Freckles's Blog

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.