Boofer

BOOFER
Marty's story began with us in 2003. I had just graduated from seminary when I received a call from a Humane Society asking if my rescue, the Recycled Pomeranian and Schipperke Rescue, had room for an older, toothless, midget of a Pom. Of course, I said yes.

I still remember anxiously awaiting his arrival! And then I saw him. He was so pitiful. Marty was about 3 pounds of skin and bones, and basically hairless. I wasn't sure he'd be around long because he was in such poor shape. Marty's owner had died and one of the adult children had taken him in -- sort of. They had been keeping this tiny dog in their backyard with a larger dog.

Poor Marty was not getting any of the food. He could not fend for himself. So began our relationship with this wonderful boy! I took Marty home and began to try to fatten him up.

I also took him to the vet to get him checked out. We started him on thyroid medicine and gave him high quality holistic food and supplements. Within six months, Marty had a glorious coat of hair, and his true personality was beginning to shine. We nicknamed Marty, Boof or the Boofer, because he did not bark -- he boofed. Marty would exert so much energy in boofing that his little front feet would come up off the floor every time he boofed. And Marty was and is a character!

He loves people and thinks that everyone should know who he is and fawn all over him. When I started taking him to Petsmart, he became known to the employees. After they knew him, I would swear he looked around as soon as we entered the doors to Petsmart, looking for his entourage. On one visit to Petsmart to have a photo taken, we had a real problem keeping Marty upright for his photo because he kept rolling over on his back to have his tummy scratched. Everyone who was watching Marty's antics were laughing.

Initially, I had planned on finding an adoptive home for this special boy. But after several potential adopters asked me if Marty could be trained to keep his tongue in his mouth (it hangs out because he does not have any teeth to hold it in) I decided Marty needed to stay with me. Of course, my husband and I were already quiet smitten with him. One of the funniest things about Marty is that he hates the word raspberry. If I ask him if he wants a raspberry, he will wrinkle his nose and try to look fierce and even growl. And then he will come after my nose with his toothless mouth. I call it being slobber knocked. However, this is a game that he will only play with me, his mom. Marty has grown old now with us.

He is a welcoming Pom to all of our fosters. Currently, he is taking care of a seven week old Porkie (Pom-Yorkie mix born to a rescued Pom) while she waits to go to her new adoptive family. Marty is 14-15 years of age now and has numerous health issues. This past summer, he had a health scare and I thought we were going to lose him, but he rallied. Our vet said that he does not know why or how Marty is still alive. I think he is still alive because he knows that he is so loved. Boofer will always have a special place in my heart. I cannot imagine what the last 6 years would have been like without his loving and humorous presence in my life. Many times people are reluctant to adopt an older dog. I can tell you from personal experience with several dogs I have adopted as seniors that I would not go back and change a thing. Yes, you may have them with you are shorter period of time, but the days that you spend with a senior are golden! Please look at the senior dogs that are in shelters or rescue groups and give them a chance. Your life will be greatly enriched! Thank you Marty-Boof for coming into my life. I will always love you! You are my fur angel here on earth. I love you Boofer!

-- Melissa Bitting

(from Petwarmer's.com)

Are My Computer Woes Over??

I think I may very well be blogging this, but am not sure so I will send it to a few of you who I know (Hope) care and will want to know this.

The computer guy was here this AM. He adjusted so many things (settings) in Vista. He has taken me off of hibernation. My computer goes to sleep like people with a sleep disorder do! Sometimes right in the middle of an Email. Then, other times it won't shut off no matter what I do! So he disabled some Vista features. THEN, also it has come BACK ON by itself! Really! I am not making this up. Crazy? It's POSSESSED is what I think it is.(There is an evil spirit inside of this box. LOL) (Actually, it's not funny, but how else should I deal with it?) I have felt this (almost, but not REALLY) for 3 months! We talked about putting Windows XP on here and he will do that for me if I want it done. He said that Vista uses up so much more power than Windows XP so that's why this computer doesn't seem that much faster than my old one, even though it's HUGE. If in a week, I have any more problems, that's what we will do. (Put Windows XP back on here). He says then this computer will fly. (It ought to do a dance for what it cost, actually, but it doesn't.) I don't know, I don't feel I had trouble with working with Vista, but if that's causing my computer to quit whenever it feels like it, I guess I do! He said many businesses have not gone to Vista because of this issue. However, he's been researching the fixes and hopes he has it resolved. If not he will come get this and put Windows XP on it. In Dec. (of 09) there will be a new operating system by Microsoft, I forget what they call it. But he advised me to let it get at least 6 months old before I put that on here...let them get all the bugs out of here. So, how do I feel about this? I think this computer will quit on me. I think it's a lemon. I think my only hope will be going back to Windows XP....and it saddens me because I wanted the latest thing. But I refuse to be without a computer every other day! So, I have to do what he is willing to do with the warranty he sold me with this computer.

At least I feel like he understands my frustration now. I don't think he even thinks I am too stupid, no more than any average person who isn't computer savvy like most of YOU. If I have trouble this is the plan.

Thanks for listening and wish me good luck!
Love,
Merry

Just a Little Hope And Love

JUST A LITTLE HOPE AND LOVE - By Heartwarmers.com
by Melissa K. Garner
She was in the most mangled and distressed state that I have ever seen any animal. When I saw her for the first time my heart was wrenched in two. Her skin was a bright pink to red and her hair was thin and patchy, with a good bit that was bald. I could count every rib she had and then some. She wasn't sure if she could trust me and by the looks of her I would have to say that it appeared she wasn't sure if she could trust anyone. To make matters worse I wagered it hadn't been too long ago that she had had a litter of puppies. What I was most appalled at though was her condition and that someone could look at her and not realize she needed medical treatment or worse for them to look away. My first course of action was to get her something to eat and drink. The food I set out disappeared within a matter of seconds. So I offered her more. I wanted to hold her and bring her inside my home but with three other dogs and a child, and not knowing what was wrong with her, I couldn't risk it. September in Florida was warm so she wasn't in need of shelter except at night. I provided her what I could -- the garage. I told myself that if she were still hanging around Monday I would take her to the vet. She was friendly enough and my daughter was drawn to her. She showed no signs of aggression or ill-temperament. She wanted to give us kisses, all seemingly to convey her gratitude. Monday came and I loaded her up and called my employer and told them I would be late as I was taking this dog to the vet. She seemed happy just to be in the company of others, someone who cared. The whole way to the vet's office I was trying to think of a name for her for the paperwork. I truly believe God put on my heart to call her Hope. It seemed to fit in that she needed someone to give her hope and without realizing it, I too needed a little hope added back into my life. A little over a year ago I lost my beloved Sachel, a male boxer that I had raised from three days old. I have not fully gotten over the loss, and doubt I ever will. I dropped Hope off and left my information. Something inside me knew her condition was bad. I just prayed it wasn't too bad. When the vet called I braced for the bad news. First, she had a condition known as demodex -- a genetic form of the mange. It's minor and treatable. The second issue was she had hookworms, again relatively minor and treatable. She also had a yeast infection in her ears, another minor and treatable condition. The kicker was the diagnosis of heartworms. I thought it might be a possibility, but I prayed that this was not something I would have to deal with. I've never had a dog with heartworms, and I know how easily preventable they are. Nonetheless, this was what I faced, what we faced. We laid out a treatment plan, getting some of her infections and infestations under control before we proceeded with heartworm treatment. I was saddened because I know the treatment can also kill the animal. It was a risk. Following multiple vet visits we were on track with our plan. I had intended to find her a loving home, though I knew deep down no one would want a dog with heartworms. It's a devastating condition, and somewhat costly to treat. After the hookworms were no longer a concern, Hope was introduced to the rest of my clan. After a few wary growls and designation of territories, Hope became a part of the family. Once again, I had a plan in that she would stay outside, but it tore at my heart strings when the three others came inside and she stood at the door, again eyes pleading "Just love me." It wasn't long before Hope migrated indoors. I bought her a nice, cushy bed, but that was quickly foregone as she made her way into the bed with me and the others. Thankfully, I have a king bed to accommodate a three-year-old child, a Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, and now Hope who we have decided is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix. Her love for us is ever-present in her actions and her constant tail-wagging. Today Hope is receiving her heartworm treatment and I am holding my breath that all goes well. I believe she knew that deep down I would never give up on her, I would never give up Hope or having hope. I believe God knew this too, and this was why He led her to my door, where hope would be abounding for both of us. She has allowed me to heal from losing Sachel, and made me realize that we all just need a little hope and someone that will love us.
(Melissa K. Garner )