Puppy Gal Welcomes You To
Judy's Journal....
I started this feature for friends and family to answer their
"What's going on?" emails, therefore, I probably tell too much, but you are
welcome to laugh, cry and sigh with us.
"Life is too short to deal with ugly acting people!"
"People are social animals. That’s why when many people they never met, are hurting, they hurt along with them. This is really a good thing. Your job is not to let compassion overwhelm you." (By Star Lawrence)
Click Here
For More Pictures At Judy's Garden Party!!
Friday - 09/30/05 5:05 AM
In the middle of the night Bob heard a gosh awful racket, all the dogs inside and out were barking. He went outside to find that the "strays that came to stay" had something cornered in the woodpile. Thinking it was the chicken, who likes to take a midnight stroll, he snatched up two of the strays and put them in a dog run, low and behold then there's twice the confusion because that's where the chicken had gone when she 'flew the coop'. The two strays he put in the pen are chasing her and the other two are after the "something" in the woodpile. When Bob ran to save the chicken, the "something" took the opportunity to make a run-for-it, as he opened the dog run gate, the two strays that were after the chicken almost knocked him down, they were in such a rush to take up the pursuit of the "something". Off and into the woods it went, with the four strays hot on it's trail.
Bob reached down, scratched the chicken's back so she'd let him pick her up and return her to her coop. When I asked what the "something" was, he just looked at me and said, it's dark out there.
Lord Have Mercy, it gets crazy around here. You all have a good one!! - Judy
Thursday - 09/29/05 11:20 AM
This is a BIG flea market/yard sale/fund raiser weekend here and I'm planning on doing a little shopping around because the puppies need stuffed animals ... I know I can't get by with that, you know me better than to think that's the only reason!! lol lol
I always "needs" plant stuff so I'll see if I can find anything of interest. Last year I got two great used commercial high $ skillets at a very low price so I'll just have to go exhaust myself seeing what's going on, I just hope there aren't any plants for sale. Bob said he would be glad to stay here with the puppies so I could have some much needed 'downtime'. Just my luck we'll have a crisis that will prevent me from going ... seems there is always something that keeps me from doing what I would "like" to do, but that's life.
Thursday - 09/29/05 9:00 AM
A nasty storm with high winds came through early this morning blowing things around and with it came a cold front. The high yesterday was 87 F, today it's forecasted to be 69 F, what a welcomed drop in temperatures. It's just been too hot to get much accomplished outside.
The puppies are doing just fine and it's about time to post their pictures. I'm sure many of you knew it would happen, Dixie Pie is staying here with us, we've gotten too attached.
If I can stand up to this wind, I'll get a lot accomplished today. Hope you do also. - Judy
Wednesday - 09/28/05 1:45 AM
Whew!! Up with a demanding "mother to be" she wants special food, she doesn't want it cold, she wants it warmed up in the microwave, then she doesn't want it at all.
She wants in the bed with me, nope Bob isn't here, he's in with the new puppies, but their mother will not allow her in the same room with them. Gosh, note by Judy, whatever happened to the attitude of my old heifers who were content to be with me and steal puppies from each other's whelping pools. I love my old heifers many of whom are still with us.... just old, like me.
Tuesday - 09/27/05 7:30 PM
Up and in third gear at 6 AM, we worked hard having breakfast and sips of coffee on the run. Around 1 PM, we stopped for lunch and afterward we went to bed for a nap since we had been up and down every 2 hours with the puppies all night. I didn't even bother to take my clothes off when I laid down, that's how tired I was. I remember waking up when Bob got up to feed the puppies, I asked if I should wake up or go back to sleep, to which he replied you need your rest ... that's all it took. Two hours later I woke up just in time to help with the nightly chores. In total I slept 4 hours, as if you wanted to know that!!!
The puppies (1 male and 1 female) must be fed every 2 hours and this is the critial first week so special care must be given. It's still to early to really talk about them since the male wouldn't eat at the 4 AM feeding, that is not a good sign, but he did eat at all the subsequent feedings, so maybe it was just a fluke. Just one little hint, it appears they are going to be mini-bulldogs. Their mother is a mini and the father is Jazzman.
Have a Good Night!!! - Judy
Monday - 09/26/05 4:30 PM
I just got up from a long nap!! It was too hot outside to work any longer so Bob and I came in and crawled into bed. I woke up to puppies crying, Bob no longer by my side, but no foot steps to indicate he was going to see about the puppies, so I had to wake up and get up, NOW.
Going down the steps and straight to the pups they felt cool and damp to the touch, one must have 'wet' on the other. I wrapped them up in a diaper blanket warmed in the microwave (1 minute) then started warming a Snuggle Safe disc. Bob came in the backdoor while the Snuggle Safe was in the microwave, he had been outside with Bessie Smith on potty break. When I told him what I was doing, he said he had just washed their bottoms after they nursed on their mama when Bessie sounded her "I gotta go" alarm. Poor Bob he was trying to do everything so I could sleep.
Keep reading I revised the 11 AM entry because it sounded rushed which I was
Monday - 09/26/05 11:00 AM (revised 4:30)
I've gotten an email from my sister in Houston, they just got their electricity back on this morning. They are hot and tired otherwise fine. A few limbs down in the yard is all the damage they received.
Ernie is still here, although he got a swat and one of my infamous 'demon from Hades' screams which originates in my toes and bellows forth, because he almost knocked me down the other day as I walked out the back door with Dixie Pie in my arms. He kept jumping up on me wanted to smell her or whatever, causing me to lose my balance, with my gimpy leg/foot it's hard to recover. It was the only thing I could do to back him off, since he wouldn't listen to me when I yelled "No" several times. He now listens when I tell him "No" and respects the fact that when we are coming out of the backdoor we are to be left alone and he is not to come in.
It's really sad how many dogs end up being tossed out alongside a road or otherwise abandoned because no one took the time to train them or just plain didn't know how to train them. My 'demon scream' sure worked wonders with Ernie. Maybe I should give a training course on How To Do A Demon From Hades Scream & When To Use It. I wonder if it would work with teenagers?
Monday - 09/26/05 7:00 AM
It's clean-up time!! It's a mess and it will take us a couple of weeks to get the area cleaned up but there is only minor damage, so we are thankful. BUT before we start, I'm checking to see if there are any other Hurricanes brewing!!
We have much to be thankful for and intend to stay focused on the positive instead of the negative. A definite plus is we got some very much needed rain which gave all the plants and trees a deep drink, cleared the air and washed all the dust and debris away.
"Water from a hose keeps them alive, but a drink from Mother Nature, makes them thrive."
I hope your Monday morning starts out on a positive note and continues that way. - Judy
Sunday - 09/25/05 3:00 PM
For our area, Warning: Tornadoes... hail to 0.5 inch in diameter... thunderstorm wind gusts to 70 mph... and dangerous lightning are possible in these areas... until 7 PM
The winds have been bad, not terrible yet. Hanging baskets have been blown to the ground, big pots of Angel's Trumpet plants blown over, plastic ripped on the enclosed dog run area, tarps used for shading on the outside dog run have been torn and are flapping in the wind. Just a mess that will have to be cleaned up. This is the 3rd time this summer that tropical storms resulting from hurricanes Dennis, Katrina & Rita, have come through our area. I'm sitting here disgusted at the amount of work we're going to have to do .... I can imagine what the people in the lower states must feel, especially those who have been hit hard.
Sunday - 09/25/05 8:00 AM
We have a Tornado Watch until 7 PM, High Wind Advisory & Flood Watch!!! What is left of Rita is moving our way. The high winds are actually laying my Brugmansia almost flat out, gracious, just when they are full of blooms.
I don't know about you all, but I'm experiencing Compassion Fatigue as a result of hurricanes Katrina & Rita and their impact on us as well as people we do and don't know. I sure don't want it to go into what they describe as Compassion Overload where a person just stops caring because they feel it is futile. I always want to be able to care, but the icing on my cake this morning would be to pick up the telephone to someone crying because something had happened to their Bully, especially if it were one of "ours".
My objective for today is to rest as much as possible, in an attempt to regain my mental strength, for I have lots to accomplish. May you have a Good Day. - Judy
Saturday - 09/24/05 6:30 PM
Like most of America, I was up until the wee hours of the morning waiting for Rita to come ashore. I think I'm suffering from Compassion Fatigue today, there is just so much worrying I can do without going into overload.
As usual when stressed I cook, 2 homemade chicken pot pies, 1 Mincemeat Pie, Chicken Liver Pate` and Chicken Gravy for "our gang". I think that's all... no telling what else I'll find I cooked when I go back down to the kitchen. lol lol
This picture of a Black Currant Swirl Datura was taken last night so the full opening of the flower could be seen. Please click to get an enlarged view.
Statement as of 5:01 PM CDT on September 24, 2005
Expires 5:00 AM CDT on September 25, 2005
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area. What is left of Rita is moving our way.
Friday - 09/23/05 1:15 PM
Maybe if I had been 100% ..... First thing we did went we got up was to take pictures on the newly opened Angel's Trumpets, the second thing was to almost go into shock when we found the False Pregnancy female bully had 3 puppies, 2 survived. She fooled us, the vet and the x-ray machine!!! Maybe if I had been 100% Bob wouldn't have been so pushed getting the chores completed and one of us would have noticed something wasn't right. This is a first for us, and I can't begin to tell you how dumbfounded we are.
We're moving right along, because we have no choice. We hope you have a wonderful weekend!! - Judy
Thursday - 09/22/05 1:15 PM
We've been up and working hard since 6 AM. Both washing machines are now in working order so Bob is catching up on the washing of "our gang's bedding". I'm just trying to help all I can, which is very little. Hope you are having a good day!!! - Judy
The only family member I have left to love, lives to the north of Houston, TX , my sister. They are going to ride it out because her mother-in-law just had major surgery and they are afraid for her. Her husband died a few months ago, then major surgery, she's just endured too much. She is a wonderful woman whom they all love dearly.
My prayers go out for all who are in the path of Rita.
Wednesday - 09/21/05 11:30 AM
We have a terrible thunderstorm rolling through our area. Kate our storm alarm Bully is so mad because she can't be in Bob's lap, but he has chores to finish before he can baby the Bullies!! I'm about to take more medicine and go back to bed since the codeine really puts me out.
We took these pictures just as the rain started in case the wind took the leaves and blooms off the plants.
Click Here
For More Pictures At Judy's Garden Party!!
I am taking a medicine, which may change my life for the better, although I'm allergic to it I believe the allergic reaction is worth the benefit. Every year about this time and in the spring I get terribly sick. This has been happening since the lower lobe of my lung was removed, years ago. I was determined to prevent the illness this year by careful analysis of changes in my body. When I started to feel tired, Bob took over all chores and I retreated to the bedroom. After two days I realized congestion had starting forming in my lung. I took a prescription decongestant with codeine which I had on hand but had been afraid to take and what a difference it has made. I'm taking far less of a dose than recommended so it will take longer to accomplish the task but I feel much better already.
I have lots of pictures and reports to post just as soon as my brain is a little sharper, probably in a few days. I hope you have a wonderful day - Judy
Monday - 09/19/05 8:00 PM
Female Bully is having a false pregnancy per x-rays taken today. We kinda thought so, because she doesn't have milk, looked fat but not pregnant and her 63rd day was today.
Monday - 09/19/05 3:00 AM
Up checking on the Bullies, now that Ern has come out of the bushes and up on the porch, the yarddogs aren't barking, but we have a female due to have "babies" so we're up checking on her.
I've gotten so many emails asking why I haven't placed Dixie Pie. So here goes; she's the smallest of the litter and as a result was knocked over, overpowered in play, etc. so many, many times with that large of a litter, but would act like she was going to die if we isolated her. One day she woke up with an attitude of "I'm not gonna take it anymore", so when one of the bigger pups even looked like they were going to mess with her she went on the defensive.
The reason she has not been placed is because I don't want her to go to a home with other animals, plus of course I don't place the pups in homes with small children. Many, many people have wanted her but I've told them all "No" and why. The perfect situation will come along for her soon or we'll just keep her.
Sunday - 09/18/05 4:30 AM
You can ask Guy & Jen about Ern, he greeted them when they arrived and was there to say Goodbye. They were wonderful and I'm so proud they got Shoo Fly, they made everything right. I feel it was meant to be!! They are going to come back when the weather cools down a bit so they can play with 'our gang', last night was just for Sweetie Pie and her babies. They really felt bad for Dixie Pie, taking her sibling, but I assured them there is a special reason she's still here.
These pictures are not GOOD!! They looked so much better in person.. or maybe it was their warm and loving 'souls', that a camera can't capture. - Judy
Saturday - 09/17/05 3:00 PM
I can't believe we're letting the NODog stay. We don't have fences so he could leave if he wanted, but he's sticking like glue!! Even when the other dogs take their morning run, he stays on the porch. lol lol
Bob has already started calling him Ern and carries a little water pistol around in his pocket to train him; not to come in the house when the back door is open, not to hike his leg on my plants, not to jump up on us, etc. He's learning quickly. After a couple of squirts, he started paying attention to "No, Ern".
I hope you are having a good weekend. - Judy
Friday - 09/16/05 7:00 AM
When dear sweet Angel was alive, she would bring home dogs who were homeless.
Since she passed away Fluffy has been the Queen Bee and has run off every animal who came
near the property. So I wonder what sad,sad story this one told her.He thinks he belongs here.....
He greets us with the utmost affection just like we had raised him from a pup. We've
started calling him NODog, for New Orleans Dog cause he's a disaster as you can see in the
pictures. He has skin issues, click for a larger version of the picture and you can see
around his eyes hair is missing, his right leg appears to have been damaged at a point in
time, probably broken since it isn't straight. There is no telling what disease he could
be carrying, etc. Every time he greets me I tell him, "you're not my dog", but he doesn't
seem to understand my meaning.He's found a place where there's plenty of food and shelter from the storms. Shots, neutering, physical, testing for disease will probably cost us $150-$200. It's tempting to take him 5 miles on down the road but... he'll probably do like Boomer (Boomerang) did and find his way back, to what he now considers, 'home'.
Meanwhile we're posting his picture at the local country store just in case someone lost him. With a deep sigh, we have to admit here is always the possibility that he'll be another Angel. We've been thinking about the name "Ernie".
Up and going at 4:30 AM, I had fed and walked dogs, fed the cats and was busy getting puppy food ready at 5:00 AM, when I heard a vehicle horn blowing anxiously. Fear immediately engulfed me. Thoughts of it being one of my parents in emergency situation made the hair stand up on my arms. I flipped on the back porch light to signal to whoever was in such great need that I was aware that they were there and on my way. The horn stop! Looking out the back window, I was unable to see vehicles other than our own. Then I realized that it sounded just like my van horn and since there were no other vehicles, it had to be.
Of course, someone was stranded with car trouble and seeing all the lights at our house had come for assistance and Angel, My Guardian Angel, had gotten after them so they had jumped into the safety of my van. Or maybe it was someone with evil intent. I ran into the bedroom and told Bob to wake up and put on some clothes because someone was in my van blowing the horn. I ran back to the backdoor of the house. I looked out and noticed Angel and Boomerang, by the van driver's door. The hair was not standing up on her back like it does when she's "after something". I then decided, whoever was in the van was afraid of the dogs so I called them to me and together we walked back out to the van. Sitting in the driver's seat was "someone's throw away cat" who lives under the porch but will not allow anyone to get within 5 ft of him. Then I noticed a moth on the windshield. The cat had evidently been jumping on the steering wheel (horn) attempting to catch the moth. Bob arrived, adrenaline pumping, just in time to see the cat (Mr Cat) bolt from the car.
Warning: It is a Tear Jerker
Date: 8/9/99 (Also the date of the pictures)
A few months ago, I found a female shepherd mix down by our pond and it was evident that
someone had dropped her off and drowned her pups. It took me four days to get her to trust
me enough to come up to the house. We named her Angel -- short for Guardian Angel. She won
our hearts by following me everywhere. When I leave in my van, she follows me to the end
of the drive and waits, no matter how long, until I return. It's reassuring late at night,
in our isolated country setting, to see the shine of those "Angel Eyes" waiting for me. Angel went in for her "spaying" and when I went to pick her up 24 hours later the Vet would not release her because she had not recovered as expected. I drove the 30 miles home with an occasional tear falling down my cheek. On the second day after her operation, I brought her home but it was obvious to me that she had either been in a fight or had really hurt herself attempting to escape, her back right hind quarter had 3 lacerations.
At 4:00 AM the next morning she woke me up with a "help me" bark. I got up turned on all
the lights and began calling her. She finally appeared and I tried to get her to come into
the house but she would not. Although she loves and protects me, she didn't trust me
enough to be confined. Again, I screamed like a crazy woman at the stray male dog that I
could only assume was bothering her. Unable to get the 70-pound dog in the van, I went to
the Vets and obtained medication and instructions on treating her. The following day Angel's leg was badly swollen and she was having great difficulty walking. Yet when I made my daily trip to my Mother's, she was down at the bottom of the drive to meet me when I returned. She had to drag herself the 100 yards back to the house. I used the porch swing cushion to make her a bed on the back porch and hand fed her. After her tremendous effort to continue to be the Guardian Angel, she was having trouble standing to eat.
Bob was working in Nashville during the week coming home for the weekends. Saturday morning he removed the bandages. We were both afraid she was going to die or at minimum loose her leg. He loaded her in the van for the trip to the Vet's. [Note: It was actually a rare allergic reaction to the medication used during the operation.]
When Angel died the later part of 2003, with her she took a piece of my heart, tears are rolling as I post this story. The reason I post it is to make the point :
Animals, like people, need an environment that allows them to be wonderful!
Angle was someone's "throw away but priceless to me".
Thursday - 09/15/05 6 AMAnother Puppy Update!!!
08/01/05 John & Millie picking-up Lou
From: Millie
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 1:53 PM
Subject: Pebbles(a.k.a. Lou from Jazzman & Carlotta's 5/23/05 Litter)
Wanted to let you know that a while back we changed Lou's name from Cupcake to Pebbles.
My family (mainly 2 sons and surprisingly also my daughter!) would NOT call her Cupcake,
instead they would say Puppy or something else, so we all agreed on Pebbles.
She now comes and responds to the name Pebbles. She is doing well, last week was 21 pounds,
still small I guess for a bulldog her age, but she is a chubby little thing! Loves to play,
happy as a lark, still doesn't give Boomer (American Bulldog) a moments rest, but he is letting her know a
little more sternly when he has had enough - sometimes still have to separate them when
she is unrelenting. 
She and Boomer have been attending many neighborhood festivals around
the area, people love to see them both and they get tons of attention - good socializing
and they both love it too. 
Her only negative is we are still having some pottie
accidents, she just gets preoccupied and forgets and goes I think, always feels bad about
it too, but they are becoming fewer and fewer. Think I will check into some obedience
classed soon - would predict she will be a bit stubborn, but it will be fun! So take care hope all is well, say hi to Bob and all the dogs! Will enclose a few newer pictures. - Millie
Wednesday - 09/14/05 7:30 AM
From: Priscilla
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 6:39 PM
Pictures: ForeBully Of The Construction Crew
Fatima, Daughter of Brooks & Elvis DOB 10/02/00
loved the pictures, etc, of Tank. Fatima was the same way about being held and carried
around and is STILL so spoiled. She doesn't want to be carried around anymore but insists
on sleeping as close to me as she can get at night in my bed. And none of the other dogs
are allowed to settle into bed for the night until she has picked her spot...and heaven
knows none of the others are allowed to be closer to me than she is.
I laugh all the time
at Timmy trying to take things out thru the dog door. We've done pillows, toys, blankets,
towels, shoes and clothes she's found on the floor. She headed thru the door last night
with Jack's big floating toy in her mouth. It's a huge bone shape and she kept getting
stopped cause it was wider than the door.
After the third try she stopped and looked at
the door, turned her head sideways and ran as fast as she could at the dog door.
You tell
me how she figured out she had to turn it sideways to get out.She was so proud of herself she strutted around the yard for about 15 minutes with her head held high and that toy in her mouth. They are all such clowns.
Click Here For Another Timmy Story, The Tattle Tail!!
Tuesday - 09/13/05 12:30 AM
Remember This:
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 10:48 AM
Subject: Tank Cannon of Walnut Hills
a.k.a. Cannonball from Jazzman of Dogwood Pond & Carlotta
Hi Judy and Bob,
I just wanted to send some pictures of Tank.....yes he finally got a name. He is a little tank so the name is very fitting. He currently weights 28lbs, 15 weeks and 1 day, All shots are up to date and he is the biggest ham and so much fun.
His favorite things to do are chase balls and suck & toss around his bed mat. He pulls it out of his crate and takes it everywhere. It's funny because at night he pushes it out of the crate when he sleeps.
We put in a cat door before he joined our family but I think we will have to change to a large dog door. He can barely get through it now let alone when he is dragging the bed mat. I can't even pick him up anymore. He whines in the morning because I use to be able to pick him up and hold him like a baby. I can only pick him up and hold on now. I don't know what I will do when he is to big for me. I guess that is a habit I shouldn't of got into.
I started out carrying him to bed but I learned real quick I was not going to be able to continue that very long. He now slowly waddles into bed himself about 8:30 each evening.
Anyway, here are some pictures from his first month with us. Hope you enjoy. I will send more recent when I figure out how to load them from camera to computer. These are from my son when he was visiting with us.
I think, he thinks that his brother is the frog in the yard. They kind of resemble.
A Year Ago
Monday - 9/13/2004 - 8:30 AM
I surely hope Fall will hold off for a few more weeks. When it arrives we will have to "bring in" ALL my house plants which are presently on the porches and out in the yard. I've loved watching them grow this summer and am very excited about starting a new webpage dedicated to them, but it's going to be a lot of work covering at least two of the porches in clear plastic to winter them over. Normally this is a job we tackle October 20 or so.
Last week was a particularity hard week, our hearts were full of sorrow at the passing of three of our "babies" who had gone to live in other homes. One got out of the yard and was hit by a vehicle, another died while being boarded (the owner was in the hospital having knee surgery) and the third was found in the yard by his owner when she returned home from picking up their children from school. In the later situation an autopsy is being performed. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the owners. Last night I finally broke down and just "bawled like a baby", too much sadness.
This morning I'm determined to ride out the storm we're having outside and the one in my heart. - Judy
Monday - 09/12/05 8:00 PM
If you were unable to log onto the website today, it was because the server was down, the host company is located in Los Angeles and as you probably already know, the area experienced a power outage.
I allowed Shoo Fly Pie to be reserved yesterday, pick-up to be this weekend, I will cry!! - Judy
A Year Ago
Sunday - 9/12/2004 - 6:30 PM
I call her Jelly Belly...
She decided to make her bed in the full, dirty clothes basket ... stayed there for the longest time looking down on Tunie and Ivy. Finally I had to nudge her out so I could continue washing.
We've been up and working hard since 6 AM so we're ready to kick back for the night. The rain is pelting down just enough to be enjoyable but I'm afraid I'll doze off if I crawl in the hammock out on the porch, so I've decided just to lay in bed and read until ... May you have a peaceful night. - Judy
Sunday - 09/11/05 7:24 PM
From: Beth
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 10:11 AM
Judy,I was thinking about what you said about losing our Bully hurts as much as losing family members, and it is true and I think I figured out why that is. Our Bullie babies give so much and ask for so little in return. Can't say that about most people, family or otherwise. Everyone wants to make sure they get what's coming to them or what they think they deserve. Unlike our precious Bullie's who just want our love. I'm sure you agree. Beth
Yes I do - Judy
When I'm stressed, I cook. I made the best pumpkin pie, I've ever tasted and I love a good Pumpkin or Sweet Tater Pie. I used the recipe on the can of Pumpkin, tasted it and thought it was "yuck". So I added Buttermilk, sugar, vanilla and more eggs to make it more of a custard. It is wonderful!!! Also made a Buttermilk pie, it's a custard pie, sweet but not over-whelming, unless you want it to be and so very easy to make.
Buttermilk Pie
1 - 8 inch pastry shell
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (leave out the salt if you use self-rising)
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-Place beaten eggs in a medium bowl. Gradually beat in sugar.
-Stir in melted butter, salt, flour, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Pour mixture into pastry shell.
-Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Pie is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Sunday - 09/11/05 8:40 AM
I just got a note from Beth telling me that Eli would have been 9 years old in December.
For many of us, the passing of our Bully is like loosing a family member.
Saturday - 09/10/05 10:00 PM
Our hearts are heavy tonight for Beth & John who lost their precious Eli. He died of
heart failure earlier today. He was diagnosed as having a heart condition with a grim
prognosis 2 years ago, but our hearts are never
ready to let go of a Bully we love... Beth & John, hugs and prayers being sent to you
tonight. - Judy(Eli wasn't one of ours and I can't remember how old he was, but when he was diagnosed we asked for prayers and obviously they were answered for he lived 2 years longer than the doctors thought he would.)
Saturday - 09/10/05 3:30 AM
We reserve the right ...
Bob refused to place Shoo Fly with the people who came to look at him.
One of them picked him up, then with one hand,
extended his arm to hold him up for inspection. Shoo Fly is too big to hold in one hand,
I squealed, grabbed him and said "I had a man to drop and kill one just like that". To
which the man replied "I know how to hold a dog", in an unpleasant voice, no apology etc.
Bob walked to the
utility room and when he caught my eye he shook his head "NO". I went into the utility
room and ask if he was meaning that he wouldn't let them have a puppy to which he
replied that was right. I told the people of his decision, the man asked why and I told
him it was because he was disrespectful. He really got mad because they had driven 4 hours
to look at Shoo Fly. (They had not reserved him, they had not put down a deposit.)After they left in a huff, I asked Bob if it was because the man was disrespectful to me, or that he called precious Shoo Fly a dog!!! - Judy
Friday - 09/09/05 8:11 AM
We're up and working this morning. We have people coming to look at Shoo Fly Pie. I tried hard to get Bob to agree to keep him, but he convinced me that we can't handle any more responsibility right now. He's right, so sensible etc, but I'd still like to keep that Sweetie Pie offspring, he's just like her.
The Bullies woke us up several times during the night. The only thing we could figure is, we had the attic fan running with the windows open and they must have kept hearing sounds that were strange to them. We're hopeful that they will get accustomed to the noise because we're having cool temperatures at night for the next few days and it sure is nice to be able to use the whole house fan to cool off and air out the house.
I'm off to get some more work done before company arrives. Have a good weekend!!!- Judy
Thursday - 09/08/05 12:01 AM
From: My Friend, Lynne
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2005 11:11 PM
Subject: Friends
I am constantly amazed by people. I have had many who have said (air kiss...air kiss...) "Call me if you need ANYTHING... and that is the last I've seen or heard from them in months. Then I have the real thoughtful people - that I truly give thanks for... those who call me every couple of days to make sure I'm OK, do I need a ride, do I need help; who will call and say, "I'm going to P&C (our local grocery), what do you need?" And then I have my online "Angels" who send me an email if I'm slow in surfacing in the morning and say, "You OK?" (grin), or who send me funnies, pictures and jokes that keep me laughing.
I'm surprised that anyone would have cancer, and not take anything away from the experience. I have seen both the worst and the best in people. I've found strengths in myself and in others, depths to people that I may not have ever gotten a chance to know otherwise. It has been a glorious journey and I am forever changed. I've learned that if you are going to be a friend -- you NEED to be a real friend, not just someone who is there when it's convenient. Will I be perfect, no I doubt it; will I try my best? You bet!!! Will I expect perfection in others? Of course not... because we all have our ups and downs. But if I ever let YOU down, you better kick my behind, OK?
Hugs,
Lynne
Please pray for my friend to win in her fight against cancer - Judy
Thursday - 09/08/05 12:01 AM
For those of you who do not know, Jeb sustained a spinal injury as a pup, three high priced vets wanted to "put him down" but finally we were able to get him back home. With the help of our friend Nan, Bob taught Jeb how to walk again. His front legs are misshapened because he was flat on the floor pulling himself around by them when we got him back. Jeb is our miracle Bully!!
Miss Bessie Smith is trying his patience and Bob won't let him teach her manners. Jeb's trying to establish that he is boss. He'll pick up a toy and proceed to entice her. When she tries to get it he will drop it and kinda snap at her, not bad just enough... He is trying to tell her "I'll let you have it, when I am ready". I tell him to be easy but Bob just picks up Bessie and puts her in another room. lol I kept telling Bob that Bessie needs these lessons in manners. I'm rolling in the floor laughing and feeling really proud of Jeb cause I know how frustrating this new Bessie can be, but this is serious stuff for poor Bob and there is no way he will allow Bessie to be hurt. I've told him repeatedly, Jeb will not hurt her, only scare the dickens out of her.
Wednesday - 09/07/05 2:00 PM
I got an email wanting to know how Jeb, The Champ, was doing which made me realize I hadn't posted any updated pictures in awhile. These were taken just a few minutes ago, right after he told Miss Bessie Smith in no uncertain terms to stay out of his face, she kept sticking her nose to his tongue, sniffing it. I told him good luck in teaching her manners.
For the last few days Bessie has been a "wild child". I wouldn't let her go with me into the covered dog runs because it was too hot. Every time she would try to come in the door, I would tell her no and since I washing down the runs and had the water hose in my hand, I would reinforced my words with a spray of water aimed at her, but not on her. When she stopped trying to come in I went to take a peak at what she was doing... the little brat had picked up a small pot of Calla Lilies and was tearing them up, slinging and banging them. When she saw me she took off running cause she knew she was being bad!!
Anyone got a guess as to why she's acting this way? It's because she's 5 months old and her body has started producing hormones.... she's a teenager!!! lol
This is the sweet Bessie of 4/15/05 and now she's a "wild child" who won't leave poor Jeb alone. lol lol
Don't worry she'll pass through this stage and emerge to be her sweet lovable self again.
Wednesday - 09/07/05 6:00 AM
Have you ever had a feeling of "life returning"? That's what I felt when I woke up this morning. I don't think it had anything to do with Katrina, so it has left me a little perplexed as to what it actually means for me (us). It certainly feels good so "I'll not be complaining".
I started a new page aptly named "Dog Tails" and over the next few days I'm going to search the PuppyGal website for stories similar to the Big Girl episode below to incorporate into that section of the website. Late yesterday afternoon Boomer was acting goofy and it reminded me of him coming home "stoned". At first, I thought he had been hit by a car or something equally serious. I snatched him up and ran to Bob, who after a brief examination pointed out that his eyes were dilated and he had what would pass for a silly dog grin on his face.(lol lol)
"Life returning" could be it's because after 3 months we have finally been able to sleep through the night without having to get up to take care of puppies, the temperatures are beginning to drop from the beastly highs we've experienced this summer and several personal issues have been resolved in regard to people and property. All those things would certainly give anyone a feeling of "life returning", to normal anyway. (a silly me lol lol)
I'm off to "kick start" the day.... Judy
PS Most of the time when I write "lol lol" it is meant to convey "a silly me lol lol", silly me for trying, silly me for thinking, etc.
Tuesday - 09/06/05 7:30 AM
Dog Tails: The Strays That Came To Stay, Almost Lost The Big Girl (English Bulldog)
During all the craziness of getting ready for Tropical Storm Katrina and her actually hitting our house, 7 year old Kate hurt her right back leg. We noticed it when she returned from her potty break the next morning. Bob had let her out, but when I asked he said he didn't remember her limping. We could only assume that either she got so
distressed during Katrina that she hurt her leg (she hates storms and will give at least a 10 minute warning
when one is coming), or one of the many things which had been
blown over, around or down, might have cause her to trip/fall when she was outside, or something was teetering and
actually fell on her while she was out. We came to the conclusion after an examination that it wasn't serious
as nothing appeared to out of place, etc. We decided treatment should be crate rest and
confine her activities to potty breaks only, for a few days but if her condition didn't
improve to take her in for Dr Frank to examine. So here Kate is limping and I have a bad
shoulder because I did a spread-eagle fall into the kiddy pool full of puppies, same treatment for both.
She would go out to potty, walking then resting in early morning sun to which I could certainly relate. On Sunday morning, I'm a weepy mess so Bob was being the main caregiver. I noticed Kate had been out longer than normal but I didn't see her laying around out in the sun... she was gone, impossible but true.
We called and called to her. We looked under the house, in the covered dog runs, under the
vehicles, until we had covered the full 2 acres. Kate was not to be found. By this time I'm
totally exhausted and Bob had to get the other Bullies inside out of the sun. Suddenly, he
notice that the "strays that came to stay" were up on the porch being too quiet, laying low and when we called
to them they just moved their eyes. Then we knew what they were thinking... Dang we're in
trouble, again!! 
We felt sure she had followed them off on one of their morning runs down the drive onto
one of the many paths leading into the woods, down by the pond, or over into the neighbor's
pasture...
but the gimpy leg prevented her being able to keep up. I told them they better get
out there, find her and bring her home... their heads seemed to sink lower into the
porch floor and their eyes darted any place other than to look at me. They were
guilty for sure.
At times like this I wish we had a 4 wheeler so we would not have to do so much walking.
I got out my whistle, we sprayed down with "Off" and set out on foot trying to find her. After
45 minutes hot and really tired, we returned to the house without Kate. All the while those strays
had maintained their same position on the back porch, very odd behavior for them, normally they
would have been underfoot. Having noticed this, I started in scolding them, to go find her, but
they didn't seem to understand, or maybe they understood more than I did, for about that time, I
see Kate limping up the dog trail which cuts off across the side-yard from the drive. She would walk
perhaps 5 feet then stop to rest her leg. Poor Baby, but there is no way I can pick her up and Bob
had gone down to the pond for one last look. About then the "strays" spotted her and took off
running to where she was, bouncing around, smelling her nose and behind to see where she had been. You could feel
their relief, that she had finally made it home ... they knew they were about to be in the
biggest trouble ever, for having lost the "Big Girl".Monday - 09/05/05 2:00 PM
After posting all the plant and butterfly pictures I began to wonder if this journal page is the place for them and thought about making a Judy's Garden Party Journal Page, but then decided this journal is the sum total of who I am and who we are (Bob & I) so I'll keep them here.
This is Angel's Trumpet, Pink Favorite complete plant view. It is loaded with blooms. I have 3 Unknown Name Pinks and 5 known variety Pinks. They are all different and it amazes me that some were created my man and some were created by bees or moths. Not all have blooms and I have to admit I get totally confused as to which is which without looking at the labels. I have three in bloom at this time.
Monday - 09/05/05 Noon
Click on this picture to get an enlarged view of a Butterfly on an Angel's Trumpet, Pink Favorite! Bob said he believes the butterfly is a Red-Spotted Purple. The red spots are actually orange and they are on the underside of the wings. We tried to get a picture of one with the wings up but they were too fast for us. Because several Angel's Trumpets (Brugmansia) are in bloom butterflies are everywhere. It's not unusual to walk out the backdoor and see 25 in various places around the yard.
Monday - 09/05/05 6:00 AM
Sunday - 09/04/05 4:00 PM
The wonderful lady, who directed Bob on how to help Jeb, sent me an email offering to assist the people with the "Paralysed Bully" the below email is talking about. I'm so excited because if anyone can help them it will be Nan!!! Three vets wanted to 'put down' Jeb but she supported me in my theory that he could be helped.
Sunday - 09/04/05 8:30 AM
I want to show you why I raise English Bulldog Puppies .... the smile on Mr McConnell's face in the middle picture below!!
Click on any of the above pictures to get an enlarged image.
Bless their hearts, when they called from the Holiday Inn in Corinth to tell us they were on the way, I couldn't talk because I was on the verge of tears, just too much has happened to us, our friends and our country in the last week. I asked them to speak with Bob who told them he thought it was best if he delivered Pecan to them instead of them coming to the house. I apologize for not being able to be the gracious hostess. They are welcome to visit at another time and I promise I'll fix them the best BBQ Dinner they will ever have.
From: Beth
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 3:48 PM
Subject: Paralysed Bully
Dear Judy,
I have a friend who has a female Bully, about 5 years old I think, who suddenly became paralysed in her back legs. She is "on her knees" so to speak. As far as they know, it wasn't an injury. She has been to a regular Vet and a Specialist who ordered an MRI, which was normal, and the procedure where they inject dye in the spine to look for disc problems or cysts or tumors and such. The dye procedure showed a lesion on her spine with fluid in it which could be a cyst or tumor. There are surgeries for this condition, but the specialist was very negative and didn't offer much hope. I know it isn't the same as Jeb, but his recovery was truly a miracle and I just wondered if you could offer any insight as to what they should do. They live pretty far away and I'm trying to be supportive from a distance. I did some research on disc disease and the information was both positive and negative on the surgery, so it left me confused. Any thoughts or ideas that I could pass on? Thanks so much, sorry to bother you on the holiday weekend.- Beth
My response
Sudden onset normally means an injury. I would treat her for a spinal injury. I would think that a tumor or cyst would have brought on a slower paralysis if it was the cause. Can they insert a needle to pull of some fluid for analysis?
I would suggest they follow the same treatment we gave Jeb, Prednisone, no attempts to make her walk. The vet should be willing to give her cortisone shots instead of the prednisone to bring down the swelling to take the pressure off the nerves in the spinal column.
Jeb's injury had happened months before we got him back home therefore much damage to the nerves. Our vets gave us very little hope for being able to reverse the damage, i.e disconnect between his brain and hindquarter. Bob used massage therapy and exercises to reestablish the connection, also we gave Jeb vitamin and mineral supplements along with the prednisone. I can look up the exact information should they want to go this route. See 9/4/05 entry
Sunday - 09/04/05 1:45 AM
I just got off the phone, talking a long time with my friend Jen who lives in Gulfport, MS. God Bless her, she has gone through cancer operations plus treatments not once but twice within the last year. She and her son lived through the devastation of Katrina. Her husband is in Iraq working under contract.
She has stories for us than no one else will ever hear. Stories of reporters trying to slant the situation so that it was worse than it really is so she kicked them out of the motel where she works. There are stories of lies and deception to stories of brave people doing wonderful things but asking nothing in return. This does not mean I forgive her for staying in "harms way" but I do Thank The God Lord for looking after she and her son, they will be forever changed. - Judy
Saturday - 09/03/05 7:30 PM
English Bulldog Puppy Pick-Up Pictures
Click on any of the above pictures to get an enlarged image.
Saturday - 09/03/05 6:10 AM
I can't stand all the negative ugly blaming and finger pointing that people are doing, so we've decided to "ride this one out" in the peace and quiet of our woods, not listening to the radio, reading the news reports or discussing the Katrina Crisis.... We're tired NOW!!
"Life is too short to deal with ugly acting people!" BUT I'm proud of the Mayor of New Orleans for cussing and fussing, who is to say that without him doing so the relief would have come as quickly. - Judy
Friday - 09/02/05 10:50 AM
The summer is coming to a close and now we must start preparations for winter. We've yet to clean up the debris from Katrina who passed through here as a Tropical Storm after her destructive rampage along the coast. We have been so saddened by the horrible news from the Gulf Coast area that we just haven't been motivated to be productive. The whole USA is suffering from depression as we listen to hour after hour of grim reports, blame placing and finger pointing. Unfortunately, America is mad and in need of someone to blame.
"The truth is, a terrible tragedy like this brings out the best in most people, brings out the worst in some people," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on NBC's "Today" show.
There are many people doing wonderful things and they are the ones who make me PROUD to be an American. The looters and shooters are but a few, unfortunately they have held up the rescue efforts. There are many, many brave volunteers who are forced to wait until the looters and shooters in New Orleans are brought under control before they can assist people in need.
We encourage you to do what you can to assist in the crisis; say prayers, send positive thoughts, donate to an established charity, be part of a fund raising effort, whatever positive action you can do, because it will help to heal us all. - Judy
Special Notice: 8/12/05 All emails and pictures received by me become my personal property, they may or may not be posted to this website.
Judy's Journal - August 1-15, 2005
Judy's Journal - July, 2005
Judy's Journal - June, 2005
Judy's Journal - May, 2005
Judy's Journal - April 16-30, 2005
Judy's Journal - April 1-15, 2005
Judy's Journal - March, 2005
Judy's Journal - February, 2005
Judy's Journal - January, 2005
Judy's Journal - December, 2004
Judy's Journal - November, 2004
Judy's Journal - Pictures Only, November, 2004
Judy's Journal - October, 2004
"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone
who can do him absolutely no good." (By Unknown)
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