Things have changed

After hours of work, a million sweat & tears (a million sweats???), countless texts, calls & emails, Bella now is under a sponsor organization that allowed us to place Bella in a licensed kennel that will help us teach her manners! Tonight was the first class and both Mary Ellen and I attended. We along with Lori, Bella's original sponsor, will go to the kennel at least 4 times a week to work with her on obedience. Here are a few photos from Bella's first night of class!

The Class photo!

I love this photo, there is something about it that makes me want to paint it - Maybe! The instructor is starting the class, as you can see, it is dark - I love my camera!

The Pupils

Rapt attention from both, it is so intimidating at first. There is sooooooo much to learn and of course you want to do it right.

The sit/stay

Bella is a really smart dog. It was only minutes before Mary Ellen was able to get Bella to do what she was asked.

The down/stay

This was a little more work, well actually, it might take more than one night! Ha! Ha!

I Love You!

It has been a real pleasure Bella said to Mary Ellen just as ME was telling Bella the same thing! All-in-All, a wonderfully successful night with both anticipation for a positive outcome and relief that this can work!

Photo Shoot

I just remembered that I had not posted any pictures from the photo shoot my wonderful friends, Jenn and Jay, did on September 24th.  Take a look at this beautiful and handsome duo!

I love this picture of Bella!  Just beautiful!

My sweet jungle boy!

Bailey Being Thankful for Bath Time

Even though Bailey gets a little scared at first when it's bath time, I think he really enjoys it.  It must feel so good!  And, you get lots of love during it.  He also got his nails clipped, which he was so good during.  Look at these sweet pictures of my mom with Bailey. Gotta love these dogs.  I'm still amazed that even though they've had a hard life, they are still learning to trust again and bouncing back so quickly.  Lucky us for getting to be a part of it!

Another Sunday in the garden

Baths were finally available after their little "surgeries". They did so well, maybe it was just being loved by Mary Ellen & Ron!

Rub on ...

Brillo (Bailey) check out the bath. He thinks he's an expert now!

The LOOK!

Rub Off

HELP Meeeeeeeeee!

We don't love Brillo any less, I just forgot to get the camera out until too late.

Mary Ellen did get some on her iphone, maybe she'll add them!

Sharing the Message

What a nice message Mom, thanks!  I have faith, so I know in time, someone special will be lucky enough to invite Bella and/or Bailey into their home.

I have shared the message with a LOT of people.  The owner of my Jazzercise center was kind enough to post an article/ad in our monthly newsletter which goes out to 900 people!  We have also posted flyers at vets and pet stores all over town.  The babies should also be posted on Petfinders soon.

I also reached out to my e-mail network of animal rescue friends, which is how I first learned about Bella and Bailey, and my main contact forwarded our flyers to I can't imagine how many hundreds (??) of people and asked for everyone to cross post "to the moon and back".  The main woman I receive e-mails from daily is Diana Wagner, and she sent me the following kind note:

"My God you have done such a wonderful thing for these dear dogs.  I hope and pray my postings can help them and you.  Thank you just could never say enough.  You are an animal angel."

Sniff, sniff!  I don't even know this woman personally (she's from PA) and she just touched my heart with her kind words.  

Here are our flyers - would be grateful if anyone could post anywhere that will let you:

Feeling Blue

Today, I visited my sweet foster dogs and they are doing great. Feeling a little blue right now though as we still don't have any leads for a possible home(s) for them. Desperately need to find a permanent home and soon. Please pray that someone comes forward soon.

MOM'S NOTE: Oh my sweet, you are doing such a wonderful thing. You have many many stars in your Heavenly Crown for this kind, generous and loving act. Don't feel blue - feel rainbow! These wonderful dogs WILL make someones life richer and fuller. There will be a family for Bitner (Bailey) and Bella. They are both really special and deserving dogs - they have - after-all - survived!

BTW - love the new photos! The shadow on Bitners face would make an interesting painting!

At this moment

At this very moment, Mary Ellen & I and Bella & Bevis (Bailey) are sitting on the patio with our first fire of the season. Mary Ellen's Chihuahua, Sierra, is feeling poorly so she is also with us. It is a beautiful, cool day and there is nothing more a person should do on a Sunday afternoon than this. This is as close to a live feed as we can do.

OK, It's 79° - but in Florida, you have to make hay while...

What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon?

So, tell me about this thing called "fire pit"! Can I eat it?

Beautiful Bevis

Beautiful Bella

Lunch in the garden

Can you say "30 seconds"?

A good bone & a couple of logs - I like it here!

Wonderful day, contentment abounds!

October arrives with a renewed BARK!

We have a new contributor signed up and now I'm waiting to read his take on this family's story!

WELCOME
FOSTER DADDY!

It wasn't until late Friday evening that we learned that Bella was spayed and Birney (Bailey) was neutered. Knowing the Animal Shelter decided to proceed with the surgeries is a great relief! There is still hope and my prayer was heard!

Bella and Birney will be home sometime today and I know the FOUR of us humans are looking forward to that! We will indeed celebrate with a great, albeit quiet and simple, Family Night. Where is that Chinese menu?