A Work in Progress - Our Sammy

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 for my husband's comfort) and unloading the dishwasher, cupboards, and counters on a regular basis.

Sammy was a third wheel. He didn't know how big he was and even though Maddie and Annabelle weren't threatened by him, they had their own little niche in life. The girls more or less ignored him for most of the time. Occasionally Sammy would run over one of them and that wasn't a happy time. Spring led to summer. We took Sammy to an introductory obedience class and worked and worked with him at home. By mid-summer he was housebroken and had an inkling of what was a good idea and what was not. Chuck even began to develop a fondness for Sammy. He began to play big dog games with him and seemed to really soften up towards our gentle giant.

Now that fall has arrived (in full force) and Chuck is getting ready to retire, Sammy is included in all family events. He loves to go for walks in the park and stays right by our sides. In fact, just like Annabelle and Maddie, wherever I am, Sammy is. Yes he takes up more space but I certainly don't care. As for Maddie and Annabelle, they've taken Sammy into their little pack. Annabelle's still head honcho and puts Sammy in his place from time to time but Sammy's okay with that. After our last Newfie died I swore I'd never get another because I couldn't go through the pain. Well, I guess I will someday because Sammy's worth it. The joy he brings to my life is immeasurable

And the humor he and Chuck both bring to me just can't be said in words. Our Sammy can't always be called a "good boy" yet, but he can be called amazing...simply amazing. I sure do love him.

Sammy's a work in progress and a good retirement project for Chuck...don't you think?

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Can You Guess What It Is?

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!

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Mistake

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 shedding hair. The task took at least 30 minutes three times a day.

I must really love Sammy. Chuck only rakes leaves!

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Six Week Post-Op Check-Up

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 didn't tell me it would take me another 30 minutes to get on poor Tango.

He didn't need to tell me how good I would feel once I was in the saddle again.

And he sure didn't need to tell me how happy I would be! Praise God!!!!!!! Life is sure looking good today. I won't even miss the lovely display of fall colors on the trees that line the farm . I'lll be seeing them from atop myTango!

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In Memory and Respect

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.

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Surgery Update

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...well almost. All and all, I couldn't ask for more

My sons and their families have been here to exercise Sammy almost everyday. My husband went back to work for the first day today and he was a great help. He even gives me my shots to thin my blood. Now who would have thought!

And, as you can see from the photo above, even when I'm sleeping my three guys

don't go far from my side.

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Talk to You Soon!

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

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