After having a rough day yesterday, a new day begins today.  I spent a lot of yesterday crying and questioning if I was making the right choice with Maddie.  Today, I know that I made the right choice but that doesn’t make the hurt go away any quicker.

All of the hounds seem calmer, more relaxed and not always on alert.  I was able to feed them in half the time and even little Eve ate without any help or encouragement.  I was able to do dishes, dust and check the chickens…all without having to wake Alex up to play watch dog.  It is going to be a huge change to our routine!!!

Through all of the heartbreak yesterday, we were also able to finish a deal on buying a used minivan that we have been looking at.  So now the hounds will be able to ride in comfort.  It has rear air and heat and plenty of room for crates, gear and people.  I guess I never thought I would be an owner of a minivan but I guess that is what happens when you are a dog mom!

The Jokela BUV

So, I’m going to try to not feel sorry for myself today and move on with life…I know that is what Maddie would want.  First thing on the list is to try to find a snowblower before the snow starts!

Oh yeah, and a very very Happy Birthday to my mom today!  I hope that she has a wonderful day and I wish I was there to celebrate with them!

It was a little over a year ago that I was sent the picture of a pup who captured my heart from the instant I saw her.  She had been bounced through four different homes and was currently living mostly outside in a kennel.  I felt this was no way for a dog who was only about 9 months old should live.  She had fear/insecurity/nervous type issues but we decided to try to help her get over those issues.

She was a pup full of energy and was very very smart.  I took her to three different training classes to try to help her get over that fearfulness, but it seemed that it was always there.  She seemed to do ok in our house but then in July her world got turned up side down when our Gertrude left for the bridge.  You see, Gerdie was our alpha and she seemed to help Maddie realize what it was like to be a dog living in a house.  With that gone she started to lash out and nothing we would try seemed to help her.

This past week she has bitten me (trying to get her off another dog but didn’t break skin), Sarge, Henry and Oliver.  This morning she got Oliver to the point that he yelped in pain for a few minutes and was bleeding from multiple places.  My head told me what we need to do but my heart says otherwise.  I feel like I’ve failed her and that I should have been able to save her.

One of my favorite pics...so tall and noble!

I know that she probably got a year of life that she probably wouldn’t have otherwise, but it is still very tough.  During the time with us she got to do things that a dog should get to do…travel, go snow shoeing, do agility, go to obedience classes, play and most of all, be part of a loving family.  I’m hoping that she will be freed of what bothers her at the Bridge and I’m sure that she will be happy to see Gerdie once again.  Homer I’m sure will be there to welcome her as well, as he would have loved her.

Until we meet again my dear Madelyn…we will all miss you here!!!

Well, it has been awhile since I last posted a blog entry.  Life just seemed to get busy and I didn’t have time to keep writing.

Here are some fun things that have happened since my last post:

• Henry has grown up – now weighs 51lbs!
• Eve turns 5 months old today!
• Chickens have started laying eggs!
• Eve and I went to our first show!
• Put in a new garden (thanks to the crazy nice November weather)!

Sarge and Henry sun bathing!

Eve playing referee!

Our first eggs!!!

That is about all for now.  Until next time!