Finnigan Comes Home!

 I was awake most of the night - thinking about the dog at the Midlands Humane Society.  He was listed as a Fox Terrier, but after doing some research at the AKC website, he looked to me more like a Cairn Terrier.  I joined a Facebook group, posted his photo & the consensus was the same as mine.  

We had our Garden Club Christmas party this morning & I mentioned my dog search.  My friend Ruth has a new Schnauzer puppy & told me how much she was enjoying him.  She had searched for two-years for a dog.  As soon as the party was over, I called Midlands from the car to ask if the dog was still there?  He was...

Our meet & greet~

The minute he came in the room, he made eye contact with me.  I got down on the floor & even though the lady volunteer was also sitting on the floor, he came right to me.  She left us alone & I soon discovered he was the friendliest little guy ever.  I asked if we could take him outside on a lead.  He did just great & was very aware of his surroundings.  

I couldn't fill out the paperwork fast enough!  He had been microchipped & I had that paperwork to fill out - which included his name.  One of the staff had named him "Geppetto" Pinocchio's creator.  No way!  His new name is Finnigan!  Though they had no information at all about him, his birthday was listed as 9-3-19, making him four-years old.

While I was waiting - they'd brought him into the reception area, behind the desk.  He sneezed & coughed a little.  The staff mentioned it might just be stress, or possibly Kennel Cough.  I told them we'd be making a trip as soon as possible to see our Vet - Dr. Darnell.  

Finnigan was happy to go with me to the Explorer!  As drove to PetSmart, he came over the console to the front & tried to sit next to me with his paws on the arm rest. We needed to pick up some necessary supplies.

At the checkout~

Shoppers in PetSmart wanted to come over to see him - but he was so scared.   - Everyone was kind enough to stay a distance away.  We bought food, cookies, a new collar, bed & shampoo!  I'd called Dr. Darnell & left a message before we left Midlands.  Just as we were leaving PetSmart, he called & said to bring Finnigan out!  

On the console~

We drove right to the farm.  Dr. Darnell went over him from top to bottom.  He has an underbite - which may cause some issues as he gets older but besides being underweight, seemed healthy.  He received the kennel cough internasal vaccine & an injection of antibiotics.  He's to continue antibiotics for ten-days at home.  As long as he doesn't get any worse & is eating & drinking - all should be well!

In his new bed~

Once home, I walked him around the yard on the leash, then turned him loose.  It was too dark to get video.  He took off at 90 mph running in huge circles as fast as he could!  When I called him, he came running but at the last second flew past missing me by a couple feet :-) I went back up to the deck & sat down in my chair.  I soon had my new buddy sitting next to me. :-)

He waited for me to invite him back in the house, which really surprised me.  I started putting his new crate together & he left the utility room.  I went looking for him.  I have no idea if he's house trained or not.  I'd tossed his new bed to the side of the front door when I first got home & that's where I found him!    He had one thing to call his own & that's where he was...  

Finnigan in his new crate~

I gave him his dinner & a big bowl of water; when I asked, he went right into his crate.  I was going to give him a bath, but that can wait until tomorrow.  

Sound asleep~

I was sitting on the floor, talking to Butch when somebody made a few circles & promptly fell sound asleep.  I'm so happy he's home!  It'll be fun to see him adjust to a new life. Wednesday, he'll accompany me to mat making & we'll do more shopping.  I think he'll need a coat & Butch mentioned toys too.  Welcome Finnigan - here's to many fun filled years together!

December Arrives ~

 It's been cold, windy & dry.  I've been busy with seasonal decorating.  Every year I say I'll do less, but when the boxes come out, I end up doing it all. The Cabin comes first, since I enjoy it more in the winter months.

Christmas at the Cabin~

I'm using both bird feeders this season.  I put one down by the swing & the other is at its usual spot on the post just down from the Cabin. Now, if I could just keep the neighbor's cat from stalking the birds!  I've been chasing it off with the blower, when I have the blower handy.

11-27-23 Butch & Maverick - Stop & Go~

We used to have Vet checks for the horses on endurance rides, called; "Stop & Go".  When you arrived - your horses heart rate was checked by the Veterinary staff.  If it was within parameters - you were allowed to continue without a hold.  Butch did get a stop - but it seemed short.  The Go came fast!  He arrived Thanksgiving morning, delivered a load the day after & was dispatched out early Monday.  

From the Cabin~

I haven't had my bike out yet this month, but a couple warmer days are forecast for the upcoming week.  I miss the exercise & even miss mowing, now that it's over for the season! :-)  

The woods~

I did get the leaves raked off the trails in the past couple of weeks.  I was working by the creek & received my last sting of the season, just under my eye!  I have no idea what kind of bug it was, but it must be hearty to withstand the hard frosts we've received.

Straw over the flower bed~

When Butch was home, we picked up a bale of straw.  I spread it along the south fence, where the marigolds were.  I finally pulled the flowers & scattered the seed on the hill.  I'm hoping the straw will prevent any further runoff - if & when we see any rain.

12-1 Hazy sunshine & "antique" windsock~

I've also been looking at rescue dogs...  I'm still not sure I want another dog - but I do miss having a companion. While Butch was home, we went to the NE Humane Society & the Midlands Humane Society in Council Bluffs.  It's so very sad to see so many animals in need of homes. I've been looking on-line too - but any dog that seems like it might work for us - is usually adopted fast.  The shelters we visited were populated with at least 75% pit mixes.  There's lots of applications to fill out - just to qualify - a good thing.  I won't know if I want a dog, until I see it in person.  So far, no luck.  Then, there are days I ask myself why I would want to take on the responsibility again...  Maybe yes, maybe no...