The Stephenson Pack

2009-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a puppy in the pack.

2009-05-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

I wish I could sleep like this!

Meeting big sister and wonderful mastiff, Maegan and little May

Life is good!

What's cuter than a baby?

2009-05-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

A baby with a puppy!

I think they are both smiling here??

Looky!

I spy an eye.

More Winnie

2009-05-12T07:46:00.001-07:00

Winnie and her friend Marble

Winnie and bed-head, she rolls in the shavings...

Winnie running to come see me

There's my girl!

I took the camera out this morning.
I got some good shots of my Winnie.

It's May

2009-05-07T06:17:00.001-07:00

Yes it is May 2009, but I mean it is May, Morrigan's Amazing, May.
There have not been many (or any) springs in the past ten years that I have not had a puppy here in the pack. This year is no exception.
Meet Jim's pup May. She was born on Saturday, May 2, 2009 to my Maegan's mom Lexus. Guess what kind of pup she is????
Corinne just loves her!

My Mini Winnie!

2009-04-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

Meet my new Miniature Horse Winnie's Hope.
She is another dream come true for me,
a horse of my very own. Believe me she is every bit horse.
This little one is so cute and amazing. Miniature horses are not ponies, they were bred to have the characteristics of a large horse in a small body.
This is me and Winnie while she was still at Johanna's, She was a gift to me from Johanna, Jim and Jenny.....I know ....what a gift! Johanna is helping to learn about these little creatures.

Winnie after her clip...She has a blanket on today, cause it is cold.

This is Sue, Winnie's mom.

2009-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

The barnyard pack pictures

2009-01-19T11:37:00.001-08:00

I love the barnyard!
I enjoy all my animals. They are my "therapy".
My goats, Bucky, Sox, Calli and Pearlie Sue are so much fun to watch.
My chickens are just beautiful as well as my gorgeous cats.
My ducks are funny and very loving. What's not to love!

The pack barnyard pics

2009-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Bubba turned 10, oh my..

2009-01-10T12:24:00.001-08:00

baby Bubba turned 10years old in Dec. We brought him home the following Feb. He was and is my sweet baby boy. I LOVE THIS DOG!
I also love all my dogs, but b-u-b-b-a is number one with m-e!
He is handsome, loving, bratty and a mama's boy!
Here is an update picture of Bubba, Tinker Bell aka Tinks, Gizmo aka Giz, Gizer and Maegan aka Big Girl, Maemae.

Warning yucky pictures

2008-12-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

Warning yucky pictures of my spider bite......
Tomorrow will be two weeks since I was bitten by a brown recluse spider.
I never want it to happen again!
I felt the bite, it was a bite like most bug bites not to bad, I did not see what bit me, but due to the symptoms that followed I know what it was.
The next day my whole lower right leg was really sore, and I was really nauseous.
The nausea continued for a few days and the site of the bite became more and more tender, but nothing real bad.
But a week after the bite things began to change. The site became VERY painful, red, purple and even grayish.....YUCK! I went to see a doc on Thursday of last week. I was given an antibiotic and a prescription for Bactrium and Lor-tab (which I did not get filled).I have been taking Motrin and that helps.
He told me to wash it with soap and water and keep it open to air as much as possible.
So this is it today, the first day I have been brave enough to take a picture.
I have been getting in a whirlpool with Epsom salt once a day in the evening....
It stays goopy and drains sometimes. I know it has to go through stages before it begins to heal....Anytime now would be nice.
The brown recluse is not welcome in my pack and I hope one will never visit me again!

My Best boys.

2008-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Bubba (dachshund)will be 10 years old in Dec. 2008.
He is my sweet baby boy.
Buddy our Damatian is our protecter and friend.
These are our two boys!

Duck, duck, no goose

2008-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have added a couple of Muscovy ducks to my pack, Thurston and Luvie.
They were living with a nice family, but needed space to play safely.
My chickens have taken to them nicely.
I have done research on this type of duck and found that some people just love them, but some people hate them....Right now mine are sweet and love people.
These type ducks do not need much water to keep them happy so that works out great here. They enjoy a baby pool and they get in the water for the chickens and goats too.

Fun in the pack..

2008-11-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

I always have fun with my pack, but recently we had visitors to the pack.
Chris got me cheap batteries for my camera so I was only able to get three pictures.
I was disappointed because I wanted a picture of all the "kids" with the animals.
We had a blast playing egg toss, egg relay, Duck, duck, goose, toasting marshmallows and just fellowshipping with our friends!

Up-date on the pack..

2008-10-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Stephenson Pack has really changed over the past couple of months.
One new addition has changed everything.
Corinne our granddaughter has entered the pack and changed things forever.
She has her on blog, so she will have pictures here and there.
But, for now I wanted to up-date some of the pack's pictures.
Maegan, Budd, Gizmo and Bubba abd Sugar.
Everyone loves Corinne!
And that's a good thing!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2008-09-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today Chris and I celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary.
Wow, how time has flown.
I do believe we are more in love now than we were 27 years ago.
Of course, I believe that is the way God intended it to be.
I really pity those who leave a marriage early never really knowing the true love and devotion that comes with staying together, working it out and surviving the rough times.
Chris and I have experienced many changes in ourselves and each other over the last 27 years. We have grown closer and more understanding over the years.
My advise to others....try to work together, look over the small stuff. Be happy with yourself not with selfishness but selflessness. God intended us to be together until death....."til death do us part."
Seven years ago on our 20th anniversary "9-11" happened.
What a shock, what sadness. As we remember this time today and all the memorials and tributes that go along with it let us not for get the event on Calvary that happened so many years ago. The brutal death of our savior Jesus the Christ.
Let us remember the mocking he endured. Let us remember suffering he went though even before he hung on that cross. Remember the shear pain of being completely separated from his Father as he hung suspended between heaven and earth.
Remember the forgiveness he gave as he asked his Father to forgive those who so burtially took his human life.

Luke 23:34 (New King James Version)

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
And they divided His garments and cast lots.

The Christian life is a life of such joy and also sadness. But, he has told us that it will be worth it all if we will only do his will.

John 15:9-11 (New King James Version)

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

God has given us a plan. A plan for salvation.

By following this plan and living the christian life we can know the true contentment and joy that God offers us. As I stated earlier, being a christian brings us joy and sometimes sadness but the hope of eternal life with our Father in heaven will surely be worth it all.

The site below will take to to a web-site page that will explain what we must do to be saved.
This is a bible based plan that will give you what you need to start living the christian life and have the hope of eternal life with Jesus the Christ and God the Father.
Please feel free to contact me for any questions or assistance.
Tammie
http://www.bremencofc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=9

We have new pack members!

2008-07-10T12:24:00.001-07:00

Calli and Noel aka Pearl are new to the pack and so cute and sweet!
Calli is a bottle baby and little Miss photogenic, Pearl is just as cute , but more reserved. She always wears her pearls.
Bucky and Sox are adjusting to the "sisters". Goats are so much fun!

This is my cute little "banty" Rooster Bill, he is part silkie and part cochin.

The pack is growing and crowing

2008-06-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

The pack continues to grow. We have a new pygmy goat Sox, he joined the pack when we lost Wills to a urinary blockage (and that's all I have to say about that).
Bucky was so lonesome and now he and Sox are inseparable.
We also have more crowing going on here. Several of my silkies have turned out to be cockerels.....They have the cutest little crow, just adorable!
The Duke is still top roo around here, but he will have others to join him soon.
My Black orpington roo is growing up to be so handsome, no crowing yet though, and my BLRW splash roo is right behing him. So, we will have losts of crowing and growing going on.
I will be getting a couple of doelings in July....and I have three peafowl eggs in the bator!!

In Memory of Harley....

2008-04-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a week today that we lost our Harley Girl.

I have been wanting to put a memorial on my blog for her, but I am just now able to do it....Well. I think I am anyway.

Wow, what a beautiful dog....We had her for 8 1/2 years. She is one of the few dogs that we raised from puppy-hood.

We had some great times with our first really big dog...A beautiful Great Dane!

No, she was not "show quality" but she was all the quality we needed.

She loved both Chris and I, but I will have to admit she loved Chris more.

She was the Queen of the pack and even in her later years, larger, stronger and younger dogs bowed down to her.

She never had puppies of her own but she loved puppies!! She just loved to flip them over and sniff their tummies. She never hurt a pup, even the tiniest one.

One of the memories I have of Harley is when, Chris, Buddy, Harley and I were walking in the woods behind our house. Buddy was off leash because he usually minds well. Harley was on leash, but she wanted to be with Buddy so bad, so we made the mistake if letting her off leash.....bad move.......Buddy took of with "his" Harley right behind him. Chris and I both called and commanded them to come back....HA! Well I will not lie, I went crazy.....screaming, begging, crying and pleading Harley to come back. I was not worried about Buddy, he could take care of himself, but not Harley. Chris and I combed the woods. Chris went so far I could no longer here his calls for her...Then I found Buddy, JUST Buddy. That made me even more frantic. I got Buddy on leash and continued the search. Chris came back to the house to see if she had come back...NO....It was starting to get dark and my Harley Girl was still missing and without her Buddy.
Finally we spotted Harley in a clearing. We both screamed for her, but our voices were echoing and confused her. We could tell she heard our cries but being disoriented she ran in the opposite direction. Well we finally got her back home.
I just cried thinking what could have happened to her..You see Harley had very light blue eyes, and we never felt that her vision was very good.
She never went off leash in the woods again. But, we were able to trust her in the yard. She was good to come when we called her and she never ventured far after that.

Harley and Buddy our Dalmatian were the best of friends, sometimes I wonder if Buddy loved his Harley more that he loves us. There were so many times Buddy would run to Harley if he thought something wasn't going just right. He was her protector...they were so sweet together.

I have so many memories of our Harley...she was not just a dog, no not just a pet, she was a member of my family for 8 1/2 years and she was deeply loved and will be sorely missed...
Good bye my Harley Girl......We will never forget you......

Jake's Baby Blue Harley......keep scanning

2008-04-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is our Big girl....
We will never forget her.

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Prudence my new mini rex has joined the pack

Below is Wills...he climbed in this Coke crate to take a rest while I was taking pictures of my new silkie chicks. I was so glad I had my camera!

My new bunny Pru wants to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
She borrowed a few eggs from the chickens and is enjoying the carrot I gave her.
Wills wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter too...
I love the barn yard! Y'all come visit ya here!

My Easter Eggs

2008-03-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Before

After

What fun.....
I had so much fun coloring my eggs for the egg hunt yesterday.
Here are before and after pictures.
I made a big bowl of egg salad with the ones that cracked during the boiling process.
I love my beautiful eggs, before and after.....

Helmstead Minis Starbucks joins the pack

2008-03-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

Meet my Nigerian Dwarf Goat Helmstead Minis Starbucks also known as Bucky.....

Why I love animals

2008-03-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

To my Animal Friends
By Tammie Stephenson

Some people think I am crazy for living in this "zoo".
They often wonder what it is, this love I have for you.
It's something I was born with, it's something I can't help.
There is something in those eyes of yours that makes my heart just melt.

Your soft and fluffy feathers, your warm and furry coat, makes me smile when I am with you, be you chicken, feline, dog or yes even goat.
I love the way you waddle, I love to here you crow.
I love the way you lick my tears when I have to let one of you go.

Yes sometimes it can be crazy living here in this so called "zoo".
But it's worth it all just to feel the love I get from all of you!

In memory of my little friend Prince Harry...a sweet little kid that left me for greener pastures..

My goats...

2008-03-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

I have started a small herd of goats...I plan to have 3 wethers and evenually one nannie.
Kids are really sweet! Here are my two kids....Prince William (3 months) and Prince Harry (1 week).

Meet Prince William

2008-03-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

The pack has a new member...a goat.
I name him Prince William and call him Wills.
He is a pygmy and so cute and sweet. He is three months old.
He eats out of my hand and follows me like a pup.
He will be getting his new brother today...Prince Harry.

Just an up-date...

2008-02-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

Since my last post lots has happened.
It snowed in GA.....not that much but is was beautiful.
There was a very bad side to the snow.....slippery roads lead to the death of my dear friend Sue's father, Wes Hickey.

I have several eggs in my incubator...I am hoping for new fluffies around Feb. 20-21.
My NN pullets started to lay.....I just love my chickens. They are just so much fun.

My kittens are so playful and so beautiful, my, my how they have grown.

Jake and Julie are expecting a GIRL!!!
We are very excited and Julie is really showing now.
Life is good in the pack.

All the pups have found homes.

2008-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to announce that all my rescue pups have found homes.
Huck will be going to his new home this week-end.
He is an adorable puppy. A real keeper, of course they are all "keepers" but some just catch my heart more than others.
He was one of the original nine pups found by Joey. For some reason the mother moved him under an old house. She did not move any of the others. We just thought he had wiggle away and was taken by another creature. But 6 weeks later while Joey was feeding the mother he heard a whimper come out from under an old house.
He could not get the puppy to come out, so he had to cut the pup out.
Poor Huck had to learn quick....his brothers and sisters were way ahead of him in social skills and on how to eat or drink without momma.
He learned fast and now is in the house with us.
He loves to play with Gizmo and my feet!
Boy are his baby teeth sharp.
He will be leaving me tomorrow afternoon. I am very happy for Huck and his new family.

Happy New Year January 2008

2008-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

I am thankful to God for all my blessings.....
I wish you a Happy New year.

Ecclesiastes 3
Everything Has Its Time
1 To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
The God-Given Task
9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
15 That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.

Injustice Seems to Prevail
16 Moreover I saw under the sun:

Inthe place of judgment,
Wickedness was there;
And in the place of righteousness,
Iniquity was there.

17 I said in my heart,

“ God shall judge the righteous and the wicked,
For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”

18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

The end of a busy 2007

2007-12-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

Well, this year is about to come to a close.
It has been a busy but good year.
I have had many foster dogs this year, but also took a short much needed break from fostering for about 3-4 months.
I helped my friend Jim with three litters of adorable mastiff pups.
I got my chickens and am now enjoying fresh eggs.
I found out I am going to be "Grammy Tammie" in June 2008 and boy are me and Paw Paw excited about that!
My sister Tina got engaged to Ronald Denny, they plan to marry in June 2008. They are building a log home in Roosterville GA. My nephew Matt is now a R.N. and is working a Egleston Children's Hospital in the Hemo Unit.
My son Jake is now the Branch Manager of the BB&T Main Branch in Carrollton and Julie still enjoys her job as Bremen Downtown City Manager. She has not felt that great during her first few months of pregnancy, but she is feeling better and we hope she keeps feeling better and better.....We should learn the gender of Baby Stephenson in mid January.
My Aunt June Harber past away and Chris's grandmother June Garrett past away this year.
Chris got a Honda Goldwing this summer and we are enjoying going on short trips.
Chris also has moved his work office to Jake's old room so now he works from home.
It has been an adjustment but we love it.
For Christmas this year Chris has remodeled the basement ( see pictures of Ben and Katie), which is now our area to entertain.
Only Bubba and Olivia are allowed in this area so we will be using this space to have friend and family over. It is ALMOST PET FREE.
The drought has really hurt everyone in this area, so we are enjoying the rain we are receiving now. Let's all pray for the rain that we need so badly and give thanks for the rain we receive.
I wish us all a very blessed and happy New Year!
Let's have a great 2008! (I graduated from High School In 1978, you do the math.

Pup up-date and Warning my hand

2007-12-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

I just had to post these adorable pup pictures....How could anyone abandon them?????
This is my hand after surgery on Thursday....It is feeling better but I still have limited use of it. :-(

Puppy picture up-date

2007-12-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

Giz, Liv and Lu

2007-12-18T04:44:00.000-08:00

Giz, Livie and LuLu went to the Groomer yesterday.
They came back looking great, so I grabbed the camera.
It doesn't take these dogs long to find a hole to dig in....or to scratch the little bows from their ears. My dogs are spoiled, per say, but not in the way many dogs are "spoiled". My dogs are dogs, not people. They enjoy running, sniffing, digging,and taking lots of long naps. They eat one meal a day, only dry food, and the only treats they get are when Chris sneaks them a bite of something.They are not bathed once a week, but they are flea free....and they are crated or put into a room out of the way when need be. I LOVE my dogs and that is why I treat them like dogs....they are much happier and much more balanced that way.
Most of the spoiling we do for our pets is basically done for our own benefit, not really for the pet. I do not believe that giving a pet their basic needs is spoiling....to me that is taking responsibility, which is something we agree to do when we take on a pet.
Now as I said earlier, my dogs are spoiled.....They live with me, but that is because I want to be happy....because it makes me happy to be with my dogs. Dogs do not have to be treated like people to be happy.....They just need to be respected for the living breathing creature that they are and treated in a humane manner (not tethered, or isolated in a pen for life). OKAY......off my soap box....I am passionate when it comes to the creature I love so much....I LOVE dogs!

2007-12-10T14:00:00.001-08:00

Olive Oil

2007-12-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

One of my Turken aka Necked Necks...Olive Oil

Puppies in the pack.........again.

2007-12-05T04:57:00.009-08:00

Most of you know about the pups I took in recently....
Well, they are adorable of course!!!
I have 5 here and my friend and neighbor has 3.
Johanna and her family are helping me out, and believe me it has been a great help.
Only having to bottle feed 5 instead of 8 have been wonderful.
One pup has been spoken for.....one of the little white males....SO CUTE.
So we have 4 girls and 3 boys left to find homes for.
The mother is still in the wild. Joey is still feeding her and has made attempts to trap her, but she is not cooperating. If only she understood that she has a home waiting for her.
This is my 7th year of having homeless dogs in my home for the holidays....It does add to the stress of things, but it is also very rewarding. These pups are precious and deserve loving homes. If you know of anyone, that would love to give a loving home to a pup, please pass it on.
These pups will be up to date on shots, de-wormed and spayed/neutered....Adoption fee is ONLY $100.00.
Thank you!

Puppies in the pack.........again...Continued

2007-12-05T04:57:00.004-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T04:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Chris has been off work this week and he has really been working hard.
We are remodeling our basement......Jake lived down there during his college years, but since he has been gone it has basically been unused. We are preparing it now as our "Place to entertain". We understand that everyone does not love our dogs the way we do...so this will be a place where we can have people over and they will not be stormed by our many dogs......Now that is not to say that Bubba or Livie will not come down stairs for a visit!
The pictures above are of my sweet kittens Jenny and Gabbie aka Bobbie,
Me, Jake and Chris at the (Branch Banking and Trust) BB&T on Dixie Street in Carrollton, where Jake is the branch manager......He had the BB&T race car on display that day.
And, my friend Diana designed this wreath with a grapevine wreath and leaves and twigs from around her Virginia Highlands home...
We will be going down to my sister's at the "lake" for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Pack update

2007-11-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy in the pack lately...
Lots of church activities.
Chris has had stairs added to the back of the barn....so now I can access the second floor with out a ladder.
The kittens Jennie and Gabbie are both spayed and Gabbie's tail had to be amputated.....she is doing great. The Chickens are providing me with some beautiful eggs....I have had lots of "double yokers".
The turkens are growing but not getting much prettier....but that is fine, I love the way the look!
I am busy working on some watercolor portraits and some graphite portraits too.
I can not believe Thanksgiving it right around the corner...
Oh Yeah.......I am going to be a Grammy soon!!!!!!!!!

The pictures are off my doxies Bubba (almost 9) and Sugar (11)
my kittens, my chickens and Meme, my 13 yo Chihuahua that was dumped in the shelter after her owner died......she is old and gray....but has lots of life left in her.
She just minds her own business and comes to me for a pat on the head every now and then. I think she likes it here.......

More of my chickens and the eggs they lay

2007-10-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

Who knew I would love having chickens so much!
They are just so cool!
They are just so beautiful up against the fall background...
Two of my girls laid extra large eggs yesterday, probably double yokes!

Giz is ONE........and a huge egg

2007-10-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Gizmo Alfie is one year old.
He is a precious boy, full of LOVE and MISCHIEF!
He is a pleasure to be around.
He loves all his "brothers and sisters".
He plays with dogs that never really wanted to play before.
Giz got a whole piece of bacon for his birthday...He loved it.

This huge eat was laid by one of my chickens, Bertha, my first chicken to lay an egg for me back in September. This egg is like two eggs fused together......When I cracked if there were two yolks....I made french toast with it......YUMMY!

Taylor visits the back

2007-10-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Taylor Morrow and I went to lunch on Columbus Day, she was out of school that day, so we had the whole day to enjoy ourselves. We went to eat at Taylor's favorite restaurant, O'Charley's, then we went to Pet Supplies Plus, Horton's Book Store, and Rome Street Gallery and Art Supply.
I have two Kittens that needed a check up so we went to my house to pick them up for their trip to the Vet's Office.
While we were at my house Taylor got to meet some of my animals.....Here she is with Jennie, my calico kitten, Lucy, my sweet partridge rock pullet, several delicious eggs that I collected and two of my Turken aka necked neck pullet chicks.
She also had an encounter with a spider and "stink bug"......she was not real happy about that. It was really hot out side, so we had to make a stop at McDoanld's to get something to drink. Then we went to the Bowdon Animal Clinic with the kittens.
We had a fun day.

Naked necks and kittens join the pack.....

2007-10-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

I now have kittens in the pack.....
They live in my barn, a nice barn, with concrete floors and lots of beds, toys and a heating pad and lamp for the cool nights.
I am down at the barn about three to four times a day, so they get lots of attention. I had taken in two sister, Jenny and Janie, sadly, Janie died and left Jenny VERY lonely. So, I went on a kitten search and through friends, neighbors and my son, I found Gabriella. She is a little black and white kitten, A little shy, but she is warming up, but most importantly loves Jenny and they made fast friends.
I also have some new pullet chicks......they are called "naked necks" or Turkens.....they are not turkeys, but have the appearance of them....I just love them.
I also have a beautiful rooster.....Well,cockerel he is still young.
His name is "The Duke" and he is doing a great job taking care of his flock.
I now have 5 pullets laying.......Chickens are FUN!

Chicken update

2007-09-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

I have two chickens laying now.
One is Bertha, she lays beautiful light blue eggs,
and Lucy, my partridge rock, she is laying tiny beige eggs,
They are all old enough to start to lay...I am ready.
they are such pretty girls and Lucy is a love bug!!!!!!

Spidie

2007-08-29T06:38:00.001-07:00

I am not a big fan of spiders, but I love the big ones that build their web around my house and then "write" on it.
Look at this beauty..........I think it says..."great egg" LOL.

My first egg

2007-08-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

Bertha my "easter egger" gave me my first chicken egg yesterday.
It is a little blue egg.
I have been waiting patiently and here it is.
I am looking forward to many more eggs from my girls in the near future!

Hummers in the pack

2007-08-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

This has been one hot summer....
So hot that I have really not enjoyed being outside, and that is unusual for me.
I love being outside......it is really where I am most comfortable.
One thing about this summer I have really enjoyed is....
the "fireworks" display I see several times a day.
No not real fireworks, but the bursts of hummingbirds I have come to visit my three feeders just of the front porch.
The little beauties remind me of a fire work show because of the way the come and go.

First it is just one or two to fly in, then another comes and dive bombs the first two....then another and another until the grand finally....all seven to eight buzzing and bombing each other in one big display.......Then off they go, as if the show is now over.
Only with this display, unlike with fireworks, if your patient the show will start all over again. I have really enjoy the abundance of hummers I have had this year. We usually only had two or three, but this year numbers are up around seven or eight.
Enjoy the pictures.....

2007-08-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

2007-08-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Our Wing

2007-08-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Our Goldwing.
Chris and I have been planning to get a Honda Goldwing for some time now....
So last week Chris went to some dealerships and we searched on-line and found our Wing now called "The Dubya". It's former owners, Ronnie and Staci, brought it to us on Saturday morning. Chris and I were so excited. It is a beautiful bike and we are so happy to get it.
Chris is now learning how to ride and I watch him and say a prayer all at the same time. He is doing good, and plans to take a safety course as soon as he can.
These pictures were taken on Sunday....Chris was just taking her round and round the driveway. Sweat was pouring so he put on is favorite bandanna......cute huh?
Sidney, who also has a Goldwing took me for a ride on "The Dubya" yesterday. It was wonderful!
We look forward to many years of fun times on our wing.
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My adorable Gizmo

2007-08-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

Gizmo is such a cutie.
He is 10 months old and full of mischief.
He loves to run and play with the big dogs, but deep down, as you can see from the pictures below.....he is mommie's baby!
Yesterday, Chris and I were getting ready to go to evening worship service..
I walked into the nook and saw Giz with the pacifier in his mouth...I had one out for the pups I am bottle feeding.
I ran for the camera.....and here he is

New to the pack and flock

2007-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Nellie
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My flock
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New cockerel
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Two new pullets
I have added a few more chickens to my flock.....
A Partriage Rock pullet and
a Silver Lace Wyandotte pullet and cockerel....
They are having to stay in a cage in the coop for now until my girls get use to having them aroung.....they will have to establish a peeking order......
This is really it for me now, but as with anything you enjoy, it is always fun to get something new.
Now we just wait for them to start laying!!!

My Harley

2007-07-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

No not a motorcycle....My Great Dane, Harley....
This was her about 4 years ago.
What a beauty.......
She is pushing 8 now and is really enjoying the summer's heat. She is up about three times a day now, sometimes more. Back in the winter we were lucky to get her up twice a day. She is even going out with Chris in the mornings again. We have cut back on her pain pills for now too.
I know when winter comes it will not be this way.........sadly enough I do not think Harley will make it through this winter, but as for now I am so glad we fought to keep her going last year. She is even bossing Maegan around, and trying to play with her Buddy. She tries to go into her crate.....but I tell her No....go back to your couch. Just typing this makes me smile because I remember just a few months ago I was in tears thinking about losing my "Harley Girl"
I just finished my first "Impressionist" Painting, it is of Harley resting on the couch.......http://tammiespageofart.blogspot.com/
In this picture below Harley weighs about 130 pounds, she is right at 100 pounds now. She gets around easier at that weight.
I sing this song to her......in the tune of "Calendar Girl"
Here goes....
I love, I love, I love, my Harlequin girl.
Yes, my Harlequin girl
I love, I love, I love, my Harlequin girl.
Each and everyday of the week!

Seven

2007-07-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

We have seven mastiff pups........Man is it tough.
Lexus is a very attentive mom, but, we have lost three. two girls and a boy.
We have "air" now and is it wonderful!!!!
Oh the things we take for guaranteed.

I need to take puppy pictures, but it is so hard to look back at the ones you lose
: ((.

What a summer

2007-07-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

It is HOT in the pack this week as our air-conditioning is out.
We are suppose to be getting a new unit anytime.....
We also have new puppies in the pack.
Susie pups are with Jim and Lexus and her new pups (10) are here.
The stags have all gone to their new homes and I am so happy for them and their new families........
We are so happy to have had rain the last couple of weeks.....Chris has been cutting grass and we has beautiful torch lillies blooming.....

Today was the forth of July

2007-07-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today was the forth of July, and of course
you must spend time with family and friends.
We did just that ....Jim, Trojan and Willow came to visit.
Also, Joe came down from Asheville NC to pick up his new family memeber...R.J.
This kinda thing can't happen without some picture taking...
So here goes......
The T man.......Trojan
Trojan and Willow
Joe and R.J.
Willow.....a very sweet, smart and pretty young lady at 5 months old
AWWWWWWWWWW

More Pictures

2007-07-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here's Clementine
R.J. and Uncle Trojan
A pile of pups on the coolaroo
No this is not an alien.........It's Gizmo after playing in the wet grass.
Very handsome and a gentleman

Giz, pups and my Katie

2007-07-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Katie came over yesterday and I got some good shots of her, Giz and the pups.

Enjoy!!!!

Pups enjoying the coolaroo bed.
Katie and Giz
Giz......He is such a joy!

Katie and Clementine

Another Sad Day

2007-07-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

We lost the small brindle girl today.

She had a foreign body in her digestive tract.

I thought it was the "virus" starting up on her again.

She started to feel really bad yesterday afternoon.

She was put down this morning.

She was such a sweet baby, I called her Mona Lisa.

I will never forget her......

Good bye my little sweet one...............

Happily back in the pack

2007-06-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tigris Rex Jr.
B.L.
Taylor
Bailey and pup Tigris
I enjoyed my week at camp, But I am very glad to be home.
For those that don't know I was camp nurse at Camp Inagehi last week.
The kids were great, the staff was wonderful and the days were long.
The pups went with me and other than getting a few ticks, I think they fared well.
http://www.campinagehi.org/
I did lose one chicken while I was gone (I think to a hawk), so now the chickens only get out when I am going to be outside too.
Here's a kinda funny story.......
Yesterday I was out doing my chores......so I decided to give the chickens some free time.
I forgot that Bailey was out at the time so...........that meant trouble.
Bailey is an old dog with a crippled leg, everybody that sees her feels sorry for her, but I always tell them "she gets around just fine" she often brings up rabbits, snakes etc.......so I knew I was in trouble.
Bailey spotted the chickens about the time I spotted her........I started calling her name and running toward her as she started running toward the chickens. I was in my birkenstock sandals, so you can just imagine. She plowed into the flock and I was right behind her, screaming her name at this point. She didn't even hear me, she wanted a chicken whether I liked it or not.
One of my Barred Rocks peeled off and was on her own, Bailey was hot on her trail and I was hot on Bailey's trail, sandals and all. We ended up on the hill beside the house. The chicken was trapped and decided not to jump off the retaining wall.
Bailey got her........I was screaming for Bailey to let her go as Bailey was getting a better hold.....feathers were flying and I was screaming.........I decided I was not going to let Bailey have that chicken and I knew she was about to head off to the woods. There was an exercise pen that I keep pups in right beside me (don't worry Jim, the pups were not in it). I grabbed it and used it to convince Bailey to let my chicken go. She released the bird.....and by now the Adrenalin was flowing so I picked up Bailey and headed to the barn. Once I got to the barn and deposited Bailey in there I went to check on my poor pullet. About that time Chris opened the window to his office and said, what is going on out there. He said he heard the commotion, but was on the phone at the time.........COMFORTING huh?????
The chicken made it down to the coop, I picked her up and did a quick inspection, no blood........
I placed her in a nesting box and checked on her throughout the day. She has a little limp this morning.
Needless to say I spent the rest of the morning trying to get the rest of the chickens back in the coop. I am so glad my chicken survived. They are staying in today, they were munching on pineapple that I had left-over in the frig and loving it earlier this morning.
As you can see from the pictures the pups are doing great and growing every minute.
Just another day in the pack and I love it!

To many pictures to share.........PUPPIES!!!!!!

2007-06-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Just keep scanning to see my precious pups!

Puppies at the fountain

2007-06-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

These are the sweetest little puppies.....

They are really showing personality and spunk.

My fave is a brindle boy we call B.L.

He is so sweet and so determined.

I love that little guy!

PUPS!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

The pups at 5 1/2 weeks. They are truely "puppies" now.

Chickens in the Pack

2007-06-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have been without a computer of my own for a little while now.

But on my birthday, this past Monday, my husband changed that for me.

I now have a brand new computer and it is wonderful!

I have a new flat screen monitor and WOW photos take on new life.

So here are my chickens......pullets, they are about 3 1/2 months old.

They usually start laying at about six months.

They are still maturing, but are looking more "henish everyday.

Thanks to Dave for the nesting boxes and "hen house". My chickens are very comfortable there.

I let them forage about 4-6 hours a day. I get them back in the coop with bread. Sometimes they wander back to the coop on their own. I never looked as chickens as being so pretty before...........but I love to watch them scratch and cluck around.

One of the pictures has them in the wooded area beside the house. they love it in there in the heat of the day.

I can't wait for my first egg!!!

Puppy Pictures

2007-06-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

Puppy Pictures!

Since my computer is down it is hard for me to post new pictures. But, I got some today.

The pups are doing great.

All are weaned and eating mush, playing and very happy!

Their routine........

Sleep, pee, poop.............eat, pee, poop, play, get cleaned up..........sleep, pee, poop, play.......

They are showing personality and are going to be so wonderful.

The little guy with the split is using his leg and doing great.

Pups are Doing Great

2007-06-03T10:52:00.001-07:00

The seven pups I have now are doing great.
They are precious and sweet and are eating yummy gruel!!!!!
Chris is helping me, and I think he has the touch!
I love these pups.....to me, it's the fighters in this world that make all the difference.
The the ones that take lemons and make the best prize winning lemon aide on the planet.
Those are the ones I would want to get in the fox-hole with!
Sometimes you just got to get down and dirty.........or in this case gruely..........LOL

When the going gets tough the tough get going and I have never laid down on a fight.......
I have gotten knocked down, but I try not to stay down for long.

Today is a great day.

For me personally.......I have always been for the "underdog", because most of the time they don't know they are the underdog...........they are to busy trying and working and fighting to feel sorry for themselves. I have had a couple of set backs with this litter........but we are fighters.
So please forgive us if we are to busy fighting to sweat the small stuff... : ))

Bad news in the pack

2007-05-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

I just want to share with you about the terrible day I had yesterday........
First thing yesterday morning I got up at 6:30 a.m. as usual, went out to check on Jim's mastiff pups in the garage. Susie, the mom, was in the box with them.
I saw one little pup laying there almost lifeless.
I quickly picked him up and tried to revive him. After 45 minutes he was gone........
I thought Susie had accidentally laid on him and smothered him.
I decided at that point I would start bottle feeding the 9 remaining pups.
I left Susie with them so she could nurse them one last time........while I went to the vet with another pup and to get supplies.
Before I got home Chris called, he said he heard a terrible noise in the garage......he said Susie had really growled and sounded very aggressive. He said by the time he got to the garage one pup was dead and another badly injured.
I cut my trip short and headed right home, when I arrived Chris was sitting in the swing cradling the injured pup.
He had a severe head injury and there was nothing we could do.

And just like that........... We lost three....three week old pups.

Two of the remaining pups have an inner ear problem and are rolling and spinning around. They are otherwise doing well.......Of course Chris removed Susie from the pups the moment we realized that she did not accidentally smother the pup........but injured them while attempting to discipline them. Our (mine and Jim) theory is, that the pups teeth are coming in and they were biting down on Susie while nursing. She is so big and so strong that the force she used to "discipline" them was just to much.

I feel as if I have been physically beaten.......it was so sad.
Jim and I both cried when he came to pick up Susie and the dead pups.
He will bury them beside their brother who died at one week old.
Jim told me from the beginning raising mastiff pups was hard.
I am now bottle feeding the seven remaining pups. What a job!!
I hope to start them on "gruel" this week-end.
Now I have to focus on the remaining seven. I pray they will all do well.
Thanks for allowing me to share this terrible story with you.
Sometimes I just helps to share things with the people you care about.

"Just A Dog"

2007-05-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to all the "just a dog(s)" out there, that make our lives a little brighter each day.

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been spent with "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise" or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and the folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a person."

Here are some of the "just a dog(s) in my life.......

Buffy One and Buffy Two (now gone)

All my childhood dogs...........( the list is long) Buddy and Mitzi, just to name a couple.

The dogs in my life now...........( the list is still long) ....Buddy, Harley, Bubba, Olivia, Gizmo, Sugar, LuLu, Noel, Maegan, Tinker, Baily and Meme..............Susie and pups

Pippy, Hank and Meat Ball (my grand-dogs)

Other special dogs in my life............

Bitsie, my uncle Gene's precious little dog.

Dixie( now gone), Katie and their best buddy Little Bit..........Thanks you Dave and Ann for loving them so much.

Holly, Angie, Isabella, Alfie, Caterina and Little Bob........... CLOVER, Bronson, Lila and Zuazua (now gone)..........My friend Diana's dogs (her list goes on and on too).

And....

Morrigan the Mastiff (now gone).........what a great girl. She has brightened many lives and still is, thanks to Morrigan Mastiffs.

Here are some TWO WEEK puppy pictures..........Amy ..........the brindle boy I am holding is your baby!

My second litter......at one week

2007-05-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

My second litter at one week.

They are growing and growing.

Susie is great. She keeps these babies spotless!!

I have multiple breeds here at my home. I love them all.

I love the mastiff breed too.

My Maegan is awesome!

Susie is wonderful.

But there are somethings to consider before getting such a dog.

#1....... can you handle it???

Being able to handle your dog and being the pack leader is of the utmost importance with this extra large breed.

#2.......Time........spending time with your dog is so important. I personally cannot stand being separated from my dogs for long periods of time. These dogs need companionship. They love it .....They thrive on it.

#3.......They need a job........mastiffs are working dogs.......the show ring is a job, as well as therapy dog..........guarding the family etc. A mastiff is not the dog to be left in a fence with nothing to do. A mastiff needs interaction, they need to feel needed.

#4.......When a mastiff makes a mess.....it is a mess......not a little mess, but a huge mess.

whether it is marking the furniture......chewing the window sills, taking food from the counter tops, destroying shoes etc..........during the puppy stage (about two years) they can be very destructive. Also when a mastiff sheds it SHEDS!

#5.......ROOM.......mastiffs need room.......room to run, room to play and room to sleep.

People see my mastiff Maegan and they say....I want a dog like that........I tell them;

Maegan is a great dog, but it took work for her to become the dog she is today...........Lots of socialization............lots of discipline, for me and for her, hours of work in the yard walking, stopping, socializing with other dogs and other people.

My Maegan is an awesome Mastiff...........she is with me all the time, she is my big girl.

But I will say that the Mastiff is not the dog for everyone.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before getting a Mastiff.

Do I have the time to dedicate to make this dog the best it can be?

Does everyone in the family want such a large breed dog?

Where will my dog stay?

If I must move........will I be able to accommodate a dog like this.

The bigger the dog the more money needed for , Vet bills, flea/hw treatment, large crate, food etc.? Can I afford it?

Large breeds are short lived........is this right for my lifestyle and family?

As I see these little bundles in my garage, I see potential for a whole lot of HAPPINESS.

In the right situation.........each one of these pups can make a family very happy, but it will take work and dedication.

This is my blog so please understand that these are my views and my opinions.

So Sweet Susie

2007-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Susie is being so sweet with her pups. I think she has figured things out now and is being very attentive.

I took the pups out to change the sheet in the whelping box and of course I could not resist the photo opp.

Yes that is Susie's tongue, I love to see all the creative ways the pups position themselves to nurse.
Sweet Susie
Momma reunited with pups after a trip outside and a linen change
The incision looks good
Pups in a basket

Susie's pups

2007-05-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Susie and Rex litter is on the ground.

We have 11.........six girls, five boys. There are brindle and fawn in the mix, but right now I can not tell you how many of each.

We had one Brindle girl that did not make it despite our best efforts.

Susie, is dong great! She is sore and if she is like me.....she has a head ache this morning.

The darker of these pictures were made at around midnight.........the brighter about 7:00 a.m.

I got up at 2:41 a.m. to check things out. Susie went out and when she came back in it was bath time for her new pups. She was licking and flipping them and they were grunting up a storm.

I offered a few of them some supplemental formula and they nibbled a bit.

This morning Susie got her can of chicken broth, went out and then right back to mommy duty.

In the one picture you will see the pups underneath the pig trail........I plan on putting them under there whenever Susie gets out of the box. I hope that will condition them to move there for safety.

We will see.

Enjoy the pictures......scan down to see Susie pre-delivery

Susie's pups

2007-05-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

So far she is a great mom!!!

Susie in the Pack

2007-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Susie is my friend Jim's very pregnant Mastiff.

Is is a WONDERFUL GIRL and due May 10, 2007.

She has been here with us for a little more than a week.

We are anxiously awaiting pups.

This is also the whelping box Jim built for me. It has piggy trails.

Susie has been sleeping in it for the past couple of nights.

Also.........the Eastern Flycatcher's nest I have been watching for about two weeks is now bulging with babies......These are wonderful parents, constantly flying in and out with food for their young. We also have Brown Thrashers nesting under the yellow bell bush beside the house.

I have not seen the nest.....and I do not plan to stress them out looking for it, but they are busy parents too!

I feel that I must mention something here...........As I write this on my blog, my husband Chris is traveling to FL for a Food Show. Without his hard work and dedication to me and his family, I would not be enjoying the life I live right now.

I am so thankful to have him as my husband. I will have to say my Mom was right about him!!

Thanks Chris, I love you.

Katie and the Boys

2007-05-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Katie was back in action this past week-end.....This time it was Griffin's senior prom........Her are some pics of Katie and the "boys", Matt and Robin, Ben with The Giz and The Giz himself.

2007-05-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of LB AKA Little Bob, he is the Chihuahua that we RESCUED from the pound in Floyd County.......My friend Diana has given he a wonderful retirement home. She really thinks he is special.
Just look at how sweet he is.
The other two are of the GIZ.....my affenpinscher.........what a doll!

Katie's Jr. Prom

2007-04-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here are Pre-Prom Pictures of Katie and her boyfriend Griffin.

Katie is a Junior and attends Central High and Griffin in a Senior and attends Carrollton High. They make a very "pretty" couple.

Katie's Junior Prom cont'ed

2007-04-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

More of Katie

Windy on Miller Academy Road

2007-04-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, after Chris and I got back from evening church service we discovered the top of a Sweet Gum tree in our backyard. The limbs crushed a section of fence, but no other damage was done......The dogs love it, they think it is a Jungle Jim. The tree is obviously a victim of woodpeckers. It was so cold and windy I had my pullets in the barn.

The tree fell very close to the spot where we are planning the coop to be.

Scroll down to see a chicken up-date.

Gertie and Nanette aka Nadine

2007-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Gertie
Nanette
Meet Gertie and Nanette.......

Two of my chickens, they are Barred Plymouth Rocks and will lay brown eggs. They are black and white and have feisty little personalities.
They are named after my Mom, the late Flora Gertrude Slaton Drew...and
another family member who will not be identified any further.
Why would you name a chicken after your mother, you ask????
Well for those who knew my mom, know that she was full of "spit and vinegar". She was a straight shooter and told it like it was, or better yet, told it as she saw it. She was petite and feisty and this little chicken seems to have her personality, my mother would love it that I named this chicken after her. Mom was called Gertie as a kid. She did not mind being called Gertie, but if you called her Gravel Gert.....well those were fighten words.
The other chicken, Nanette aka Nadine has a very similar personality.....so enough said there.
So far I have Big Bertha, Nellie, Ardie, Ada and Anna.
The two Buff Orpingtons are named Banana and Poker because my niece Maggie, gave me two little chicks that she had hatched and raised as a class project. I was excited to get them, but soon after they arrived one of my dogs killed them........they were in a bunny hutch temporarily and the
bottom was rusted......Nutmeg scratched out the bottom and got to the chicks :>( ........so Banana and Poker are named after them...
I have two more to name. Any suggestions?

Fun Fun Fun

2007-04-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

The question is .......is it more fun for me or for the puppies!!!!
The two chi mixes are Gizzie and Maddy, they will be going to their new homes soon, the black pup is Gizmo (he is mine) and the other little chi is Lola. She is till looking for her forever home....
They are all just precious!!!! keep scanning for Fionn and friends.

Fionn and friends

2007-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day to go out to play.
Especially if you are a puppy.
The last picture is Fionn and Harley looking in the hole that little Maddy fell into....Maddy loved it!

Fionn and "Baby" aka Bailey and Heather

2007-04-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

The pups are 10 weeks old today and Fionn will be leaving me on Friday.....and flying to Washington state on Saturday..... : ((

I will miss him. He is a sweet pup and very smart. He is loving, but independent, much like my Maegan. I did not get Maegan until she was 4 months old, but I think she would have been alot like Fionn as a pup. Loving but not needy.....I like that in a dog.
I miss my "Baby" too. Fionn has adjusted well without his sister. Bless his heart....every now and then I hear a yelp from him....I know he has aggravated the wrong dog....probably Noel or Sugar, they are the grumpy old women around here.

Chicks

2007-03-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Some women love jewels and fashion.......me...... well, I like those things too. But, if I have a choice I pick dogs, goats, chicks and a drawing pad, oh yeah house plants, does anyone need any Aloe Vera????...I treated myself to some chicks this week, I have always wanted chickens for eggs....so I went to Wallace Feed and Pet Supplies and got me ten pullets
3 Araucana
3 Rhode Island Reds
2 Orphington Buffs
2 Barred Rocks
We will be building a coop soon. I have the plans I want to use.
Of course, if you know anyone that has a coop they are not using, and they would like to get rid of it, let me know.
Anyway, I have been keeping them in a storage container with all the necessities and the brooding light at night to keep them warm. This morning I moved them into the sunshine.
I have quite a set up.......a rabbit cage in a plastic box, with the box lid as a roof, sitting on top of a large dog cage, surrounded by an ex-pen to keep Baily at bay.......I can't help but laugh at myself sometimes.........

Meet Gizmo.....new pack member

2007-03-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have not formally announced Gizmo officially joining the pack.
The pups have kinda taken the spot light....but after a brief stay with a dear friend we all decided that Gizmo Alfie Stephenson would join the Stephenson Pack on a permanent basis.
We just love him and he loves us, humans and dogs alike, but especially Chris...
He is an Affenpinscher and 5 pounds at 5 months old. He loves to play and loves all dogs big and small....

Spring Rain

2007-03-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here in Georgia, February winds bring March flowers.....
We had a hard rain today and we are expecting Thunderstorms later tonight it is humid here.....yuk.
But we do have some beautiful flowers.....
Here is my Carolina Jasmine....it is blooming better than ever.
Also, the last of the jonquils and mini "purple somethings". And a Bradford pear tree and yellow bell bush. I am sure there are others names for them but that is what I call them.....beautiful non the less.

Resting by the pool

2007-03-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

After a hard day of play the pups find a cool stop to take a well deserved nap.....

COOL PUPPY POOL

2007-03-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after church services and lunch, Chris and I took the pack out to the barking lot. We filled the puppy pool with fresh water and I introduced Fionn and Bailey to the pool. They loved it.
They also loved the rope toy.
My camera battery had run down when they began to carry it around....so cute! March is going by quickly.....soon my babies will be gone.

SIX WEEKS PLUS, the pups join the pack!!

2007-03-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

The puppies join the pack

2007-03-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

I have been very protective of my babies.
I still am, but today they joined my pack outside.
Harley and Gizmo were really the only two that cared. The rest were enjoying this beautiful day and did not let the puppies interfere.
Sugar was the "mother hen" when the pups were small and helpless, now that they are playful and 10+ and 12+ pounds Harley has stepped in.
She just loves puppies. My Harley is 7 3/4 years old and has suffered with artheritis since age 4. i am so happy to see her up off the couch and playing with the pups.....Fionn really loves her!

My pups at five weeks

2007-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

Bailey
Bailey

Fionn

Actually,

Jim's, Heather's and Staci's pups at five weeks old.

They are just gorgeous and sweet babies.

They are enjoying the GA mild temps outside.

I have raised so many pups in this ex-pen. I recommend having one or two of these pens if you raise pups. They really come in handy.

Fionn is the "baby" of the two and Bailey is the "big sister".

It is so fun to watch them grow and develop......

Pups being pups at 5 weeks old

2007-02-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Bailey
Fionn playing puppies!
Mush......yummy!

Extra yummy!

Spring in GA

2007-02-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Me and my brother Fionn got to go out and play for the first time today.

We went "out" for a little while yesterday, but mama Tammie was busy and we did not get to stay out long. We went to stay with one of mama T's friends that is sick, so my brother Fionn did his first job as a therapy dog.

Today mama t feed us lunch then we took a long nap and then she surprised us by scooping us up and taking us out.......we still had dry food in our ears and around our noses. Aren't we cute!

Mama T loves us and she rolled all around in the grass with us while we were getting use to it. We had so much FUN!!!!

Now it is nap time again, then she says it is bath time. If the weather is nice tomorrow we get to go out and play while mama t cleans the rugs.

BYE BYE y'all, love and lots of licks,

Bailey

The Mastiff and the flea

2007-02-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

You have heard the story of The Princess and the Pea....

Well, this is the Mastiff and the Flea.....

No, Maegan does not have fleas.....just a little flea like pest (affenpinscher)named Gizmo.

Gizmo has discovered that Maegan is a big, sweet play toy and Maegan, as you can see, just puts up with the little flea.

Chris calls him the barracuda......

Maegan is a Princess.....

No more bottles

2007-02-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

The babies are now eating this wonderful gruel........YUM YUM!!!!

They are lapping it up from a dish that I hold at an angle for them.

These two pups are very spoiled.

They have very sharp teeth and they are beginning to play with me and each other.

These pictures were made on Thursday night and they have already changed since then. they are really starting to move more freely too!

PUPS, GIZMO and NUTMEG

2007-02-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

The pups are really mobile now.

Here they are on the sofa with Gizmo and Nutmeg.

Nutmeg is my doxie/yorkie mix....very cute and very independent.

The pups are eating "puppy" food once a day. They are growing, growing and growing.

Maegan the lap dog

2007-02-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

Ever since the pups can here Maegan has wanted to be a lap dog.

She has always been loving, but never so much as now.

She climbs up in the chair with me and as you can see...... with Chris.

In two of the pictures I tried to lighten them enough for you to see Gizmo peeking out. He is right under Chris's elbow. He loves Chris and will miss him very much when he goes to his new home.

The pups at 21 days

2007-02-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

The big guy
Puppy Love

Fionn and Bailey 21 days old

Three weeks old

2007-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Telling secrets
So Strong
Look at that tummy
Sitting up!
I am so cute!!!!!!

My babies are three weeks old!

They had their first "solid food" today.

Aren't they precious!

Westminster Dog Show

2007-02-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Westminster Dog Show airs live tonight on the USA Network.
This is always a big night in the Stephenson Pack.
We all find a comfortable spot and cheer on our favorites.
We pay closest attention to the breeds we share our life with....
dachshund, great dane, mastiff, miniature pincher, dalmatian, Chinese crested, poodle and this year an affenpinscher to name a few.
I am always most particle to the doxies. They are always winners in my book!
But, just to let you know I have the country's "#1 poodle" living here with me.
My Olivia is a beauty and gets top rating here.
This year I have three mastiffs here........of course two of them only weigh 5.5 pounds.
Two years ago my sweetheart of a husband made one of my dreams come true......He took me and my sister Tina to New York to see the show.
It was so exciting. It was my first time in NYC which was exciting, but to be at the Westminster Dog Show.....WOW!
It is a Benching Show and for those of you that have no clue what that is....
all participants are required to have their dogs in the benching area for a certain amount of time. This is so the public (me) can see the dogs up-close and personal. This best time for this is in the morning hours, by the afternoon it is so packed you can not even move. I would say about 50% of the owner, handlers, breeders were pleasant to be around. Some of them, you can tell hate (but tolerate) being in the benching area , some love it and are very nice and enthusiastic about their dogs.......others were rude or indifferent??????? People are people......none the less it was thrilling.
By the time it was "Best in Show" most people had picked a favorite and we were all on our feet cheering on our favorite. I had picked Coco the adorable Norfolk Terrier, she was a doll, but the German Short Haired Pointer won that year and he was a beauty.....of course they all are to me.
I hope to go again sometime......I was in dogie heaven.
Here are some pictures of my experience.
GO DACHSHUNDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Saluki (sight hound) in benching area
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever......... lots of grooming goes on.

Sweet Rhodesia Ridgeback
Resting Borzoi
Ibizan Hound

2007-02-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

The Ring
Wired Hair Dachshunds in the benching area
Afghan Hound
Tina and the Afghan hound
I always told Tina she reminds me of an Afghan Hound
She has always had long hair.

Very "stressed" dapple Doxie in the benching area