Freckles's Blog

Uncle Jay and Hurry!

Freckles — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:39:16 +0100

Uncle Bill wanted me to tell you about the little brat named Hurry! that Mom brought in a few weeks ago.Hmmmph. Not every dog gets his very own punctuation mark at the end of his name...

He is a cute little fellow, to be sure, but he is very annoying. It would seem that this little guy got more than his fair share of herding instinct. All he would do day in and day out is herd us dogs.

I got smart. When we went for our walks in the field, I made myself scarce and ran off squirreling. He couldn't catch me in the trees. Instead, he just herded Derby, Flare and Frodo. He didn't dare herd Muna, or she would give him such a thrashing!

Anyway...Mom said little Hurry! was far too herdy for a normal pet home, and that he needs to be a working dog. Uncle Bill (I love him, he ALWAYS has tons of treats in his pockets!) called Uncle Jay, who runs a sheep farm. He told him all about the "Herdy One". Uncle Jay was very interested. He called Mom, and it was all set. Hurry! was to go and live with Uncle jay on the sheep farm.

So Bill and Lin came and picked up Hurry! and took him for a long drive out to the country. They took him to see Jay.

Jay really liked him. Hurry! was not so sure about these new critters with the wool all over them though. They were VERY interested in him.

Hurry! also made a new friend. His name is Mike. He is a Maremma, a guardian of the sheep. He is the same age as Hurry!, but he is MUCH bigger.

I think they are going to be friends. I also think Hurry! is going to be a great herding dog, and those sheep best learn to respect that little pup...cuz he ain't going to be little much longer!

Love;

Freckles

AAAARGH!

Freckles — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:36:53 +0100

I despise Hallowe'en.

Love;

Humiliated Freckles

PUGLY!!!

Freckles — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:49:53 +0100

Okay people. Seriously. Mom's friends got a Pug. I don't know why. They are weird. They have no face, and they ALL look like that famous English guy Winston Churchill. Every one of them, even the babies.

This picture Mom took looks like Winston Churchill looking in a mirror.

So Mom's friends got this little Pugly dog names Pebbles, and it turns out that Pebs is "with puppies". Yep. You heard me right. She came into rescue PREGNANT.

Long story short, 6 of these bizarre little critters plopped into the world 8 weeks ago.

Then a few days ago, Mom's friends Kim and Darren come over, and they bring the wee beasties into MY HOME. In MY YARD. I used to LOVE Auntie Kim and Uncle Darren. But they KNOW those dogs scare the daylights out of me! Someone stole their faces!!!

See? Their nose is right between their eyes like some kinda weird space monster! And Kim and Darren love em. And Mom was giggling like a little kid watching them running around and pooping in MY GRASS.

Kim and Darren think they are adorable. YUCK.

It was all too much for me. I came out to see what all the fuss was about, and they chased me and made me screech. I think if they had caught me they might have done something horrible. *shudder*

I have been having nightmares ever since. Creepy little things...I am scared to close my eyes at night...they might come back and get me!
Love;

Scared Freckles

Life Just AIn't Fair

Freckles — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:06:41 +0100

Sometimes life just ain't fair. First of all, Auntie Jordan picked MUNA as her girl for a commercial...not ME. Muna gets ALL the glory, all the time. TO make matters worse, if you can believe they could possibly be worse...last week Auntie Deb gave Mom a beautiful pink collar with pretty rhinestones on it for ME. I was wearing it, and looking OH so gorgeous in my bling. Everyone who saw me in it "OOHED and AHHHHED".

So what does Mom do? She took off my bling, and put it on MUNA for the commercial!!! Can you believe the nerve? The utter audacity?

Seriously people! Look at this.

Does that crabby face look like the face of a tv commercial star, or someone who should wear my bling?

I think NOT.

One of these days I am gonna revolt, and it ain't gonna be pretty.

*hehe* Jessie took that picture. I can look nasty when I want to. :)

Love;

Frustrated Freckles

A frisbee trial

Freckles — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:38:49 +0100

Well, it looks like I was not the star THIS weekend. Hmmmph. This weekend the stars were Frodo and Derby. Muna, Frodo and Derby got to go to a frisbee competition. I didn't go because I prefer flying squirrels rather than a silly plastic disc.

Derby got first place in single disc in trial one, and Frodo got first place in freestyle. I could do it if I wanted to you know. I just think it is all very silly. Who needs all those pretty ribbons anyways.

The second trial, Frodo got first place in single disc, and third in freestyle.

Mom's friend Dave took some pictures. (davemsk@hotmail.com)

I really could be a frisbee star if I wanted.

*sigh*

I guess I will just settle for being beautiful.

Love;
Freckles.

Uncle Steve and his dogs

Freckles — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:37:08 +0100

We went to visit Uncle Steve a few days ago. We all got to go out and play frisbee. Uncle Steve convinced me that playing frisbee was fun, but really I prefer to chase squirrels. I will never get as excited about it as the others.

Uncle Steve's furry kids are CRAZY! LOOK! The jump off his back and they fly through the air!

This is Snippy!

And this is Rojo, Snippy's daughter. They are as crazy about frisbees as I am about squirrels!

I just don't get it...they are not furry and fast, they don't run up and down trees and chatter, and yet they still love to chase them.

Rojo also does a trick called "Halt". She lands on Uncle Steve's back, and she stays there.

That is pretty good! I could do it if I wanted to. HMPH!

Frodo and Muna are frisbee crazy too.

Muna was doing weaves through Uncle's legs.

and Frodo was doing all kinds of fun tricks too, like over Uncle's leg, under him, catching two frisbees at once.

Personally I think they are all nutty. It isn't as much fun as flyball or squirreling.

Still, to each dog his own I suppose.

Love;

Freckles

See You at the Bridge

Freckles — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:54:51 +0100

Mom is very sad. Her friend Shahna left us on Canada Day. She went to Rainbow Bridge Mom said, to help the animals cross over. Her work here was finished, but there is more for her to do at the bridge. Mom says that Shahna was a warrior, a very strong willed human with a heart bigger than all of outdoors. She said that Shahna was her inspiration.

It is very sad to lose a warrior. It means the soldiers left behind must continue to do her work. Shahna saved hundreds of lives...and she left behind a legacy. Mom would like it very much of you would read this, and then go to Shahna's website, and in her honour, click the paypal link, and donate to Shahna's Shelter of Hope.

www.fundsfurfriends.com

We will miss you Shahna. You always were, and always will be, an angel of mercy.

Love;

Freckles

My Friend Caelen

Freckles — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:57:33 +0100

I am sorry I haven't been around much. Mom has been hogging the computer a LOT these days. But lots of dogs are getting helped, so I suppose I will forgive her...THIS TIME.

Anyway...let me tell you about the exciting day I had!

I have a friend named Caelen. Caelen is owned by a very pretty German Shorthaired Pointer named Hunter.

He comes to flyball, and he not only trains his own dog, but he helps Mom train other dogs, and he also runs Muna. He is very smart little human and I like him a lot. He gives me tasty treats when I do tricks for him.

Caelen asked Mom if she would go to his school, and teach the kids about rescue. Mom said "Of course! It will be fun!"

So off we trotted to Caelen's school. There were a lot of kids there, but I wasn't nervous at all. I did my tricks for Caelen, and the kids really liked me!

I jumped into Mom's arms, and you can see by the look on their faces, they were all very impressed!

I waved, held hands (paws) with Mom, did "stick em up" for the kids...

And then there was a little human who was very scared of dogs. Mom wanted to show him that most dogs are very good, and not scary at all. He was very brave, and he came up and petted me. I liked him very much.

I hope one day I can go back and visit all the mini-humans at Caelen's school.

Thank you for inviting us Caelen! Mom was glad to teach the kids about rescue, and how to be nice to us dogs.

Love;

Happy Freckles

WOOD TICKS!!!

Freckles — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:21:18 +0100

There are many things that can make a dog crabby...like having your chewy stash infiltrated, or having a bath after a lovely roll in some fragrant cow business. But nothing compares to the irritating little creatures called WOOD TICKS.

HATES them we do Precious! They are creepy, nasty little things. They get in our ears, they attach themselves to us and make us itchy. Mom says I am allergic tot hem. Everywhere one bites me, I get a yucky lump and it gets infected.

Mom makes us sit down and she does "wood tick check". I don't mind that so much. It feels good when she runs her fingers through my fur. But when she finds one it doesn't feel so good. She pulls it off and shows it to me. I jump around and act silly, and then we start all over again.

I hate wood ticks.

Love;

Itchy Freckles

Woobies

Freckles — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:49:33 +0100

Meet Ruby...Ruby is a dog that owns Mom's friend Charlie.

Charlie is owned by two dogs, Ruby and Mac. Mom calls Ruby "Woobies" and Mac Macaroni.

Woobies is a mix, and Mac is a Border Collie.

They are both very fortunate dogs. You see, both of them came from very bad beginnings, but both of them got a Dad who chose to take the time and patience to work with them. Not every human would you know. Most would just give up, not seeing the gem hiding within the rock.

Sometimes things happen to dogs that make them behave badly. Woobies used to get very aggressive with other dogs. Mac did as well. But Uncle Charlie worked with them, and never gave up, and because of that they are both very good dogs.

Woobies is a lot like me. We both love to climb trees, and we both love to chase squirrels.

While the other dogs are running and playing, Woobies and I do our own thing. We also both really enjoy a nice mud bath.

Ahhhh...there's nothing like a lovely batch of sludge to make a girl feel young and vibrant!

Yes, Woobies and I have a great deal in common. I rather enjoy our little excursions together.

Love;

Freckles

A special Day for Old Roy

Freckles — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:28:40 +0100

Today was Old Roy's birthday. He turned 10! That is 70 in dog years you know. And to be quite honest with you, he looks pretty good for an old guy. I think he is like Sean Connery is to female humans...very suave and debonair!

He can still do some amazing frisbee tricks, and an agility course better than a lot of young pups I know.

So we played some agility and I got to flirt with Old Roy. Me and Old Roy, well, we got a "thing". Sometimes Snippy gets jealous, but hey, GET OVER IT SNIPPY!

When we were all done playing and having fun, Uncle Steve gave us all some yummy steak! We thought it must be a mistake, NOBDOY gives steak to 11 Border Collies! So we gobbled it down very very quickly. If it was a mistake, well Uncle Steve was NOT getting that tasty meat back!

Mom spent a lot of time taking pictures of us dogs. Mom likes doing that.

So here they are...just for you so you can swoon at us beautiful Border Collies.

RUBY - Daughter of Roy and Snip

Rojo-

Daughter of Roy and Snip

Snippy

Snip and Roy

Old Roy

Billy

Frodo.

Muna

Derby Flare

And last but not least...ME...FRECKLES.

A Little Understanding

Freckles — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:17:04 +0100

This weekend some new dogs came into rescue. Every one of them has a different personality. Every one of them has had a different sort of life. Each and every one of them has their own sorrows to speak of.

First came Lexi. She is a very pretty little girl. She is almost as pretty as me. Almost.

Lexi has a lovely thick coat, but underneath it, she is terribly thin. Mom thinks her Pyr friend was probably eating all her food. She has never had a collar, and never known a leash. She hasn't been cuddled much either, and was very afriad when Mom picked her up on her lap. Mom says she was probably not abused, but very neglected. She just needs special care and to learn how to be a family member.

Then there is Jester.

He too, is thin, but he is worse than Lexi. Mom says he is "emaciated." His fur is dull and falling out, and his ribs and hips are very visible. He too, was badly neglected, but he is not afraid. Jester is friendly and loving, and wants to be cuddled. Jester desperately wants to have a family of his own.

Some of the dogs were abandoned by their owners, and their time in the shelter makes them very afraid. They don't understand what bad thing they did to be left behind. Border Collies don't do very well in shelters. The sounds drive us mad, the smell of sickness and yes, even death. Such things can do damage to a sensitive spirit. But with love and understanding, and good leadership, a broken spirit can mend.

All they need is a chance, time, and someone to believe in them.

Love;

Freckles

The Future Rescuers

Freckles — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:57:18 +0100

You humans have an obligation. You are bringing up a new generation of your kind, and they need to know what you have learned...that we dogs are not trash, but feeling, thinking, loving beings.

Like children, we need love, kindness and understanding. We need to treated with respect and dignity.

It is your job to make sure the young ones know.

They are the future of RESCUE.

Love;

Freckles

Tusani's Good News!

Freckles — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:24:22 +0100

Something wonderful has happened. First, I will tell you what we did today. First we all loaded up in the car and the van. Tusani likes a spot with a view.

Mom and Auntie Ruth took us all out for a walk in the park. Tusani was on her leash, as Mom and Ruth don't know if she is trustworthy yet...she might run off you know.

Anyway, I decided to go and play with Tusani, and tease her with my tennis ball. She is a lot of fun! I really like her.

Then Mom and Auntie Ruth decided to test her out, and see if she was good offleash. They tied three leashes together, and then dropped them. Tusani just wandered a bit, sniffing things. She isn't like us Border Collies. She isn't a very energetic sort. But then she wandered a bit too far, so Mom asked Frodo to go and get her and bring her back.

After we all played and had lots of fun, we drove to a really big house. I didn't know why we were there. Soon Auntie Ruth pulled up. A lady, a man, and a little boy came out. HEY! I know that little boy! He goes to daycare at Auntie Ruth's house! That's my friend QUINN!!! But why are we here at Quinn's house?

Auntie Ruth reach into the van and brought Tusani out. The family was all smiling...then I knew!!! They were wanting to adopt Tusani! FANTASTIC! Finally, a family all of her very own!
All of us dogs wagged our tails. We were all very happy for Tusani and her new family. She deserves to be happy.

Now she has a little boy all of her own!

Love;

Happy Freckles

Volpe's Ordeal

Freckles — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:11:33 +0100

Volpe is a little red dog from Ohio. Mom saw him on the internet, on a rescue forum, and she felt terrible. He is just 5 months old, and his leg is broken. Turns out, it was broken a long time ago, and his human didn't get him any help.

Mom said she would bring him here, and we would see if we could fix his leg. Volpe came in with Tusani and Mobi.

When Volpe Arrived, he was lethargic. That means he was droppy and had no energy. He ate a little bit of supper, and drank a little bit of water, but then he went right to sleep. Mom was concerned. She had already made a vet appointment for Monday afternoon.

The next morning, Volpe would not eat. Mom took him straight to see Doctor Steuart, and she told Mom it was very grim. Volpe was in shock, and bleeding internally. Mom held him and cried, and asked Doctor Steuart to do everything she could to save his life. Doctor Steuart promised she would.

It was a very long day. Volpe had a blood transfusion (did you KNOW that some dogs donate blood? AUntie Ruth's Diva does!) and he got stronger, and ate some supper. Doc Steuart even called Mom and said Volpe could go home for the night if we promised not to play with him. Mom said OF COURSE!

So he came home with Mom and they cuddled and there was no playing with us.

He even got a nice blankie from a wonderful lady in Minneapolis, named Rebecca!

He went back to the vet the next day, and all his blood tests were very good. Mom thinks he has a blood clotting disorder, and when he played with Tusani on the transport, he got hurt.

Now I am not saying I am glad he is gone, but Mom got a little too close to that dog for my liking. He is really cute, and that is a worrisome thing.
I was VERY relieved when Uncle CLive and Auntie June came to pick him up last night. Mom had tears in her eyes, but hey, GET OVER IT MOM.

He is in very good hands, and he will be fine. Most importantly, he will NOT be here usurping all the love.

Love;

Jealous Freckles

Tusani and Mobi

Freckles — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:16:40 +0100

Sometimes Mom and Ruth help out dogs that are not even Border Collies. They say they are very special, because they have survived some terrible things, and that they deserve a chance at a good life. Tusani and Mobi are two dogs just like that.

Mobi is a Chihuahua mix dog.

He is super cute! His owner just threw him away, left him at the pound and walked away. Poor Mobi was very sick, and his fur all fell out. He was lucky, a wonderful lady named Shannon took him into her home, and after a lot of love and medicine, she made him well. Now Shannon is sending him here.

Tusani is a very very sad case. Her rescuer found her one morning. She had been badly abused, Her tail was broken, her fur around her eyes was gone, eaten away by mange, and to top it all off, she was left to die on top of a picnic table. It rained, and she was found frozen to the table, almost dead.

Auntie Ruth wants Tusani to come and live with her, and get better, then find her forever family. So Mom made up a transport, and Tusani and Mobi are coming this weekend. I hope if you see them you will say hello, and give them a hug. THey need lots of hugs.

Love;

Freckles

Flare

Freckles — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:24:17 +0100

Flare is the new kid on the block. She is weird. She is a different colour from us. She is the same in every other way, but her colour is different.

She came from Indianapolis. Apparently her family moved out of their apartment and...just left her there. What is up with that? How can you just move, and leave your family member behind? Maybe they had that terrible human disease called Alzheimer's. There seems to be no other good excuse.

Anyway...we are all black and white, and Flare...is NOT. Don't get me wrong, she is very pretty. Everyone says so. She does all the same things we do. She runs and plays, she likes cookies and treats, she plays fetch, and Mom says she can herd sheep like nobody's business. But her fur is ...different.

It is the same with humans you know. Some are pinkish, some are brown, some are different shades of brown. They are all weird because they don't have body fur. Mom says that is doesn't matter what colour a dog is, or a human for that matter. She says it is the heart that counts, that all humans and dogs are the same underneath.

I suppose that is true. But not all humans are the same. Some are very good and kind, and love us dogs. They know we have feelings, and they treat us well. Other humans just don't care. Like Gracie's human who left her on the road with a broken foot and in pain. He just abandoned her like she was garbage. Those people make Mom and Auntie Ruth very angry. There is a new dog coming whose old owners make Mom and Auntie Ruth FURIOUS. Her name was Sadie...now it is Tusani. It means "Beautiful". Ruth named her that because she is beautiful inside, and when she has healed, she will be beautiful outside too.

In the end, we all need to realize, that what counts is your heart. If you died today, could you look your Creator in the eye, and say "I did my best!" or would you want to crawl away and hide beneath the nearest rock?

I would trot right up to Him, and hop into His lap. I woud even do "stick em up" for him without a treat!

Love;

Freckles

A letter from Dazzle

Freckles — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:06:47 +0100

April 12th-

On Sunday, April 13th, Dazzle and her folks are travelling to Minneapolis MN to see the vet at the University. They will assess the situation, and inject dye into her, and look to find where the leak is with a special camera. Please pray for little Dazzle that they find the problem.

In the meantime, Dazzle's Mom and Dad will be staying in the home of a transport angel, Donna and her husband, in MPLS. How very kind of them to open their hearts and home.

Sally Hull
Executive Director
Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue
www.hullshaven.org
http://chattypet.com/pets/show/74

A letter from Dazzle

Hello Everyone,

I'm off to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis tomorrow so

Dr. Simmerson can find and fix the leak in my liver so my abdomen

doesn't keep filling with liquid. I'm pretty excited about the long

car ride - it will be so much fun to be in my kennel for 7 hours!

Other than the tube sticking out of my belly, taped to the bandages

covering the incision along the length of my body, I feel great! I'm

hungry and thirsty, I love going outside as many times as some

will take me and I only wake up once in the night. I sleep in my

beautiful new kennel or on my favourite chair. Today I put some

teeth marks in Brett's Lacrosse ball - I know he won't mind. I love

to hear the sound of my voice, I haven't used it for so long, I forgot

what I sounded like. Thank you to Pembina Veterinary Hospital,

FFAS - Friends Fundraising for Animal Shelters, Hull's Haven

Bordie Collie Rescue, Dr. Faucher, my surgeons,all my friends

at the hospital, Sally, Barbara, Ruth, Donna and my friends and

family, especially Brett and Alexa.

I can't wait to swing from the branches of my evergreen tree,

to play with Hudson and Penny and to run like the wind!

(I know, on a leash.)

DAZZLE

(Dazzlelyn Munroe Rescue)

P.S. Thanks Sally for taking this great picture of me.

Dazzle's Last Chance

Freckles — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:35:59 +0100

FROM FRECKLES' MOM :

With all the terrible things I see on a daily basis, the terrible cruelty and savagery humans are capable of, I often become quite disgusted with the human race. I get to feeling that there is very little good out there.
But then something happens, and I have to smile, and even cry tears of happiness, because a lot of people band together and do something wonderful.
This is one of those times.
I would like to start at the beginning, so please bear with me.

Just over a year ago, a lovely little Border Collie puppy came into rescue with Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue. She was a heart stealer. She would not "kiss", she would bunt you with her little nose, and she would give you such a look, it would make you laugh out loud.
We named her Dazzle. She simply Dazzled you with her sweetness.
Poor little Dazzle went thundering down the stairs at Ruth's home, and slipped and broke her little leg. It was a bad break, right on the growth plate.
We took her to Charleswood Vet Clinic, and they brought in a specialist, and he mended her. It was a hefty price, and many good hearted people, including the wonderful people at FFAS (Friends Fundraising for Animal Shelters) helped us pay the bill.
Ruth took the baby back home, and every day for 6 weeks or more, she did hours of physio therapy, carried her up and down the stairs to potty, gave her medication and charted EVERYTHING. And I mean EVERYTHING. Keeping a young Border Collie quiet is no easy task. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. Dazzle would try and crawl under furniture, once she flipped out of Ruth's arms and over the back of the couch. It is a good thing Ruth has grey hair to begin with.
Finally, the perfect family came and fell in love with Dazzle. Their young son, Brett, was not ready for a new dog, he said. He had not gotten over the passing of their old Border Collie yet. (Later, I did a home visit, and saw photos and some of her fur in a ribbon on their mantle). But when Brett's eye fell upon Dazzle, and she threw herself into his arms, all of his walls melted away. She was his dog.

A year passed, and I opened my email to find a letter from Tricia, the Mom. She was very distraught. Dazzle had been kicked by a horse while they were visiting her brother out in the country. She had gotten loose and nothing could stop her. It was very bad. Dazzle underwent several surgeries, and it was touch and go.
Then last night, I received the most heartbreaking email of all.
They have already spent thousands, and the clinic has donated a very large amount, but Dazzle still needed more help. That help might only be found in Saskatoon. They were tapped out. They felt there was just no more they could do.
I called Tricia, and said "Please, let me see what we can do."
I sent an email to FFAS, telling them what had happened. On the way to work this morning,, I stopped in at Best West on Portage, and spoke with Debbie. I glanced over at the bulletin board, and it dawned on me. Dazzle is this month's calendar dog. She is April. It felt like a sign.
Less than an hour later, Barb called me and said "You are kidding me right? OF COURSE we will help. We will do whatever it takes. That is what we are here for." I cried. I sat down and just cried. There are some wonderful, wonderful people in this world.
So now we are pulling out all the stops. This little girl has not gone this far to give up now. We will help FFAS raise the funds needed. If you feel you can help, please contact Barb at FFAS strawberrysnowsuit@gmail.com
Website:
http://ffasfriendsfundraising.googlepages.com
Thanks for all your help.
Sally Hull
Executive Director
Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue
www.hullshaven.org

Gracie, Touched by an Angel

Freckles — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:12:24 +0100

Mom has a friend who lives in Iowa. Her name is Amy. Mom says she is a very special lady, because she helps to transport dogs who need help, and because she also helps dogs in trouble.

This past week, Amy has been working hard to help a very sad and frightened dog. Her name is now Gracie, because Amy says she has the grace of God upon her life.

Amy was driving down the interstate one day, and she saw a truck pull over. The man opened the truck door, and a dog jumped out. Amy thought the man was going to run the dog beside the truck. (DO NOT DO THIS PEOPLE! IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!) Amy was worried. Then the man saw Amy watching him, and he drove away very very fast. The little dog tried bravely to catch the truck, but the truck sped away, and the bad man never looked back. The little dog couldn't catch up, not just because the truck was fast, but because she had a BROKEN LEG.

Amy was shocked, and more than a little bit angry. She tried very hard to get the little dog to come to her, but the dog was very very frightened. Over the next few days, Amy tried many things to catch the dog. They even set up a live trap. Then the trap disappeared, and Amy saw troopers and a sheriff near the place. They were going to shoot the dog, but Amy convinced them to let her live. She told them that Mom and Auntie Ruth would take the dog if they could just catch it.

Amy found out who had taken her trap, and had it put back. That night, she drove up and looked through her binoculars (these are special glasses that help humans see things far away!) and WOW! There she was! A little girl dog who was very afraid, and in lots of pain.

Amy took the little girl, and called her Grace. She said the Grace of God is upon this little one. Some very wonderful people who help dogs offered to pay for Gracie's surgery. She will be okay. Mom and Auntie Ruth told Amy they will open their doors to Gracie, if she needs a rescue.

Mom says people like Amy are wonderful. She doesn't say much about the bad man who abandoned a little dog with a broken leg on the highway...but when she talks about him, her eyes become dark, and she looks very very angry.

Dogs are NOT disposable.

Love;

Freckles

The Path Home

Freckles — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:33:48 +0100

The Path Home

You cower and you cringe, pressing up against the wall.

You tremble and your food dish has not been touched at all.

Every time a human passes, you cringe further “Don’t look at me.”

Someone might come and hit you, and there’s nowhere for you to flee.

Human faces look into your dark dingy prison cell.

You look away, don’t meet their eyes, they might cuss and scream and yell.

A ringing sound, the warden answers, a pause, then he looks up.

His eyes land upon you. “Yes, we still have that pup.”

He nods and listens, “Yes she is, a purebred too I bet.

Her owner dumped her in the night, freezing, and soaking wet.

She’s got the cough, you know the one, that wracks her body through.

What’s that? Okay, you’ll take her? We’ll hold this dog for you.”

He hangs up then he looks at you, points his finger, and smiles.

“It seems you got a break today, someone thinks your worthwhile.

Someone many miles away, is gonna save your furry ass.”

He chuckles, then he shudders, knowing she escaped the gas.

The next day a woman enters, and is led to your cell door.

“That’s her” he says. “The little one, cell number fifty four.”

She squints her eyes against the dark, then lets out a little cry.

How could someone leave you here, knowing you would die?

Quickly she opens up the door, you yelp, try to escape…

there’s nowhere left for you to go, you’re trapped within this cage.

You close your eyes, await the pain, await the blows to fall.

They never come, it’s quiet as you cringe against the wall.

A soft voice whispers, “It’s okay. There’s no more pain for you.

You’re on your way to freedom, your suffering is through.”

She slips a rope around your neck, then lifts you in her arms.

She cradles and she kisses you, her touch feels oh, so warm!

This angel takes you home with her, gives you food, a nice clean bed.

She sings, and takes you out for walks, and strokes your silky head.

One day she takes you for a drive, she smiles, “It’s time to go.

You’re on your way to a new life, where you can learn and grow.”

She stops the car, and picks you up, one last kiss on your head.

A teary smile, a fond farewell, your heart is filled with dread.

Someone new now holds your leash, a man you never met!

He lifts you up into his car, “Hey girl! Are you all set?”

He drives and drives, till once again, you stop and someone new

takes your leash and thanks the man, and says hello to you.

She pats your head, and whistling, puts you in the car.

In the back are two more dogs, they too, have come quite far.

You meet more people, ride in their cars, and sometimes meet their kids.

No longer scared, just worried, and wondering a bit.

One kind lady takes you home, feeds you and puts you to bed.

“You rest my girl, there’s far more hours of traveling ahead.”

Another day, more changing hands, strangers cuddle you.

They hold your paw, look in your eyes, “Gee, you are a beaut!”

Then finally the trip is done, a woman and a man

take you to a nice warm house, that smells like love and….HAM!

A lady with sparkling blue eyes, long grey hair and smiling face

says “Hi there little one! Welcome to our place!”

Three dogs come out that look like you, long hair, all black and white!

They wag their tails in greeting, they’re friendly and polite.

Grey Hair and her husband feed you ham for treats that night,

and over the days and weeks they give you love and light.

Children come to this place, they play with you and laugh

at all your silly antics like when you escaped the bath!

You like it here, you feel secure, this is warmest home,

they never hit, they never scream, you never feel alone.

But this is not your staying place, forever waits for you…

a family with an empty heart arrives as if on cue.

They come into your foster home, they look at you and smile.

“Oh Mom and Dad! Look at her!” cries their excited child.

“She’s beautiful! Look, see her scars? Someone hurt her there!

Oh PLEASE can we take her home with us, and show her that we care?”

Grey Lady watches wistfully out the window as you leave.

You don’t see the single tear that traces down her cheek.

Your child clutches onto you, your wagging tail held high.

“Farewell my friend, take care of them, enjoy your brand new life.”

www.hullshaven.org

http://chattypet.com/pets/show/74

Just Ask Freckles!

Freckles — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:16:13 +0100

There are questions humans always ask about dogs. I hear the same questions all the time. I just shake my furry head, because the answers are so obvious!

Let me answer a few questions, and then, if you want, you can click on “Comments”, and leave me a question, or you can send an email to hullshaven@yahoo.ca, and I will do my best to answer it and put it up on www.chattypet.com .

Question: Why do dogs love mud puddles and hate baths?

Answer: SIMPLE! Dogs are related to wolves. Do you see wolves running out to Shopper’s Drug Mart and purchasing under leg deodorant, or fragrant shampoos? NO!!! Wolves like to roll in mud puddles and deceased things! They like to cover their scent for the hunt! Well, we dogs ARE descended from wolves you know! Nuff said?

Question: Why do dogs stick their heads out of the car window at 75 MPH, and yet they hate it when you blow on their faces?

Answer: PEOPLE!!! Have you HEARD of mouthwash?

Question: Why do dogs hate the mailman (or woman) so much, and bark like crazy every day when he/she arrives?

Answer: Every time this person drops the paper stuff into the little hole in the door, Mom goes and picks it up. She says something like “HOLY CRAP! Look at this bill!” I don’t know who “bill” is, but she always wants him to look at the paper in her hand. Then Mom gets cranky and talks about bill a lot. It all starts with the mailman (woman) dropping paper into the hole in the door. This is enough o make a dog want to drive the mailman (Woman) away!

Love;

Freckles

A Letter from Victory

Freckles — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:14:41 +0100

We haven't seen Victory since she went to live with Sabine and her family. We get pictures and emails from Sabine telling us all about Victory's escapades. They make Mom laugh and cry. She calls Auntie Ruth, and they reminisce about the days when Victory lived with Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don.

Today Mom read her email, and there was a letter from Victory. Her new name is Oreo. I will share it with you. It made Mom and Auntie Ruth get wet cheeks, but it was GOOD . It must be, because when Mom read this, her face got wet, but she was also smiling.

Love;

Freckles

A Letter from Victory

Hi Auntie Ruth and Auntie Sally…..its me, Oreo….that’s my new name at my forever home. I think about you guys everyday….happy thoughts. I have a lot of happy thoughts these days. Every day there’s so much new stuff to do and to see and to taste and to hear. I have lots of animal friends to chase and pester and my new mom laughs a lot …I think she’s laughing at me, but that’s ok….she’s always squeezing me and telling me how cute I am….I like that. My new dad is nice too….but he’s really big and I’m still kinda shy around him. Mom says you guys will come and visit when the snow melts and its not so dirty at the ranch….I’d really like that! Mom helped me write something called a “poem” for you…..I hope you like it.

XOXO

Oreo

Butterfly Kisses

Into my darkness, a sliver of light

Easing my sorrow, chasing my fright.

A tender caress, a whispered refrain,

“it’ll be all right little one, we’re not all the same”.

You opened your home, brought me in from the rain,

I danced in your sunshine, relieved from my pain.

You cried for my suffering, held me so tight,

Promised you’d somehow turn wrong into right.

My eyes they now sparkle as I greet each new day,

A lightness of being, the demons at bay.

My voice is still quiet, I can’t thank you in words,

So butterfly kisses I send from my heart to yours.

Thank you for saving my life.

- Oreo

Cathy and Poe

Freckles — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:16:40 +0100

Mom has a very good friend named Cathy. Cathy is owned by her dog Cookie. Last week Cathy called Mom and told her that she had fallen in love with Poe's photograph, and she would like very much to adopt him.

Mom was VERY happy! Mom loves Cathy, she is a good and kind person, and Mom knew Poe would have the very best home ever. Cathy and Mom always take us all out to the dog park together, so we still get to play with Poe.

He is a very lucky boy indeed.

Jack was adopted too, but Mom doesn't have any pictures of him with his new family yet. Mom and Auntie Ruth were very pleased with Jack's new family too. His new Mom's name is Laurie. Jack now has two of his very own little boys. He loves kids! There will be pictures soon.

Love;

Freckles

The Truth About "Feral" Dogs

Freckles — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:07:24 +0100

To all of Freckles' Fans-

chattypet.com has fallen on hard times. In order for chattypet to continue, and for Freckles' Blog to continue, we need your support. Please visit the home page, and see if there are any books you might like to order! This support will keep chattypet on the web! THANKS!

There are those humans who know many things about dogs, and they write books to teach other humans about dogs too. But sometimes, the things they teach are wrong. Sometimes, humans cannot see the truth. They believe that a thing is true at all times. Such thinking can be damaging to dogs. If a human truly believes that a feral dog cannot bond to a human after their imprinting stage has passed, they might overlook a wonderful dog. They might see a very good dog, with a lot of potential, and say "The book say this dog is not good. He will never bond to a human." Then they will walk away, and leave the dog in despair.

I know two dogs this was said of. And they have broken all the rules. Poe and Jack Frost were feral, they were born wild, but now they are trusting and loving humans.

Just look at Jack. He loves and trusts children. He loves Mom, Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don. He adores children.

He just seems to know they will not hurt him.

And Poe was even a good boy at the groomer's. He was very good with Auntie Carolyn. See?

So next time a human tells you "This dog will never..." please tell them "I do not believe in NEVER."

Goodbye Terry

Freckles — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:39 +0100

It is with deep and abiding sorrow that Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue acknowledges the passing of a beloved friend, Doctor Terry Berg, DVM, of Academy Road Spay and Neuter Clinic.

Doctor Berg, without his knowing it, paved the path that led to the birth of HHBCR. When we got started, he graciously agreed to give us a generous discount on our vetting, enabling us to do our work. Without him, we could not have saved the many lives we have.

Doctor Berg was always good, kind and gentle with all of our dogs, and it was always a pleasure to visit the clinic. He genuinely cared about the animals.

Our condolences go out to Terry's family.

God speed, Terry. See you at Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for taking such good care of all of our dogs, both our personal pets, and all of our rescues.

Sally Hull

Ruth and Don Swardfager

Brian Pattyn

and all our many many dogs.

A Pictorial of Us

Freckles — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:31:22 +0100

Spring is in the air, you can smell it. There are many new and wonderful scents that only dogs can detect. Humans are most unaware, and it is a shame. The aromas are intoxicating.

The snow is melting, it is warm. The squirrels are in abundance!

I love the dog park.

Poe has just discovered Little Mountain Park...he seems to like it.

Mom likes it too. We linger much longer than usual at the park these days. Mom even brings her good camera, and takes lots of photos.

The other day we were walking through the pathways, and I heard a very familiar voice. "FRECKLES!" he called. I looked up, and there was Uncle Bill and his dog Kailie!

SHE claims her full name is "Cealieghe of Skye". Hmmmph. Sounds a little high falutin' if you ask me. Still, she is okay. She hangs out with us and her Dad gives us treats. She snaps and growls almost as crabbily as me.

These pictures are just gratutious cuteness courtesy of Mom.

Spring has been a long time coming.

Soon there will be birds and green leaves and bugs to eat.

HOORAY!!!

The Saga of Poe and Frost

Freckles — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:05:15 +0100

It is a miracle...Poe and Frost are here. After all the trouble and all the fuss, they finally arrived last night.

This is Poe today. He came for a walk with us.

Isn't he dreamy? Mom doesn't have any good photos of Jack Frost yet...but when she does, I will be sure to let you see them. I will tell you their whole story one day soon.

We walked the river today with a friend of Mom's. He has a 9 year old chocolate Border Collie mix.

Frodo and Derby played chase the stick and herd each other...

Muna and I sauntered off and chased squirrels while the others walked along the river. There were just SO MANY squirrels to be chased!

LOOK! Can you SEE the expression on this tree-rat's face??? Mom took this picture...you can SEE he is mocking me!

We chased and chased...but every once in awhile Mom's voice would hit that octave...you KNOW the one... and we knew it was time to come back and check in...make ourselves visible. Mom gets a little testy when we are running into people's backyards chasing squirrels. We just can't help it. They drive us mad!

I never did catch one. Not today. But there is always next time...

Love;

Ever Hopeful Freckles

Woosh's New Family

Freckles — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:20:16 +0100

Hey, do you all remember Panda? She was adopted last year by Kerry and Terry. She is a lucky girl, because her Mom and Dad spoil her. Well, they got her a new baby brother! Her very own new squeak toy! His name is Woosh, and he is one of Noel's pups.

He is a pretty nice little guy, very smart. His charms caused his Mom and Dad to fail "fostering 101". Terry says he didn't fail, Kerry did...but I saw that grin on his face when he looked a Woosh. Look for yourself.

Terry talks funny. He comes from a land far away...a place called England. He kinda sounds like my Gramma from England.

Anyway...Woosh will be really happy now. He had a great foster Mom, now he has a great family. Good for you Woosh!

Love;

Freckles

Poor Derbles!

Freckles — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:25:14 +0100

Derby is driving Mom crazy. Last week he went to see the vet because he was broken. I am not sure what was broken, but Mom said he had to get "FIXED", so something must have been broken.

When he came home, he was in a lot of pain, and he was very tired. He slept a lot. The vet told Mom Derby has to be rested and quiet for TEN DAYS. Mom just gave him a blank stare...sort of that "deer caught in the headlights" look. You know the one...the same one all Border Collie people get when they are told their dog must not run around and release pent up energy.

So after day one, Mom gave Derby some pain medicine. And that is when the trouble started. Derby felt like he was fine, and he wanted to run around. Mom said NO. She put him in his kennel and we went to the park. Poor Derby.

The next day, Mom put Derby in his kennel, and we went to the park again. Poor poor Derby.

The third day, Derby was like a mad bull with a hornet on his butt, caught in a tornado. It wasn't pretty. Every time I turned around, he was on me. It was like trying to avoid the shark in "Jaws" while swimming in bloody water! He latched onto my fur and wrestled me around...I HAD to protect myself!

So I would give him a sound thrashing, and then Mom would come out and tell us off! SHEESH.

I sure hope he is never broken again, because I don't think I could take much more of this.

Mom either. She is looking a little frazzled.

Love;

Freckles

Poe and Frost are SAFE!

Freckles — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:00:43 +0100

Yippeeee! Mom got some very good news! Frost and Poe are safe! They are back in foster care with a nice lady named Marla and her husband. Mom was laughing and crying when she told Auntie Ruth.

Humans are very weird.

Anyway...both the boys are uninjured, and they are none the worse for their little adventure...just hungry and cold.

This is a better picture of Poe. He is DREAMY!!!

Love;

Relieved Freckles

Where are Frost and Poe?

Freckles — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:39:00 +0100

Mom is very worried, and very very sad. Yesterday, two dogs were supposed to be coming from Ohio, and on their way to HHBCR via transport. They never made it. The rescue lady said they crashed through a window and escaped.

These dogs are somewhere in Mt Vernon Ohio. Have you seen them?
This is Frost:

and this is his brother Poe.

Please tell my Mom if you have seen them. They are all alone and it is cold out there, and there is nothing to eat.

Mom is really worried. Please help us find Frost and Poe.

Love;

Very sad and worried Freckles

The Seminar!

Freckles — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:21:40 +0100

I TOLD YOU SO! I schmoozed Andrea! I showed her my adorable tricks and had her wrapped around my fuzzy little paw in no time. She LOVED me! And you know what? I loved her too! I even got to wear my "Too cool for Obedience School" t-shirt.

Look...my friend Jessica took lots of photographs at the seminar!

Andrea showed the humans how to work with us dogs. She showed them how to work quietly, and teach us things in ways that we dogs will understand. It was very cool.

Frodo really liked it, and he showed Andrea just how much he appreciated her help.

He gave her a LOT of sugar.

Little Cassie and her human Janet had a good time too.

Cassie is very very good at obedience. She was ALMOST as cute as me, can you believe THAT?

Steph and Jarret came...Linda and Charlie with Mac and Ruby...Courtney...Uncle Rodney with Patch and Abby...and Uncle Brian...Cathy and Cookie...Debbie and Jake..Barb and Miles....there were a lot of humans and dogs there that I knew.

Frodo got to show off his scenting skills. Andrea helped him not to mangle the scent blocks.

Andrea also helped MOm to teach me not to wave all the time. I like waving. People think it is cute and they give me treats.

Andrea played the "look at me" game with Neechi....

One of the best times was when some dogs got to play a game to win a prize. Mom put Frodo, Muna, Neechi and Skabe into a pen with a lot of tennis balls. All the balls had a name on them. The first one picked up and put into the container was the winner. They won a great door prize! Muna picked up a ball and put it in, and the lady who won was Lorraine. She was VERY happy!

It was a very good weekend. We were sad to see Andrea leave. Mom says she will be back, and we will have more fun weekends again.

Love;

Happy Freckles.

Andrea

Freckles — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:24:23 +0100

Mom and Auntie Ruth are very excited. They have a friend coming in from New York state, and she is going to teach a training seminar. Her name is Andrea, and Frodo met her last spring. Frodo said he liked her very much, and she gave him lots of treats, and helped him to learn how to track. He said it was very exciting.

Mom is going to take lots of pictures, and she will tell you all about it next week. I get to meet Andrea too this weekend!

I am going to show her all of my amazing tricks. I will mesmerize her with my adorableness. She will crumble under my cuteness! She will give me all the treats!

hehehe...stay tuned...

Love;

Adorable Freckles

Amazing Willy

Freckles — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:36:30 +0100

Back when BlingBLing arrived, another Border Collie came in with him. His name is Willy. He went straight to live with Uncle Clive and Auntie June.

Willy is a very special dog. Why? Because Willy can tell you when a human is about to have a seizure. You see, some people, and some dogs too, have illnesses that makes them have scary things called seizures. Willy is very amazing, because he knows when it is about to happen.

In fact, that is what got him into trouble in the first place.

You see Willy's old owners had a little girl with a brain tumour. When she was about to have a seizure, Willy would lick her face. This made the people angry, and they said they would dump poor Willy at the pound, or worse...and you know what "worse than the pound" means.

Anyway...a nice rescue lady in the US got hold of Mom and asked her to help, and she said yes. Now Willy lives in a good home with lots of love and good food. It is safe there. Willy is knowing real love for the first time ever.

Soon there will be a change, and it will be hard for Willy, and hard for Uncle Clive and Auntie June too. Willy is going to leave Winnipeg. He is going to go and live with another family, and he is going to help them, because the little boy needs Willy's special gift.

Willy is an answer to prayer to someone, even though someone else chose to discard him. Willy is a very special dog...and he is a very good boy.

We are proud of you Willy. We love you.

Those little monsters...

Freckles — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:30:09 +0100

Last night Auntie Cheri brought one of Noel's babies to flyball. She is fostering her. Tip is the puppy's name. The little monster is terribly cute, and everyone was making a fuss over her.

Hmmmph. I can go over flyball jumps and off a flyball box at very high speed! Does anyone make a fuss over me? NO. Well...Mom does but STILL.

Auntie Cheri's dog Lucy was playing tuggy with Tip, and everyone was laughing and and enjoying all the cuteness. *gag* Look...you can see the video clip if you

CLICK HERE.

See? That isn't all THAT special.

Love;

Put out Freckles.

Happy Valentine's Day

Freckles — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:34:56 +0100

Valentine's Day is the day that human's celebrate love. I am asking you to celebrate too...but celebrate the love you share with your dog. Look into the eyes of your beloved companions, and feel how much each one of them loves you.

Those who are rescued, you will look into their eyes, and see such thankful souls. They love you. They adore you. And yes, they worship you.

No matter what.

Even when you are angry and short with them.

Even when you get up in the morning and your breath smells like something an inspired dog would roll in.

Even when you are wearing your fat pants and baggy t-shirts, and your hair looks like a rat has moved in, redecorated, remodelled and invited all the in-laws. In fact, they love you even more then, because that means you are staying home with them. They love their time with you.

For those of you who do not have such a wonderful loving friend as a dog, I suggest you run quickly to your nearest shelter or rescue, and find your very best friend. You will not regret it.

Schatzi

Freckles — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:56:23 +0100

Mom named the new rescue girl Schatzi. Schatzi is German and it means "Sweetheart". She came in on Sunday. She is a sad little thing. When she sees a leash, she cowers and cringes. She closes her eyes and waits for the leash to strike her.

It makes me sad. I don't know how anyone can look into the trusting eyes of a dog and cause them pain.

When Schatzi cringes, I see Mom get sad too.

"What happened to you?" I asked her.She told me she had a cruel master, who would beat her with a leash if she made a mistake. She said she finally escaped, and was caught and put into a terrible pound. She was lucky though, because a very kind lady named Katja who volunteers there saw her. She took her picture, and sent it to Mom.

She told Mom "This little girl has less than a week, and the warden will kill her. Can you help us save her?"

Mom saw those sad brown eyes, and couldn't help but say "Yes, we will help her." and two days later, Schatzi came to our house. Katja and her husband drove Schatzi to Fargo, and Auntie Brenda picked her up and drove her to Grand Forks. That is where Mom and Uncle Brian picked her up.

Schatzi shakes a lot. When she gets into Mom's car, she shakes so hard her legs almost give out. Some things scare her a lot. Mom says time heals all wounds.

I know it is true, because I am a happy dog now.

Love;

Freckles

Thank you

Freckles — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:24:09 +0100

To all of you who support Hull's Haven, this is our way of saying thank you.

Please click here.
Love;
Freckles' Mom

Freedom!

Freckles — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:08:25 +0100

Imagine what it would be like to be chained up your whole life...and to have a collar so tight, it cut your neck, and your skin grew over it. Poor BlingBling. But now, BlingBling has tasted freedom. Mom lets him run offleash at the park with us, because he is a very good dog, and he comes when Mom calls him.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I think so too.

I will let these pictures of BlingBling running free speak to your heart.

Love Freckles.

A Letter from Hannah

Freckles — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:38:44 +0100

Hannah is my "cousin". Well, my sort of cousin...in the family way. NO, she is not "in the family way". Stoppit. You know what I mean. She owns Auntie Julie. Well, AUntie Julie fosters puppies for Mom from time to time, and on the weekend, one puppy went out, another one came in.

Hannah and Sadie were none too pleased.

I got an email from Hannah. You can read for yourself how things are going.

-Love;

Freckles

Freckles. Cousin Hannah here. I read your blogs all the time and I used
 to laugh when you used to use the word CUTENESS...I thought you were just
 being jealous....well, misery loves company....your mother brought the
 SMALLEST CUTENESS here yesterday...believe this or not, he is smaller than I am.


 How can they package so much cuteness into something that small. My nose is
 all out of joint and I am pouting. He, Chinny follows mum like a shadow,
 even into the bathroom, he had a bath with mum in the tub and the straw that
 broke this doggy's back was....HE SLEPT CUDDLED UP TO MUM ALL NIGHT LAST NIGHT and I
 am very crabby.

 She even goes outside with him when he goes to the
bathroom...she 
doesn't come outside and watch us do that. What's up with that? Maybe I
 will just come and live with you and we can run all those cute little brats out of
 the house when your mum isn't looking....hee-hee...

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I know now what you mean when you say TOO MUCH CUTENESS.

Love;

Your Crabby Cousin Hannah

BlingBling Dog

Freckles — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:28:03 +0100

We got a new friend yesterday. His name was King, but Mom changed it to "BlingBLing". He looks a lot like my old friend Elmo (now Cosmo). He is pretty darned cute! Not cute in a "Wow, you sure are a hunky guy!", but cute in a "awwwwwwwwww...you are so cute!" kinda way.

This picture was taken by Barb, a really kind lady who helped BlingBling get to safety. This is him in Barb's car.

Barb is what Mom calls a "transport angel"...one of the kind people who give dogs rides to their new homes or to their foster homes that are a long way away. BlingBling doesn't much like the camera, and he skitters away when Mom pulls it out.

Poor Bling was a chained dog. His family was very uncaring. They allowed his collar to become too tight on his neck, and poor Bling's skin grew over the collar. It had to be taken off by a vet. It is healed now, but it was very painful.

Bling is a really sweet guy. He is gentle, and he loves people and loves to play with us too. Even Frodo likes him! Muna doesn't. Muna doesn't like anyone. Muna is a crabby-crabberton.

Mom says whoever adopts Bling will be very very lucky, because he is such a nice dog. I am glad he was saved.

Love;

Happy Freckles

Getting on my Nerves

Freckles — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:40:36 +0100

It is cold outside. Very very very cold. I am not talking "Jack Frost nipping at your nose" cold. I am talking "Jack Frost punching you in the face and kicking you when you are down" cold. It just isn't fair. Mom takes us out every single day for walkies....no matter how cold it is, but yesterday, it was finally to the point where Mom said "Sorry guys. It is just far too cold, even for you." We couldn't believe our furry little ears! WHAT??? NOt going for WALKIES? A whole day???

What you might not realize is, Border Collies get VERY cranky when they have no exercise. Mom knows that. That is why she runs us every day for at least an hour, sometimes twice a day, at the dog park or on the river.

When Muna doesn't get her exercise, she is VERY crabby. So Mom was out for awhile today, and Uncle Brian came over and kept us company after work. I was playing with Derby, and having lots of fun. All of a sudden, crabby Muna, Captain of the Fun Police comes flying at me and gives me a good thrashing. WHAT WAS THAT FOR??? What did I do???

So when Mom came home, Uncle Brian told her what a bad girl Muna was. Mom took us all down to the river and gave us a run. It felt good, even if it was extremely cold. My paws froze pretty quickly. We chased the ball, I annoyed Frodo...it was all good. Muna got to fetch her ball, now maybe she will buzz off and leave me alone. SHEESH.

Love;

Emotionally Scarred Freckles.

Will Somone Help?

Freckles — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:22:25 +0100

My Mom has a friend in Kentucky who she talks to on the internet all the time. Her name is Kate. Kate is a wonderful lady who loves Border Collies, just like Mom does. Kate went to a local shelter, and she saw this beautiful dog.

She said he was so afraid that he just shook and trembled, He didn't even wag his tail. He was left all alone, to run wild with other dogs. Then someone caught him, and threw him into a scary place.

What will become of him? What will happen to this poor Border Collie? Why do humans allow this to happen? Don't they know that we dogs need a pack leader to look up to? Someone to help us, teach us, feed and love us?

If someone took the time, this dog would be a very very good dog. But who has the time?
Do you have the time?
Can you save his life?
Love;

Concerned but Hopeful Freckles

I don't understand...

Freckles — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:36:37 +0100

I don't understand. I lived with you for 11 years...I gave you my whole heart, and my soul. I protected your home, your children. I kissed your babies even when they pulled my tail, and pinched me. Once, you didn't see it, but I stopped one of your little ones from leaving the yard.
I barked and alerted you to the dangers of the man in the uniform, who always dropped paper in the hole in the door.
I kept strangers away who might do you harm. Every day I gave you kisses and I loved you.
I don't understand...why am I here? What did I do wrong?
I heard you tell the sad lady who works here, "She is old, we can't take care of her anymore. Just do what needs to be done."
I don't understand...what needs to be done? I am afraid...I am lonely...I miss you. Please come back. Please...don't leave me here...it's scary. It smells like fear and death and sickness. It is loud, and the noises frighten me. I promise I will be a good dog.
What needs to be done? Please. Take me home. Please.
-Love;
Your faithful dog

River Walk

Freckles — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:45 +0100

Tonight Mom came home from visiting her friends, and she got changed into warm clothes, then scuttled us all into the car. It was 10 pm...we were going for a night walk! I LOVE night walks!

We drove down to the end of Ferry Rd, and Mom parked the car. Then we ran down the river bank, and onto the frozen river. There were no clouds, and the stars were bright, the moon even brighter. It lit up the snow on the river, and little sparkles danced about.

We ran and chased each other, and we could see our breath in the cold. It was quiet, and you could hear the snow crunching underneath our paws. I love night walks. I especially love night walks on the river, even though the squirrels are all sleeping.

Sometimes even dogs like peace and quiet.

Even Border Collies.

Love;

Freckles

Bye BYe Victory!

Freckles — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:37:32 +0100

Last Sunday Mom and Auntie Ruth, and all of us had to say goodbye to Victory. It was time for her to go to her new home with Sabine and Mike. First Mom, Auntie Ruth, Uncle Don and all of us had a nice visit. It was especially nice because Auntie Ruth had lots of treats for us all.

The funny thing about this photograph is that although there appears to be lots of dogs, there are two missing. Vicky is hiding behind the couch (she HATES cameras!) and Diva is outside because she likes it out there best.

Mom took her pictures anyway, so she would have lots to remind her of the special little girl. She is one dog that Mom and Auntie Ruth loved very very much. They love all of the dogs, but some are just a little bit more special.

Mom and Auntie Ruth were very happy for Victory, so I don't understand why they got wet faces when it was time. Sabine came and had a visit, and she cuddled with Victory.

When she took Victory out to the car, she couldn't see Mom and Auntie hugging and getting soggy faces. Why did they get soggy faces if they were happy? Very peculiar.

The best part though, was when I heard Mom read an email out loud...it was from Sabine. She said Victory is settling into her new home, and she is loving it! She loves to run and play in the yard and in the snow, and she adores her new doggy sisters! This is very good news. Very good news indeed!

Buzz The Border Bernese

Freckles — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:01:42 +0100

Last week a man named Paul called Mom, and he said there was a Border Collie out on the reserve, and he had been there a long time. Paul said the poor dog was in danger of getting shot. Paul is a very nice man who helps the reserve dogs. Mom said she would take the dog. So later that week, the nice man met up with another rescue man named Rottie Ric, who brought the dog to his home for Mom to pick up. When Mom and Uncle Brian got there, Rottie Ric brought out the dog. Mom was very surprised. He was HUGE. And not just a LITTLE bit smelly. He was covered in matted fur, and something that smelled very very bad. He had sores on his body, and scars too.

All the way home, mom was gagging from the smell. They stopped in at Canvassback and picked up some very strong shampoo, and the first thing that happened, was Buzz (as Mom named him) got a bath!

Click to see Buzz's bath

Buzz is a very gentle dog, very sweet and good. He didn't even have any accidents in the house while he was here. So the next day, Mom took him to see Auntie Caolyn at Pets 101 for a nice grooming. She said it wouldn't have been nice to bring him the way he was the day before! Two hours later, Buzz was a whole new dog!

It was then, and only then, that Mom realized Buzz's breed...Border Collie Bernese MountainDog! Once he was clean and beautiful, Mom could see the breeds very clearly.

Buzz even came for walks at the dog park, and went offleash with us. He liked playing tag with me! He was lots of fun!

Well, Mom put the word out, and one day later, Buzz's family found him! It was amazing! They met him, and they knew he was their new family member! Buzz is very lucky, he has three of his very own kids, and a new older sister named Maggie.

I love happy endings, don't you?
Love;

Happy Freckles

Little Red Dot

Freckles — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:36:51 +0100

Every once in awhile, Mom takes out a little silver toy on a chain. It is very peculiar, because when Mom brings out the toy, a little red dot appears, and it moves around the house!

We love to chase the dot, and we try so hard to catch it! It seems to hide under couches, in wall vents, it dashes under the table, and seems to disappear! It likes to play on the couch and on the dog bed too! After we have chased it around the house, and savagely attacked it on the dog bed or the couch, it disappears again, but only when Mom puts away the silver toy. Frodo is the only one who doesn't care about the little red dot. He thinks we are all mad.

Watch us Chase the Dot

Love;

Freckles

Our Cute Tricks!

Freckles — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:54:51 +0100

Mom now has a little camera that takes short video clips. It's enough to drive a dog to drink out of the toilet. It just never stops. We go to the park, camera. We do clicker training, camera. Flyball, camera. Lazing about the house, CAMERA.

Well, since we ARE really cute and all, perhaps I will share some stuff with you.

This is Muna doing her cute things!
MUNA

And this is me doing my cute things!

Freckles
This is Frodo annoying Mom when she is asking him to do something he knows very well how to do, but doesn't do it right.
FRODO
Now tell me, are we not amazing? It is hard to be so smart and cute as well.
Love;

Adorable Freckles

A New Family for Victory!

Freckles — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:51:26 +0100

This weekend we got to go and meet the wonderful people who are going to be Victory's new Mom and Dad! Victory didn't go there, because it was a pre-adoption home visit...but you know what? She is gonna LOVE it there! The new Mom and Dad are really nice, and they have two very old dogs who live there too. And GUESS WHAT!!! There's HORSES!

I kept trying to crawl under the stall door so I could give the horses just a little nip...but once again, Mom and Uncle Brian were playing "Fun Police". Uncle Brian held me up so I could meet Tommy the rescue horse. I tried to give him a little love nip on the nose...*hehe*

That's Vicky's new Mom feeding Tommy the horse an apple. All the animals there are spoiled! Look...this old girl has the best bed in the house!

Mom said it is going to be hard to say good-bye to Victory, but it will also make her happy. Victory deserves the very best home ever. I think Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don are going to miss her a lot. But there is another dog waiting in the wings for a warm home...

A Note from Freckles' Mom

Freckles — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:13:49 +0100

I have had something happen recently that has really got me twisted up in knots. I feel the need to vent, and I have chosen Freckles' Blog as a means to do so.

I am hoping that it will educate those who do not do rescue, and get an AMEN from those who do.

To those of you who choose to pass judgement, point fingers, and question the integrity of my work, I suggest you try walking a mile in my moccassins for just one week...perhaps even just one day. I have had my methods questioned by someone who has not done one day's rescue, much less vetted/transported/fostered/rehomed over 56 dogs in one year.

No it isn't about the numbers, but sometimes I think people outside of rescue need a wake up call.

I spend hours upon hours in front of my computer, day in day out, looking at photographs of dogs who will die in gas chambers, or by heart stick. I see photographs every day of emaciated abused Border Collies and other breeds, their pitiful hopeful trusting eyes looking out at me from the glow of my computer screen. I cry tears over them all.

I pick and choose which ones I can save, which ones I can't. Some will die because all the other rescues are just like me...full and begging and scraping for foster homes and financial help to keep afloat. Every day I age another year.

Rescue is my other full time job. In fact, I pity my own dogs, because some days I am sure they feel left out while I do the work.

I have to interview possible adopters, in home visits, same with foster homes. I have to make vet appointments, pay bills, work out transports (this can entail two weeks of 4 - 5 hours daily sweating over the keyboard, begging and pleading volunteer drivers to help). The weather can tear it all apart in one fell swoop and I have to start over, and reschedule for another week.

I have to call and make vet appointment for dogs in other provinces or states, arrange boarding for a dog that is going to die if I don't move it out of the shelter it is in.

I have to evaluate dogs, purchase and deliver food, purchase vet supplies, give vaccinations, mete out worm pills, keep track of each and every dog that passes through, and try to find time to do all the paperwork and keep files in order. Paperwork is not my strong point. I have to try and raise funds, because the inexpensive adoption fee of $175 doesn't cover the full cost of the dog, ever.

Each dog has a special place in my heart. Each dog is well worth all the trouble.
Those of us who do this work, do NOT do it for our health, and we certainly don't do it for the glory. We do it because we love the dogs, and we know that without us, many of them would perish and suffe. Many of the dogs we get through our doors have never had an ounce of love or kindness shown to them. They cringe in terror, expecting us to beat them, or starve them. It takes us months to gain their trust. It breaks our hearts, and takes little piece of our souls every time we take in a lost soul whose spirit has been crushed to fragments.

But the reward...oh the reward!!! When you see a once crushed dog become proud and sure of itself...or just a slight improvement...a dog who once only crawled, suddenly forgets her fears, and dashes into the snow and runs with joy...or jumps up on you rather than rolling on her back in fearful submission.

So you see, even though many question us, question how we do things, why we do things the way we do, it is still worth it. Doing rescue, you come to understand that human beings can be cold and callous, and they can be very judgemental without having the first idea how much of your life you pour into the dogs.

To you people I say, open your hearts and your homes, foster a dog for a rescue. Offer to drive a transport. Help fundraise for a rescue...make a difference int eh lives of the dogs instead of being so critical of how others do the work. Then, and only then, will you experience a little of the satisfaction of knowing you have done a very good thing.

You see, I used to be one of those people. I used to be critical, until I started doing the work.

Now I know.

-Sally Hull

www.hullshaven.org

Neechi is OCD

Freckles — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 01:13:23 +0100

Meet Neechi.

Neechi is Muna's younger *read annoying* brother. I must admit, mind you, that he IS pretty handsome. Many girl dogs would say he is dreamy...but I know he also has "issues".

Neechi has O.C.D.

Yep...Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

True, what Border Collie doesn't? But still...

He lives for the tennis ball. If Auntie Ruth said "HEY NEECHI! Here's some steak!" and Uncle Don said "HEY NEECHI! Here's a ball!" Guess where Neechi would be??? Yep...you guessed it...he would be right at Uncle Don's feet, waiting...hoping...wanting...desiring the nasty stinky tennis ball.

Me? I would be all about the steak.

He gives a whole new meaning to "Be the ball".

True, we Border Collies are naturally OCD...it is our nature to be so. Mom says that is what she loves most about us. Personally, I only love tennis balls when the other dogs want them. I like to snatch the ball and carry it around and taunt them. I will drop it between my paws, and stand guard over it. I will lay down, and pretend I am alseep...then when they try to take it, I will grouse and show my teeth and snatch it away. When we play outside, I like to snatch the ball, run off, drop it and roll all over it.

Sometimes Mom will throw the ball for Frodo, and I will wait for him to catch it. When he is running back to Mom, I make my move! I leap in front of him and gnash my teeth, and he drops it! Then I prance away with it, and lose interest quickly. I drop it in the tall grass or the bush because squirrels are much more interesting. I hear Mom cussing when I do that. It really irks her.

Still, it is my nature to be annoying.

Love,

Irksome Freckles

The Victory Dance

Freckles — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:05:09 +0100

Since Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don have been away on vacation, there have been no mini-humans here at day care. No mini-humans means less stress for little Victory. Remember her?

She is the little dog who came from the puppy mill in Minnesota. She was so scared all she did was crawl. Well now she is starting to learn how to be a real dog. She is even sleeping on the bed with Mom! I think Auntie Ruth is in for a big surprise when she gets home! Victory hadbeen doing pretty well, but now she is making big changes!

Now when we all go walking, Victory runs ahead with us, and she jumps up on Mom instead of laying on her back. It is amazing!

Mom wanted you to see this...it is Victory's first real dance...she ran around and forgot all her fears...and played like a real dog! Mom laughed and cried at the same time. Peculiar creatures those humans.

Click here to see her ....

VICTORY DANCE

Love;

Freckles

Eight is Enough...so Mom says

Freckles — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:23:30 +0100

Mom is dog sitting as you all know. Fly is visiting with Auntie Bev, so there are 8 dogs here, not nine. Fly is really having fun with Auntie Bev, and she is getting lots of one on one attention. Mom says she might live there. It makes her cry, but she says it is important to do what is in the best interests of Fly, and not just what feels good to her own heart.

Because Mom is house sitting we don't have lots of photos like we usually do. Mom can't get them onto this computer for me to show you. Sorry about that!

Yesterday, Mom took all eight of us out to the dog park, just like every day. We were all piled into the car, being good as gold, when all of a sudden, there were three deer crossing the road in front of us! It was AWESOME! Mom stopped the car, and I thought she was stopping to let us all out so we could chase them! I was SO EXCITED!!!

But NOooOOOooOoOoOO...she was just stopping to let them cross the road. BAH!!! All of us dogs went mad! We all jumped over to the left side of the car, just like in the coffe commercials on tv, the car was rocking, we were barking, and Mom was yelling! It was pretty funny. Mom said something about making another Mr Shaky Tin. Yikes. I hate Mr Shaky Tin.

For those of you who don't know, Mr Shaky Tin is nasty. When we do bad things, Mom shakes it, and it makes noise and scares us. Then Mom sits there with that "That'll teach you" look on her face. Smug. That is the human word.

Anyway...the deer crossed the road, and loped off into the distance, and we could do nothing but watch longingly. *sigh*

Humans have all the power. It just isn't fair. How would Mom like it if I did that to her? Like...what if one day I was driving the car, and Mom saw a Tim Horton's, and wanted to stop and I said "NO SORRY MOM. No Timmy's for you!"
Wouldn't THAT be something?

Think about it Mom.

Love;

Frazzled Freckles.

Name That Dog Winner!

Freckles — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 11:29:16 +0100

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

For Christmas, the Mama dog from Missouri gets a new name...*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*

Her new name is..............................

NOEL!!!

Mom says thank you all for submitting names and for voting on the Border Collie wesbite.

It is the perfect name for a Christmas dog, don't you think? She brought nine little Christmas presents into the world.

They sure are cute little monesters. Waituntil they open their eyes and start moving around more...Auntie Cindy will have her hands full!

Well, it is CHristmas Day, and Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don have left for an anniversary cruise. Mom is looking after their dogs, and we are having fun. We already went for a Christmas Day walkies in the park. It is really snowy, but it is nice for walking and playing.

Frodo loves to bury his head in the snow, and he looks silly when he is all frosty.

Merry Christmas Everyone! As a rescue dog myself, it is my prayer that there will way fewer dogs abandonded this year, more dogs spayed and neutered, and more people educated to take care of their beloved pets better.

Love;

Freckles

Rescue...

Freckles — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:44:44 +0100

Christmas is coming

Freckles — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:09:02 +0100

Christmas is coming...and for some people it means turkey and stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes and gravy...all the fixings! Well, let's be honest, for us, it is the same thing. Mom spoils us rotten. We get all kinds of good grub all the time, but Christmas is a bonus!

Mom puts turkey in our supper...and gravy too. Sometimes she even puts those nasty little green round things in...baby cabbages she calls them. Derby eats them. Derby eats everything. Derby is a garbage guts. He isn't exactly the nicest smelling dog in the world either after he eats those cabbages. I have rolled in stuff that would make your eyes water...but SHEESH....

Okay...sorry...I was digressing.

Mom isn't all about Christmas. She really doesn't like it. She says it makes humans go all weird, and they spend money like crazy. She says it isn't about presents and money. Mom says Christmas is about God's Son, who loves all the people, and all the animals, and that people have forgotten that.

Christmas has turned into a frenzy of gift giving and buying expensive things...when it was never supposed to be that way. Mom says it is important to just BE. To be with your loved ones, and to care for the less fortunate.

So do something special this Christmas. Give an extra $20 to a Humane Society. Stop and give shelter to that stray dog you see...feed him, give him love. Drop a few extra items into the food bin at the grocery store. Instead of spending a lot of money on presents for humans who don't need it, and let's be honest...don't appreciate it, how about giving a helping hand to a dog, cat, or human in need?

Love;

Freckles

The BABIES ARE HERE!!!

Freckles — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:31:30 +0100

GUESS WHAT!!! The little dog from Missouri arrived Saturday night, and the poor girl went into labour right away. Auntie Cindy and Auntie Angela were there to help her. Mom got there after four were born. The rest didn't come until the wee hours of the morning. Mom says the Mama dog is very good and sweet. Byt the time it was all over, there were nine little black babies. They have a little bit of white, but not much.

Some have white chests, some have white feet and chins. They look like little piglets. But that is how it all begins. Then they just get cuter and cuter until I can't stand it anymore. Everyone coos over them and wants to hold them. What about ME? What about cute little adorable Freckles? Those puppies can't do "stickem up" or "high five".

Don't forget about me okay? I am still cute!
Love;

Worried Freckles

HHBCR Contest!

Freckles — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:45:27 +0100

Hi everyone! GUESS WHAT??? Mom has a beautiful purebred Border Collie coming in today. That is not news for us, is it? But what you DIDN'T know? She is PREGNANT!

That's right...and the x-rays show she has NINE little cute *bratty* puppies in her tummy! Auntie Cindy is going to foster. They might even be CHRISTMAS puppies.

Maybe we should name them Dancer, Prancer...Vixen...hehe. Rudolph the pink nosed Border Collie.

But I digress...Mom wanted me to tell you about our contest. The cute little pregnant dog needs a name!

If you submit a name for the Mom Dog, and we choose that name, we will send you an HHBCR 2008 calendar!

(Well Mom will because I don't have opposable thumbs, so I can't write your address down.)

Please submit your name ideas to portinthestorm@mts.net

Even if you don't win, we might use your idea for one of the puppies.

Thanks!
Love;

Freckles

Owed to a King

Freckles — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:16:44 +0100

This is Freckles Mom. I have to share this, or I think I might lose it.

I think the world should know what happens when a dog is treated like a piece of furniture.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you were 8 weeks old, they saw you. You were darling, full of love and life, so silly. The backyard breeder didn't care that they had no clue how to care for a dog, much less a purebred Border Collie. He took their money, and he let you go into an uncertain future.

The family named you King. A wonderful name for a noble dog. They played with you, they loved on you, and when they were done, they tied you up in the house. But you cried and howled for attention, so they tied you in the basement. You cried and howled all the more, but they didn't hear it as much.

As you grew up, you were not as cute, and the playtimes were less and less, the tie up times were longer and longer. You were not treated like a King. The youngest child tormented you on your chain. He drove you into a frenzy. They let you out once in awhile to potty, and once every few weeks you got a walk. The long hours alone and lack of exercise were driving you to madness, and when you turned two, you began to act out. You would do whatever you could to be noticed. You even bit the family.

So the family who caused your problems and your long hours of suffering, unceremoniously dumps you at the shelter.
"He bites," they say. "We cannot handle him anymore." and they walk away and leave you behind. Now you are someone else's problem.

Now you are full of fear,and the noise, barking and yelping of other dogs is even worse than the long hours alone. Eventually, I come and take you home. You seem to be a good dog, so after a few days, you go to a foster home...and they name you Boo. You didn't even know your name was King, but you soon learn the new name...Boo.

Sadly, you act out there too, without knowing what you are doing is wrong, and someone else gets bitten. He forgives you, but now he is scared of you. It IS scary.

Back at my home, you play with the soccer ball, you are loving and sweet. Yes, we have our times of snapping and growling, but we deal with it and move on. You would put your head in my lap in the car, and look up at me with your big brown eyes, hardly able to believe you were going for walks every day. I stroke your beautiful head, and tell you how handsome and good you are. You are one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen. Your fur is soft and clean and shiny.

But underneath all the goodness...there is that one thing. The times your eyes glaze over, and I can see the madness coming back. You explode at strangers, and you explode at children. I don't blame you. Who could blame you? You were an innocent victim of ignorance and selfishness.

When the one incident happens that seals your fate, my heart breaks, and I know...I know you will never be right. I know I can never trust you not to hurt someone.

That night I give you a meal of steak. I take you and play your favourite game, soccer. I watch how much life and energy you have, and as I kick the ball around in the snow, the tears stream down my face. You are beautiful.

The next morning, we cuddle on the bed. I tell you over and over what a good boy you are. I tell you over and over how sorry I am.

I take out the leash, and your eyes light up. You are so excited, another walk. Inside I feel like such a traitor. I hate myself. I hate those who did this to you. You jump into the car with your tail wagging like crazy. On the drive to the vet, I am crying so hard I can barely see. You place your head in my lap, and you gaze up at me. What's wrong?

When we arrive, you explode though the door of the clinic, excitement and joy all over you. I am dying inside. I am a traitor. I want to take you and run, but I know in my heart that if we let you go on like this, someone will get badly hurt, even though you didn't mean it.

The women st the desk see my face, and they usher us into another room. There is a bed there on the floor waiting for you. The vet comes in, and she knows how hard this is. She knows it must be. I am full of pain, rage, sorrow. Where are those who caused this? Out Christmas shopping? Out having breakfast, forgetting all about you? Or are they playing with their new puppy at home?

The vet injects you with something to make you sleep. But you don't. You fight it. I want to vomit. She injects you twice more, and you finally fall alssep in my arms, trusting me. You know I will make everything okay. You trust me.

And while you are sleeping in my arms, the vet injects you one last time, and you fall asleep forever in my arms.

I am covering you with my tears, and begging your forgiveness. I AM SORRY...SO SO SORRY.

I have a hard time leaving you there...you look like you are sleeping. Finally I leave...I sit in my car and rage. Why do I have to clean up their mess? Why do I have to be the one to betray this poor creature?

I was told "because life isn't fair, and you chose to do this work."

And that is the bottom line isn't it? Well Boo, you died with loving arms around you. Go to the Bridge my friend, I will see you there. Forgive me Boo. Please forgive me.

In loving memory of BOO. A beautiful dog who didn't stand a chance.

Dirty Hairies!!!

Freckles — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:38:56 +0100

Today Mom took us all to visit a nice lady who runs a grooming salon. Her name is Monica, and she was very very nice. Her salon is called "Dirty Hairies". Mom laughs when she says that name. I don't get it?

Anyway...Monica started to clip my toenails, and I was really scared. I HATE THAT. Leave my fuzzy little feet alone! But then...before I KNEW it, she was finished! It was amazing! And guess what? She didn't even hurt me! Not like when Mom does it sometimes. She says my black toenails are hard to cut. I hope she always takes me to Monica!

Monica cut all of our toenails. Even Frodo who is usually very scared didn't freak out!

But you haven't heard the most interesting and amazing partof this story. Monica has CHICKENS. Yes...you heard me right. CHICKENS.

I went into the grooming area, and there it was, this weird looking chicken.

The strangest part was, she had a lot of feathers missing. Monica says the chicken has "issues". I guess so. Gee...Mom says I am neurotic, but I don't pull out my fur. Monica brought out another chicken...this one has more feathers that the other one.

It's kinda weird, because Monica seems to LOVE her chickens. A lot.

I really wanted to try a drumstick, but these chickens have very sharp pointy beaks...they scare me.

I would even have settled for a tail feather...I was SO CLOSE....but Mom said "NO FRECKLES!!!"

Mom ALWAYS spoils my fun.

There were other dogs there too, and I think they wanted to taste the chickens too.

You think this story is interesting? It gets BETTER. GUESS WHAT HAPPENED??? The chickens started to TALK. NO KIDDING. They talked like humans! It was SO WEIRD!

It was kinda SPOOKY.

Even though Dirty Hairies has weird talking chickens, I hope we can go back there. I really like Monica...and I like to stalk her chickens.

Love;

Freckles

Uncle Comes to Visit

Freckles — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:12:18 +0100

Last night Uncle David came to visit. He brought his best friend, Smokey with him. Smokey came from Ohio, from a pound where he was left to die by his last caregiver. Now Smokey has a great home where he is loved and cared for. His Daddy walks him several times a day, and spoils him rotten.

Smokey likes to say a lot when he visits with us. At home he is very quiet, but when he sees us he is very vocal. It sounds like "yowp yowp! yowp yowp!" Translated, this means "HeywhatshappeninghowareyagoodtoseeyouIamsogladtobehere!"

Boo really liked Uncle David. Mom says she wishes he could live there, because he would have a good home. One day a perfect home for Boo will show up.

Muna and Frodo were very happy to see Uncle David. He is their Daddy and they have never forgotten that.

We are going to go an visit Uncle David next weekend! YAY!! I will tell you about that visit next week.
Love;

Freckles

Update on Boo and other things.

Freckles — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:48:31 +0100

Well, sadly, Boo did not go to the farm. It was decided that he might run away, as the James the sheep farmer cannot keep him leashed all the time. Also, he has guardian dogs, who guard the sheep, and they might not like Boo. So Boo is still here with us.

Mom says he has a lot of "Potential". I think that means that if he is taken good care of, he can become a very good dog.

I think he has a lot of potential too. I hope you will say a prayer for Boo!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Last night Mom took me into a cool place. We met a lady there named Jordan. She finds and trains dogs for the movies! Mom showed her all my cool tricks, and Jordan smiled and laughed. I think she likes me! Mom says we are going to take some classes with Jordan and her friends. I think it is going to be very exciting!

Stay tuned!

Love;

Freckles

When Good Dogs Go Bad

Freckles — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:52:23 +0100

I want to tell you about what happens when humans do bad things to dogs. I want you to understand that when some dogs become vicious, or aggressive, it is not their fault.

You know, you don't always have to hit or starve a dog to be cruel. You can do something as simple as tying them up, and not giving them any exercise or mental stimulation, like training. That is very cruel too.

I told you about Boo, the 2 year old Border Collie. What I didn't tell you is that Boo is a biter. It is not his fault. He doesn't mean to do it, he just cannot help himself.

You see, Boo was never given the kind of life he should have, with love, discipline and lots and lots of exercise and training. Instead, poor Boo was kept tied up in a house. He was not even allowed to go in the yard to do his business, but let out on a balcony instead. He suffered like this for over 2 years. Soon, he began to bite the people. He was frustrated, and angry, and didn't know how to get rid of all his pent up anxiety and energy.

The people decided that Boo was a BAD DOG, so after they made him suffer for more than two years, they dumped him at the local animal shelter. At the shelter, Boo would attack the cage door when people walked by. He didn't mean it, he was scared and nervous. Nobody had ever taught him how to behave.

He even bit his foster Dad, and so Mom had to take him home. He has been a good boy since, just snapping once or twice, but he is learning to trust. On Thursday, Mom is meeting a good kind man who has sheep. He is going to see Boo, and we hope he will take Boo to his farm and teach him how to be a real herding dog.

When good dogs go bad, sometimes humans cannot help them. Then good humans have to make sad choices. This time, it looks like Boo found a guardian angel.

-Love;

Freckles

Little Black and White Dog

Freckles — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:04:43 +0100

Little black and white dog, found playing in the park...

no collar and no master, running happy as a lark.

Little black and white dog, chasing cars around,

a caring lady picks you up, and takes you to the pound.

Little black and white dog, tail wagging, pleading eyes,

as everyone walks past you, ignoring plaintive cries.

Little black and white dog, the sickness soon sets in,

you're coughing and you're sneezing, and you cannot stand the din.

Little black and white dog, the shelter drives you mad,

you bark and run in circles, and people think you're bad.

Little black and white dog, look up and see the light!

A rescuer is coming, and she knows of your plight.

Little black and white dog, salvation yours this day,

no gas chamber or injection, you'll live, and love and play.

Little black and white dog, you are the lucky one...

so many others left behind, will never see the sun.

-Copyright Sally Hull 2007

Frodo the Genius

Freckles — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:16:22 +0100

Mom says Frodo is the smartest dog in the world. I concur. Not only is he very very handsome, he is brilliant. He just seems to know exactly what Mom wants him to do.

Yesterday Mom took us out to the park, and then afterwards we went to a fenced in ball diamond so Mom could let Boo offleash. Boo is a foster dog. His story is a sad one. His family kept him tied up in their house, and only let him out to potty on the balcony. Once in a while, the son would walk the dog, but not very often. Boo now has serious behaviour problems. It is not his fault, but the fault of the people who got him at 8 weeks old, and never took the time to work with him and give him the life he deserved.

Anyway...we all went into the enclosure, and Mom let Boo's leash drag behind him. She threw the frisbee for us, and we all chased it. Boo had a great time...until we lost the frisbee in the snow. Then Boo started to run the fence looking for an escape hole. Mom called him, but he refused to come back. She could not get near him.

Then she had a very good idea.

"Frodo...go get the leash." Mom pointed at Boo, and Frodo ran right over and picked up the leash. He pulled Boo towards Mom, and Boo started to pull back. Frodo shook the leash, and pulled harder, and Boo came with him.

He brought Boo right to Mom. Mom says she would be very lost without her Frodo.

Frodo is just AWESOME.

Love;

Freckles

Nobody Knows

Freckles — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:07:25 +0100

Today in Ohio, a mother dog and her 7 pups were put to death due to overcrowding in a dog shelter. But nobody knows because Paris Hilton brought out a new line of perfume.

Today, in a city in North Carolina, 12 dogs were gassed to death. They were companions to the elderly, puppies, and senior dogs. But nobody knows because Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were spotted eating at a diner together in some small out of the way town.

Today, thousands of people all over the USA and Canada are dumping their dogs, breeding more dogs, and buying pet store puppy mill puppies...and nobody knows because there are so many other far more important issues in the news.

-Love;

Deeply Troubled Freckles

Snow, Marvelous Snow!

Freckles — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:26:10 +0100

Oh I know many of you despise winter, but when one must wear a fur coat year round, winter can be a wonderful thing. Auntie Julie says winter is only good because it makes cleaning up behind us dogs easier. *hehe*

When it snows, we dogs are very frisky!

We make snow angels...

We run and jump and fly!

Here is Derby doing what Derby always does. Herding Frodo. Derby needs to get a life. Seriously.

A few days ago at Little Mountain Park, we ran into some kids. Mom showed them my wonderful tricks, and they REALLY loved "stickem up!"

Now, these kids were all eating hot dogs and chips, one would THINK that they would give me at least a SAMPLE of a wiener, wouldn't one? BUT NO. The chincy little monsters didn't give me a THING. Not even a taste of their fingers...SHEESH. I waved, I held hands, I did stickem up...NO TREATS.

I walked away in disgust. Later on I ran into them along the pathways, they all stuck their grubby little fingers at me, saying STICK EM UP FRECKLES. I showed them. I slithered off into the bush without so much as a cute little wave.

Hmmmph.

Love;

Disgruntled Freckles

I AM a Star!

Freckles — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 08:53:54 +0100

Some of you may recall back when I was supposed to be a star on tv, and show my wonderful tricks to all of Winnipeg. I then stepped aside like a good dog, and let two rescues who needed homes go on instead. I am like that you know, very selfless, and also very humble.

Anyway...I got to be a star after all! This year, Auntie Bev suggested Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue should have a tree at the conservatory, for the festival of trees. Mom said she thought that was a GRAND idea! So Auntie Cathy, Auntie Bev and Mom put a tree together. Even Uncle Charlie came and helped.

Do you see all the photographs of the rescues at the bottom of the tree? Do you SEE who is at the top, who is the STAR on the tree??? YES!!! IT IS ME!!! FRECKLES!!!

Not a great photo, I know, but still...there I am in all my glory! Mom must really love me to make me the star. Of course, if you could see the other side, you would see Derby's face. Derby is the star on the other side.

What do you think of my tree? Is it not beautiful?
Love;

Star Freckles

Teaching Fly to hunt Squirrels

Freckles — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:50:51 +0100

I have a new protege! Fly has joined my squirrel hunting club. We are an elite group you know. We squirrelers must be sleek, sure footed, tenacious, and not just a little bit obsessive compulsive. Fly fits into all those categories. Mom takes us all out to Little Mountain Park, and while they play ball and walk the trails, I slink off into the trees to practice my dark arts. Fly plays ball for a time, but the call of the squirrel is too much for her. She soon comes running to hunt with me.

We follow the little menaces from tree to tree, barking and shrieking, leaping and bouncing! Mom is amazed at how fast we can race through the thick underbrush without so much as a scratch! I have taught Fly well, she is almost as good as I am now. The one thing FLy hasn't gotten down pat, is when Mom calls, she runs to her right away. She has not perfected the art of "I can't hear you over the squirrel chatter". I will teach her that soon. Mom hates that...but we can't let her think we are perfect now can we?

Today was especially exciting. Mom and Uncle Charlie took us all out for a walk. Uncle Charlie brought his two dogs, Ruby and Mac. When we were off squirreling, I flushed a white rabbit! The rabbit dashed out of the woods, and ran right out in front of Mom and Uncle Charlie, with me hot on its heels! What FUN! Then Mac saw it too, and he gave chase!

The rabbit escaped THIS time. We will be back to chase it another day.

I love walks at Little Mountain Park.

Love;

Freckles the Fabulous Squirrel Dog

The whole story...

Freckles — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:04:27 +0100

This is Freckles' Mom. I got permission from the wonderful rescue angel who saved Liberty and Justice to print the story. Here it is.

Love;

Freckles' Mom

Liberty and Justice

I was so excited! I am starting a spay/neuter clinic on the Lake Traverse Reservation and was on my way over, for the very first time, to see the building that was donated for us to use for our clinic. I drove over in a squad car with the police officer who would show me around. It felt like Christmas morning when I was a little kid- I was nervous, curious, and anxious to finally see it! We pulled into the rutted driveway of the building I had driven past so many times before, not knowing that one day it would be the key to making my dream of a spay/neuter clinic become a reality. The building was small, gray and a little neglected but I could see the potential there. The officer walked up and opened the front door- and quickly slammed it shut again. “Uh…” he said, “There’s a dog in there.”

“Okay,” I replied, “can’t we still go in? Is it vicious or something? Will it bite?” He let me go inside first, obviously a little wary of the unknown dog in the building. I cracked open the door and out stuck a little dry, cracked, crusty nose… this was my first glimpse of the dog named Liberty. I let her sniff my hand and then edged into the building, careful not to let her out. The officer followed me in. “Oh, s**t!” I heard him say, “There’s another dog over there.” I followed his gaze into the shadows across the long concrete room and made out the form of a large dog, lying on his side up against a chain-link fence on the freezing, dirty concrete floor. Something was wrong- why wasn’t he getting up and coming over to assess the situation? Check things out? Was he hurt, sick, dead?

First things first, I thought. I knelt down and took a good look at the little dog before me, standing patiently at my feet. First impression- dehydrated and obviously starving. I ran my hand over her side and felt the little ribs sticking out. There was no fat on this little… girl. Yes, a female. Her longish fur was cream and reddish in color and she had lovely, piercing blue eyes. She was dirty and needed help right away but the other dog needed attention first. I walked slowly over to the other dog, the one now known as Justice, the one lying in the shadows. He was a male, husky type, silvery fur. He barely acknowledged me- he kept his head lowered, his eyes averted and just laid there. He was so weak, so depressed. I leaned down carefully and found the wire looped around his neck, the bloody areas where it had dug into and cut his soft skin. The wire was attached to the chain link fence near to the ground, making it impossible for him to stand or to even move- he was basically made completely immobile there on that floor by the wire. I looked closer and saw that his muzzle was bloody, cut up and swollen from his attempts to free himself from the loop of metal wire that held him down.

The smell struck me next- the odor permeating off of this dog almost knocked me over. He was covered in remnants of his own urine, feces, blood… he smelled like death; I can explain it no other way. As I scanned his body and realized that he had been partially licked clean, and that he could not have done it himself due to the wire noose, the sad realization came to me that the little blue-eyed girl had been serving as his nurse and licking him as much as her parched tongue could, trying to make her dying friend as comfortable as possible as she helplessly watched him suffer. I gently removed the wire from the husky’s neck- he whimpered a couple of times when I must have hit a sore spot but otherwise just lay there- resigned to whatever horrible thing I was planning on doing to him next. People had, after all, put him in this tortuous situation and he expected no better from me. I petted him gently, softly, and called to the officer to please, get some food and water immediately, which he did. Both dogs lay next to me, leaning into my hand as I stroked their filthy, bony bodies. Both depressed, broken, but wait… there in Liberty’s eyes… a glimmer of hope, of trusting spirit. Just a small glint, but it was there, I was sure I had seen it. Just a bit of food and water for them, not too much, don’t want to make them sick. The husky finally stood shakily and the ribs protruding from his sides reminded me of when my little brother and I used to come across carcasses when we’d go hiking in the woods- deer, coyotes, birds… He looked just like them, but with more fur draped over his bones- a walking skeleton. I ran my hand over his side and each of my fingers caught on each of the ribs as they passed over them. When he finally looked up at me his eyes pleaded, “Please, just make it quick. Don’t make me go on like this anymore. Others have gotten a thrill from my suffering and my pain but, please, whatever you’re planning, just make it quick.”

The little girl was dying, yes, and soon, but her attention seemed to be on her friend- I saw that it haunted her, being here, helplessly dying but even worse helplessly watching him die. I could picture her huddling close to him to warm their starved bodies, licking the condensation on the window for some moisture on her tongue before returning to her friend to lick him clean of the blood, the feces, the urine that he could not help but leak onto his (now lovely) dull silver fur. The officer pointed out a large area of the door Liberty had ruined trying to escape; a huge patch of sheet-rock wall she had clawed and chewed through in a desperate attempt to get out of that damn building. Even though I know she wanted freedom, I think she wanted even more to get help for Justice- that you could obviously see, just by watching them together. The way she let him eat and drink first, watched over him protectively, stood so close to him to help prop him up so he wouldn’t fall, weak as he was. She had fought hard for him, and for herself, but to no avail. This lesson of friendship and love is one I will never forget.

My eyes were burning, watering- holding back tears was becoming more difficult by the second. “Damn it,” I thought to myself, “Keep it together. Don’t cry in front of this officer, because you won’t be able to stop. Be cheerful. These dogs need cheerful!” I told the officer I needed to go and get my car so I could load the two dogs up and get them out of the building, the tomb, the torture chamber they had been left in to die. To go and get my car I had to leave them there in the darkness, in the filth, alone again. I whispered to Liberty and Justice that I would be right back to get them. Liberty seemed to understand and believe me, but Justice didn’t- he knew that I was just another human, full of lies and cruelty. That I was leaving them just like the monster who had left them there in the first place.

But I didn’t lie. I returned. I led them into the sunlight and their poor eyes blinked and winced in pain from the light after being in the darkness so long. They drove off with me in my backseat, away from that building, towards new lives with help from wonderful people they, and I, would meet along the way. As that squat, gray building disappeared into the dust behind us the tears finally came, and I didn’t stop crying for a long, long time. I think they understood. I think Liberty understood why I cried for them, and Justice was on his way to understanding why people would cry for him instead of beat him, gently pet him instead of kick him, love him instead of shoot him or let him starve, which would have been his fate had luck not brought me to him. Justice laid his big head down and sighed, and Liberty laid her little head on his shoulder and began to slowly lick his face.

*Thank you to everyone who responded to help these two dogs, and offered encouragement, advice and support to me. I don’t know how some people do this every day, see animals in this kind of suffering and manage to go on, and how there are people in this world who make it necessary for rescues like this one to be done. How sad it must be to live a life where causing pain and hurt and misery is part of it, maybe even one of the highlights. Sickening. When the spay/neuter clinic opens I will hang photos of Liberty and Justice on the wall, as symbols of why the volunteers give of their time- to prevent tragic stories like theirs. What once was a place of suffering will become a place of hope, and Liberty and Justice will inspire everyone who comes through the doors. I love receiving updates on Liberty’s wonderful new life from Sally of Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue. Justice is going to MN Homeward Bound Rescue in a few days where Katie will help him know the joys of life. Last night, as Justice stood in front of me doing his ‘happy dance’, talking to me in his husky way with his face contorted in a big doggie-grin I thought of all of the rescuers out there and how there is no better feeling than being part of a happy ending.

Libby's new family

Freckles — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:21:00 +0100

Tomorrow Libby will be going to live with her new Mom and Dad, Carol and Terry. Carol met Libby and fell in love, and then Terry met her, and he also fell in love! Must be the blue eyes! Or maybe the soft fur...or perhaps her gentle soul...or maybe all of the above!

Mom says Libby is an amazing dog, because she loves in spite of what was done to her. She truly is a wonder. We dogs are very forgiving creatures.

Libby will be living with three cats. I sure hope she learns to like them. She didn't much like Auntie Bev's cat, Pirate...but she didn't chase her either. She just groused at her and walked away.

This is Libby with Auntie Julie.

That is Auntie Julie's very favourite sexy hat. I probably shouldn't say that, because Mom says it isn't polite to be sarcastic.

Anyway...I know Libby will be happy now. Her life has taken a turn for the better. God bless you Libby...no offense, but the sooner you go to your new home the better. You were taking far too much attention away from me.

Love;

Happy Freckles

From Abandoned to Pampered

Freckles — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:16:00 +0100

Remember Liberty? She came here today. She sure is a pretty girl! Mom thinks she is Border Collie/Aussie mix. So does Doc Berg. He gave her a check up, and said she is very very thin, so she cannot be spayed yet. But otherwise, she is fine.

So Liberty got a ride from Fargo to Winnipeg with Uncle Will, the truck driver. He is a very nice man, and he loves dogs.

He talks funny, because he comes from a place way over the big water. It is called ENGLAND.

So when Mom got Liberty home, she was not very pleased to see us. She is very nice with humans, but not very nice to us dogs. I think it will take some time. She has been through a lot. I cannot say I blame her.

She was pretty dirty, and itchy, so Mom took her to a place called "Pets 101" on Portage Avenue. They are very kind there, and they groom rescue dogs for Mom. Their groomer's name is Carolyn. She is a nice lady. Liberty was frightened, but the bath was warm and it felt good.

She even closed her eyes and had a little rest in Carolyn's arms.

Then she had a blow dry, had her nails cut, her fur and feet trimmed,

and VOILA! Beautiful dog, just as it should be!

Liberty is now resting in her kennel. She had a long tiring day. She had a nice supper, a good bath, and now she has a lovely warm, cozy bed to sleep in. She will be just fine now.

Love;

Freckles

The Inhumanity of Humans

Freckles — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:24:41 +0100

Mom is bringing in another bad abuse case. It deeply saddens me when I hear her talking about them. I suppose I will meet her, and have a chance to talk with her.

Mom said that a good person was looking at an abandoned building in SOuth Dakota, as she wants to build a low cost spay/neuter clinic there to help the dogs and the people who live there. When she opened the door, she could not believe her eyes. There was a dog tied up with wire, just two inches from a wall...he couldn't stand or sit properly. He was starved and dying of dehydration.

There was also another dog, and little female Border Collie. She wasn't tied up, but she was starved and also dehydrated.

The kind lady took them home and bathed, fed and waterd them. Mom said the Husky mix is going to a good rescue in Minneapolis.

Mom doesn't understand this sort of mindless cruelty. Neither do I.

Neither do I...

Love;

Deeply troubled Freckles

Defurred

Freckles — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:57:05 +0100

Whoa. Mom bought this cool thing called a "Furminator". It cost a lot of money, but when she used it, it felt really good, and I laid down and let her use it. It made me stop itching, and pulled out all my dead fur. Mom was amazed at how much fur came off little old me! I was too! Auntie Bev and Uncle Charlie were there, and they said Mom could make a whole new dog with that hair. Mom said no thanks, we are MORE than enough, thank you VERYmuch, I think she was being sarcastic.

Doesn't it look like a poodle on the chair? Yucky.Well, I am off to bed. I will sleep better now that I am not itchy anymore. Mom says I am a walking ad for the Furminator!

Love;

Shiny Freckles

Halloween Sucks

Freckles — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:49:45 +0100

There really isn't much to say about all of this, except WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? You put weird things on us, point the clicky thing, laugh a lot, and then show the pictures to others and laugh some more. Seriously. You need help.

There are doctors that can give you that sort of help.

Please...let me get the Yellow Pages for you.

Although this costume IS pretty accurate...I must say...

Love;

Really Irritated and Crabby Freckles

They're Not All Happy Tales

Freckles — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:09:09 +0100

Most of the time, when Mom brings dogs into the rescue, the ending is happy. The dogs wind up with wonderful new homes, and they live happy, healthy love-filled lives.
But once in awhile, there is sadness. Such is the story of Olivia.

Olivia was rescued from the terrible death of the gas chamber some months back. Then she stayed with uncle Todd in Minnesota until Mom had a foster placement for her. She liked it there a lot because Uncle Todd is lots of fun, and he is a kind and gentle man.

Finally a space opened, because Vincent the one-eared dog was adopted, and Kim and her family were able to take in another dog. Mom says they are an excellent foster home, filled with love and compassion. They took the dog known as "Snowball" in, and renamed her Olivia. They updated Mom regularly aout what a wonderful girl Olivia is, so good with their kids, cats and dogs.

Mom had made an appointment with Doc Berg for Olivia, because she had a very large lump on her underside. Doctor Berg did surgery, and the lump was removed. Sadly, the lump tested positive for a very bad cancer...and Doc Berg says it doesn't look promising. When Mom got the news, her face got all wet. It was very hard for her to call Olivia's foster parents, because she knows how much they love Olivia.

Mom told Kim and her hubby Darren, and they agreed that Olivia must stay with them until it is time for her to cross The Bridge. Mom says she is very thankful for people like them.

Love;

Troubled Freckles

Winning the Battles

Freckles — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:03:48 +0100

I would like to update you on Victory, because I know you have been waiting. Mom went over to visit Auntie Ruth on Monday. Victory was hiding in her kennel, so Mom crawled in and cuddled her and talked to her. Auntie Ruth said Victory would only eat when all the humans were in bed. She wouldn't take treats or food from anyone.
So Mom opened a small yogurt, and put some on her fingers. Victory hid her head in the corner. She was very scared. Mom took a little, and put it under Victory's lip. She tasted it, and then she reached out and licked some off Mom's fingers! Mom was VERY pleased! She put some more on her fingers, and Victory licked that off too.

"Look Ruth!" she said. And Ruth was smiling too. Victory ate the whole thing! Then she even took a cookie from Mom. The next day Mom visited again, and this time, Victory ate her whole dinner from Mom's hand. Victory is walking around like a normal dog as well, and she is not crawling. She does get very scared if dogs play though. It is sad, because she doesn't know what playing is. She loves to cuddle wit AUntie Ruth and uncle Don...so that is another battle she has won.
With all these battles, Victory will win the war.

Oh...and another cool thing? Victory gets to be the cover of Hull's Haven's calendar! Truthfully, Mom was going to make me the cover...but then she said "Victory is the epitome of why we are doing what we do. She should be the cover dog." Auntie Ruth agreed.You thought I was going to be jealous, didn't you? But GUESS WHAT! I am NOT. I am "Ms May"...and that is just fine by me!

Look...Victory looks BEAUTIFUL.

Love;

Pleased Freckles

Victory!

Freckles — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:57:06 +0100

Yesterday Mom and Auntie Ruth went to pick up a rescue. Her name is Harmony. It seems Harmony is a puppy mill survivor, and she has a very sad past. Mom isn't sure what poor Harmony has endured, but judging from how she behaves, it was very very bad.

When Mom and Auntie Ruth met Mom's good friend Brenda who helped transport Harmony, Mom cried. She could not believe what she was seeing.

You see Harmony doesn't walk like a normal dog, but instead she crawls across the ground or the floor. She is filled with fear. Someone has done some very very bad things to her. I haven't had a chance to speak with her yet, but I will, and I will ask her.

In the meantime, she is living with AUntie Ruth and Uncle Don, Neechi, Diva and Skabe. They will help her learn how to be a real dog, and how to accept and give love.

This is just the beginning for her. Mom says her new name will be Victory, because she will be victorious over this battle with fear. I think she will too. I think there will be many small victories every day.

Love;

Freckles

It's All About ME!

Freckles — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:53:57 +0100

Well, you know you were waiting for it, and here it is. A blog all about me...who is Freckles?

Well let me tell you. Apparently my old name was Strawberry. I don't recall that. Mom adopted me and saved me from a bad life, and that is what I remember best. I am a good dog, and Mom says I am very very intelligent. I learn things very quickly. I am also a bit of a loner. When we go for walks in the park (which is every day, often twice or three times a day) I run off and chase squirrels and rabbits.

Then from time to time I come racing back at full gallop, and I dive in and grab Frodo's toy, whether it is a frisbee or a ball, just to annoy him. I LOVE to annoy Frodo.

It is one of the things I do best.

I rush at him, and bounce in his face and bark, until he drops the ball, or I grab the frisbee and make him play tug with it. It also annoys the crap out of Mom. I just can't help myself.

I am also the one who befriends the rescues who come in. at first I am very aloof, and I strut about and growl and push them around a bit, but then I always make friends, and we play and have lots of fun. I just have to make sure they know I am here to stay, and they are just guests in my home.

I am also the consummate entertainer. When Mom and Uncle Steve do frisbee shows, I get to do my tricks and make the kids laugh and smile. I like that...I really do.

I love to play flyball, I don't like the swimming pool. I do like muddy puddles and dirty water though.

I also like to roll in all things smelly and make Mom's nose wrinkle and hear her gag. Tres amusant.

I am very nosey and inquisitive. I really have to know all about everything. Especially if it squeaks, crawls, swims, flies or anything fun like that...

But mostly, I am Mommy's little girl.

Love Freckles

Happy Birthday Muna!

Freckles — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:46:55 +0100

This is Muna. She turned four years old today! Muna is Mom's "Heart Dog". A heart dog is that dog that comes along once in a lifetime, and is just sort of a part of your spirit...you see, Mom loves ALL of us, and loves us all equally, but there is a special bond with Muna that is something Mom says she just cannot explain. Mom knows that Muna would put her life on the line to save her if she ever needed it. I believe she is right.

If one of us is playing with Mom, and we growl too loudly, Muna steps in front of Mom, and stops us. She won't let Mom get hurt.

This is Muna as a baby.

She sure was cute! Mom fell in love with her the day she was born. She had a little white heart on her head, and Mom said it was a sign that she was meant to be her girl. The heart went away when Muna got older, but the love has stayed the same.

Muna is very good at many things, just like Frodo. She plays flyball, pulls sled, is a great herding dog, she won second place in her very first frisbee competition this year!

Muna sleeps at Mom's side every night. She lays by the tub when Mom has a shower...she never lets Mom out of her sight unless she has to.

Muna loves to swim too...

And playing in the snow...

But she DOESN'T like puppies. At all.

Puppies make her really crabby.

Muna is a very beautiful dog. Many people say so when they see her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUNA!!!

hehe...I love that picture!

Love;

Freckles

All About Frodo

Freckles — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:58:40 +0100

I would like to tell you all about Frodo. Frodo is the most handsome dog I have ever seen. He has a beautiful white mane, and deep brown eyes, with a full tail that sweeps over his back when he is happy, and drops down where a Border Collie tail should be when he is working. He is very strong and powerful. Frodo is also one of the most intelligent dogs I have met.

He is Mom's very first Border Collie. Mom got him when he was just 8 weeks old, and she named him Frodo after one of her favourite characters in an old story, Lord of the Rings. Mom says she named him that because Frodo in the story was very brave, loyal and smart.

Frodo is very good at a lot of things. He is fast and excellent at flyball. He is even the dog on the Warp Factor t-shirts and banners! LOOK!

Frodo is very athletic, and he is amazing at catching frisbees! Him and Mom have a whole routine worked out...well sort of worked out. Most times they just sort of wing it to the music. They have fun together.

Frodo also pulls sled, herds sheep, does agility and has been trained to scent out things Mom has lost. He has found her keys for her a few times. Mom says he "Saved her backside." I don't know what that means, but I think it is good!

We are not sure what that sheep was doing, but I don't think Frodo was doing anything he was supposed to be doing. That is why the man was throwing his hat at him. I believe Frodo was trying to get himself a mutton sandwich in this photo.

He loves to roll in the grass, the snow and and the mud!

Mom was NOT pleased when he did this...

Frodo is a gentleman, and he is good and gentle with little humans, especially the ones who give him their cookies!

He is a fast swimmer too. He even leaves a wake behind him when he swims after his ball or a stick!

There really isn't much Frodo cannot do. He is very close to Mom, and they have a very special bond. Mom says sometimes she believes Frodo knows what she is thinking...like the time she lost her keys, and he went looking without being asked.

Frodo's favourite treats are liver treats...but he also loves his raw marrow bones. He gets very grouchy if anyone goes near his bones. He even grouses at Mom when she comes near, but then he he gives her his treat, and waits for her to give it back. He also gets grouchy when Mom calls him "Pumpkin". He grumbles and walks away when she calls him that. Mom thinks it is really funny. Me too!

I am glad Frodo is my brother. He is a lot of fun, and he is very special to us all.
Oh...and he looks SMASHING in a hat, or in a bee costume!

Love;

Freckles

Friends

Freckles — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:40:42 +0100

There is nothing more special in the world than a friend. Did you know that?

A friend will always share with you. Even if it is their favourite toy, they will still share it with you.

They will share the last of their birthday ice cream.

Friends share their best squirrel tree...

or their most special place by the river...

They share a bench at the park...

They share a hug with you...

and a kiss on the cheek...

Good friends take you in and give you a place when you are lost and alone.

Special friends share their heart and home with you.

Some friends wish you would stay and never leave.

Love;

Your friend, Freckles

Humiliated

Freckles — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:43:41 +0100

I am HUMILATED.

That is all.

Love;

Disgruntled Freckles

ps...Mom made this video of us. I suppose that SORT of makes up for the crappy outift. New Video: The Beauty of Borders

Frodo Saves the Day

Freckles — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:39:17 +0100

I would like you to meet Derby. Derby is a 3month old puppy who came from Kentucky on Saturday. Once again, the cuteness is almost nauseating.

Mom took all of us to a field to run and play and take pictures. It is a field not many people go to, as Mom wants to keep Derby safe. He is not fully vaccinated, so we can't have him at the dog parks you see.

Mom took lots of pictures.

She said it was just a walking time, not a toy time, so she left the frisbee and the ball behind. Frodo found his very own special toy. It is true what the humans say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." So also, it is for dogs.

Fly and Derby wanted Frodo's treasure too.

Frodo was very good about it. Quite the gentleman in fact. He barely growled at all.

Muna and I chased lots of squirrels. There were plenty of trees, with plenty of squirrels! They are very busy this time of year, harvesting food for the winter. All their busyness is most entertaining!

So after an hour of playing, chasing and rolling in deer poop, (one must try to always smell the very best) we started back for the car. Then Mom stopped. She began to pat her pockets...and Frodo saw her doing it. He turned around and began searching the ground for Mom's keys. Yes, they were lost. Mom was in a panic. The field was HUGE. We had covered a great deal of ground. The keys could be anywhere. After about 20 minutes, Frodo ran into the tall grass, and came prancing out, with Mom's keys in his mouth! Mom was so relieved, and more than just a little bit proud! She hugged Frodo tight, and gave him a nice big cookie.

Frodo is more than just another pretty face... indeed, Frodo is our hero!

Love;

Proud Freckles

Nancy and Oakley

Freckles — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:08:30 +0100

Last Friday our friend Oakley came for a visit.

He brought his human, Nancy with him. She is pretty cool as far as humans go. We had a great time. We visited all the best dog parks, like Harbourview, Maple Grove, Little Mountain Park.

Mom and Nancy played with us all the time, and we played chase and tag till the sun went down!

One time Frodo tried to impress us all with his large fetchie. Mom wasn't impressed. He almost took her legs right out from under her. She threw it away. He brought it back. She threw it away...he brought it back. Sometimes humans have trouble learning,

We even went swimming. Mom says Nancy and Oakley brought nice weather with them.

Of course there was the mandatory "look at all the wonderful dogs sitting together" photo. It only takes twenty minutes of fussing and catching dogs to get the shot, and to make it look like we are all well behaved. The best part of this is waiting until Mom has us all lined up nicely, then one of us bolts and others chase after us. We thinks it is tres amusant. (For those of you who don't parle francais, "VERY FUNNY").

Saturday we drove out to Portage, a small town in Manitoba. On the way back, we stopped and played in a field and posed for Mom and Nancy.

Are we not beautiful?

Then Mom saw some horses in a field, and so they stopped to take pictures. We were all pretty worked up! HEY! We are HERDING DOGS! HELLO??? We could have had some fun! But noOoOOOoOooo....they just took pictures of the pretty horses. Sheesh.

On Sunday we all went to Stephanie's home to play agility and share pizza with our humans. Frodo is awesome at agility. He can go 300 mph through a tunnel! Nancy really had fun running with him!

Then that evening Nancy helped Mom with flyball class and we got to run with Oakley too.

All in all, it was a wonderful time with Nancy and Oakley. We all wish they would move to Winnipeg, because they are good friends and we love them.

I even got to chase squirrels all weekend to add to the good times.

Little Mother Lost

Freckles — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:31:31 +0100

This is Freckles' mom. Something has happened that has me deeply disturbed, and has completely shattered my faith in humanity.

You see, there is a lovely Border Collie named Daisy in a pound in Kentucky.

I had arranged, along with the help of a couple of wonderful Kentucky rescuers, to get Daisy on my transport and into rescue, along with four pups from a close by shelter.

Daisy's owner dumped her in a kill pound, and she was slated to die Friday. I was told Daisy is an older fat dog. I thought we could feed her properly and exercise her, and get her back on track and healthy. She could have a brand new beginning. Then came the call. My rescue friend called me and told me something terrible.

"Sally, she isn't fat. She is pregnant. And they REFUSE to let us have her until the babies are rid of. She is due any day."

I couldn't quite grasp what she was saying. "Yes...they want to spay her, even though the babies are ready to deliver." They said "No dog leaves here pregnant. EVER." It made no sense. It was completely inhumane. I was willing to take this dog all the way to Canada, rescue her, deliver and spay/neuter the pups, and they would never see her again. There was no reason for this. In this world full of death, sickness and suffering, they could not see their way clear to one act of mercy.

I called them immediately. I was told in no uncertain terms that "This is the law, and that is just the way it is. If we change it for you, we have to change it for everyone. In fact," they stated coldly, "had we known she was pregnant when she got here, she would have been put down immediately." Shock. Disbelief.

I cried...I begged...I pleaded. I tried to reason with all three people. I was told then, that the dog would not be on my Friday transport, that she would be spayed *read opened up and pups murdered* and if I wanted to save her, they would let me have her next week. However, if I didn't want her, she would die tomorrow, babies and all.

I hung up the phone after the warden at the other end promised to call me back once he spoke with his superior. "Don't hold out hope though." he said.

I was shocked at such callousness...at this blatant disregard for life. A rescue was willing to take in all these little pups and the poor mother...and they would not give her any mercy.

I put my boots on, and piled all the dogs into the car. I had to walk and try and cope with this. When we got to the dog park, it was raining ever so lightly, and there was a mist in the air. The trees were all colours...beautiful reds, yellows and oranges. It seemd so surreal to me. I threw the ball for the dogs, marveling at their grace and agility, and at the same time, my heart was trapped inside a cage with a pregnant little dog I had never met.

I made some more phone calls, and nobody could help. The saga is not over. Daisy, or "Mercy" as we now call her, is still there, waiting for them to kill her babies. And here I sit, 1300 miles away, helpless.

I have been told a thousand times "You cannot save them all." Maybe not, but I will damned well try and save as many as I can. I suppose there is one saving grace...even though I cannot take Mercy into rescue, another rescue will be taking her in.

I am asking you to pray that the hearts of these people would turn, and they would show a little mother dog who has done no crime, just a little Mercy.

-Freckles Mom

Tommy's Tale

Freckles — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:49:03 +0100

I spoke to Tommy awhile back. I thought I would share with you what he told me. Tommy comes from Kentucky. He was a chained dog. Chained dogs live very very sad lives.

Tommy told me that the worst part of being chained up was the boredom. He said it was even worse than the scorching hot sun, as he had no shelter, no shade. He was left out in the rain, in the cold, and nobody ever loved him. He was so very sad, so very very lonely. He would pace and dig, and cry, but nobody heard his pleas.

He told me that when he was chained up, he could hear the humans in the house, and he longed to be with them, but he must have been very bad, because they never came to touch him. Once in awhile he was given some food, and from time to time they filled his dirty dish with water.

He would wag his little stump at them, so that they would know he was a good boy, but they would just walk away, and leave him in his misery.

Eventually, they just took him and dumped him a a terrible place where dogs are left...it is like a dog garbage dump. Many dogs die there, except for when good and kind people like Susan come to save their lives. Sadly, they cannot save them all, no matter how hard they try.

But Susan saved Tommy. Now Tommy is in foster care. He loves his foster Mom, he says, but he wishes a family would fall in love with him and take him into his forever home.

I feel very sad for Tommy. Won't you please give him a happy ending?
Love;

Freckles

Fly

Freckles — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 23:15:34 +0100

We have a new foster dog. Her name is Fly. She is really annoyingly beautiful.

She is a Blue Merle Short Coat Border Collie. Muna really dislikes her. She doesn't accept her authority, and that makes Muna cranky. Seems Fly likes to make Muna cranky.

We all went for a walk today with Cindy and her dogs. It was lots of fun! We all ran around and Cindy's dogs rolled in smelly things and got lots of burrs.

Mom made us all pose for the camera.

This is Cheetah, Cindy's puppy. She is also very cute, and steals all the attention.

Frodo had a good time rolling around in the grass. Seriously, we dogs DO know how to enjoy life.

I wanted to have just a LITTLE PRIVACY. That is ALL I ASK. A little bath and some privacy, but there is Mom with that stupid camera. Just like the darned paparazzi. Why can't a girl just have a little time to herself???

Love;

Annoyed Freckles

Chattypet Video!

Freckles — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:48:20 +0100

Hi Everyone!

Mom made a video for Auntie Ann. Please send it out to all your friends, so they will know to come to chattypet and join us! There are lots of chattypet friends on the video...go look! You might be there too!

Chattypet Video

Love;

Freckles

Not gonna be a star

Freckles — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:47:14 +0100

Hmmmph. Mom says I can't go on television after all. Mom says I have to be "generous", and give the spotlight to Vincent. Vincent is the rescue dog who was named Rambo, but his foster Mom renamed him Vincent after the famous painter who cut off his own ear. Vincent the dog didn't cut off his own ear though...somebody very evil and bad did that to him.

The most amazing thing about him? He doesn't hate humans for abusing him. He is still very sweet and loving. Mom says that Missy and Vincent need to go on "The Big Breakfast" so they can find new homes.

I suppose I cannot begrudge them that. They deserve great homes too, just like other dogs..it's only fair. Still...I DID want to be a star. *sigh* Mom says I am a star in her eyes.

Hmmmph. I believe that is what humans call a "platitude".

Love;

Freckles

New Rescues!

Freckles — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 23:47:30 +0100

Mom and Auntie Carmen (she is visiting us from BC!) and Uncle Brian went to Grand Forks, and they got some new rescue dogs. These poor dogs were in serious danger, and they were going to die.

First, some wonderful Transport Angels drove them to Uncle Todd, and Uncle Todd drove them to his house. They got to visit for awhile there.

Then some other Transport Angels picked them all up, and drove them to different cities, until the finally reached a place called Grand Forks.

This is Brenda. Mom says she is very nice, and she has some cute dogs.

The dog in her lap is Rambo. Someone very bad cut off one of his ears.

I am sure glad he got away from there.

This is Brenda's boyfriend, Chris. He really loved Hope. HOpe was going to be sent to Rainbow Bridge in Ohio, but now she is safe with Auntie Ruth.

This is Scooby! A nice lady in Ohio helped Mom get him and Tilly out of dog jail. She kept them for a week, then sent them to Mom. The lady in the photo is Tracy, Scooby's new Mom. He was going to go to another friend of Mom's, but sometimes things change, and then the dog goes into the family he was destined to live with. Tracy has Scrappy, another rescue dog from Mom.

This is Tilly. She is just a baby. She is very thin, but Mom will change that.

These dogs are lucky. They made it out alive.

Video of HHBCR

Freckles — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 07:05:14 +0100

There is a expression within human ranks that goes like this:
"A picture is worth a thousand words."

If this is in fact true, then this video must be worth a million.

Please let me know how you liked it. HHBCR Dogs

Love,

Freckles.

Fund Raiser for HHBCR

Freckles — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:38:09 +0100

This weekend was pretty darned good! Mom and a whole bunch of her friends put on a big giant garage sale to raise money for the rescue. Lots of good people donated their stuff and their time, and lots more donated money without even buying anything! How cool is that?

This is me surveying all the goods. When the sale was over Mom gave us a stuffed fish to play with.

Many people took a rescue card, and said they would call Mom about dogs. If even ONE calls, it is good. There were lots of nice people there, and a whole bunch of them wanted to meet me, because they love to read my blog. I showed them my tricks, and they fed me cookies. Delicious cookies!

There are a lot of wonderful humans in this world, and they make up for all the very bad ones.

Mom says a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who helped in every way. Mom said that enough money was earned to help MANY dogs!

There was even a little boy who lives across the street who came over and asked if he could donate 25 cents for the dogs. He picked up a little rock from the driveway, and said "I will buy this. It is to help the dogs."

One day, he might be a rescuer.

Love;

Pleased Freckles

We are at your Mercy

Freckles — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:35:22 +0100

Warning! Graphic content!

I had put photos of abused dogs in this blog, which were then removed by the host of photobucket. I was told they were in violation of their policies. However, when I explained why I had them up there, they were quick to apologise and replace the images.

I appreciate and applaud their policies regarding animal abuse.

-Freckles' Mom

We are at your Mercy

Most of the time my blogs are happy blogs, or blogs about my life. But sometimes, even I have to get serious. This is one of those times.

I want you all to know something. I want you all to know that we dogs are at your mercy. We cannot take care of ourselves. We depend upon you for food and water, and for love and affection. If you do not feed us, who will?

If you do not open our cages and let us live and be loved, who will?

If you do not report abuse when you see it, who will?

We are at your mercy. We trust you. Even when humans are cruel and vicious, and do terrible things to us, we still love. We still forgive. We are DOG. We are made that way. We were created to give you love and protect you...why can you not do the same for us?

REPORT ABUSE.

Love;

Freckles

Rescue Blues

Freckles — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:19:29 +0100

One thing I do not like about Mom doing rescue work, it seems she is always very busy. Not only is she busy, she is very tired, and I think humans called it "stressed". One day Mom is going to understand she cannot save them all. Her friends tell her that all the time, and I think Mom knows it, but she just doesn't want to believe it.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if one day all the humans realized they have to take better care of their pets, and not just dump them at the pounds?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if they alllearned to spay and neuter their pets, so there were no more unwanted dogs and cats coming into the world? And if they kept their pets safe in their homes, not letting them wander to get hit by a car, or picked up by the pound. And when the pound takes them away, the people don't even come looking for their precious pets. They just leave them...and they never think about what happened to that poor creature.

I am so glad Mom loves me. I am also glad Mom rescues dogs, even if it means she is busy. She still makes sure we go to the park every single day, and she plays fetch with us, and cuddles us.

At least Mom is good busy, not too busy for her furry kids.

Love;

Contented Freckles.

The Transport Angels

Freckles — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:36:52 +0100

There are three dogs coming to Winnipeg this weekend. Two are going to their forever homes, and one is going into foster care. They have come all the way from Kentucky. Mom says if it were not for her "Transport Angels" she could not help these dogs.

Transport Angels are the wonderful selfless people who pick up dogs from pounds, and move them from city to city, until they finally reach their rescue or forever homes. They do it all at their own expense too.Sometimes Mom will donate gas money if the situation requires...but most often these amazing people do it out of the kindness of their hearts.

Two weeks ago Mom asked a nice man in Minnesota if he could help with transporting a dog from Ohio. He said he sure could! Mom named her Ice, because she has ice blue eyes. The nice man, Todd, picked up Mom's dog, and Auntie Shahna's three dogs, and he boarded them for two nights.

Well...guess what? Ice never left Todd's house! He fell in love, and now she has her forever home! Todd named her Isis.

See? Transporting rescue dogs can be VERY DANGEROUS! You can end up with a new family member to love!

This is what Isis looked like before Todd got her.

See how scared she is? She was in a shelter and she was going to be sent into the bad room, where dogs do not come out again.

Then Mom asked a nice lady named Anita in Ohio to please pull her out, and Mom would take her. So Anita pulled her out, and put her onto a transport. When Todd picked the dogs up, Isis looked much happier!
See? She is SMILING!

Transporters are wonderful people. We dogs LOVE them so much.

To all of you wonderful Transport Angels, from all of us dogs, "THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU!"

Love;

Happy Freckles

I want to be a Canine Idol!

Freckles — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:19:29 +0100

Hello all my wonderful Freckles Fans! Our local newspaper is searching for a Canine Idol! I tell you, I am the very one they should choose.

Why, you might ask? Well let me tell you. I am star material. Not only am I beautiful, I am also very humble. I have heard Mom say that I have talent coming out of my ears, and let's face, Mom should know.

I can do so many things...I can do "Stick em up", "wave", "hold hands", "jump on the spot", "high Five". I run flyball, I pull a sled, I catch flies and wasps! I can catch a frog right out of the water! I have even caught a squirrel! Mom wasn't pleased, but hey, I am a dog and that is what I do.

So...if you think I would be a good Canine Idol, you can vote for me here: Vote For Freckles!

Love;

Hopeful Freckles

Disc Dog Trial!

Freckles — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:37:20 +0100

Today Mom took us all out to a Disc Dog Trial. I was mad, because I didn't get to play. Mom says it is because I catch one or two, and then I stop and sniff everything. Well so what???? Things are interesting, and they must be investigated! What else can I do? It isn't all about the frisbee you know, although Frodo and Muna seem to think it is. I had to stay in the ex-pen, and only come out to visit once in awhile. Not fair. At all.

Mom took some pictures of her friends, and some other people and their dogs as well.

Auntie Suszy came out. Mom said it was a good thing she was wearing bloomers!

Uncle Steve got lots of prizes. He is a =very good frisbee thrower, and dog trainer. He works very hard with his dogs.

Mom's friend Stephanie came out to cheer her on. She took some pictures of Mom and Frodo, but there are no pictures of Muna. Muna made mom REALLY proud, She took second place in single disc! Frodo and Muna both got ribbons.

This is Michelle, the lady who put the whole thing on.

There was also some man dressed up as one of those dotty Dalmations. Humans are WEIRD.

All the people and dogs seemed to have a good time. Nobody cared that I got stuck int he stupid ex-pen listeneing to them laughing and cheering...cheering for other dogs and NOT for me.

Love;

Crabby Freckles

Gonna be a Star!

Freckles — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:36:16 +0100

Mom got a phone call today from someone who wants MOI to be on their tv program! HAH! I am gonna be a STAR! The show is called "The Big Breakfast", and they want to interview Mom about her rescue work, but I think they REALLY want to interview me. I do all sorts of cute tricks, so they want to see ME.

When I become famous, I promise I won't forget all the little people in my life, (and dogs). I will still go to the dog park and go to flyball. I will just be busy signing autographs with my paw print, that's all. People will point and say "LOOK! Its famous Freckles!" BUt I won't let it go to my head. Mom told Auntie Ruth my head might swell. I wonder if she means like the time Roscoe got stung by the wasp, and his face got all swollen and puffy?

Hahaha! That was funny! Poor Roscoe.

Anyway...I will let you all know when I make my tv debut. Wish me luck!

Love;

Freckles the Fabulous

Visiting and Swimming!

Freckles — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:08:51 +0100

This weekend was loads of fun! Uncle Mike is visiting from BC again. Mom says that is a long way from Winnipeg. She said there are huge things called mountains there...I wonder if there are lots of squirrels in the mountains? If so, I will have to go there someday.

Mom's friend Deb invited us all to go to Gimli, where they have a nice cabin. So Mom and Uncle Mike put us in the back of the truck, and off we went.

We stopped along the way, and had a quick dip in the water, and Muggs had a lovely roll in a deceased fish. It made Mom gag. I smirked as only a dog can smirk...secretly so we don't get caught.

Then we arrived at Deb's place, and we got to play with Tessa, Riley, and Meg again. Riley is a nice enough fellow, although he is a wee bit intense. He could relax just a smidge.

This is Meg. She loves the ball almost as much as Frodo and Muna. Okay...maybe just as much.

That is Tessa in the background. She likes to herd Meg all the time. One day Auntie Deb is going to come with us to see Faye, and then Tessa will see sheep. Mom and Deb think she will be a very good herding dog.

This is a picture of Deb's three swimming. The one on the far right is not a Border Collie. It is a mini-human, and Deb has two of them. The other one isn't really mini, but he is still a puppy. Sort of. Human offspring stay young a long time. If I was as old as Deb's oldest mini-human, I would be very very old for a dog. But this mini-human in the photograph is called "Christina". She is cute as far as little people go. She likes to annoy her mother, and that gets high marks in my books.

So we spent the day running around, swimming, rolling in the wet sand, and having loads of fun.

Uncle Mike got stung on the hand, and Frodo got stung on the lip by wasps. I hate them. They are horrible little buzzy things with burning in their tails. Uncle Mike's hand got big like a balloon.

After that, we went home and slept. We needed to get some energy for Sunday.

Sunday we went to Belair and visited with Auntie Julie and her dogs. We also popped in on Auntie Kathy as well, but we didn't get to visit, as we had to go home to get ready for flyball.

Our visit with Auntie Julie was fun, and we did lots more swimming. Buddy came too.

There were huge waves on the lake today, and it was wonderful to watch.

All in all, it was a very good weekend. Mom takes us to fun places, and she has nice friends and family. It is good that they let us come too. Not everyone loves dogs like Mom does...but all her friends do.

Love;

Tired but happy Freckles

Gone. All of them.

Freckles — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:54:06 +0100

Next time you see an ad on craigslist, or some other online ad that is requesting to find a "stud dog to breed with my unregistered female" or some other such repulsive ad, please send them this link. Next time someone tells you they are going to drop off their dog at the pound so he can have a chance at a better life, send them this link.

http://www.shelterrescue.org/id20.html

Tell them to sit and watch. Tell them to make sure they look into the eyes of each dog or cat. Then tell them to ask themselves the question, "Am I going to be responsible for more pointless deaths?"

There just isn't much more to say.

Love;

Sorrowful Freckles.

Special Blog: Bird Dog

Freckles — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:22:39 +0100

Hi. This is Freckles Mom speaking. This is a special Freckles' blog. This is an important blog. I would like very much to write a book one day, all about Freckles. I would like to write a book of children's short stories based on the life of Freckles, both fiction and non-fiction and I would like to hear what everyone thinks about the stories. So please hit "comments" and let me know :)
Love;

Freckles' Mom

Bird Dog

A fictional story about a non-fictional dog

by Sally Hull

Forward

I know what you are thinking. You have seen the picture of the dog on the cover of this book, and you are saying to yourself, “That is not a bird dog. That is a Border Collie, and everyone who is anyone knows that Border Collies are sheep dogs, and not bird dogs!”

Well now just hush, and listen, and soon you will see that Freckles isn’t that sort of bird dog.

Now I am not saying that this story is true, but Freckles herself told me the tale, and I don’t believe that dogs can lie. So in the end, you will have to decide if you believe it or not. In the end, it is entirely up to you.

Chapter One

Freckles lived a very good life. Not an exceptional, outstanding, every day is Disneyland exciting life, but a very good life nonetheless. Her caregiver, whom she thought of as “Mom”, loved her and the other two Border Collies, Muna and Frodo, with all of her heart.

She took them on daily runs in the park, sometimes twice a day. She took them to exciting places like Auntie Faye’s sheep farm in a little town called LaSalle. Every Sunday was flyball practice, and they all loved flyball. Flyball is a very exciting game where dogs get to run as fast as they can! Wednesdays were clicker training and Frisbee classes. Life was pretty darned good for a little dog who came from a bad beginning.

You see, Freckles was a rescue. She wasn’t brought to Mom’s house as a puppy like Frodo and Muna. Freckles was already one year old when Mom brought her home. She had been badly neglected. Freckles was so thin her ribs and hips showed through her matted fur. The man who had her was going to dump her at the local dog pound, which is no place for any dog, much less a Border Collie. When Mom went to see her, she knew she had to help. So she took Freckles home, and decided she was going to clean her up, train her and teach her how to be a very good dog, then she would adopt her out to a good family. That is not what happened.

As the weeks went by, Mom fell deeply in love with Freckles, and Freckles also began to love Mom. Nobody had loved Freckles before, and now the bond was very strong. When the time came for Freckles to be adopted out, Mom cried, and hugged her close, and said “Freckles, THIS is your home. You will stay with us forever.” And so she did.

Chapter Two

One of Freckles’ favourite pass-times was squirreling at the dog park. Squirreling was what Mom called it when Freckles would hear a squirrel chatter, then like a bolt of lightning, she would be dashing through the trees. Her long legs would carry her at unbelievable speeds. Freckles would then stop at the base of a tree, and spring into the air like a gazelle! She would bark and yip at the offending squirrel. As the little critter leaped from tree-top to tree-top, Freckles would follow along the forest floor, bounding and barking and yipping with glee.

Squirrels weren’t the only small creatures Freckles liked to chase. She also took immense pleasure in trying to catch the birds that swooped and sailed in the sky, and landed in the trees above her.

“You are silly Freckles,” Muna told her. “You will never catch them. Ever. You cannot fly.”

“I will,” Freckles replied. “One day I will.”

While all the other dogs fetched balls and Frisbees, chased each other and played tag, Freckles was content to chase squirrels and birds. And every day, she would say out loud, “I wish I was a bird, so I could fly!”

Chapter Three

Then came the day that something truly amazing happened. Freckles was at the dog park with Mom, Muna and Frodo. She heard a bird twitter loudly in the trees, and she was off like a shot. She plunged headlong through the grass and branches, her heart pounding against her chest with excitement. The twittering moved away from her, so she followed. The bird must be flying away, she reasoned. The twittering bird then landed in a tree just eight feet above Freckles’ head. She leaped and stretched and strained with all her might. She cried out over and over “I want to fly! I want to fly!”

The twittering began to sound more like…like…giggling. Freckles stopped jumping, and cocked her head to one side. She peered up at the creature on the branch. It looked like a little dog. With wings. A little dog with wings. Freckles shook her head, and rubbed her eyes with her fluffy paw. She looked again. It was still there. Giggling.

“Hello Freckles!”

It spoke! What was it? Freckles tucked her tail between her legs, and shrank back from the tree. She was afraid, but she was too curious to run away.

It spoke again. “You are very impolite. I said hello, and you just sit there like a frightened puppy.”

“Who…who are you? WHAT are you?” Freckles ventured.

“Who do you think? I am your Fairy Dog-Mother. “

Freckles snorted.

“It’s true!” the little flying dog said. She fluttered her wings and hovered over the branch. “If a dog really wants something badly enough, their Fairy Dog-Mother will appear. But all dogs must remember, you would be wise to think carefully before you make your request. Not all wishes should be granted.”

In the background, off in the distance, Mom was calling “Freckles! Come here Freckles!”

Freckles glanced toward the direction of the voice. She turned to go, then looked back over her shoulder at the little winged dog.

“My name is Magic,” the little dog’s wings beat fast like a hummingbird, as it hovered . She darted about like one too. “I don’t mean there is magic in my name,” she darted left. “I mean I have a name…and it is Magic.” she darted right. “Awww cats…you know what I mean.”

Freckles was so fascinated by Magic that she soon forgot about Mom. Had she been paying attention, she would have heard the fear and worry that was creeping into Mom’s voice as she called and called.

“Remember Freckles,” Magic warned. “to be careful what you wish for.”

Freckles’ eyes grew wide. She looked up into the sky and saw the birds wheeling in the air. “I want to fly Magic,” she said. “I want to fly like a bird.”

Chapter Four

The next thing Freckles heard was a loud whooshing noise, like eagles’ wings flapping overhead. There was a shadow, and she ducked quickly, and stumbled backward. Then she was falling and falling…tumbling end over end, seeing sky, ground, sky ground…then only sky. Like in her dreams, the ground was far, far below, and Freckles was truly flying. She looked to her left, then to her right, and surely to goodness, there they were. WINGS! She had wings! She flapped them hard, and lurched upward, scaring herself. She stretched them out as far as they would go, and she soared on the wind. It was wonderful. It was exhilarating…it was…Magic. She really was Freckles Fairy Dog-Mother.

After a very long while, several hours in fact, Freckles glanced down, wanting to land. Her wings were getting tired. She no longer had long legs and soft paws. Now she had bird feet, with toes that could grasp branches, but she needed to learn how to use them, and quickly.

She swooped downward, no longer in the dog park, but over a city street. There was a small tree in someone’s front yard. “There,” she thought. ”That is where I will land.”

She thrust her little bird legs out in front of her body, aiming for a tree branch. She was coming in far too fast! She hit the branch and flipped over, swinging around the branch like a cartoon character. After one full revolution, she let go, and plummeted to the ground. The grass was soft, but still the wind was knocked out of her. She lay on front lawn of somebody’s home, dazed.

Freckles found her skinny wobbly little bird legs, and stood up. Well that was a fine how-do-you-do! She looked about, hoping nobody had seen that little fiasco. She shook her feathers about…then heard a noise coming from a small bush in front of the house. Perhaps it was another bird! She was beginning to feel a little lonely. There was nobody to share this new found talent with, and another bird would be very welcome right about now. Perhaps she could get some much needed advice, some pointers. After all, she was also getting hungry, and what on earth did birds eat? The rustling in the bush stopped dead. Freckles tilted her head. She hopped toward the bush to see who was there. Then she saw it. A cat. It was a huge Siamese, with large, staring blue eyes.

They both froze like statues, eyes locked. Freckles felt her feathers rise up on the back of her neck. Much to the cat’s astonishment, Freckles began to move forward, one foot carefully in front of the other. The cat’s tail began to switch back and forth in rapid movements. He went into a hunter’s crouch, wriggling his bottom as he readied for the pounce. Freckles was stunned. The cat should be running in terror, fearing for his life, but instead he looked like he…was…the hunter.

Her blood froze in her veins. She suddenly remembered she was no longer the wily quick witted and sleek Border Collie, but a small and fragile little bird, no more than a tasty mouthful to a big Siamese cat.

The cat saw his opportunity, and rushed at Freckles. She knew it was all over, she was about to become the main course of a kitty menu, not to mention something far more disgusting in a litter-box later on.

She tried with all her might to spread her wings and take flight, but her fall from the tree had injured her wing. She was helpless. It was over.

Suddenly, Freckles heard a familiar voice yell, “HAAAA! Get outta there ya beast!” She dared to open her eyes in time to see the cat getting chased off with a broom. She could not believe her eyes. Mom had come to her rescue. She had landed in her own front yard, and Mom had saved her from the neighbour’s cat. What were the chances? It had to be a miracle! Magic must have had something to do with this.

Mom looked down at her, and said “Oh you poor little thing. Come here.” She scooped Freckles into her hands, and took her into the house.
”I have to find a little box to put you in, and when I have time, I will take you to the sanctuary.” There was something wrong. Something was VERY wrong. Mom was crying. Her eyes were all red, her face was puffy and wet. Muna and Frodo were milling about her feet, looking up at her. They too, seemed despondent.
She found a little box, and placed Freckles gently into it.

There was a ringing noise, and Mom picked up the phone. “No,” she said. “No nothing yet. I searched the park for hours. We think the silly dog must have swum across the river. It is all I can think of. There were all kinds of people searching with me. It just makes no sense at all….Okay…Okay…yes I will see you there in 10 minutes. We’ll look again. Yes, I called the papers and the Humane Society. I would call the National Guard if I thought they would help.” Tears again. “Okay see you there.” She hung up the phone.

“Oh Frodo…oh Muna. Whatever am I going to do?” she reached down and hugged them tightly. Freckles peered at the scene over the edge of the little box. Her heart began to break. She had forgotten all about Mom, Muna and Frodo. In her joy and exhilaration at becoming a bird, she had forgotten those who loved her most in the world.

She cheeped loudly. “I am here Mom!”

“It’s okay little bird. I’ll take you to safety soon. First I have something far more important to tend to.” She reached for a tissue and wiped her eyes.

Freckles cheeped loudly and began to hop around in the box. Muna’s eyes and ears locked in on the box.

“Uhoh!” Freckles thought. Too late. Muna leaped up and knocked the box off the counter. Freckles was falling again. She flailed her wings and managed to get air. The door was open a crack, and she slid through just as Muna crashed into it.

“Muna NO!” Mom cried out. “Oh what have you done? That poor bird! Aren’t things bad enough? “

Chapter Five

Freckles made it outside. It was a very close call. She heard Muna hit the door on the other side, causing it to slam shut. She could hear both Muna and Frodo barking on the other side of the door. She still couldn’t fly properly. Her wing was very sore, so she scuttled under the back porch. She was scared, hungry, and so very lonely. She wanted to be in the house with Mom and the others. She shook. It was dark under there. It smelled like musty old dirt.

There was a sound. Oh no. Not again. Please not again. Freckles didn’t think she could take anymore. It sounded like beating wings. There was a tiny speck of light just in front of her. Freckles peered through the darkness. The speck grew, until it became a warm glow. A little winged dog took form in the glow. Magic! Magic was back!

“Oh Magic!” What have I done?” she cried.” It was such a mistake to want to fly. I was happy when I was a dog. Mom took such good care of me. She fed me, she hugged me and kissed me. Now I have hurt her heart. She is crying and missing me, and I miss her too. Whatever can I do now Magic?”

Magic wagged her little tail, and told her, “Freckles, your heart is pure. Your love for Mom will bring you your deepest desires. You have a bond that cannot be broken.” With that, Magic disappeared. Loudly Freckles cried out, “Please Magic! Don’t leave me! Please!”

Then she heard the door slam, and Mom call out, “Freckles? Is that you girl? FRECKLES?”

Freckles cried out again, it was a mournful howl…a DOG howl. Mom got on her hands and knees, looked under the porch, and shrieked “Freckles! Are you okay girl? Come here!” Muna and Frodo were trying to get under the porch, tails wagging. “Come on you two, let her get out of there.”

Freckles crawled out from under the porch. She was limping, but other than that, she was the finest sight Mom had ever seen.

“Oh Freckles!” Mom hugged her close and held her for a very long time. Then she stood up and said, “I don’t know how you found your way home, or where you have been, silly dog. I don’t suppose I will ever know.” She glanced about. “I don’t suppose we will ever see that little bird again either. I hope it will be okay.”

Freckles knew Mom would never see that bird again. Ever.

Freckles was just happy to be Freckles.

The End

Lizards

Freckles — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:52:18 +0100

So one day we are over visiting with Uncle Brian, and I saw something I hadn't noticed before. There were these weird green creepy things in a clear box. Mostly they just sat there, but once in awhile they would move.

I gave them my best "Border Collie Eye", but do you know, it doesn't work on green creepy things? They slither about (not uinlike me, Mom says) and pretty much just ignore me.

Then Uncle Brian brought in a bag of other creepy things. He called them "crickets". I thought maybe he would throw them on the floor so we could chase them, but noooooo. Instead he dropped them into the glass box with the creepy green things. Mom calls them "lizards".

The lizards went WILD when the little bugs dropped into their glass box! They were on those those little bugs like Elvis on a cheeseburger!

It was fun to watch.

Love;

Fascinated Freckles.

A Visit from Jessie and Annie

Freckles — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 22:11:22 +0100

So the weekend was kind of fun after all. I have to admit, it was a LOT of fun chewing on the babies. I did have to hide quite a bit though. It isn't easy. Mom knows all my hiding places at Auntie Ruth's house.

Mom took me into the swimming pool, and I figured if she is gonna make me swim, I am gonna make her wish she didn't.

She held me ever so carefully in the water, talking quietly to me, and letting the cool water cover my whole body.

Then when she let me go, I did my very best "flyball launch" right off her chest!

I think I left some pretty big scratches. I felt kinda bad after, but you know, if you play with fire...hehe.

Anyway...Jessie took Muggs' bratty sister Annie in for a swim.

She didn't seem to hate it like I do. Although I am pretty sure she preferred the mud she wallowed in earlier.

That was really funny. I like it when the humans get all screechy. Annie ran right into a big mud pit and laid there. She dragged her leash through it, and Jessie hit a high note that hurt my cute fuzzy ears. Tres amusant. *snicker*

Auntie Bev was there, and she brought Diva along with her two dogs, Benny and Meg. Diva played frisbee just like a young pup. It is good to see the older dogs have fun. Diva puts on a show of being grouchy, but she really is a nice dog. Mom says Diva is a hero because she gives blood to the doggy blood bank. That is very herioc.

Oh, I forgot to tell you about the little flappy thing. Mom and Jessica were taking pictures of it...they said it was beautiful. The pups and I wanted to eat it, but they chased us off.

All in all, it was a pretty good weekend. I didn't much care for the heat though. We had to stay in a lot, as it was just far too hot. My black fur sucks up all the heat. It makes me thirsty and tired.

Remind me next week to tell you about the lizards.

Love;

Pooped-Out Freckles.

Weekend Dog -Sitting

Freckles — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:29:00 +0100

I am nervous. Mom says we are going to dog-sit for Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don. Why would this worry me? You might well ask. They have a SWIMMING POOL. All the other dogs like it, but not me. Mom makes me swim when it is hot. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the water. I prefer smelly dirty water that lays in ditches and puddles. I prefer that my feet touch the bottom, you know? At Auntie Ruth's house, Mom makes me swim and my feet don't touch. All the other dogs run and jump into the water, and have a great old time. I hate it. It makes me grouchy.

Stay tuned. I am sure there are gonna be pictures. Mom invited Jessie to come visit and bring Mugg's bratty sister Annie over. Perhaps I can vent my frustrations on the puppies. Yeah...that's it...

Love;

Frazzled Freckles

Miss Muggs

Freckles — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:42:18 +0100

Mom has renamed the new puppy Mugwaii, like in the movie "Gremlins". But she calls her "Little Miss Muggs". Mom says she is probably a Jack Russell Terrier/Border, or JRT/Sheltie. Whatever she is, there is SURELY JRT in there. That young whipper snapper is tenacious! She waits for me to lie down, all unsuspecting-like, then she comes flying at me and lands on my head! So I flip her onto her back.

She leaps up and lunges back at my head! I jump up and do my best impression of Sea Biscuit, screaming around in circles at break neck speed, only to discover the little monster hot on my heels. So I stop suddenly, and the monster crashes into me. Does that stop her? NOOOOO!!! She gets back up and comes at me again. I switch directions, I lunge and whirl and leap, still the thing comes at me. One time I was running full blast, and felt a weight dragging me down, I turned to look and there she was, attached to my tail like some sort of weird velcro midget. I tumbled onto the grass, and she leaped onto my back and gnawed on my head.

I like her. I really like her.

Love;

Contented Freckles.

The Rescue is Full

Freckles — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:25:08 +0100

Now I know what Mom means when she says "When it rains, it pours." It is pouring dogs. The rescue now has 5 dogs in foster care. Annie, Trooper, Mugwaii, Sidney and Fritz.

Sidney came in yesterday. Her caregivers said they couldn't manage her. Auntie Ruth says she doesn't understand why, because she is a very nice little dog, and she behaves very well.

She sure loves to play with Neechi!

I think little Sidney will probably find her forever home fast, as she is a very nice little girl, and not a very big dog. She is Border Collie Terrier.

Then today Mom got another call...a nice man in West St Paul found a purebred Border Collie puppy wandering around. I know how that feels...to be wandering alone and scared. I too, was left to my own devices and hungry, thirsty...this poor little guy is just a baby. The nice man took him into his house, and a neighbour told him the dog had been wandering around for two weeks. So Mom went and picked him up.

She named him Fritz. He was very frightened, but he was good in the car.

Mom took him to Auntie Ruth's house, and they gave him a nice warm bath. Tons of hair came out, and enough dirt to grow potatoes. After his bath, he was allowed to meet the others. Fritz was very hapy to see other dogs, and he played in the yard with them.
I wonder if his caregiver is looking for him? He has no microchip and no tattoo...no tags. If nobody claims him, and the man from West St Paul said he thinks Fritz was dumped there, then Mom and Auntie Ruth will adopt him out.

Why would a human throw a dog out of a car and leave him? He is just a baby. He cannot take care of himself.

It is enough to make a grown dog cry.

Love;

Disheartened Freckles

Invasion of the Borgle

Freckles — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:53:02 +0100

We don't know what it is. We cannot be sure. The only thing I can be sure of, it is far too cute. The cuteness has a numbing effect on the humans. It does a strange thing to their minds...they make funny noises when they see it. Their voices get all high and squeaky. They get all mushy, and to be honest, it is quite nauseating.

They call it...THE BORGLE.

Mom says it could be a Beltie. It is either a Border Collie/Beagle, or a Border Collie Sheltie. Nobody knows for sure, but this wee creature has the Border Collie brain, and that scares me. She knows how to wrap Mom around her little tiny paw. It's pathetic. I mean come on people. It is just a PUPPY. Allbeit, a darned CUTE puppy...

And her sister...her sister is just as adorable. She is staying with Mom's friend Jessie and her family.

They too, have been smitten by the Borgle.

What is a beautiful dog such as myself to do when confronted by youth and *gag* sweetness????

There is yet another...Trooper. Mom doesn't have pictures of him yet. He is a Collie...perhaps a Sheltie...or just a regular collie...we are not sure. But he too, is very adorable and cuddly. He is staying with Auntie Amanda and Uncle Mike.

They have Diago, who came into rescue some months ago.

Diago likes the new baby. He thinks his Mom and Dad got him a new squeak toy. He likes to make Trooper go in the corner and then he stares at him.

Tomorrow the puppies all go to the vet for a check up. Hmmmph. Well, they are all cute and annoying to me, but I sure hope they are healthy. Healthy puppies can go away fast. Healthy puppies can be adopted.

Love;

Jealous Freckles.

The babies are coming!

Freckles — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:58:20 +0100

Mom has been planning for weeks now. The little babies are going to be here soon. Part of me is very excited to have a little one to play with, but part of me is a little bit worried. You know how cuteness worries me.

Mom said that there was some confusion about which of the little ones went to Rainbow Bridge. Mom thought it was the little tri-coloured puppy, but it was one of the Sheltie babies.

It made Mom sad all over again. Humans do not grieve well. Mom grieved twice. Perhaps having little Bobbi here will make Mom smile again. Puppies do that you know...they make humans smile with their silliness and their antics.

It has been a fun week. We spend lots of time with Auntie Ruth and Uncle Don, and Neechi and Diva. Diva really IS a Diva. She thinks she is anyway. She is very bossy, but I let her boss me because she is older than me, and besides, she could probably beat the tar out of me.

This is us charging into the pool area...

Waiting for Ruth to throw the ball in......

Muna's brother Neechi jumping into the pool!

He is dreamy, but I don't let him know I think so. I don't want his head to swell up. Auntie Ruth says if it does he won't fit through the door.

All of us have learned to climb out on the ladder.

I don't much like the pool. When Mom takes me in I get all scared and leave lots of scratches all over her arms.

Well, just two more sleeps and the puppies arrive. Do you think they will be cuter than I am? I hope not...but I can always rely on my charm and cute tricks...

Love;

Freckles

A Baby at Rainbow Bridge.

Freckles — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:41:26 +0100

Mom has been making plans for some puppies to come out of a kill shelter in Kentucky, and with the help of a lovely lady named Shannon, they would be moved here to be adopted. Shannon took all four babies to the vet, as they were all full or worms, and suffering from giardia and coccidia. They all thought that with some medication and care, they would be fine in short order. Not so.

Sophie died.

Please read her obituary, and share it. Maybe someone, somewhere, will learn something.

Love;

Broken-Hearted Freckles

IN MEMORIAM

It is with deep and abiding sorrowthat we announce the

untimely and preventable passing of Miss Sophie.

Sophie died from very unnatural causes, the social diseases called

"Ignorance, Apathy, Greed and Selfishness".

Sophie was only three months old, born in April 2007.

She passed over Rainbow Bridge, in the kind and loving arms

of her foster mother, June 30/2007.

She is survived (so far) by her two siblings, one of whom was adopted,

the other who is coming to Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue, with two

other babies.

Sophie's "caregiver" never cared enough to spay her mother, and her father's caregiver was never responsible enough to have him neutered. So when Miss Sophie was just a tiny wee little bit of a thing, probably no more than 6 weeks old, her "caregiver" decided to dump three of the puppies at the local kill pound...a place full of disease and the smell of fear and death. They were dumped there without so much as a thought to what would happen to them. Their mother will probably have more babies who will suffer the same fate.

Sophie and her siblings were full of parasites from lack of care, and once in the pound, they became ill with other other new parasites, known as giardia and coccidia.

A wonderul lady named Shannon, from Friends of Powell County's Pets came to the rescue, and took the babies out so they could be vetted and sent north to Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue.

Sadly, Miss Sophie was the runt of the litter, and was already so sick and badly dehydrated that she could not fight any longer.

Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue is deeply thankful to the foster mother who held Sophie in her arms, and allowed her to die with dignity, knowing love, instead of in a cold and uncaring dog pound.

Jynx is Back

Freckles — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:26:31 +0100

Last fall, someone called Mom and told her they had a dog they found, and that she needed rescue. So Mom went and picked her up. She named her Jynx.

Jynx stayed with us for about three weeks. Mom house broke her, and spent lots of time with her. Jynx was very herdy. She herded us dogs constantly. Remember the story "Stinky Jynx and the Smelly Black and White Kitty"?

Then her owners turned up. Mom tried to convince them to let Jynx go to a new home. Her humans didn't understand the needs of a Border Collie, and Jynx kept running away because she was bored.

They took her home.

Then last Saturday Mom got a call. The Humane Society had Jynx again. Mom went to pick her up, and she was not in good shape. She was very dirty, and she was very thin. She had been running loose again.

This time when Mom talked to her owners, Jynx (now named Minx) they agreed to let her go. They realized that Minx was a very unhappy dog, and that is why she kept running off.

The truest love is unselfish love...the love that lets go.

Mom and Auntie Ruth took Minx herding tonight...and she was finally doing what nature intended. She was in her element.

Remember Pistol? He was there. Pistol loves his new home. Here he is waiting for his turn to play with the sheep!

Neechi, Muna's brother, got a turn too. He ran so fast all of his pictures are blurry!

The hardest thing in the world for a Border Collie is WAITING. We HATE waiting. For ANYTHING.

Fever from Kentucky was there also. We didn't get any pictures of her though. She is doing great! THis is Celtic. She is a very pretty little girl and very very smart. She does a lot of tricks.

It is late and I am tired. I hope you enjoyed Minx's story.

Mom's Love

Freckles — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:41:05 +0100

Every morning, Mom cuddles us and talks to us on the bed. She spends at least 15 minutes every day like that. It is our special time. She talks to us, and tells us secrets and interesting things. Muna listens, and twists her head until some days I think it will pop right off!

This morning Mom told us something wonderful. She told us that it is a very good thing that love is not "tangible". Tangible means that you can see it and touch it. She said if it was, we couldn't live in this house, because there were be no room for us. Her love would fill the whole house, and all the cupboards and drawers, and all the cracks in the sidewalk outside. She said her love for us would fill all of Winnipeg, and everyone would have to pack their suitcases and dog dishes, and move out of the city. But that wouldn't help, becauseMom's love for us would fill all the world.

My eyes got huge. I thought about that, and I realized that is a LOT OF LOVE. Then I realized something else, I love Mom that much too. So do Muna and Frodo. It is a very good thing that love is not tangible.

I wish that kind of love on all dogs.

Love;

Freckles

She Stumbles Now

Freckles — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:02:59 +0100

Freckles has the day off, so I thought I would share a poem with you all.

I hope it touches your heart.

-Love;

Freckles' Mom

She Stumbles Now

(photo borrowed from http://www.srdogs.com)

She stumbles now.

Where once was grace and deftly placed foot,

painful old bones, black fur now soot.

She stumbles now.

Days gone by she climbed trees, jumped streams.

now only jumping in deepest dreams.

Carefully she picks her steps,

afraid to lose footing and hurt her hips.

I gaze intently into her eyes,

and see the puppy adored and prized...

almost sixteen years ago,

all legs and ears, a cold wet nose.

I hold her closely, oh so tight...

the Bridge is calling her home.

I know in my heart she only stays

as she can't leave me alone.

She stumbles now...

SUPERDOGS!!!

Freckles — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:49:48 +0100

I'm a little put out. Mom got to go with Auntie Mel and Uncle James to see the Super Dogs last night. I could be a Super Dog! I AM a Super Dog!!! Heck, I can jump 5 or 6 feet in the air from a standstill, and catch a squirrel! How super is THAT???

*sigh* It isn't fair. I couldn't go and watch either. Muna, Frodo and I had to stay home. Mom got to go and take pictures, and all I got was to see them, and live vicariously through her photos. Do you like that word? It is a very big word for a dog isn't it?

Anyway...here are some of the pictures Mom can't remember all the dog's names. (She's getting old you know)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This next one is Joxur. He owns Lisa. Lisa teaches agility and other dog sports.

This is a very beautiful Whippet.

Another Whippet!

A very hairy Bearded Collie!

And this Auntie Sue's lad, Streak. He is a famous movie star. He is dreamy. I hear he is a little nasty with the paparozzi.

Auntie Karen and Titian! Titian is dreamy too!

JoAnn and DJ...

I don't know what sort of dog this is, but he is not very cute.

This Auntie Lisa's other dog.,,an amazing frisbee catcher!

This is that dog's big sister. Lisa is owned by lots of dogs.

This is Utah a Cattle Dog.He owns Courtney.

Auntie Sue and Kenya...

Lethal who also owns Sue...

The best part is the smile on all the people's faces! Look how they are laughing and having fun! People love to see dogs perform, and dogs love to perform! And here is the best part of the whole night...the HIGHEST JUMP!!!

and just some fun shots...

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures. I know I didn't enjoy staying home.

Love;

Crabby Freckles

Auntie Julie's Birthday BBQ

Freckles — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:47:06 +0100

It was Auntie Julie's birthday and Mom invited some friends over to celebrate. Auntie Julie says she is 29. When she said that, Mom laughed, and said "So am I." I guess they must be twins. Maybe their Mom had a big litter. Most humans can only have one baby at a time.

Anyway...Auntie Julie brought Hannah the Mini-Pin and Buddy the bratty Jack Russell Terror. That is not a misprint. There were two of them. Two Jack Russell Terrors. Bev from flyball came with her Jack Russell Terror, Meg.

And the two of them provided all the entertainment for the humans.

Melanie and James came over and Uncle James played "Hang the Rats".

Auntie Julie shared her ice cream cake with all of us, which was very nice.

That is Benny the Border Collie in that picture. Bev belongs to him as well as to Meg.

Frodo exchanged a kiss for some ice cream. What a brown noser.

Mom gave us some chicken too. It was very tasty. Chicken flavoured ice cream would be wonderful. Or LIVER! YES LIVER FLAVOURED ICE CREAM! Imagine that!

Ooohhh...I am making myself drool...

Sorry....I digress...

I was very put out by the Terrors. They ran around the yard, chasing and yipping and yapping. I tried to put them in their place, but they just tormented me all the more. Uncle Brian was there, and he made me feel better. He gave me a hug.

I can tell you we all slept well that night. We had been swimming all day, and playing and eating good things that evening. It is indeed, a dog's life.

Swimming With Uncle Cody

Freckles — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:45:49 +0100

I must be the luckiest rescue dog alive. I love this life. Mom always takes us to fun places, and we have many friends...both dog and human! I am glad Mom found me, and I am even more glad she fell in love with me and kept me.

We went out to visit with Uncle Cody and his dogs. He is owned by two Retrievers and a Pom. He rescued the little Pom...found him on the highway, starved and scared. His name is Little Bear. Little Bear told me he really loves his new Daddy, and he is very glad he saved his life.

This is my Uncle Cody. He is awesome. Mom and Uncle have been friends for twenty years. That is a very long time.

We all went swimming in the quarry. It was so much fun! I went bug hunting! There were no squirrels, but lots of annoying swimmy little bugs to catch!
First I stalked them....

Then I snatched them with my pretty white teeth!

Then I ate them. It was very aggravating when I got their legs stuck between my teeth.

Frodo and Muna swam all day long.

I chased birds and caught bugs. It was a wonderful day. I went home very very tired. I will tell you later about the fun we had that night.

A Border Collie Day!

Freckles — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:35:51 +0100

Today was wonderful! Mom and Auntie Deb took us all to a new park..."Little Mountain Park". There were all kinds of different smells and sights and sounds! Auntie Deb brought her Border Collies, Riley (Mom calls him Whizzer, but I don't know why...something to do with her shoes being wet) Meg, and Tessa. All of Auntie Deb's dogs are rescues. I love Auntie Deb.

We raced about and swam in the icky water. Mom and Auntie Deb yelled at us to get out. They both yelled "OH YUCK!" I thought it was marvelous! So did all the others. It cooled us off, as it was very very hot out.

Chasing squirrels makes a dog very hot and thirsty you know.

Then Mom made us all pose for pictures...as usual.

I suppose if we can go to Little Mountain Park, and hang out with Auntie Deb, Tessa, Meg and Riley, I can adjust to our new home. Uncle Brian came to visit us last night, and I was very happy to see him. I stopped being sad, and that made Mom feel better too. I guess we all have to live with change from time to time.

Love;

Freckles

Moving and other things

Freckles — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:37:56 +0100

Well, Saturday we got all our belongings moved in to our new home. I don't much like it. It has a tiny yard. We can't even fetch a ball or a frisbee. Mom says we will learn to be happy here. I hope so. There is a dog who lives next door, but I can't see him because the fence is very high. I bark at him just to bug him.

It's noisy here. Airplanes and traffic...I can't hear the birds singing. Mom took us to the dog park down the street, but there is nowhere to walk, just a small play area. I can't run off and chase squirrels there. Maybe Mom is right...maybe with time we will be happy here. The important thing is that we are all together, and in the end, that is what really matters. I really miss Uncle Brian. I walk around the new house and I whine. Mom says it makes her sad, but I just can't help it.

On Sunday, we did something that was a lot of fun. Our flyball club, Warp Factor, did a demonstration at Victoria Jason Park in Transcona. We raced kids! It was fun! Mom let me do my tricks for the crowd, we did agility and flyball, and Uncle Steve was there and he did frisbee with his dogs.

These are some pictures of people and dogs in our club. I love our flyball group. We have lots of fun together!

That's Kim and Charlie with Mac and Ruby.

This is Cheri and Lucy. Lucy is only 6 months old, and she can flyball pretty darned well already!

Charlie and Lucy....

Bev and Meg!

Stephanie and Kira....

These are just some of the great people and dogs in our club. Later on, I will introduce you to the others.

See how important dogs are to these people? I wish all dogs got loved this much.

Late Night Walks

Freckles — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:29:31 +0100

Tonight Mom came home very very tired. All week long she has been this way. We haven't seen her much. I know she has been painting the house, because she comes home with funny coloured hair. There are stains on her jeans that match.

Tonight when Mom came home, it was very late, but she scooped us all up into the car, and off to the park! I think we will really miss Maple Grove Dog Park. Right now it is just 5 minutes from us, but soon it will be too far to drive every day.

But tonight, we went there in the dark. Mom has been very tense. When we arrived, she took out our new toy, a glow in the dark frisbee! YAY!!! We chased it and played for awhile, then we went for a walk. I could tell that Mom was feeling better. When we spend time together, it always makes Mom feel better. Her face gets more relaxed, and she smells calm. She smiles lots when we got for our walks together.

We dogs are very good for stress relief. We can be better than any old aspirin for a headache! It's true! Just ask Mom!

Got a headache? Mom will tell you "Take three Border Collies and call me in the morning."

See you Monday.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. Wish us luck in our move!

Love;

Freckles

Moving

Freckles — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:04:01 +0100

Mom says we are moving into our own place this week. She says that it has a good yard, and we will be happy there. I am going to miss Uncle Brian. We will still see him, but he won't be living with us anymore. That makes me sad inside.

Mom says all things must change, change is a part of life. We dogs don't like change. We like to have structure and keep everything the same, or we get very upset. Escpecially us Border Collies. We are very sensitive you know.

I wanted to let you all know that I don't know if I will be able to talk with you much this week, with everything that is going on. Mom has to pack the computer, and she says we have to get the new house painted and a floor put in before we can move.

Will you miss me? If you do, please just go back and read some of my old blogs...I am with you in spirit.

Valour, The Chained Dog

Freckles — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:49:47 +0100

Remember what I told you about the Mayor who let his dog freeze to death? Well Mom wrote a story about it, and I wanted you all to read it. I hope someone sends the link to my blog to the Mayor of Rice. He should read it.

Love;
Freckles

Valour, the Story of a Chained Dog

Valour could feel the life ebbing from his thin frail body. It was -30 with the wind chill. His chain kept him prisoner, and held him fast. He was surrounded by his own excrement, and his dog house was tipped over and out of reach, so there was nothing to shield him from the bitterness of winter.

He could see the house, knowing there was warmth within, but his howls fell on deaf ears. Nobody came to his aid. Nobody cared. After all, he was just a dog.

It had been this way since he was a pup. They brought him home, and chained him to the dog house. In the beginning, the little boy came out to play with him, but soon the boy tired of him, and the only human contact he had was the master filling his dishes with water and a cheap, tasteless dog food a couple of times a week. There was never so much as a pat on the head. In the winter he never got fresh water, he had to eat snow...and that snow was usually fouled by his own waste. The endless hours of boredom drove him to the brink of insanity. He often chewed on his paws until they bled.

Now, he could feel the pain and misery was coming to an end. As the cold finally sapped his life’s breath away, Valour felt warm for the first time in his life. He went to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Valour blinked. What was this? Warmth. Blankets. He lifted his head. He was laying on a bed. No…IN a bed. Morning sunlight spilled across the quilt that covered him. Panic. Where am I? He heard a dog howling outside the window. It sent a chill up his spine, it was so filled with despair and fear.

He suddenly had awareness that something very strange and magical had transpired in the deep cold of the winter night. He was given awareness…

Valour had switched places with the Master.

He leaped out of bed in his human body, strangely not awkward, but as though he had been this way his whole life. He looked out the bedroom window. There, chained to the dog house outside was the Master, in Valour’s old body. He was shivering, crying and desperate to be relieved of his hunger, loneliness and cold.

Valour gripped the window sill, his knuckles turning white. His eyes narrowed as he looked out upon the Master. He was overcome with righteous anger.

He strode purposefully into the kitchen, his eyes darting about, taking in everything. There…he found what he was looking for. He reached over and pulled the sharpest knife out of the knife block on the counter. He gripped it tightly, and made his way to the door. In bare feet and pyjamas, he trudged through the snow towards the Master. The Master cowered, shivering, fearing what was to come. Valour grasped the Master, placing the knife between his throat and the collar,. The Master screamed in terror. Valour jerked the knife upwards with one violent thrust. The knife severed the collar, and along with the chain, it fell to the ground with a dull thud. Picking the Master up and cradling him in his arms, he made his way back to the house. He kicked the door open and carried him over to the fireplace to warm him. He fed him, and gave him clean water. He then covered him with a blanket, and sat beside him, saying nothing, but stroking his head thoughtfully.

You see, Valour had been given the brain and the body of a man, but he still had the heart of a dog, a heart that beat with compassion, love and a forgiveness beyond human comprehension.

portinthestorm@mts.net

Do not crosspost or reproduce without express permission.

A Poem

Freckles — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:30:15 +0100

Mom wrote a poem awhile back, about an old shepherd and his Border Collie. I thought you all might like to read it.

I warn you, it is very sad.

Love;

Freckles

That'll Do

The ancient hand, trembling, reached out to stroke
his companion of nigh sixteen years.
The grizzled old collie, not a tooth in his head,
gently licked away one of his tears.
"Come up here Laddie." He patted his bed,
with that knotted hand, mapped in blue veins,
that for sixty-eight years had brought life to the land
and wielded the shepherd's cane.
Ever loyal and true, Laddie took his place
beside the farmer, at his right hand,
ever ready to work, every ready to guard,
ever ready to follow his command.
The old farmer stroked the soft graying head,
Then embraced his best friend by his side.
He buried his face deeply into his fur,
Breathed in, then gently, he died.
Later that day, the son came to call,
and found them both there in the room.
They both had gone home, together still.

"That'll do Laddie, that'll do."

Compassion for others

Freckles — Mon, 28 May 2007 20:50:46 +0100

Today Mom saw something she said "renewed her faith in mankind". Too bad she was unable to take pictures...but she told her friend on the phone, and I overheard. I thought you might like to hear too.

Mom was on her way to see Auntie Ruth and Dazzle. Dazzle had to go back to the vet, because one of the pins in her leg was starting to shift. (On that note, the doctor said she is healing very nicely, and the pin can come out in a week or so!)

So Mom took Pembina Highway, and then turned onto the cloverleaf to get onto the perimeter highway. She had to slam on her brakes fast! There, on the crosswalk, was a mother duck and about 10 babies! Mom waited there for the little ones to cross, but then she realized that they were going to cross Pembina highway, and it is a VERY busy road, with lots of trucks and cars. She looked in the rearview, and saw the man behind her back up, and pull his car into traffic, and block the cars so the mother duck and her babies could cross. Mom jumped out of her car and ushered them across.

Lots of cars had stopped. When the ducks got to the boulevarde in the middle of the road, the ducklings couldn't climb up! So Mom started helping them, but they were frightened. Two men got out of their cars and helped Mom. One was a great big guy who looked pretty rough and tough. He looked funny gathering baby ducks and helping them get to their Mom. Then he called out to Mom to block traffic on the other side. Mom did and the mane helped the ducks cross. They made it safe and sound!

Mom said the best part was when she looked up to see if people were angry at having to wait, all she saw was smiling faces in all the cars.

She said it made her week.

Interview Part II

Freckles — Sun, 27 May 2007 15:52:55 +0100

This is Part II of Interview at the Dog Pound. Please read the previous blog for Part I if you missed it.

Again, this story is copyrighted.

Love;

Freckles

Interview at the Dog Pound, Part II

It had been two weeks since I visited the local dog pound and its denizen. The story, not surprisingly, had attracted a lot of attention from rescue groups in the area. They were pleased someone from the city paper had taken the time to write a story on why dogs end up in the pound. It was hoped it might raise some awareness.

I found my mind wandering back to that sad place time and again. I wondered how feisty little Patsy was, and if she had been adopted yet. I also worried for Popper, the young Border Collie. I was deeply troubled in my spirit.

As I sat staring blankly at my computer screen, trying to concentrate on another story, I felt the familiar warmth of a little chin resting on my knee.

“Hi Sweetie.” I stroked the soft fur of my own dog, Sophie. She always knew when I was upset. They all seem to just know. There was then a gentle nudge of my arm on the opposite side as my other dog, Banner, vied for my affections. Border Collies, both of them.

“I have to go back,” I said, looking into Sophie’s intelligent eyes. “I have to know.”

Return to the Pound

Once again, I found myself in that foul smelling kennel area. No matter how many times you clean a place like this, the stench is always there. It must be hell for dogs, having such a keen sense of smell.

Pete’s old kennel had a new tenant, some sort of Labrador mix. She was black with small white markings on her chest and paws. There was a food dish in the corner, the kibble untouched by the look of it. She lay on her side, whining. I could see she had recently had pups by the swollen teats. Poor girl.

I moved past the Lab, to Spartan’s old kennel. Empty. Good. I held my breath as I approached Popper’s kennel, hoping beyond hope that he had been adopted. I was not prepared for what I saw. This once proud, handsome young Border Collie was now a quivering mass in the corner of his kennel. He glanced up at me briefly, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, then he began to cough violently. His tail was tucked tightly between his shaking legs.

“Oh Popper!” I cried. “What has happened to you?” Popper simply cowered into the corner, shrinking away from my voice.

“It’s his breed,” a familiar voice spoke from behind. “They’re too sensitive. The noise and smells drive them crazy. Intelligent fellows like him can’t take the long hours of boredom and lack of companionship.” I turned around to see my little friend Patsy, the Jack Russell Terrier. I peered through her kennel gate.

“Ah Patsy,” I shook my head. “I had hoped you would have found a nice home.”

“I did,” Patsy replied. “Well, at least I thought I did. The day you came here, someone came in and chose me. It turned out the same…another person who wanted a cute little dog, but not the work it takes to keep them happy. She brought me back just three days later, tired of my constant playing and running about, bouncing off the furniture.” Patsy stood on her hind legs, resting her little paws on the gate. “But guess what? A man and a little girl came here yesterday, they smelled VERY good too! They petted me, and played with me. Then they threw a ball for me. I brought it right back to them like a good dog!” Patsy was becoming very excited. Her stubby little tail wagged rapidly back and forth, making me grin. “They kept talking about something called flyball! The man said they were going to go talk to someone named Mom, and maybe they would come back.”

I smiled. Maybe they would come back. In the meantime, I had some questions for Patsy. “What has happened in here since my last visit?” She dropped back down onto her haunches, and became sullen.

“I hate this place,” she said. “That Lab down there?” I nodded. “Well, she came in with ten puppies. Someone just dumped them all like garbage at the front door. That was last week. Five days ago, some of her young became very, very ill. I remember smelling the sickness…the smell of blood. The workers came in, they called the sickness Parvo. They were very agitated. Six of her young died, the other four went behind the steel door.” Patsy shuddered. “She has been mourning since, and will not eat.”

“Lord have mercy,” I whispered.

“That’s not all,” she said. “The disease has run through the kennel, and others have gone behind the steel door. I suppose I was lucky, I was vaccinated. So was Popper, but he has The Cough.” As if on cue, Popper once again was seized by a coughing fit behind us.

“I have to get out of here,” Patsy wailed. “I am so frightened!” Once again I was questioning the logic of my return to this God forsaken place.

“Oh Patsy,” I opened the door to her kennel and picked her up in my arms, cuddling her close. I could feel her trembling.

“You smell different,” she said suddenly stopping and sniffing me. “You…smell…like one of…THEM.”

“Them?” I asked.

“A Rescuer!” she sniffed me once more, her little tail wagging rapidly. Just then, the door to the kennel room opened, and a pound worker and a man with a little girl came in. The little girl rushed toward Patsy’s kennel, but stopped abruptly when she saw me holding her.

“Oh no!” she wailed. “You aren’t taking my dog are you?” I quickly put Patsy into her waiting arms, and said “No young lady, she is all yours! But take very good care of her, she is one special little dog.”

“Yay! Daddy look!” she squealed as Patsy planted little dog kisses all over her cheeks. “Daddy, is she really mine?”

“Yes Honey, she is really yours,” her father beamed. The worker instructed them to be sure to bleach the bottoms of their shoes as they left, and I saw a brilliant sparkle in Patsy’s eyes as she looked at me over the shoulder of her new little master. This time, I was certain, it would be okay…at least for this one little dog.

As I left the building, and the many sad and despairing dogs it held, I could not help but wonder how anyone with a heart could abandon their beloved and devoted pet. Ignorance and selfishness are the cause of so much grief. These amazing animals give humans their whole hearts. They serve them, protect them, and give them unconditional love regardless of how they are treated. Their capacity for forgiveness is something I will never comprehend…and yet they are so often treated like trash by the very ones they trust. Their loyalty is repaid with blind indifference.

Opening the door to my car, I wiped a tear from my cheek, and looked down. “ Patsy isn’t the only dog who will find out what flyball is, right Popper?” Popper looked up at me, a glimmer of hope returning to his glazed eyes, his tail wagging slightly between his legs. I knelt down, cupped his sweet little face in my hands, and looked him in the eyes.

“It’s off to the vet with you, and then when you are well, you are going to meet your new brother and sister.”

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

This is a work of fiction, and as such, I have chosen to end it on a happy note.

I truly wish all pound stories ended in such a manner, but sadly, this is not the case. For most animals, the story ends quite differently. According to the Humane Society in the USA, THIRTY EIGHT ANIMALS PER MINUTE are put to death for no other reason than THEY EXIST. Responsibility begins with YOU.

Sally Hull

portinthestorm@mts.net

July 10, 2006

Please consider a small donation to Shahna’s Shelter of Hope

www.fundsfurfriends.com

or Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue:

http://www.eccentrix.com/members/portinthestorm/

Interview at the Dog Pound

Freckles — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:36:13 +0100

A few months ago, Mom wrote a story called "Interview at the Dog Pound". It flew around the internet, and many people contacted Mom about it. One of those people was Auntie Ann, the wonderful lady who owns this website, Chattypet.

Auntie Ann has a million rescue Beagles. Okay, maybe not a million, but she has a LOT.

Anyway...that is how Mom and Auntie Ann met.

Here is part one of the story.

PLEASE REMEMBER...this story is COPYRIGHTED. It may not be used without permission from Mom. You can ask her permission at portinthestorm@mts.net

Love;

Freckles

Interview at the Dog Pound

As a journalist, I decided to go to the dog pound, and interview some of the “inmates”. I wanted to know what it was like in there from their perspective. What follows is not for the faint of heart.

I entered the building, and one of the workers accompanied me to the holding area. This is where dogs are kept before they are allowed up for adoption…IF they are allowed up for adoption. If the dogs are found to be aggressive in any way, euthanasia is employed. Fortunately, if “fortunately” is the word to be used here…this is a Canadian establishment, and they use lethal injection, not a gas chamber.

The pound worker led me past a big steel door that says “Employees Only”.

“What is in there?” I asked. From the look he gave me, I knew that this is where some dogs go, and never return.

We moved on to a row of kennels. The dogs were barking loudly, there was the acrid smell of urine and feces, and a feeling of despair seemed to permeate the room.

“Go ahead,” the worker said. “They’re all yours.”

PETEY

I looked into the first kennel, and saw only the back of a medium sized dog who was curled up in the corner of his kennel, shivering. He was mostly white, with some black spots. “Hello?” I said. “May I come in?” He lifted his head, as though it weighed more than he could bear. When he looked at me, I could see he was a Pit Bull. His eyes were gentle, but filled with grief. “Enter,” was all he said.

I stepped in, closing the gate behind me. He put his head back down, facing away from me. I crouched down a few feet away.

“My name is Pete. Petey my Master called me,” he said, still not looking at me.

“Why are you here Pete?” I asked.

“I am here because Master cannot afford to move to another province. I am here because someone with power said I am vicious, and a killer. Someone who never met me. Master took me for a walk one day, and some lady started to scream when she saw me. I got frightened, and barked at her. The dog police came, and they took me away. I have been with Master for 10 years. The last time I saw him, he just held me and cried. He kept telling me he was sorry. I worry for him. Whatever will he do without me?” Pete shivered even more. A tear slid down my face. I am supposed to remain objective, but this was wrong…so wrong.

“Thank you Pete.” I said. He said nothing as I got up and left his kennel.

Popper

The kennel next to Pete’s held a very young looking dog. Pure Border Collie by my guess. He stood on his hind legs, looking at me through the gate.

“Hello. My name’s Popper. He tilted his head. “Are you here to take me home?”

“No, I’m sorry,” I replied. “But I would like to talk with you.”
”Sure. What would you like to talk about?”

“Popper, how did you come to be in this place?” I asked.

Popper dropped down from the gate, with a perplexed look on his face. He walked to the back of the kennel, then back to the front. I noticed he had one blue eye, and one brown. He was quite beautiful. His black and white coat was shiny and thick.

“I am not certain WHY I am here. I think maybe my family will come back for me. They bought me when I was only 6 weeks old. I remember they said how intelligent Border Collies are, and how it would be so easy to train me. They were very excited at first. The little ones played with me all the time. But the trouble is with little Masters, they refuse to stay in a group. I constantly had to nip their heels to keep them together.” He looked confused. “Why won’t they stay in a group?” he sighed. “So I did what I thought I should do. I am not quite sure why the little ones screamed when I did my job, but they did, and the Masters got very angry at me. They also got angry when I had to relieve myself, and did so in the house. I am not sure where they expected me to go. All they said was that I was the smartest breed in the world, and I should just KNOW better. Then they left me in the yard for a month or so. I got bored a lot, and I dug holes in the grass. The next thing I knew, the Masters brought me here.”

Popper jumped back up on the gate, his white paws protruding through the links. He looked at me with his lovely eyes, and asked “Will you please let them know I want to come home? Please tell them I promise I will be good?”

“I will Popper,” I said.

Spartan

My heart was breaking. I was beginning to regret coming here, but their stories had to be told. I moved along. The next dog I saw looked to be easily 100 lbs., a Rottweiler. He was handsome indeed, except for the scars on his face and back. He tilted his head, and looked me right in the eyes.

“Hello. Who are you?” he asked.

“I am a reporter,” I replied. “May I speak with you for a little while?”
”Most certainly. My name is Spartan. You can come in, I won’t bite,” he said.

“Thank you Spartan. I will.”

I entered his kennel, reached out and stroked his giant head. He made a loud grumbling noise, and closed his eyes.

“Spartan, why are you here?”

Before he could answer my question, he was suddenly in the grip of a nasty coughing spasm. It sounded painful.

“Please excuse me,” he said when it passed. “Kennel cough. It seems all of us who come in here get it.

“Why am I here? Well, about two years ago, I was born in the backyard of some person I can’t even recall. I had 11 brothers and sisters. I recall a day when a big man came and gave that person some money, and took me away from my mother. They had to chain her up, as she was very angry that he took me. They chained her and beat her. I came to know the man by the name of Jim. I overheard him telling his friends that I would grow up to be big and mean like my mother. But as I grew older, all I wanted to do was play and be friends with everyone. Jim said I needed to be taught how to be mean, so he chained me up in the yard. No more house for me, he said, I was too spoiled. When people came by to visit, I was so happy to see them. I wanted them to come and play. But that made Jim angry, so he beat me with sticks and chains. When he came near, I would roll onto my back so he would know I wasn’t a bad dog. That made him beat me more.” Spartan’s eyes clouded with grief. “Then he brought me here.”

I reached out and stroked Spartan’s massive gentle head once more. “I am so sorry Spartan. Some people are just plain evil.” I gave him a kiss and left his kennel. As I walked away, Spartan called out, “What will happen to me, nice lady?”

I shook my head. “I can’t say Spartan. Maybe someone kind will come and get you. We can only hope.”

Patsy

I walked a little further down. I could see a shape moving at the back of the next kennel. “Hello?” I called out. Suddenly the shape lunged at the gate in a fury, barking and gnashing its teeth. I stumbled backwards, and crashed into an adjacent kennel. The other dogs began barking loudly and jumping at their gates.

“Don’t go near her,” a small female voice came from behind me. “She’s mad.”

I gathered myself back together, and saw a little brown and white Jack Russell Terrier behind me.

“Thanks for the warning,” I was still trembling. Across the way, the other dog, apparently a Husky and German Shepherd cross, was glaring at me, lips curled back revealing brown stained teeth. Her ribs and hips showed through her dull, matted grey coat.

The little dog invited me into her kennel, and I gladly went in.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Patsy.” The little brown and white dog held a paw up in greeting.

“My owner surrendered me. She said she wanted a cute little dog like the one on the TV show, Frasier. She didn’t bother to look into the type of dog I am.” Pasty heaved a sigh.

“I suppose she expected me to just lie about and only need a short walk each day, just like Eddie, but my energy was so high that I needed to run and play.” She glanced at her surroundings. “Now I am here. I suppose it could be worse. I could be like…her.” Patsy looked towards the still growling dog across the way.

“What happened to make her so vicious?” I asked.

“From what we could gather,” she replied. “she was found tied in a back yard. She only had a three foot chain. Some days there was no water. Rarely was there any food. One day a nice neighbour came by and brought her some meat. By then it was too late. She was already mad. She broke off her chain, and bit the poor man badly. We know she will be going behind the steel door. I am sad to say, I think it will be best. Perhaps then she will know some peace.”

Just then, the door at the end of the building opened, and a woman stepped inside. All the dogs began to bark wildly, then one by one, they went quiet. I whispered to Patsy, “Who is that? Why have all the dogs gone quiet?”

Patsy breathed deeply through her little nose, and closed her eyes. “SHE is a Rescuer. Can’t you smell it?” she asked.

“Smell what?” I was confused.

“Compassion. Love. Sorrow. It emanates from her pores. She is here for one of us, but nobody knows who just yet.” Patsy looked hopeful.

The Rescuer moved from kennel to kennel, looking at each dog. I sat quietly watching. I could see tears in her eyes as she made eye contact with each one. She stopped at Spartan’s cage and spoke quietly to him.

“No more beatings my man. No more. You are coming with me. From here on in, it’s all going to get better.” The Rescuer produced a leash, opened the kennel door, and took Spartan away. As he walked beside her, his little stubby tail wagged with delight.

Patsy sighed again. I could see the disappointment in her eyes, and it grieved me. They all had the same look, as they watched The Rescuer depart.

“I am so sorry Patsy,” I said in a whisper. “But you are a little dog, and everyone loves little dogs. I am convinced you will be rescued soon.” Patsy’s brown eyes twinkled at me, a little bit of hope returning.

I had heard and seen enough. I needed to tell people how it was for these unfortunate creatures. They were all here through no fault of their own. I stood to leave. I passed by many other dogs I did not interview, looking at each one, wishing I could take them all home with me and give them the love they deserved.

I stood by the door taking one last glance back, when it opened, and one of the pound workers came in. His face was drawn and sad. He walked by without a word, and stopped at Pete’s kennel. I heard him take a deep breath, then he paused, and opened the kennel door. The words were muffled, but I am sure I heard him say “I’m sorry old boy.”

He came out, with Petey in tow. The old dog’s head hung down in resignation, and they both disappeared behind the big steel door.

Copyright
Sally Hull
July 6th/2006
portinthestorm@mts.net
Please consider a small donation to Shahna's Shelter of hope:
http://fundsfurfriends.com/

or Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue:

http://www.eccentrix.com/members/portinthestorm/

Pet Store Puppies

Freckles — Sun, 20 May 2007 09:32:56 +0100

WARNING!!!!

THIS PARTICULAR BLOG IS GRAPHIC.

It will be VERY UPSETTING to those who are sensitive, and to children.

If this is you, please CLICK OUT NOW.

I am sorry to have to tell this story. I am very sad that such things are true, but these stories must be told.

You know those darling, cute little puppies you see behind glass at the pet stores? The ones that bounce around and play fight and tumble over each other, and lick your face when you hold them? What you might not know, is where they come from.

ALL OF THEM.

These puppies are born in horrible places called "Puppy Mills".

(Image borrowed from http://delawarepuppyrescue.rescuegroups.org )

The mothers and fathers of these babies are kept in terrible conditions, caged 24 hours, 7 days a week. They are left without meidcal care, fed garbage food so their teeth rot, and often are left in extreme cold or heat. Their kennels are piled one on top of another, so their feces and urine drop down onto the other dogs, and they are never bathed or groomed. They get nasty skin infections, and thousands and thousands of them die daily.

They are then tossed aside like garbage, because they are no longer any use to the heartless humans who keep them.

Do you think I am garbage? Do you think YOUR dog is garbage? These people are evil, and they think if dogs do not make them money, they are garbage.

I am sorry I have to tell you this. I am very very sorry. But I want humans to stop buying dogs from pet stores, because it makes for more misery. If you buy that puppy because you feel sorry for it, it puts money in the bad peoples' pockets, and they breed more and more babies, and the mothers and fathers are used up more and more until they are thrown away.

Please go here:

http://stoppuppymills.org/horror.html

and learn more. Please educate others. Please do not buy ANYTHING from pet stores who support this torture of innocents.

Love;

Broken-Hearted Freckles

A confession

Freckles — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:54:07 +0100

Okay...I admit it. I love puppies. I just can't help myself. There I was...over at Uncle Steve's place...stalking about pretending to be all aloof and stuff...and then I saw them. Two of the cutest little monsters you ever could imagine.

Nikki and Rojo. I met Rojo last weekend, but I never got this close. And Nikki wasn't there. They must have caught me at a weak moment, because all I could think was "Awwwwwwwwwwwwww....". I HATE THAT.

Remember me? Ms "I have to be the cutest dog in the place"? Hmmmmmph.

Darned puppies. Making me all soft and mushy inside.

It's all Snippy's fault. She's their Mom...and she made some pretty sweet babies, I have to admit.

Oh yeah...Snippy...while I was there she and I got into one heckuva great game of tag! We had a blast! Uncle Steve's tenant left their old car there, and we chased each other around and around! I am not sure who won, but it was a lot of fun!

I can console myself with the fact that once the puppies get older, I will once again be the cutest dog of all. I just hope these good looks of mine hold out!

Wonderful Weekends!

Freckles — Mon, 14 May 2007 00:20:57 +0100

This weekend was a lot of fun! Mom took us all to a place called "The Forks" downtown. There are all kinds of fun things that happen at the Forks. There are fire eaters, jugglers, musicians, people who do silly things like get tied up and then they escape.

Humans are very weird. This human had his arms on backwards. Mom said it made her queasy.

One human even had a very very ugly dog in a harness. I don't think this dog could do flyball or herd sheep.

Mom's friend Uncle Steve had his four dogs there. They are all Border Collies too. He has Roy, Snippy, Billy and also a puppy named Rojo. Steve's friend Donna also has a puppy named Ruby. Snippy is the pups' mom, and Roy is their Dad.

Uncle Steve and his friend Donna, and the three dogs all do a disc dog act, called "Diamond Disc Dogs", and they are very very good! Snippy can do amazing flips in the air! The crowd loves it, and the kids clap and cheer!

There was a little boy sitting behind Mom who was laughing and giggling a lot.

Uncle Steve even let us do some fun stuff too! I got to do my cute tricks for the people. I waved, I did "stick em up, (they really like that one...everybody goes "AWWWWW!) I did a high five, hold hands, jump high in the air from a stand still, and then I jump into Mom's arms! I like it when the people clap for me. It makes me proud!

Muna and Frodo got to play the pool game. They have to pull lots of frisbees out of the kiddie pool, and one who gets the most out wins!

We also got to chase frisbees that the kids in the crowd threw for us.
It was so much fun!

That night, we all went out to Auntie Mel and Uncle James' old house. They used to live in a town called St Pierre. They sold the house, so we went out to have one last play in the fields and a big bonfire later on.
Auntie Mel and Uncle James have three dogs...Sydney the Cattle Dog, Comet, also a Cattle Dog, and Skye the Sheltie.

Skye is very beautiful, and he prances around a lot. He has very blue eyes.

We all chased each other around, making the the humans all laugh. We played frisbee and ball, until we were so tired we dropped.

I have to admit, if there is one thing I really enjoy, it is annoying Frodo. He hates it when I grab his frisbee and play tug with it. It bugs Mom too, because it is an expensive frisbee. *hehe* But I just can't help myself.

Love;
Happy Freckles

Dazzle's Surgery

Freckles — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:54:05 +0100

Well, Dazzle had her surgery on Monday! The dog-doctor said she is going to be fine. She got her leg all shaved, and it looks like a drumstick now. She even has to wear a silly lampshade on her head. It makes funny noises when she moves around her kennel...sorta like a prisoner with a tin cup.

It is hard for poor Dazzle. She has to stay in the kennel except for potty breaks and physiotherapy. That must hurt a lot. Auntie Ruth is taking good care of her though. She loves her lots, and so does Mom.

Many people have been good and kind, and donated money to help pay for Dazzle's surgery.

Mom took bones over for Dazzle so she would be too bored. She gives her cuddles and kisses when she visits. Auntie Rutht said that she probably has never had so many kisses in her life! She has been a very good girl, and only peed in her kennel a little bit. Pretty good for a youngster with no house breaking!

I will keep you all aprised of how Dazzle is making out. Please stay tuned!

Love;

Concerned Freckles

Poor Dazzle

Freckles — Sun, 06 May 2007 22:03:39 +0100

There are some times that things just never go right. Mom is having one of those months. A little puppy that came into rescue got badly hurt. When Mom took her to the vet, and they took bone-pictures, it showed that the poor little girl had broken her leg.

Her name is Dazzle. She is a pretty little girl, just 5 months old. Her owner couldn't care for her, so she gave her to Mom's rescue. Auntie Ruth took Dazzle into her home to foster her. We love Auntie Ruth. She is a really nice lady who loves Border Collies.

Poor Dazzle went to play outside, and nobody knows what happened, but Mom thinks she might have fallen on the stairs. Auntie Ruth heard a shriek, and little Dazzle was holding up her leg, and wouldn't walk. Mom took her to the vet after that, and that is when she found out the leg is broken.

Now there is going to be a very big vet bill.

Mom says that nice people from all over the world, England, the USA, and Canada, are helping to pay for Dazzle's surgery. Mom says that Dazzle is just as precious as we are, and she must have the best surgeon.

Poor Dazzle had to wait all weekend for her surgery. The nice vet at Charleswood Vet Clinic said they would keep her sedated and on pain killers. Mom had a wet face and was very upset when she came home from the dog doctor...but I think Dazzle will be okay. Tomorrow she has the surgery, and then the hard part will be her recovery.

I will let you all know how her surgery goes.

Love;

Freckles

Murder of a Dog

Freckles — Fri, 04 May 2007 06:51:45 +0100

Today Mom got a letter from a friend of hers. She is deeply upset.

Mom hates to get news about animal abuse, especially when it involves people who should know better...people in authority. Mom says that a man called a "Mayor" who lives in St Cloud Minnesota, left his poor dog outside to freeze to death. He had a nice warm house, but his dog did not. He didn't even bring him in to keep him warm.

Mom wants everyone to write letters, and to tell the mayor and the people of Rice. Minnesota, that people everywhere are looking for justice. The bad man pled not guilty.

Here is the story. Mom wrote a letter too, to a city councillor, the editor of the St CLoud Times, and to the city clerk.

Please do the same. Mom's letter is in bold at the bottom.

City Clerk: ricecity@bctelco.net
Editor: rkrebs@stcloud.gannett.com
Councillor Lyn Mohs:wldrt5@netzero.net

Love;

Sad Freckles

Latest news: Rice mayor pleads not guilty to animal charge
By David Unze dunze@stcloudtimes.com

Published: May 01. 2007 12:30AM - Last updated: May 01. 2007 9:50AM
STORY CHAT

FOLEY — The mayor of Rice pleaded not guilty this morning to a
misdemeanor charge that he didn’t provide adequate shelter for his dog,
which froze to death outside his home in February.

Michael “Mitch” Fiedler faces a petty misdemeanor charge of providing
an improper dog house for his wire-haired hunting dog, according to a
citation filed in Benton County District Court. The dog froze to death
in early February, when temperatures were well below zero.

A Rice police officer went to Fiedler’s house after receiving a
complaint and saw Fiedler’s dog dead in the yard. The dog’s house,
which was described as a plastic animal travel kennel, was tipped on
its side. The officer noted that the temperature was 15 degrees below
zero with a windchill of about minus 30.

Another officer returned to Fiedler’s house the same day and saw that
the dog had been removed from the yard. The officer looked inside the
travel kennel and noted that it was covered in frozen feces and did not
have any bedding inside it, according the court citation.

A Benton County investigator interviewed a neighbor, who said he heard
the dog howling on the evening before it died, and said the plastic
kennel was the only shelter the dog had.

Fiedler told an investigator that the dog had suffered seizures
previously and that he thought a seizure was what caused his dog to
die, according to the citation. Fielder told the investigator that he
put straw inside the plastic kennel, but that the dog would push the
straw out of the kennel so Fiedler had begun to use wood shavings to
cover the kennel floor.

Fiedler’s next court hearing is scheduled for May 21.

To the City Clerk, Councillor Lyn Mohs, and the Editor of the St Cloud Times;

I live in Winnipeg, Canada. Recently I read some very disturbing news about the Mayor of Rice, Mitch Fiedler, how he deliberately abandoned his poor defenseless dog to die outside in freezing temperatures. Not only did the dog have no heat, his so called "dog house" was covered in filth and feces. Having a dog is a privelidge, not a right. They depend upon us for their very existance. What recourse does a chained dog have when his master callously neglects him to die in the cold of night, not hearing his cries of despair and pain because he is asleep in his own warm bed?

What kind of a message does this send to the community? How can a city allow this poor excuse for a human being to actually hold a position of authority? I hope to God this man does not have children, because he is setting a horrible example.

What sickens me more? He refuses to take responsibility, by pleading "not guilty" and is not man enough to admit he made a gross error.

I hope the people of Rice are sickened by this myself and many others, and vote him out. I hope the justice system sees fit to throw the book at him. In a perfect world, a just world, Mr Fiedler would be forced to live in his own filth, and left outside in the same conditions as this poor dog.

The eyes of Canadians are upon this situation. And I for one, will never set foot in your city if justice is not served.

Sally Hull

Hull's Haven Border Collie Rescue

Winnipeg, MB Canada