tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40422075162724315222012-01-27T00:00:08.420-05:00This blog is for and about animal people. It is inspired by the animals I love. I'll share some of my stories. My hope is that other animal lovers will use this blog to share their own pet or rescue stories. Ideas and advice are always welcome too!Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.comBlogger1521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-9932120280081745782011-09-17T21:12:00.002-04:002011-09-17T21:22:45.559-04:00

I know Tango and I look like tiny specs in the composition of this picture but the greenness of the pastures for this time of year is totally amazing. It's been interesting for me. Tango's been off. He's had x-rays and injections and the whole nine-yards. Basically, he's going to be okay but I've not been able to do my usual work with him. In fact, I've only been allowed to ride easily. I

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-80242775286840695722011-09-07T21:26:00.007-04:002011-09-07T22:12:50.612-04:00

Sammy's about had it with spring and summer. He's tired of the heat. He's tired of the grass and...he's tired of itching! The poor little guy doesn't mean to leave hair all over the house but even after I brush out bushels of white and brown fluffy fur he scratches out bushels more. I'm thinking of turning my house into a spinning factory. Why I think we could make the most beautiful sweaters

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-42569433819755871222011-08-29T23:51:00.002-04:002011-08-29T23:56:12.784-04:00

I've started a new blog for myself. I'm sick of dieting and I want to just eat. JUST EAT. I've started a blogging journal to try to make it through an entire year of plain old eating. I want to change all the bad habits I have about food and I'm going to need all the help I can get. My goal is to have made a life style change by the end of a year. If you have ever struggled with dieting or

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-28411205535329599892011-08-20T22:26:00.004-04:002011-08-20T22:36:53.915-04:00

All of the kittens and their mother left on Wednesday. This little girl was the only one left. Annabelle took over. She let her pretend to nurse. She played with her. Then she gave her to Sam to cuddle.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-48839471556797596432011-08-03T23:48:00.010-04:002011-08-04T15:55:20.101-04:00

It's been several weeks since I first came to you with sweet Ivy's dilemma. I can't thank you enough for all your wonderful comments and suggestions. Ivy's four beautiful kittens are growing and growing. They are funny and strong and well-loved. Best of all, as soon as they're all weaned they have homes to go to...wonderful homes. My daughter-in-law is going to take Ivy and one of her

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-53427656413655154292011-07-08T00:50:00.005-04:002011-07-08T10:33:13.726-04:00

This is Ivy. I named her myself. Ivy deserved a name. She showed up at the barn where I board my horses in early spring. Someone probably dumped her there. Ivy wasn't like the other barn cats. She was sweet, gentle, and friendly. From the very beginning it was clear that Ivy liked people more than hunting. Her loud purring resonated around the horse-filled stalls. By late spring it was

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-10925318226495211052011-04-29T16:12:00.002-04:002011-04-29T16:22:08.417-04:00

I had just walked down the little path and back in our yard when Sammy came out to greet me. He walked beyond me and turned back as if to say...you missed something...you didn't stop to smell the flowers. Isn't it interesting how our animals can remind us of the importance of recognizing special moments? Every moment is special to them. Each word each touch. Each sight each sound. I went back

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-20293233332443902532011-04-23T22:06:00.003-04:002011-04-23T22:08:18.723-04:00

Happy Easter From Tangobunny and Me!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-66298339521443402092011-04-19T17:40:00.011-04:002011-04-19T18:09:26.127-04:00

Horses (and good friends) make early spring landscape even more beautiful than it already is.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-73161420634512346152011-04-13T23:51:00.004-04:002011-04-14T00:01:59.540-04:00

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-65277637488979101842011-04-04T23:38:00.007-04:002011-04-05T14:02:46.783-04:00

My granddaughter Alexa, friend Holly, and I decided to take a ride around the farm. The ground was still squishy under our horses' feet, but the squish was a good squish. A chill in the early spring air was soon forgotten as we roamed around the vast acres of pastures. In the summer they would be filled with hay, but now they were wide open for riding. Alexa felt as free as the whistling wind and

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-48487350839036735482011-03-30T13:52:00.003-04:002011-03-30T14:14:57.239-04:00

In spite of the fact that I'm ready for spring, one thing I never am...at least for very long...is cold! I can honestly tell you that a three-dog-night (or day) is as good as warm sunshine when it comes to thwarting off the March chill. This photo was taken right after I got home from a long morning of riding. Of course, Tango's body heat keeps me warm when I'm on his back but afterwards when

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-13639774609712967832011-03-22T15:07:00.004-04:002011-03-22T15:13:35.899-04:00

Luke Michael Mader6 pounds and 9 ouncesMarch 18, 20111:35 a.m.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-1725478010467324802011-03-12T17:53:00.008-05:002011-03-12T18:08:34.923-05:00

My latest assignment for a magazine I write for was to write an article about how to prepare a pet for a new baby.Since my son and daughter-in-law are expecting our grandson any second, they made perfect models for the article!So did Riley!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-4589343943858287132011-03-04T10:39:00.015-05:002011-03-04T16:09:02.676-05:00

Ivy is so sweet and woud be the perfect family pet. In fact she was. Then HER family gave her up because they were moving. The fall leaves hadn't even begun to change when Ivy was dropped off at the animal shelter. It was September then. Ivy's been in a cage ever since. She went from living the life of a family dog to living in a cage in an institution and in my opinion that sucks.No one wants

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-51436641715658324912011-02-16T13:25:00.007-05:002011-02-16T14:31:37.727-05:00

Who says only kids can play ring-around-the-rosie? It's a great way to share the arena on a winter night and carry on a lively conversation at the same time. The other half of the arena was being used for lessons so the barn was full of life! If you'd like to leave a comment scroll way down...

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-23273863802345441912011-02-03T20:58:00.003-05:002011-02-03T21:13:34.039-05:00

I was waiting at the back door and watching for cardinals when I realized I had the best view of all right in front of me. I put on my boots and jacket and joined my crew just to breathe in the frosty air. We stayed out long enough to awaken our senses to the most sincere of all winters that I can remember. I can honestly say that time seemed to stand still, even if only for a moment.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-42409662526958120882011-01-29T20:18:00.014-05:002011-01-30T23:30:22.613-05:00

In the photo above we have Annabelle and Sammy simultaneously chewing on their own Nyla bones. Maddie is dozing on the couch. Since she has no teeth, she can't chew on bones of any kind!But this post isn't about Maddie or her lack of teeth. And it's not about Nyla bones either. This post is about patience and how animals have more than I do.I always want to rush into things and make things happen

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-3724497831923754952011-01-16T17:28:00.018-05:002011-01-25T12:58:12.259-05:00

Linda, Jann, Kathy, and me!It all started and ended with the green sled you see here. Poor Tango is pooped after two hours of giving us immeasurable fun in the snow. We called ourselves the Winter Riders...at least at first. Then we were the Winter Lightening Riders....I think. Someone suggested the Geriatric Riders and that might have worked for a couple of us.All I know is that when we gals at

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-48600669358366147022010-12-04T09:26:00.008-05:002010-12-04T11:12:37.092-05:00

As many of you know, Sammy came to us in late spring. He was big, doppy, and totally incorrigible. I loved him from the very beginning. So did my youngest son, Ryan. Chuck wasn't so sure. After all, our other dogs knew what they were supposed to do and Sammy didn't. On top of not knowing what he should do, Sammy did anything he wanted to do which included going into the living room (sacred area

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-43500044493686445392010-10-29T12:55:00.006-04:002010-10-29T18:39:01.205-04:00

Are you wondering what this is on my shoulder?Can you tell yet?It's my summer rescue! My sister Julie and I rescued a teeny tiny toothless raccoon this summer. It was just released back into its natural habitat.A wildlife center raised it after 30 touch-and-go hours with Julie and me. Nothing could be better than a successful rescue and a sister to share it with!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-26090085201960468262010-10-08T12:14:00.003-04:002010-10-08T12:21:31.256-04:00

I made a mistake. As I was downloading my very lovely photo of Annabelle, Maddie, and Sammy playing in the backyard I accidentally clicked on this one. When I looked at it I thought I might as well use it!This photo is the very reason that my back needed to get well quickly. In fact, my bones were probably scared into healing. This is me raking Sammy in early summer to get rid of his

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-55454488130447285052010-10-05T20:35:00.007-04:002010-10-05T20:50:18.941-04:00

I went to the surgeon yesterday for my six-week check up and a miracle occurred. The doctor said, "Every once in a while we have a shining star who recovers really quickly. You are one of those stars. You can get on your horse and walk...just walk...until December 6th when we'll do final x-rays." The doctor didn't tell me it would take me 30 minutes to get to the top of the mounting block.He

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-66057166025586117762010-09-12T21:28:00.004-04:002010-09-12T22:00:54.330-04:00

I was going to tell you all about a horse show that I took my grandaughter Alexa to. She did very well and we took lots of pictures. In the end, one photo stood out. Why? Because the date was September 11th and the picture seemed more than significant. I hope you think so too.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-89384573379287295042010-08-30T11:37:00.002-04:002010-08-30T11:47:40.994-04:00

This back surgery thing hasn't been so bad even though it was more extensive that we thought. I ended up with two rods, two plates. numerous screws, lost- count- at- 39 staples and who knows how many sutures. I feel pretty good. I've been able to enjoy the company of good friends who drop by so I'm not ever bored. The flowers in my family room make me feel like I'm on a tropical vacation...

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-44652369180337406502010-08-15T22:12:00.002-04:002010-08-15T22:16:59.185-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know I'll be missing for a couple weeks. Sadly my computer crashed and I'm writing from a friend's computer. I'm having surgery on Thursday and my computer won't be fixed by then. I'll be back in touch as soon as I can.Until then, have a wonderful last few weeks of summer.Love,Jan, Maddie, Annabelle, Sammy, Tango, and Tantra

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-27620480799889608642010-08-10T07:48:00.004-04:002010-08-10T08:06:34.774-04:00

YOU KNOW IT'S HOT WHEN....A fan sits in front of your air conditioning vent just to blow out more cool air. One dog lays in front of the fan while another WATCHES a flitting chipmunk through the back door window. Your dog sprawls on the floor to eat his dinner just so he can still catch the low blown air from the miracle fan!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-64913699586495025962010-08-01T10:59:00.008-04:002010-08-01T11:30:40.554-04:00

People keep asking me if I'm worried about my upcoming surgery and for the most part, the answer is "no"! I'm surrounding myself with the people and animals I love.This is my granddaughter Alexa going out for a ride on Tantra. I was right behind her taking pictures!My dear friend Nancy stopped by the farm that very same day with her little dog, Nellie.Nancy put Nellie on Tantra and Tantra

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-30511053655312108102010-07-16T22:28:00.002-04:002010-07-16T22:46:19.214-04:00

I know this picture doesn't have the best color quality in the world but I had to share it anyway. We have peace in the kitchen again. P E A C E - What a nice word that is when it comes to dinnertime. Up until a few weeks ago we had the crazy dog scramble around 6:00 every evening while I got the dog food ready. Sam didn't know what the word SIT meant and Maddie and Annabelle were caught up

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-26553650278520629032010-06-29T09:38:00.006-04:002010-06-29T10:17:38.927-04:00

Animals have a way of humbling me and Sammy is no exception. Last night was his first night at obedience class. Sam was the biggest, loudest, strongest, most distracted dog there. So much for my"I've trained an 1800 pound horse and Sammy will be a piece of cake," philosophy. HA!My first thought was, "Geeze, I wish I hadn't told the instructor (Amy) that my goal is to show Sammy in obedience

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-7036950232823377692010-06-22T14:25:00.007-04:002010-06-23T01:11:48.844-04:00

We've talked until we're blue in the face. Yes indeed. We've told her that Sam the man...dog...is a party animal. She doesn't believe us. Not until she gets home that is.The minute she walks out the door Sammy heads over to the counter. No matter what she leaves in the sink, Sammy gets it out for his own personal party. You'd think by now she'd have it figured out. But no, not her.She comes

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-2148416355622779422010-06-12T09:02:00.005-04:002010-06-12T09:35:11.869-04:00

Frankly, when the doctor told me I couldn't ride anymore until I had surgery I went into a place I don't usually go. I was so depressed I didn't even want to talk to people. That's not the normal me. All I could think about was how much time and work Tango and I have done and the upcoming summer show season. I tried to keep it all in perspective and remember I'm not seriously ill, I just have a

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-41380215712312997892010-05-28T10:08:00.012-04:002010-05-29T11:42:00.807-04:00

Maddie saw it first.Then Annabelle took a peek. The girls couldn't quite figure out the new truck in front of our house. It didn't look like the normal delivery truck.And it wasn't! It was the Aussie Pet Mobile with professional groomer Lori inside. The girls were in for a treat. They didn't have to go to the usual groomer and be put into cages with all sorts of scary sounds around them. They

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-7158836526033641532010-05-17T19:49:00.002-04:002010-05-17T20:04:16.913-04:00

Remember last week when I told you our walks were never going to be the same again? Well I was right. Mom holds Annabelle and me in one hand and Sammy (that's his name) in the other. Annabelle and I usually walk out in front and Sammy usually walks right beside Mom. The picture above was our first walk together. We almost run out of sidewalk because Sammy's so big. Annabelle always likes

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-46459400213329008652010-05-12T22:31:00.010-04:002010-05-28T21:56:05.323-04:00

Meet Sammy! He's our foster Newfoundland. If you look very closely you'll see little tiny Annabelle on the couch behind him. The girls are adjusting just fine. I'll have them tell you about Sammy with their own words later this week. Sammy came to us on Friday. He'd been a couple places before he got here. One place had called him Mongo. The other Sampson. I tried both names on him and he didn't

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-88272891632724674792010-05-09T22:06:00.008-04:002010-05-28T21:58:10.935-04:00

We're making the photos small so we don't shock you too much.But we have one thing to say:She wants us to be all hugs and kisses on Mother's Day but EEEEEGADS! Look who's moving in with us for an undetermined amount of time! She's gone and lost her mind!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-50929857557165344162010-05-03T00:02:00.008-04:002010-05-28T21:57:40.093-04:00

I honestly believe that sometimes things happen for a reason. About a month ago, my sister Julia, lost her beloved Georgia. Georgia was a beautiful Great Pyrenees with a heart as big as Texas...where my sister lives.Julia was devastated, as we all are when we lose one of our family members. "I probably won't get another dog," Julia said to me. "There will never be another Georgia and cats are

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-2888082917551078012010-04-24T09:02:00.011-04:002010-04-24T12:52:11.222-04:00

Our friend Tweedles just emailed me to ask me if I was tired of blogging. The answer to the question is a big NO! I told Tweedles that I feel guilty putting up a new post before I've commented on each and every one of your blogs...even though I DO read them. I would post everyday if I thought you wouldn't get sick of me!MADDIEYour blogs are all so beautiful and I love looking at all your

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-48552760213809753462010-04-16T13:24:00.005-04:002010-05-13T10:44:35.302-04:00

IF I DIDN`T HAVE A DOG OR CAT I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety. My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair. When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel. When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there. I could sit on the couch

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-30961568609101963772010-04-10T21:57:00.006-04:002010-04-11T00:17:03.103-04:00

She puts us to sleep just talking about it. Imagine that! Our mom talking!!!We've been on plenty of walks lately because the weather's finally settled down. In fact, the sun's been shining for a few days in a row.We've walked around the block. We've walked in the park. We've taken walks during the day and we've taken them at night.In fact, just a few nights ago Christian and Alexa stayed all

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-89621087695624979382010-04-03T13:12:00.004-04:002010-04-03T13:25:06.582-04:00

Happy Easter to all of you! I accidentally put this post here. It was meant for my writer's blog. What the heck! We're all writers. I know Maddie would approve and so would Annabelle. What do your kids have to say?Me:Easter looks like sunny skies and baby animalsIt smells like bright red tulipsIt sounds like birds singing from treetopsIt tastes like the first grilled hot dog of the seasonIt

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-90833806442859633902010-03-28T20:37:00.017-04:002010-03-28T22:42:11.100-04:00

My dear friend Georgie sent me pictures of beautiful mysterious wild horses. Georgie lives in a remote area of Oregon. In fact I always feel like she has her own forest and her own mountain. Georgie's world is a beautiful world. Anyway, back to my story...rather Georgie's story.Georgie told me that she'd always heard stories of the wild horses. She'd even heard their whinnies in the distance when

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-50119046990559186112010-03-26T11:12:00.004-04:002010-05-28T21:47:29.720-04:00

Quite frankly, she's been boring us to death. As you can see, I'm half asleep and Maddie's about to fall over. All she talks about is meeting her deadlines for magazine articles (which aren't even about us), horses, trail rides, and rescue dogs! Good grief!! When was the last time you heard one word from us? Well, we've decided it's time to get her attention. She needs to know that we've

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-70031633775912056912010-03-22T16:00:00.016-04:002010-03-23T01:03:28.090-04:00

It's been a very long time since I've been on a trail ride. If you've been following my blog for awhile you know that I got Tango when he was very young. He had never had a saddle on and I thought I was a better rider than I was. The long and short of it is that I was walking Tango around a bean field and a dog came out of nowhere and started to chase my boy. He ran right out from underneath me.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-4376531720740664082010-03-14T23:28:00.010-04:002010-03-15T00:55:27.740-04:00

Please forgive me for neglecting my blog this past week. I've missed reading yours and I plan to catch up in the next few days. Things have been totally chaotic to say the least. Between dogs and horses I've been quite busy. I can't complain though. I'm certainly doing what I love. I'll get to the horse story later this week. For now I want to share two stories with happy endings....those are the

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-15425764530951277132010-03-08T23:42:00.006-05:002010-05-28T21:57:07.722-04:00

Sweet Sara arrived on Saturday night. After dinner, a few tail wags, and a walk around the block, Sara was pooped. So was Annabelle, she never moved from the couch. It didn't take long for Sara to feel pretty cozy. She drifted off to sleep while I watched her remembering why I love Newfoundlands so much. Maddie seemed to think that Sara needed a friend for the evening. She made sure to give

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-63108177948261539642010-03-03T09:08:00.001-05:002010-03-03T09:58:28.157-05:00

Have I ever told you about Bud? He was my Newfie...my heart and soul. Bud died about ten years ago. The vet actually came to our house to put him down. It was one of the worst days of my life.Unlike Kelly who was so sick, Bud's legs just quit working. He couldn't stand up anymore but he was healthy as a horse. At 220 pounds, I couldn't do much to help him...no one could. Years before he died we

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-51882739601904128132010-02-28T10:22:00.003-05:002010-05-13T10:45:12.498-04:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this before or not, but I co-own another horse with a good friend. She hasn't ridden much in the past few years so it only makes sense that she shouldn't pay board anymore.My friend called me and told me that she wanted to sell Tantra and her tack. My first response was, "Sell your tack...it's worth plenty of money. Let me find Tantra a home." At the time, I thought

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-32135350986999070622010-02-24T09:57:00.008-05:002010-02-25T01:17:57.309-05:00

Poor Maddie. On Saturday, she stayed in her crate all day. Since I keep Maddie's crate opened and just feed her in there, when Maddie's in her crate, something is wrong. We soon found out what. She began to throw-up Saturday evening...all night...and into Sunday. Since our vet doesn't have weekend hours, we had to take her to the emergency vet.To the tune of $250 Maddie received IV fluids,

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-73519900565354576362010-02-19T11:29:00.006-05:002010-02-20T09:56:12.005-05:00

Well, you're just going to have to believe this story because my daughter-in-law, Heather didn't have a camera. We could have made some money on Funniest Home Video if she had....trust me.It all started just fine. The snowfall was massive, but my friend Anita and I like our horses outside no matter what. Because the barn folks were busy plowing Anita said, "I'll go put Rocky and Tango in the

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-34256033250250200562010-02-14T14:46:00.012-05:002010-02-14T17:45:40.886-05:00

We'd really like to run and play but the snow keeps pulling us under!I looked and looked for a place to use the bathroom but the snow dad shoveled piled up again. My poo poo turned into a piece of art...just ask Mom! I've had just about enough...how about you Annabelle?Maybe if we looke sweet and desperate enough they'll let us inside. Stick up a paw MaddieAnd then sit very still while they yank

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-60460091672758104382010-02-07T19:42:00.012-05:002010-05-28T21:44:27.015-04:00

It was a happy day and a sad day for Alexa. My granddaughter got attached to Tipper very quickly.Networking surely pays off! Today Tipper went home with a family who has one calm child and a fenced yard. Thanks to all of you who helped to spread the word for me and wished us good luck. Better yet...there are three other families waiting in line if Tipper doesn't work out for the first family.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-80243877189451816552010-02-06T13:55:00.008-05:002010-02-06T14:12:39.722-05:00

You know, everyday brings new challenges when you love animals. On Monday my barn manager told me about her neighbor who had a great dog that she was taking to the Newark Animal Shelter on Wednesday. It's a horrible facility with a high kill rate. I could tell you other things about this place but I don't want to ruin your day.At any rate, I asked Becky (barn manager) to ask her neighbor to give

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-53631202580771980512010-02-03T00:00:00.002-05:002010-02-03T00:30:48.665-05:00

Wouldn't you think that I could get some peace and quiet? The dog days aren't just for the hot summer! I was okay with the computer keys clicking away, in fact I was just about to doze offwhen the blender shocked the beejebers out of me.After the blender went off the dishwasher went on. The phone rang. The door slammed. What next? I wondered. Then I heard Maddie sneezing. She sneezes to get what

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-4662186517230698252010-01-31T13:00:00.000-05:002010-01-31T14:12:15.783-05:00

Most of you know that I ride Tango dressage and that we're in the training process. Dressage is precise, difficult, and beautiful to watch when done properly. The horse and rider move as one. A friend sent me this video of canine dressage. I had never seen anything like it so I wanted to share it with you. It's beautiful to see. Enjoy!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-26292986264202717522010-01-27T17:37:00.003-05:002010-01-27T18:02:24.339-05:00

She claims to love me. In fact she claims to adore me. Actions speak louder than words, I say! If she loved me as much as she says she does she would most certainly let me get in her car and go home with her. But no. She WILL let me get apples out of the backseat, but that's about it. Just when I lift up one hoof to get in she pulls me out. What do you think about that? Now don't get me wrong I

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-60151073161429550032010-01-24T12:40:00.005-05:002010-05-28T21:52:52.580-04:00

It isn't always easy to do the right thing, especially if you're me, but this week I ran across two examples that I just had to share with you.One day last week, while driving to my barn, I spotted a horrifically smashed black cat on the side of the country road. I glanced at the cat and then stared straight ahead. I sure hope that's not our barn cat, I thought to myself.I got to the barn, tacked

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-90942694098245416052010-01-20T16:10:00.006-05:002010-01-20T17:27:13.167-05:00

Well, Mom finally took us for a walk. Most of the snow melted and I guess she just decided it was time we got some exercise.What Mom didn't tell us was that something new and really scary was approaching...or at least I thought it was. As you can see, I was braver than Annabelle gives me credit for...I pointed like a springer spaniel.Annabelle stood behind me just so I couldn't see that she was

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-29043182267530197022010-01-17T22:11:00.003-05:002010-01-17T22:44:38.721-05:00

It was rainy and coldBut we didn't careNo need to get dressedWe had cozy to wearNo reason to worryNo reason to rushNo reason for make-upOr even a brushA day to be thankfulFor a break from the snowA day all togetherWith no place to go......

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-86005425218061929322010-01-13T15:33:00.003-05:002010-01-13T15:50:49.364-05:00

I was thinking about abstract ideas to use on my writer's blog as writing activities. A comment my nephew made kept running through my mind. His mother (my sister) is as much of an animal person as me...maybe more. She has a huge dog and several cats.The last time I visited her, my nephew passed through the room and looked at their rolly polly cat stretched out on the couch and said, "Get a job!"

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-62811688935616366752010-01-10T18:10:00.005-05:002010-01-10T18:39:42.417-05:00

TANGO, ME and the JUDGE!I've had people ask me over and over again why I just don't drive Tango and not ride him. "It's so much safer," they say, "And at your age you don't want to fall off."Frankly, I honestly don't want to fall...period. But if you want to know the truth, I feel safer riding than driving ...especially in a competition.I've only had one driving accident personally and it

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-4952349661044869112010-01-08T11:55:00.005-05:002010-01-08T12:16:45.356-05:00

I've tried and tried to wake her up but it's just not happening. Maddie's not a winter kind of girl. Now I don't expect her to go outside for hours on end, but just ten minutes to chase a squirrel or two wouldn't hurt her, would it?After all, I'm the one with the short hair and bare paws. Maddie's got slippers on her feet for goodness sakes!She says she hates ice balls. Go figure! I

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-41486576260458544252010-01-06T22:00:00.005-05:002010-01-06T22:23:59.640-05:00

You know how sometimes suspects are coerced into confessions by over zealous detectives. Well that's what happened to Tango pony and it's all my fault.I assumed he took Tantra out for a little jaunt on Christmas day because of the way the iron gate was plowed over and flat on the ground. That's something that Tango would do. I found out differently today. Why? Because I got a phone call from the

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-80670775331932014792010-01-03T10:09:00.007-05:002010-01-03T11:17:22.264-05:00

This photo is of me being me! Now what's wrong with that?She wanted to tell you this story, but only I know what really happened so I think you should hear it from me. Don't you think that's only fair?Here's how the whole incident went down. I spent the whole week wondering why she hadn't come to give me treats everyday like she usually does. Oh sure, she dropped by now and then but she didn't

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-20946029204680092009-12-30T10:44:00.007-05:002009-12-30T11:02:16.355-05:00

Annabelle would like to wish you a Happy New Year, but as you can see, she's chilling out from all the Christmas activities. In this photo, she's sitting with...or rather on...her Aunt Dee. The girl is plumb tuckered out!And Maddie's beyond tuckered out she's pretty much unconscious! I know she's dreaming about all the stories we'll have to tell you in 2010 and all the stories that you'll share

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-48084180043052785092009-12-23T09:35:00.003-05:002009-12-23T11:01:26.659-05:00

Maddie and Annabelle went to visit Santa. It was quick, easy, and fun. The worst thing that happened was that Annabelle exposed Santa's hairy leg. No big deal. I'm sure Santa's going to treat them well!Then it came time for Tango's Christmas photo. First, a barn cat caught his attention and he wanted to follow her. I'm sure he thought she knew where the food was hiding out.Of course as the barn

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-44357001055028999362009-12-13T15:17:00.008-05:002009-12-13T16:10:27.804-05:00

I couldn't believe my luck last night. I was at a camera store (buying a Christmas present) and right in front of me in line was the lady you see in the photo. Her name is Wendy. I came to find out that she was picking up photos taken the day she read...or tried to read...The Christmas Story to her dog, Bru and her Shetland pony, Captain Jack. One thing led to another and of course, we started

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-6286772684046095222009-12-10T13:52:00.005-05:002009-12-10T14:09:34.902-05:00

Thank you for all your kind words and prayers. I began to take the medication that the doctor prescribed on Monday and today is the very first day that I feel like myself. I can't tell you how happy that makes me.I was concerned about taking a prescription because any narcotic makes me sick...literally. Thankfully the medication for a syrinx is not a narcotic to kill pain. It's a medication that

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-28106853497307969262009-12-07T14:58:00.004-05:002009-12-07T15:13:17.224-05:00

Please forgive me for taking so long to post (as well as comment on your blogs). As most of you know, I've been having some really bad back pain between my shoulder blades. It hurts to sit. It hurts to stand. It doesn't hurt to ride Tango...much!At any rate, I had my MRI last Wednesday. On Friday the doctor called me back into his office to show me what was wrong. I have a cyst INSIDE my spinal

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-33428385817749747732009-12-02T17:00:00.001-05:002009-12-02T17:20:14.224-05:00

Okay. It's time to get things off my chest again. The reason I'm not hogging this picture on Thanksgiving day is because I was sleeping under Mom's hand. I was being quiet and calm...not trying to steal the show. Wish I could say the same about Annabelle! Just look at her. She's making goo goo eyes to Mom's friend Sherry. If I would have done that, I feel pretty sure Mom would have told me to

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-38411269155108247642009-11-28T10:01:00.009-05:002010-05-28T21:53:28.059-04:00

The following story came to me by email and I had to share......Meet the wiliest of all coyotes: Hit by a car at 75mph, embedded in the fender, road for 600 miles - and SURVIVED!When a brother and sister struck a coyote at 75mph they assumed they had killed the animal and drove on. They didn't realize this was the toughest creature ever to survive a hit-and-run. Eight hours, two fuel stops, and

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-61171992141245358912009-11-25T13:35:00.001-05:002009-11-25T13:40:06.547-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Mom, Dad, Tango and Us! Love, Maddie and Annabelle

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-37405490092243150532009-11-22T19:45:00.010-05:002010-05-28T21:45:50.668-04:00

Annabelle's PoemOut for a walkJust Maddie and meI tossed out a betShe'd be first one to peeMaddie marched onall happy and smugShe only stopped onceto just sniff a bugI waited and watchedand walked on quite proudwhen all of a sudden Mom said something out loud"We have to go home"she said to our dad"I've gotta go fastand I've gotta go bad"How could Mom do thisI barked loud and clearIt just wasn't

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-24292328705617409262009-11-21T10:07:00.008-05:002010-05-28T21:42:42.955-04:00

I had so much fun the past few days learning more about your guys and how they were named. Every comment I read was like an "ah ha" moment for me. Thanks so much for sharing more about the loves of your lives.Today I want to let a guest author tell you a story about a cat who changed her life. I've introduced you to Jaydee before. It's an honor to know Jaydee and the work she is doing.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-67282865958209151252009-11-18T00:26:00.004-05:002009-11-18T23:24:40.915-05:00

I was just emailing back and forth with Georgie (Tweedles mom) talking about some of our pets. I was telling her about Bud my Newfoundland. We were talking about Maddie and Annabelle. And of course we were talking about Tweedles.It occurred to me, that I named all my dogs and cats people names. I think it's because as hard as I try, I can't think of my animals as animals. They're my family. I

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-33766746574191334252009-11-15T19:43:00.010-05:002009-11-15T20:53:42.073-05:00

I thought she might forget about me if I hid under a chair but no such luck. Mom was bound and determined I was going to the groomer with Maddie. Do I look like I need a bath? Of course not. Guess I look like a Maddiesitter though. Hmmph! I decided I might as well get into the car and go willingly. There was no way to get out of the inevitable.All in all our baths weren't so bad but when we got

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-12992215599960934002009-11-13T10:52:00.006-05:002010-05-28T21:54:01.309-04:00

Many of you wrote me to ask about how Freedom is doing now (story from my last post). I emailed the Farm Sanctuary and got the response below. Please watch the slideshow and read the rest of Freedom's story. Cry with me as you celebrate Freedom's amazing life and the wonderful people who loved her.Hi Jan,Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, we lost Freedom earlier this year to spinal cancer.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-40912880189108495122009-11-11T09:11:00.004-05:002009-11-11T09:20:44.227-05:00

As a writer, I've written a lot of stories about all kinds of animals. Last night I was looking through my files and came upon the one I'm going to share with you. I've changed a few of the words since it's already been published. As animal lovers, I hope you enjoy it. If you live anywhere near Ohio, you probably know the story already! The Cow That Got Away! Freedom is smarter that your average

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-31485766606510562942009-11-08T19:13:00.002-05:002009-11-08T19:49:41.127-05:00

I heard her. What a bag of wind that girl is! Maddie needs to go to the groomer because she's a mess! She rolls in the leaves. She digs in the mud. She pulls tulip bulbs out of the garden. She really is a walking dust mop...full of dust! As for me, I'm clean. My hair is short. My feet aren't slippers. I don't roll. I don't dig...much. And I've never had a tulip bulb in my mouth. But

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-80067887785398481912009-11-03T19:18:00.004-05:002009-11-03T20:00:24.870-05:00

You know, it seems like it should be my turn to talk. No Annabelle. No Tango. I just heard my mom saying that it's time that Annabelle and I go to the groomer. Frankly, I like myself just the way I am. I was admiring myself in the mirror this morning. I looked adorable if I do say so myself. If my mom had any sense, she'd like me that way too. In fact, if she gave it much thought, she

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-90200426745959736062009-10-31T20:28:00.003-04:002009-10-31T20:57:10.987-04:00

You know, there really are no words to explain how we all feel about our animals. They are so much a part of who we are that if you are reading this blog, I don't even have to explain what I mean.Last night I went to the barn late (about 10:30) to deliver a cake that needed to be at the annual potluck and trail ride today. I couldn't be there because I had to work. Anyway, after I had the cake

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-9266947197581745142009-10-28T22:43:00.002-04:002009-10-28T22:48:24.481-04:00

BUMMER!

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-26990917712609115952009-10-26T22:09:00.017-04:002009-10-27T11:23:53.218-04:00

Okay. I know my picture taking isn't the finest but take a look at Tango. He's in the middle of a herd. Now that in and of itself isn't huge for most horses, but it is for Tango. Why? Because for the entire time we've been at our barn, Tango's had to be in a field with just one horse to keep him company. Tango's name should have been Houdini! He is able to get out of most places without much

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-86514557950859063272009-10-22T18:14:00.006-04:002009-10-23T12:40:54.468-04:00

It only took a minute to make my heart sing.See if your heart sings with mine!Animals and wildlife inspire us even when we’re not aware of it.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-15109182557971294552009-10-20T09:36:00.007-04:002009-10-20T10:48:13.300-04:00

I have always known this to be true, but yesterday it struck me again. Dogs are as different in personalities as people.I was in Texas visiting my sister for a long weekend. Maddie and Annabelle were well cared for by my husband Chuck, but they missed me nonetheless and were exuberant when I got home. I missed them too, but being at my sister's is the next best thing to home because she has a dog

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-12690505097458028082009-10-16T09:07:00.012-04:002009-10-17T14:21:59.441-04:00

Hey Maddie, don't be shy! Come on over here. Alexa's just like her nan....she loves us!And...Alexa's as warm as toast. When you snuggle with the girl you feel as good as a cup of hot chocolate on a blustry winter day!Come on Maddie! You can do it. What's that? You want to keep flitting all over the house? What for? There's no mice in here and we terrorized all the moles that are left in the

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-91989691405537440412009-10-14T08:44:00.002-04:002009-10-14T08:59:08.411-04:00

Photos taken by good friend and great photographer, Jeff Boneventure.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-58004285564253350002009-10-12T14:47:00.009-04:002009-10-12T22:38:44.962-04:00

First of all, thank you for all your good wishes. You brought us luck! On Saturday we took two seconds and a FIRST. On Sunday we took a third and two FIRSTS!!!! Good old Tango pony!Well, almost good old Tango pony. We arrived at the fairgrounds on Friday evening during the pouring rain. The trip over had been start and stop and Tango is not a patient boy. He was ancy in the trailer and ready to

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-405474555649503342009-10-09T00:29:00.005-04:002009-10-09T01:19:40.795-04:00

By the time you read this it will be Friday. Tango and I will be on our way to the last show of the season. I seriously hope that talk I had with Tango about his manners will carry over to the show.I really need the boy to cooperate. The show will be challenging for a couple reasons. First of all, Tango and I are fairly new to this dressage stuff. We have to think every step of the way. A lot of

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-39687802764707328922009-10-07T11:15:00.012-04:002009-10-07T15:16:50.240-04:00

I received the email below from a lifelong friend's daughter. I wanted to share it with you in hopes that you can can help in some small way, even if it's only to share advice or words of encouragement . Jayde has neutered, spayed, and released 47 feral cats on her own this year She makes my heart sing!Dear Jan,My mom sent me a link to your animal blog and I read through it a few weeks ago and

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-25026547599374135772009-10-04T18:35:00.009-04:002009-10-04T19:20:19.883-04:00

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk I had to share this story with you. You've all heard me talk about my youngest son, Ryan and his wife (my daughter-in-law) Heather...right?I couldn't have been prouder of Heather than I was last night. She lost her beloved grandmother, Charlotte, to a form of blood cancer in the spring. Heather and her grandmother were more than close, they

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-59713224344477569682009-10-02T17:17:00.018-04:002009-10-03T10:49:49.266-04:00

What's that, Maddie? Say it one more time..the air conditioning is humming in my ear and you're mumbling.I said, Annabelle, that there's something wrong with her. She's outside taking our picture and we're sitting in this stupid car like this is a normal thing to do.Okay, Mad Mad, cut her a little slack. She's just figuring out how to take pictures and download them on the thing she calls a blog.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-16853844768395662902009-09-29T22:14:00.013-04:002009-09-29T23:25:47.844-04:00

Okay. As much as I hate to say it, my husband is a genius. He went to an auto store and brought back the product that he was telling me about the night we spent hours trying to get the paint off Tango and....IT WORKED!!!! In addition, it left my hands softer than soft! YIPPEE!!!!Here's Tango standing next to the black fence where we assume he got into trouble and his white is whiter than snow.

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-47432463298201067162009-09-24T21:12:00.018-04:002009-09-25T16:44:17.203-04:00

See Tango? Doesn't he look handsome and clean? This is what Tango should look like two weeks before our final show of the season. It's been relatively dry. There's no reason for Tango to be muddy. Even if Tango rolls, he should be rolling in the the plain old dirt or grass. But no.I guess I'm expecting too much for my boy. CLEAN is not a word that Tango remembers. In fact, Tango doesn't even

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-25670342421450742462009-09-21T20:22:00.020-04:002009-09-22T10:30:38.838-04:00

The last weekend of summer was spectacular for me. We went to Lake Erie (where we've had a boat for years). The entire family managed to get together for this trip. Our daughter-in-law, Heather, has a family cottage at the lake so that's where we stayed.Of course Maddie and Annabelle were with us. The girls were wound up tight. They were more excited than kids on Christmas morning.In case your

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-52003662405837763652009-09-18T10:04:00.005-04:002009-09-18T10:17:49.193-04:00

If you read my last post then you know that I remembered something my dad said when I was just a kid..."Show me a man who doesn't like a dog and I'll show you a man who is no good."I thought about it a lot. My dad was very wise.I guess because I'm a writer, that inspired me to look for more quotes about animals. Needless to say, I spent more than a few hours immersed in rich delightful

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-64193819509463789032009-09-15T23:45:00.009-04:002010-05-28T21:42:07.328-04:00

I had pictures of Annabelle to post tonight. I had pictures of the coyote basking in the sun in the field behind my house. I had pictures of three deer grazing in the same field. Had them is the operative word here. I LOST THEM ALL! I don't know if it's me or the camera.Anyway, after I realized the pictures were gone I decided to visit blogs instead of getting frustrated. I had just gotten

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-83260740282266040192009-09-12T10:08:00.005-04:002009-09-12T10:50:30.157-04:00

So they think I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree. They call me a ditz. Well, guess who gets a boatload of attention without having to do stupid tricks or even behave very well? WINK WINK! You guessed it....ME!Kelly was smart. I'll give him that. He had a much bigger vocabulary than I do. And Annabelle aims to please. She does whatever Mom says. She's even got Dad jumping though hoops. I say,

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-61848551419034576122009-09-09T11:16:00.009-04:002009-09-09T19:20:13.945-04:00

I had to have a heart to heart with Tango yesterday. I've told you before, Tango thinks he's a dog. Really. Tango's as sweet as they come but because of his size...actually the size of his massive head...he can get downright pushy.And because I got Tango when he was a baby he knows all the tricks of the trade. I can't help myself. I always have treats in my pocket and Tango knows it! I love to

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042207516272431522.post-89531576999450200932009-09-08T11:11:00.003-04:002009-09-08T11:21:25.335-04:00

Way down at the bottom of this page I added a guest book. I got the idea from Riley and Star's place and loved it! The reason I added it to my blog is so that we could see all of your animals' cute faces and get to know you better. If you have time, please scroll way down and take a peek!Meanwhile, I want to let you know how much fun I'm having talking to or about your animals...and mine. I

Jan Maderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110939764789565303noreply@blogger.com11