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A Nice Drive

I really enjoy getting in the car and just going for a drive. Unfortunately, with my husbands work hours and all my responsibilities here at home, I don't get the opportunity very often.

My mom lives in Sandy Valley, Nevada, a small town just 45 miles outside of Las Vegas. The drive there is a very relaxing drive. Not much to do in Sandy Valley, they have a small post office, church, general store, a school, a little restaurant and bar. I think that is about it. If my husband did not have to commute back and fourth to work, We would move to Sandy Valley in a heartbeat. I dream of getting away from the fast paced city life.

My mom lives in the airport district there, and the street she lives on is also the runway for the small planes to taxi. It is very common to see the planes in front of her home, an interesting site to see.

I took the following pictures through the car window on the drive down. Hope you all enjoy the hot desert scenery.

Ice Skating

My niece has only been skating since early 2007, and has been doing very well. She has many first and second place medals. She is 7 years old. Skating is her passion, something she really enjoys to do, she is a natural on the ice. My husband and I were able to watch her for the first time this past March and July. We had the best time, and so very proud of her. Yes, I am bragging. I have to say, watching her on these video's doesn't even compare to watching her skate in person. I hope you all enjoy them.

My Niece's Interpretive program from the ISI Open in Las Vegas July, 2008. For ISI's Interpretive, the skaters have no prior knowledge of the music to be played. The competition has all of the skaters hear a piece of music twice and then choreograph their own routine. All skaters are placed in a room and each skater is pulled out to perform having not heard the music again or having not seen the previous skaters' performance. This was my niece's first time competing in an Interpretive event.


My Niece's Artistic FS3 program from the Red, White and Blue ISI Open Competition in July, 2008. This program brings tears to my husbands and my eyes every time we watch it.


This is her Character Spotlight Freestyle 1 at the California State Games March, 2008. She doesn't do this one anymore, as she is past that level now, but one of my favorites.

von Willebrands Disease

We had so many hopes for Jarie when she came to us at 10 weeks old. Since Jake was retired from competing in AKC Obedience trials, Jarie was to be my husbands next prodigy. Little did we know all the health problems she came with. We tried every type of good quality food for her, and none would help all her digestive issues. Sometimes she would go several days without eating. She had many loose stool and vomiting days. No matter what we tried, nothing helped. If you have ever gone through this for a long period with a dog, you know how discouraging it is.

With several vet visits, tests, antibiotics, prescription diets, it was finally determined she has Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Eighteen months pass, and we still had no control over her IBD. We kept trying everything. Jarie also has a compromised immune system. Many food and environmental allergies. Finally at 20 months old we had decided to try her on Innova Evo RM dog food. Crazy as it sounds, it is very high protein and high fat, (normally not good for an IBD dog) yet she does excellent on this food, not perfect; but better then any other she has tried.

Fast forward to May of this year. We waited until we felt her immune system was strong enough before we decided to have her spayed. May 9th 2008, a normal day. My husband dropped her off to be spayed. She has already been through 2 heat cycles, both very light, and she never seemed to be bothered by them. So, being the worried mom that I am, I worry all day until the vet calls and says she is fine, it was a tough surgery for her, but all is fine, we can pick her up.

After being at the vets for 8 hours, my husband arrived at the vets to pick her up only to find out she can't come home. The vet noticed she was oozing blood from her incision. He quickly took her back to have an ultrasound done, she was bleeding internally. Jarie had to have an emergency surgery to find where she was bleeding from and to stop it. A very long night, 3 doctors in the surgery room with her. She has von Willebrands Disease. A bleeding disorder causing her blood not to clot. They had to give her blood transfusions, 3 liters of blood. The second surgery they used staples instead of sutures. She had to stay at the vets for 3 nights and 4 days. More information on this disease can be found at PetEducation.Com.

When we first found out about the vWD and what we put her through during surgery and almost losing her we felt so guilty. The guilt quickly faded when we realized this was a blessing in disguise. Having vWD, Jarie could and most likely would have hemorrhaged internally during one of her heat cycles. Boy, who would have thought?

Jarie is still a very normal happy 2 year old German Shepherd. She still leads a normal life. We are now aware of her health issues, and are more careful with her, knowing that with this type of bleeding disorder we need to be prepared and extra cautious.

Through all her health issues and all the times my husband and I worry about her, we have no regrets bringing that little puppy home.

RIP Grady

I haven't written much, and I apologize for that. Some of you may have guessed, but I lost Grady. Those of you who don't know his original story, you can read it here Hungry Stray Kitty and here Grady, (Stray Kitty)
I was hoping for a better outcome for the sweet little soul, and was hoping by Xmas I could have placed him in a very special home, one I knew he deserved. RIP Sweet Little One.

I want to thank all my wonderful friends who had offered their support and kindness after hearing about Grady. A very special thank you to my good friend Elsie, who wrote two very nice poems for me and posted them on her blog. If anyone is interested, they can read them here,
Cat Angel
The Runaway

Caring For Ferals

Caring comes with a price. At times it is a price of happiness and pure joy, other times it is sadness, anger and exhaustion. Having compassion is a good way to walk through life. Often times, having compassion leaves us with little or nothing to give.

Over the past years I have suffered from being exhausted mentally and physically from feral cat rescue and caring, especially when I give 110% of myself to save a life, then in the end slips through my fingers and nothing I can do can prevent it. Sadness comes when I constantly worry about those I have watched grow, and I loved with every ounce of my heart suddenly disappear, and no traces or signs are left to answer "what happened, where did they go"? There is a deep sorrow in my heart that drains every ounce of energy I have. My mind wanders and plays every scenario of all the possibilities that could have happened to that sweet little feral soul, that had come to eat breakfast and dinner everyday for years, then that one day arrives, he/she doesn't show up. I get no closure.

Trying so hard to save a life breaks my spirit when I lose that fight. Failure will eat at me, as I ask myself "what should I have done differently"? and my heart will be left with little hope, but I can never give up or give in.

Through all the hurt, the loss of hope, and sadness, I still continue to do what I do. Outdoors I am every morning and evening feeding the other feral cats and remembering the smiles they bring me, knowing I am making a difference in their lives, and shedding the tears at the memory of the ones I lost.

Being a caregiver for feral cats isn't easy. Tests of strength and weakness challenge me with every feral I try to help. Through all the heartache, caring for feral cats is a wonderful and beautiful experience. I would never turn my back on one of these beautiful little souls.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! I want to take a minute today and thank you for continuing to be my mother even in my adult life.
Thank you for being ready to give advice when I ask, and remaining silent when it is most appreciated.
Thank you for never saying "I told you so".
Thank you for being yourself, loving, thoughtful, and forgiving.
Thank you for helping me become the person I am.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
I am so happy I inherited your love for animals, as it has enriched my life so very much.
I love you Mom, bunches and bunches, and hope this day and all days ahead are good ones, as you deserve all the good life has to offer.