Cardinal Rule!

This morning, after breakfast and working out—I went over to the Lodge to visit with Kinky. While he was on the phone, finishing up some business, I entertained myself by playing pool against myself. Needless to say—I won and lost.

After Kinky got off of the phone, he and I had a fun visit inside the Lodge, and then out by the Friedman Family Bone Orchard. Forty-five minutes later, I was back inside our trailer returning phone calls. As I hung up on my last call, Tony came inside. "Nance, Pat was just here! I'm sorry you missed her."

"Pat?" I asked. "Which Pat are you talking about?"

"Pat H., the nice woman, who adopted Hannah Montana."

"Oh no! Is Hannah back?" I asked.

"Nope. Pat just came out to give us a donation and to ask us to tell Kinky that she wants to help him with his gov. run."

"That's great! Did she say anthing about Hannah?"

Tony started laughing. "She told me that Hannah had destroyed a small pillow, but she didn't care, because she is in love with her." Tony and I both laughed.

I spent the rest of the day doing my usual paperwork, and returning phone calls. This afternoon, two beautiful Painted Buntings showed up on our porch! They are absolutely beautiful little birds! I took over sixty pictures of the birds on our front porch and deleted all but three. Here they are with my captions. Y'all have a great evening!
"Hey, small fry! I was here first—scram!"

"Hey, little bunting! I was here first—scram!"

"This pan is my pan. This pan is your pan..."

"It works everytime! Cardinals hate yolk music!"

This Afternoon Got Weird!

This morning, after doing my five miles, Kinky called. "Morning Nance," Kinky said. "Can you come over? I need to talk to you about a few things."

"I can't, Kinky. I wish I could, but I've got too much paperwork to do." So we talked on the phone for over thirty minutes, instead! Laugh out loud—I love that man!

When I had finished my paperwork, I went outside, to put our new 'Proof of Insurance' cards into the vehicles. Then I decided to visit with our dogs some. I was on cloud nine, while I visited with our great dogs. When I passed Mr. Ziffle's pen, who Ashley Judd and Lucy are now occupying, I thought about his super adoption, and was so happy for him! Then the dogs cranked up barking—a green compact car was driving in. "Aaron," I half-hollered. "Who is that driving in?"

"I don't know, Nancy." The vehicle slowed, and I went to see who was here.

"Hi, I'm Nancy. Can I help you?" I said, to a friendly, smiling woman, who was about my age.

"Yes. I'm Pat H., and I want to adopt your little black dog. I'm from San Antone. I came out yesterday to look around. After I left, I couldn't quit thinking about that little dog. I have two cats, and one dog. Can I adopt her?"

"Oh my gosh, Pat—you sure can!" I was now on cloud ten! "Are you talking about little Hannah Montana? That little dog over there, in the puppy pen?" Then I pointed to her.

"Yes, the little black one."

"Her name is Hannah Montana, and she is one sweet little dog, but I have to tell you that she was returned to us, because she ate a sofa and was pretty destructive."

The woman laughed! "I don't care. Honey, I once had a dog that ate the corner off of my TV set! I'm a retired teacher, and she will be with me all day long. My other dog is a small mix named Anna, and I am sure they will bond and be buddies fast." Pat and I visited for several more minutes, then I excused myself, to go write up Hannah's adoption papers!

"Tony, Hannah is being adopted! This woman said that she came out here yesterday, and fell in love with her." I said.

"Great!" Tone said. "I forgot to tell you about her coming out. I'll go get Hannah for her." T. then left the trailer.

After Pat filled out Hannah's adoption form, Tony brought Hannah to Pat, and it was love at first sight! We visited a little while longer, then Pat needed to leave. After backing up her car, to turn around, her last words to us were, "Hannah just licked my face. I love her! Thank you so much—bye!"

Tone and I waved, and said goodbye to her, as Hannah was happily riding 'shot gun' in the front seat, with her tail wagging!

This afternoon got weird. T. and I went to Kerrville, to run several errands. Walmart was fine. The post office was fine, but when we parked in front of Blockbusters, to go to the health store, two doors down, to purchase some vitamins and supplements—I couldn't believe what I saw!

As I got out of Buttermilk, I looked over to the closely parked car next to us—a man and a woman, were in the car making out—in broad daylight! Their car seats were lowered down, and they were going after it! I couldn't believe it! So, I quickly closed the door, and race-walked to join Tony. When I told him about them, he laughed about it.

Our last stop was at Hoegemeyer's Animal Clinic, to pick up some pills for Thunder, and a bag of special Science Diet dog food for Alfie, who has skin allergies. While we were waiting in the lobby, with several other people, a man, about thirty-five, walked inside with a big, handsome, friendly, male yellow Labrador! "You're dog looks just like Marley," a man said, to the stranger.

"Yes, I know," The Lab's owner replied. "But my dog is not nearly as destructive as Marly was." Everyone in the lobby laughed, including Tone and me!

Y'all have a great evening! I've had a great day! I am so happy for Ziff and Hannah! They have found their forever homes—at last!

Boy, Was I Wrong!

This morning, Buttermilk took Tony, Hannah Montana and me to Kerrville, to do The Harley Show live web cast! We arrived at The Rose around 7:35. When we went to go into the building—the door was locked! I tapped gently on the window, and five seconds later, Harley opened the door. After handshakes and hugs Harley said, "Your friend, Rick, the friendly Lighthouse keeper, has already called in this morning about y'all doing the show." Then we stepped into the studio with Harley.

It was a lot of fun, and little Hannah was great, considering she had never done live radio or a live web cast! Near the end of the Utopia segment, I remembered to tell Harley about our two, new rescued Border Collie pups, and five Catahoula pups that a lady has, who is trying to find homes for. My last words were, "Bye Harley—we're heading over to Randy and Lisa's Save Inn for breakfast!" Which was sort of a lie.

We actually stopped off first at Hoegemeyer's Animal Clinic, to drop off precious Hannah, so she could get her nails done—then we went a few blocks down Sidney Baker, and pulled into The Save Inn's parking lot. When we entered the place, it was packed full, as always! "Hi Cousin Nancy and Tony," Lisa said. "A woman named George just called here, and she needs for you to call her." Then she hands me a slip of paper with George's phone number written on it. "Her husband heard you this morning on the radio, and I think they want to adopt one of your Border Collie pups!"

I thanked Lisa, and then Tony and I found one of the last empty tables, and sat down."Tone, I think I had better go outside and call George," I said. "Let's wait until Aaron arrives to order our breakfast. I'll be right back."

I went outside, to the front steps and punched in George's phone number. This was a first for me, because I've never talked to a woman named George—it reminded me of Johnny Cash's hit song, 'A Boy Named Sue.' which I also have on my iPod. "Hello, this is Nancy from the rescue ranch," I said. "Lisa, at The Save Inn just gave me your phone number."

"Oh Cousin Nancy, thank you so much for calling me! I'm Georgieanna. My husband heard you on The Harley Show this morning and we are very interested in adopting one of your Border Collies! When he heard you tell Harley that y'all were headed to The Save Inn—I called hoping to catch you there."

"Well Georgieanna," I said. "You caught me. Let me tell you about the puppies. We just rescued them, the other day and we just had them spayed and neutered, wormed and given all of their shots. We are planning to pick them up, at Hoegemeyers, as soon as we eat breakfast. If y'all want to go by the clinic and check them out, it would be fine with me. We should be over there in about forty minutes or so." Before hanging up, I asked her several important questions, about having a fenced yard, etc. to make sure they were good people. Then I went back inside and sat down with Tony and told him about my conversation with Georgieanna, as we waited for Aaron to arrive.

Tony picked up my cell phone and punched in Hoegemeyer's number. "Hello Susan, this is Tony. Some people might adopt one of our Border pups, and they are coming by to check them out." There was a pause. "Try to talk them into taking both." There was another pause and then Tony laughed out loud! "We'll be over there in about forty minutes. Thanks, bye." Then Tony punched in another set of numbers, "Aaron where are you, man?" There was a brief pause. "It's me Tony." And yes—another pause. "Okay, but hurry—I'm starving." Then Tone returned my phone to me. "He said he is just down the road."

"He's here, I said, as Aaron pulled into the parking lot. As soon as Aaron sat down at our table—Lisa showed up to take our orders, and then she disappeared into the kitchen. As always, our breakfast was delicious and the conversation fun!

When the three of us arrived at Hoegemeyers we went inside and said hello to Susan. We love Susan—she should get the 'Best Receptionist Award in Kerr County,' but unfortunately they don't give out awards like that. A woman who was sitting on their bench next to her beautiful baby then stands up and puts her hand out for me to shake. "Cousin Nancy—I'm Georgieanna." We shook hands. "My husband and I want to adopt the female puppy—Ginger Rogers! What do we need to do?" We talked for several minutes.

Wow! Tony and I were so impressed with Georgieanna, we didn't hesitate for a second, to tell her she could adopt our Ginger! And, she was delighted!

"We live on two acres, the fence is going up this weekend, but we want her to be an inside dog. My husband can't wait to adopt her, and I am going doggie shopping as soon as we leave here. Susan, my husband wants to pick her up after work. Will that be okay?" Susan smiled and nodded yes. "My son is going to be so thrilled!" We talked for a few more minutes, then we left Hoegemeyers with Fred Astaire. Fred rode back to the ranch with Aaron, and Hannah rode back with us. The whole twenty-two miles back to the rescue ranch, Tony and I talked about how happy we were for Ginger finding such a super home! I was on cloud nine about it! Today was going to be great, I thought! But boy, was I wrong!

After returning a few phone calls, Tony walks into the kitchen, wearing a frown. "Nance something is really wrong with my computer. Can you please help me fix it?" An hour later, after being on the phone with an Apple tech, he discovered what the problem was, and told me that Apple would ship us out some software, today, at no cost—to fix Tone's laptop! I love the people at Apple, they are absolutely the best!

My friend Leisa, of Port A. fame, just called and she thinks that she might have found a home for Fred! It's not a done deal, but we've got our fingers crossed! Here is a picture of Fred Astaire, that Tony took!

Well, It's time for Mari and me to do another two miles to complete our daily four mile walks. Y'all have a great evening! And please wish me luck tomorrow, because Cindy and I are going horseback riding again—for two hours! Black Jack Cadillac—here I come!

Hot Dog!

Monday afternoon, we went to see Trisha, at Copies Plus. I gave her some CDs and then we discussed the 2009 calendar. After we left her business—Tony and I headed back to the rescue ranch.

When we crossed the cattle guard, welcoming you to Echo Hill Ranch, Tony slammed—on the brakes! And, I nearly went through the glovebox—had it been bigger! “Tony?”

“Sorry Nance, I think I just saw a dog back there,” Tony said. He threw Buttermilk into reverse, and we slowly backed up about twenty five feet, where we found a scared looking yellow Lab mix—on a short, three foot leash—tied to a tree—with no food or water!

For goodness sakes, it was ninety degrees outside! I won’t tell you what Tony or I said, about the cowardly jerk, who had done this to that poor dog—we were truly mad! How can people do things like this?

We got out of Buttermilk, tried talking to the frightened dog, who was so scared, he was in a frozen, crouched down position. We didn’t know if he was going to bite us, or what, so we told him that we would be right back, and then we took off. We stopped at the barn, grabbed a bucket, filled it with water, and grabbed a package of hot dogs.

We then returned to the dog! Tony put the bucket of water near him, and the dog didn’t budge. Tony then tried to give him some weiners, but the dog remained in his frozen crouch—no tail wagging, no movement—nothing. Not sure if the dog was going to attack or bite, Tony decided to cut the leash tied to the tree, and try to walk him into the rescue ranch.

Tony went behind the tree, cut the leash and then asked the terrified dog, on the other end of the leash, to walk with him. The dog stood up, and started walking with Tony. Ten steps later, the dog’s tail was up high and wagging—as he pulled Tony towards our entrance gate!

I grabbed the water bucket, emptied the water on some nearby cactus, then I tossed it into the back of Buttermilk, and then slowly followed Tony and the dog into the ranch. Tony put the dog into a big alley, because we had no pen for him to go into, because we are at capacity. I gave Tony the bucket. He filled it with water, as the dog wagged his tail and kissed Tony’s hand.


“Let’s call him, Henry,” I said, as Tony went off to get dog food. While Tony was gone, the poor dog drank half the water from the bucket, and then he put his four paws into the bucket—to cool off.

When Tony returned with dry and canned dog food for him—Henry was wagging his tail wildly! Henry the 8th, cleaned his food dish real fast, and he seemed to be happy! He let us pet him and he kissed us on the face. I was so glad.

Tony told him to sit and he did on command! “Nance, this is one fine dog and he is smart, too.” I agreed.

After talking to him, petting him, and telling Henry he was safe and everything was going to be fine. We returned to the trailer.

I spent Tuesday morning working, non-stop, on the 2009 rescue ranch calendar! Around 12:45, our good friends, Garnet and Sandy S., from Utopia, showed up! They were celebrating the day, because of a very special, important anniversay—Sandy had been cancer free for three years! We were so happy to see our friends, and happy about their great news!

After hugs and handshakes, they told us that they wanted to see my Space Ship, and go into Outer Space with us. And, they were possibly interested, in a small black and brown dog that we had—Hannah Montana #2 to be exact.

Tony and I showed them the Space Ship first, and they like everyone else—loved it, and were blown away with how cool it was! Then we took them into Outer Space! They loved it, too, and could not believe that Ronnie and Tom had built it in a day and a half!

We had a really fun visit in Outer Space with them, and like all of our dear friends—we did a lot of laughing! During our visit, I discovered that Garnet had become a writer, and I was thrilled for her! I asked her to please e-me some of her stories and she said she would.

Then our conversation turned to Hannah Montana. We told them everything that we knew about this precious little dog, and then we went to go see her. Hannah stole their hearts immediately, and they asked if they could adopt her, and try her out with their other dogs, and menagerie of other animals. Of course, we said yes, because we knew our friends would spoil Hannah and give her a super home!

After signing Hannah’s adoption form, we said our goodbyes to Garnet, Sandy and Hannah. That made our day.

Then I went back to the trailer, I finished the calendar within twenty minutes, and then Tony and I took off for Kerrville to go see Trisha at Copies Plus.

When we returned to the ranch, Kinky had left a message, on the answering machine, “Nancy, Tony call Kinky! Y’all need to get over here!...”

To be continued...

Space Ship Update!

Guess what? Today was a wonderful day! This morning, after breakfast,Tony, Aaron and I worked on my Space Ship! ‘Mission Impossible’ is now nearly complete and it looks absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait to show y’all the pictures once it is finished and decorated. Sad news—still no Spirit mattress, but it should be landing here this week—I hope. When Kinky gets back from his East Coast Tour, next week, he will be shocked when he sees it all decorated!

Around 12:30 today, we wrapped things up outside and came inside the trailer, to find that Drew had called and he and Renee were thinking about coming out to see the Space Ship, and go into Outer Space, for the very first time, with us, since moving back to Kerrville. Tony immediately called them back. In less than two minutes, it was decided that we would meet at Luby’s to start the countdown celebration to Drew’s birthday on Wednesday the 27th! Drew will be seven-ish in dog years!

Having lunch with Renee and Drew, was just what the doctor had ordered for me! We laughed and laughed, throughout our entire meal and then some more—out in the parking lot! And, that was exactly what I had needed, since being so upset and depressed about Danny dying. Renee and Drew had cured me! I am now back in the saddle, again and ready to enjoy life, again, and I am counting every blessing that I have!

Following our super fun lunch, Tony and I went to Home Depot, then we went to the craft store, so I could buy some material for the big cushion, that I am making for the Space Ship’s ‘big room.’ Then we came home.

When we arrived, it had just started to rain, thank goodness, and we came inside. We received about a half inch of rain and then the sun came out. I then went out to the Space Ship and began working on tiling my kitchen countertop!

My good friend, Cindy Pickard, who has just been nominated for her and her son, Andy’s—documentary— “The Eighth Fire” by Native American Music Awards—had given me her leftover tile to use on my countertop! And, I am nearly finished with it! I ran out of tile and will get more at Lowes. Congrats to Cindy and Andy! I love ‘The Eighth Fire!” It is awesome!

Well, it is starting to thunder here and I need to wind this blog up, so I can unplug everything.

P.S. Last Thursday, we rescued a new dog from Kerrville, which I have named Hannah Montana! She is 19 months old, spayed, all shots and the cutest, sweetest little wannabe dachshund! Everyone please meet Hannah Montana!

March Madness!

Today, has been a very busy day for me at the rescue ranch. The first thing I did this morning was to fill out adoption forms on five dogs that are being adopted by our friends, Catherine and David, of Happy Dog Rescue at Buchanan Dam! Catherine and her husband, have been helping us adopt our dogs by taking them up to Happy Dog Adoptions, because they are located in a highly trafficed location and their dogs seem to fly out of there! They are doing a great job and we love them!

After getting all of that paperwork done, I then filled out the adoption form for Ghost Dog aka Buddy—who is getting adopted tomorrow by Carol’s friend, Malea! Tomorrow, Ghost Dog will have a new home in Dallas and a new name—Nash! We can’t wait!

Around ten o’clock this morning, John’s friend called to tell me that she had fallen in love with Miss Daisy May, who she had been trying out on a trial basis, and she was now ready to officially adopt her! More good news!

After filling out Miss Daisy May’s adoption contract, I went outside to tell Ben and John that Miss Daisy May had been adopted, and to ask John if he would please go to the pound after work to pick up the two remaining dogs there, that they were holding for us, and to take them to Hoegemeyer’s Clinic to be vetted. As always, John said, “Not a problem.” He is so great! Then I told Ben and John that I had named the two at the pound—Mr. Ziffel and Biscuit, and I had already called Susan at Hoegemeyers to tell her they would be coming in and gave her their names. Then I asked John for one more favor. I asked him, to come to the trailer, to phone his friend about delivering the adoption papers, and making Miss Daisy May’s adoption official. “Sure, not a problem,” he said with a smile.

Before leaving the guys, Ben and John helped me pick out five new collars for the lucky five, so I could write their names on them, to make it easier for Catherine and David to know who was who.

Around one o’clock, John left the ranch to go pick up Mr. Ziffel and Biscuit at the pound. Then Tony took off for Kerrville to get parts to repair Kermit, our four wheeler. Ten minutes later, the phone rang and it was Catherine and David’s friend Richard, who had volunteered to haul the five dogs up to Buchanan Dam for them on Saturday. Richard told me that he had decided to leave today and wanted to know if he could come pick up the five dogs within the hour!

As soon as I had hung up the phone, Ben and I went outside to gather crates and to begin loading up the five dogs and it went very smoothly. Before loading the five dogs into their crates, Ben and I put one of Mari’s beautiful, donated dog collars—on each dog! The dogs were excited and they looked great wearing their new fancy, colorful collars! All dressed up and ready to go!

As soon as Ben and I had successfully crated Roxanne, Darla, Foxy Lady, Sir Elton John and Hannah Montana—Richard arrived! We quickly realized, after Richard and Ben loaded a few crates, that there was not enough room in the back of the truck for the four extra large crates! Then I had an idea! I asked Richard if he would mind letting one of the big dogs ride in the cab with him. I told him, that I knew that Foxy Lady loved riding in cars and if he felt comfortable with that—it would solve the space problem. Richard didn’t have a problem with Foxy Lady riding shotgun with him, so the guys loaded up the last crate and luckily there was just enough space left for Hannah Montana’s crate! Ben uncrated Foxy Lady and she jumped right into the cab of Richard’s pickup—ready to go!

After thanking Richard for helping us and giving him the dog’s paperwork to give to Catherine—he took off with five very happy dogs! Ben and I then returned to the trailer. I called Catherine to tell her that Richard had asked me to call them, to let them know he was headed their direction—now! Catherine was excited and she couldn’t wait to get them!

Tony returned to the ranch, five minutes later and he was hungry. While I fixed a spaghetti dinner with salad, he and Ben were outside working on Kermit. When lunch was ready— Kermit was ready, too!

Following lunch, after cleaning up the dishes in the sink, I phoned Kinky to tell of the days events. Kinky was thrilled to hear about the five dogs going up to Catherine and David’s, and for John picking up the two dogs at the Kerrville pound. “And, Kinky,” I said. “Jennifer Pryor’s two dogs that she helped rescue with the help of her friend, Joy, are coming in really late this evening—from Oklahoma! One’s a Blue Heeler and the other is a Red Heeler!”

“That’s all great news, Nance,” Kinky said. “I’ll come over in the morning to meet Mr. Ziffel and Biscuit and the two Heelers. Talk to you later, I’ve gotta take this call.”

At four o’clock, Tony phoned Catherine to see if our dogs had arrived safely. “We’ve got them and they are all doing great! Rufus was excited to be reunited with Roxanne. Hannah Montana is the cutest little dog, and Foxey Lady and Sir Elton John are in a pen together, and we put Darla in with Angelina! I’m pretty sure that I can probably get all of them adopted out to great homes within a week or two, and then we will be ready for more.”

Ben left the rescue ranch around five o’clock, after helping Tony put together my new vacuum cleaner that arrived today! I love it—it’s lavender colored! The Shop Vac has left the building.

Gotta Go, Gotta Go—Gotta Go!

This morning, John showed up and surprised Ben and Maribeth with signed copies of ‘Velma the Vomiting Vulture’—and they were thrilled to get a signed copy!

This afternoon, with Tony’s help, I found the time to get pictures of two more of our recently rescued dogs!

Sierra is an 8th month old Rottie mix and she is sweet as she can be. A friend of ours had called, and asked us to please take her, because it was his son’s dog and he had just left for Iraq, last week—for the second time. He told me that his son, was heartbroken about having to give up Sierra because he loved her so much, but he was relieved that we were taking her.

Last week, when Sierra came to the rescue ranch, I tried to take her picture, but because she was so sad, every picture that I took of her—broke my heart. It took two to three days for her to get happy! She is now happily running and playing in her pen, with her roommate Ms. Pepper.

Hannah Montana came to us, because some people had rescued her off of a highway! She is a small, sweetie pie. She is approximately 10 weeks old, and is currently roommates with Susie and Sam—our two Jack Russells.


Tony spent this afternoon preparing his heirloom, organic garden and tomorrow, with the help of John, and Ben—who still has the flu, are going to help him plant our heirloom seeds!

This year, Tony has decided to plant ten different varieties of tomatoes and jalapenos! Kinky, John, Ben and I love Tony’s homegrown tomatoes and jalapenos—and we can’t wait to eat them! They are so delicious!

Well, I just got off of the phone with Jennifer Pryor (Richard Pryor’s widow in Los Angeles) and we are fixin’ to help her rescue two dogs in an emergency situation! Gotta go!