeling ready for action this morning! He ran around investigating the spring flowers, Dumpy, Boomer and Fluffy (his favorite!) I put his Camo hat on but that didn't last long... So it has been put back on his head by magic photo! -- Bob
New Pictures - Amber's Litter
Along about dusk, the Dingo came visiting. Fluffy, Boomer & Dumpy were overjoyed to see him. They all ran around the yard area acting like fools then went on a chase into the woods. You could just hear them say "We were so worried about you. We need you to stay here to help protect everyone! You won't believe what we saw in the woods........"
We've been up since 3:30 AM feeding puppies, so it's back to bed for a short nap, "our gang" will want to be let out as soon as the sun comes up.
Click here to view "Adventures of The Champ" movie clip.
Download time is 30 minutes.
In this one, he's chasing a spray of water. Please be assured that this is not one of his normal activities because he could re-injure himself. We allowed this, one time only, because we wanted you to see how well he is doing!!!
6:00 AM
After a bully goes potty, they naturally kick off with one back leg and then the other. Nothing remarkable about that... EXCEPT when it's the Champ. It's a major feat, a milestone, a sign post! He's still shaky, reminding me of a little boy learning how to roller skate but he DID IT!! He made it around the ring once, now there's no stopping him, he'll do it again.
Eight weeks ago, we got him back from his former owners, an injury had caused him to lose control of his hindquarters and his bladder. The Champ was flat on his tummy pulling himself around with his front legs and NOW he's just about there! One more goal for this 7 month old Bulldog, raising his leg to mark his territory and his therapy will be complete.
God Bless Bob, who has spend countless hours teaching The Champ how to walk again. I'm so proud of them both!!!
Saturday, Peanut Butter Cookie's big brother, Oatmeal Cookie, went to his new home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Christina got happy tears in her eyes when she saw him! 'Oatie' (short for Oatmeal Cookie which is a mouthful - excuse the metaphor) likes girls and Chris was crazy about him too.
I met them in Tupelo, Mississippi since I had to go there to buy dog food. I
took Oatie's sister, Sugar Cookie, so Chris and her friend, Dawn, could meet her. Dawn,
who came along to drive, was totally a "cat person" until Sugar won her heart. Sugar had
a "fussy fit" when Dawn put her down. She wanted to go home with her. Sugar would look
straight at Dawn and fussed at her as if to say, "Pick me back up! Take me home with
you!!" Naturally they wanted to buy her and I hated to say "No".
Day Out For Chicago Area PuppyGal Bullies, plus Oboe, a black Pug!
Click Here For More Pictures of Bulldogs romping in the snow!!!
8:00 AM
Updated Last Night - Adventures of Peanut!
Written By "Mama Bob" Especially for Bronson & Alec!
Click Here - To Enter Peanut's World!!
Up for a 2 AM feeding puppies, I checked my e-mails before crawling back to bed. There I found an emotionally distraught e-mail telling me in graphic detail that a 3 year old male Bully Bred By PuppyGal had been hit by a car and killed. This intact male had gone out to go potty - running free in a new area without a fence or anyone watching him. Every time I closed my eyes this scenario played out in my mind so I have been unable to go back to sleep.
We were up for a long time in the wee hours of the morning feeding puppies, etc. so when I finally got back to sleep, I slept like a log, oops in this case it should have been dog - Bulldog that is!!! (little attempt at humor) Can you tell I'm on the verge of a "Bully Butt Wiggle" attitude.
I e-mailed McDonald's to tell them about the wonderful attitude the lady who works the drive-in window, at their Bolivar, TN location, displays to all of her customers, the operative word here being "her". Please take the time to compliment upper management on good service and positive attitudes. Most of the time they only receive complaints.
Peanut is such a stinker!!! At a point in time if he continues to make progress, he will be placed in a loving, protective home but that decision is several weeks away. Click Here - To Enter Peanut's World!!
I told Bob he should try to get Peanuts stories published, then he and Peanut could go visit with lots of children and make them smile. I call him "little goober" when he does something cute. If only you could have seen the look on his face when all the puppies were getting under him "trying to find dinner" he kept going higher and higher with his feet off the ground and since there were so many of them they kept him level. He looked at me like "look what they're doing". I just reached over and picked him up. When I've put the little pups in with him, to clean their box, he just licks and licks them. He loves them so much...or maybe he just tastes milk on them!! I want to believe he loves them.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Judy
Here at Dogwood Pond, we are ready for Spring! I told Bob, the Buttercups were blooming so we needed to take the snowflakes off the website! The time has arrived for new beginnings, elimination of irritations, spring house cleaning and making plans for the future!!
Can you tell I feel better!? An enlarged heart is a wicked thing but I can now breathe deeply without my heart hurting and I can do some work without getting too exhausted due to lack of oxygen. My meds need to be tweaked, but I'm getting there.
Judy
The Champ's Great Chase - we let him outside to do "his business" occasionally checking on him. This morning his free spirit took over and he led Bob on a chase, down the drive almost to the mailbox, 1/4 mile away from the house. At first he was following Boomer, then Fluffy sped past so he got his motor running and was good for the chase. He can't run but a few steps, but he had his whole heart into the race so he would bunny hop a few times, switch to his newly acquired run, then do a fast walk. Finally, he was just doing a fast hustle. He heard Bob calling, looked over his shoulder, decided Bob had joined the game and since Fluffy was long gone, his goal was to stay ahead of Bob. At least that had better be what he was thinking, instead of just being a stubborn teenager!!
Finally, Bob overtook him. Look at the picture below. The Champ was in about the same position as the Dingo, when he joined the game. Then notice way down on the left side of the drive, before the last curve there is a black stump. That is how far he went!!!
All this from a Bully the vets wanted to "put down" because he was cripple!!!
Wednesday night, I went downstairs to check on Bob because he had been gone for a long time. Here's this 65 year old man sitting cross-legged in a child's wadding pool with a big pouty mama, Gabby, half on his lap, with one puppy nursing. He has a turkey sandwich in one hand, he takes a bite, then tears off Gabby a hunk. She was afraid of her puppies so he decided it was time to hug her up tight and give her maximum comfort. He did this same routine through 4 puppies. It worked, she is much much better now although he still has to have his bare feet in the pool, she rests her head on one and he rubs the side of her head and neck with the other.
8:00 AM
The Champ has the Bully Butt Wiggle almost mastered!!! This morning he started doing it!! Only if you have a Bully can you truly know what this is all about. Basically, the Bully's posture is stiffer than normal with a very firm stance, the tail starts to wiggle - only the tail, the hips engage and start moving in joy, then total happiness takes over, spreading that wiggle down to their back feet!!
I cooked chicken all night in the crock pots so The Dingo came by to eat breakfast. I'm sure he isn't too far away, not with lots of chicken to be eaten. He's probably laying out in the underbrush waiting to hear me call "Kitty, Kitty", then he'll come running.
Thursday - 02/27/03 - 8:00 AM
The Dingo is ALIVE!! Early this morning when Bob was walking Happy, he appeared. Not close enough to see his eye, but Bob said he appeared to be physically strong. I wish he would just stay here, so he would be safe, but there is no way to contain a "wild dog".
If I can just get my hands on him, Bob has a antibiotic shot ready. Goodness, I hope he won't bite.
Saturday - 02/22/03 - 4:00 PM
Dingo, is running around in the woods with a half shot out eye and I can't catch him. I had my hands on him and
told Bob to hurry with the leash, it scared him half-crazy so he took off.Dingo's doesn't belong to anyone...he's a wild dog but he loved Angel so he hung around out in the underbrush for 5 months before we finally made friends. It took a lot of work to get him to trust me and I believe "the lead" destroyed the trust. If you saw Dingo hanging around your house you would probably get frightened. I can see where someone would be scared of him and if they had children be afraid for their safety... but I'm afraid he's going to die. I'm blaming myself for not being more careful, it just scared me so bad when I called him to me and his eye was hanging open. I wanted to get him to the vet's quickly. I forgot he was wild and always would be.......
Friday - 02/21/03 - 10:30 AM
Good News! The Champ has started to run! Just 2-3 steps yesterday and this morning, but we're sure he'll continue until he can keep up with "the love of his life", Fluffy our spayed Miniature American Spitz.
He loves to bury his face in her long white hair, but she just views him as an ugly, mashed faced, juvenile pest, with buck teeth and a tongue that quivers when he gets near her. When he comes close she teases him by allowing him to rub his face on her once, then she looks at him in disgust and scampers off...nose high in the air.
There Bob and I stood, with the pride of breeder, parenthood and therapist swelling our hearts!!! It's moments like this that make it all worth while.
Champ now has a "teenage attitude" - I'm a big boy and I'll do what I want. We just laugh at him!!! It's great to see him like he is now instead of how he first arrived!! He wants to stay outside with the "strays that came to stay" as shown in the movie clip, but we're afraid he will get off into the woods and we won't be able to find him.
Looking to the future when Champ will be able to run too far, Bob put a British Training Lead around his neck to get him use to being lead. Well, he just turn his little "attitude" on and gave Bob a look of defiance! I could see this spoiled brat was going to be a challenge so I just got down in his face and gave his look right back to him!!! What a stinker!!!
Thursday - 02/20/03 - 1:00 PM
This movie clip of The Champ is remarkable, especially if you view the earlier clip first.
I'm guessing he has recovered 90% of the movement he formerly had. When we got him back, 5
weeks ago, from the former owners, he was pulling himself around by his front legs, the
other part of his body was flat on the floor and his bladder leaked all the time.We are truly amazed at the positive results of his Physical Therapy and Vitamin/Mineral Regiment. These clips are proof positive of what determination can achieve. I would love to show them to every kid in America!!!
02/22/03 Click here to view movie clip "The Adventures of The Champ".
Download time is 30 minutes.
We had to run the camera longer so you could get the full impact of his progress
01/24/03 Click here to view movie clip of The Champ "barely walking".
Download time 20 minutes.
Wednesday - 02/19/03 - 7:30 PM
We haven't seen Dingo, but the one time since Angel died. It's been 7 days now, I even cooked 20 lbs of chicken in the crock pots overnight, but Dingo wasn't waiting by the door this morning. I hope he's safe and has just found a home he likes better!
Someone is always asking, "Are all Bullies laid back?"
My response is, "Click Here!!"
Why I'm Nicknamed PuppyGal
"We have one mission in life, and that mission is to love" - Mother Theresa