Weekly Wrap-Up ~ Working With The Humane Society

This has been another crazy week, work,  adult health clinical, the free health clinic, and the humane society pet adoption day. Exhausted but bless is how I describe my life. 

 

Because my life is crazy with school I usually do not attend pet adoptions days - I also do not attend because I cry and want to bring home the dogs that are not chosen.  This week the Big Man and I decided to help out - it was an emotional day, but this time in a good way. 

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever” (author unknown).

 

The Blytheville Humane Society changed the life of 5 dogs and 2 cats on Saturday. 

A group of dedicated humane society volunteers took several dogs and cats to Petco in Jonesboro (60 miles away).  The humane society’s participation in adoption days at Petco will assist the humane society in becoming eligible for Petco Foundation grants and gives the animals an opportunity to show their personalities to the public.

On Saturday the world changed not only for the animals but also for the loving families that opted to adopt a shelter dog. 

Sinbad a sweet young adult, Cairn terrier/Shih Tzu Mix whose owner surrender him because, they no longer wanted a dog, found a home.  His family had spent the morning looking for a dog, they decided to stop by Petco just to see if any of the local rescue groups where at the store.  It was love at first sight, Sinbad was taking it easy in a volunteers lap when his new family spotted him.  He immediately perked his ears and almost smiled.   

Harmony, a terrier/pug mix had been previously adopted and was a very good girl.  Sadly, one of the children in the house was allergic to dog dander and Harmony was returned to the humane society.  Harmony spotted her forever Dad the minute he sat down with the dogs, she could not get in his lap fast enough – she left walking tall on her new leash.

Caleb, a young shy chiweenie (dachshund / Chihuahua mix) who was found starved & abandoned in a storage facility, picked his new family while the family was playing with the other dogs.  As the volunteers watched a young family play with the dogs, Caleb sat in the corner watching the family. The minute the lap of the child in the family was empty, Caleb sprinted across the space and jumped in the child’s lap, as if to say, yep you are my forever family. 

Courtney, a Chihuahua/Fox Terrier Mix found her forever home. She went home with a young lady who was all smiles as they left, the volunteers wonder if Courtney’s little feet will ever touch the ground.

Isabelle a very sweet 2 year old who is  great with kids and other dogs, was the last dog on Saturday to get her forever home.  Remember Caleb the chiweenie that picked out his family, the family had really thought Isabelle was the dog they wanted, but Caleb won.  The family felt they might know the perfect home for Isabelle, a grandparent’s home.  Before they left with Caleb they sent their grandparents a picture of Isabelle.  As the day came to an end the volunteer started backing up to bring those who did not find their forever homes back to the shelter – Isabelle was placed in a vehicle and started home. The young family came rushing back to the store for Isabelle, the grandparents thought she was perfect and wanted to be her forever home.  The volunteers could not have worked faster – they called the volunteer driving Isabelle to the shelter, she turned around and drove back to Jonesboro.

The volunteers will do anything to help an animal find a forever home.  After a few tears were shed, Isabelle left headed to her forever home. 

The packing up to go home continued slowly, because during the time the volunteers were waiting on Isabelle to return, a very sweet lady found her forever cat.  Suki, Siamese cat who had been in the shelter for over a year.    

Saturday was an emotional day for the volunteers and the animals, but in the end, life was changed for 5 lucky dogs, 2 cats, 7 special families who opened their homes to a shelter pet and for me - I realize I can not save them all - but I can make a difference.

~  Connie ~

 

Weekly Wrap-up Victoria's Story

The Blytheville Humane Society can’t be everything to every homeless animal, but Saturday afternoon, the group worked together to be the one thing a starving homeless Mastiff mix, named Victoria needed.

 Susie Brooks got a call from Humane Society Member, Denise Johnson, she had found a very thin large brindle color dog on the side of the road just off the Victoria exit.  The dog had been there at least two days - we assumed whoever had dumped her on the side of the road had left her food, water, and a crate. 

 By luck, the shelter had an open pen, Susie asked Denise to bring the dog to the shelter. 

Victoria, even though she was starving, wasn’t ready to go with Denise.  A young couple stopped and tried to help.  Together they were able to get a leash on Victoria, but Victoria still wasn’t ready to get in a vehicle. 

After a couple of calls and text messages the Big Man and I got in the truck and headed out to help, with lunch meat we were able to coax and kind of shove Victoria in the crate.  After loading Victoria, I survived the area, thinking to myself, thank goodness whoever dumped her at the least left water, food, and a crate.

I believe Mississippi County has a big heart, standing on the side of the road Saturday afternoon, my beliefs were confirmed.  A man stopped, he got out of the care with a hot pizza and thermos of ice water for Victoria. This man travels that road every day, he had noticed Victoria on Thursday and fed her what he had in the car. He had feed her again on Friday, even went back to his house and made her a couple of peanut butter sandwiches. He told us that he had seen other people stop and fed her.  He was worried about her, he called 3 agencies in the county trying to get help, but was told each time that they could not help. He had even tried to coax Victoria to get in his car, but she wasn’t ready to give up her corner.  When he could not get her in the car, he had gone home and gotten a crate and blanket so that Victoria would have shelter in case it rained. 

The one concern the man had when we said we were with the Humane Society, was Victoria being euthanized. We quickly assured him, the Blytheville Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, and Victoria will be safe till we can find her a for-ever home. 

We will never know how Victoria got to the side of the road or why she did not jump at the chance to get in a vehicle with all the kind people who stopped and offered her help.

What we do know is, that in all situations there are unseen plans and good people do exist.  Too often we dwell or focus on the bad and we could do that in Victoria’s case.  Instead we are focusing on the good – thank to everyone who not only saw one of God’s helpless creatures on the side of the road, but who also offered her a helping hand.  It is the big hearts of Blytheville and Mississippi County that makes it possible for the volunteers of the Humane Society to care for the Victoria’s in our little corner of the world. 

~ Just another day in a blessed life~
Connie

Life is Fragile

Today did not start as expected - it started with me standing by a friend as his wife left this life.  It is in those moments when I see how fragile life is, that I remember tomorrow is not promised.

Sitting here tonight with my four-legged babies, I started thinking about how quickly life changes.  My friend had been married for 35 years.  Like me, he is a nurse, he said to me - I have done this 1000 times for others, it is harder on this side (he was referring to being the family).  He is right, it is hard, it is also hard  to be a nurse and know that when God calls someone home, there is nothing we can do to ease the pain the family experiences. 

As I stood with my friend this morning, with my heart breaking for him, I realized that The Big Man would be devastated if I left him and I would be lost without the Big Man.

Tonight - I wonder how will my life be measured ?

In the end - there are more questions than answers. 

Remember to say what needs to be said -  Love like tomorrow doesn't exist - 

 Make sure your moments take your breath away.

Life is fragile

~ Connie ~

 

 

Weekly Wrap-up ~ Finding Peace

As usual - it has been a week. 

My mother use to say there is "no peace for the wicked" - I really don't think I am wicked, and I certainly hope no-one thinks I am wicked, but there has been no peace (will maybe just a little) at my house this week.

My washing machine decided to get sick last Sunday night - the repair man came out but she needs a transplant so we are on a waiting list - for a new drum.  Hopefully she will be well by this coming Thursday.

My car decided it didn't want the washing machine to have all the attention - so she let a wheel-bearing go out. Luckily, we have an awesome mechanic who got her fixed quickly.  But, it meant a trip to the Chevrolet / Cadillac dealership where the Big Man decided he needed a new truck.

  Look what the Big Man got - A New Shiny Red Truck

Oh, but we were supposed to pick the truck up on Friday afternoon, instead we made an emergency run to the veterinarian's  office.

Gidget found a water moccasin that did not belong in our backyard. With the Big Man telling her he had it under control - she decided he still needed assistance in killing the snake, so she grabbed it.  Her heroics ended up with three bites from the snake. Luckily the Big Man was home and I was only 5 minutes away  - a shot of antibiotics and steroids along with antibiotics and steroids at home - have the girl ready to tackle the next snake.

I did get a couple of days of yoga in this week.

I got to do a little sewing

A cushion for the bench in the sunroom

A new pillow for the four-legged babies in the sunroom

So, I have had a busy week (nothing new for me) but I have also found time to do the things I enjoy and to recognize Peace is focusing on life as it should be rather than as I want it to be.

I hope everyone has a great week

~ Connie ~

 

 

Weekly Wrap Up -Luke 12:48

Wow - it has been 2 weeks since I posted - it is hard to believe how fast time moves.  The last time I posted I shared our loss with you - I have to say I am still missing that boy, Saturday I found myself sitting on the deck with the other little dogs - crying.  Then I realized, I am crying for me - not for him. As a dear friend responded on my blog - he knew he was loved, he is running free on streets of gold - I have to move on.

Work this week has been crazy - I am still juggling a full time job, a part-time job, grad school and all of my volunteer activities. 

All I can say - to unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48).

I am excited to tell you, I think I might be a vegetarian.  It has been 4 weeks since I ate a piece of meat (red, white or other).  I do not miss it. Actually I feel really good.  I am trying to find time to start running - Am I the only one who wishes the day was 28 hours log - yes, 4 more hours would give me time to run, sew, or scrapbook ~ awe, the things I miss.

Hoping Everyone Has A Great Week

Connie

 

 

Weekly Wrap Up - Tragedy Happens

This week started out just like any other week in our home - calendar reviewed. Plans made for a couple of meetings and my clinical hours.  Monday started like any other day- but tragedy stuck Monday.  We lost a four-legged baby - Paco Joe.  

I have cried off and on all week - today I thought I was better, till one of the neighbors asked about him...the lost and hurt came flooding back.  I know it will get better with time, I miss this little guy.

 

 Paco Joe was a rescue, the city animal control officer called and asked us to take him, since no one could touch him.  We do not know much about his life before us - except that he was found in the backyard with 3 pit bulls - he bit the animal control officer who was there to rescue him.  At some point in his life he front shoulder had been injured, he ran with a beg-leg.

On the day we picked him up I had to wrap him in a towel to keep him from biting me. We laughing referred to him as our autistic son, he did not want anyone to pet him. At times he would get so mad if you tried to pick him up or another dog came near him, he would have an anxiety attack.

With all of his issues - we were his family.  When I sat on the cough he would lay on the back of the couch and nestle in my hair, of course if I tried to pet him he would growl and nip at me.

Life is fragile - be sure to tell those you love how you feel, hug you babies (two or four-legged).

I know Paco Joe is running free in Heaven

Praying everyone has a great week
~ Connie ~

 

 

Weekly Wrap-up - Treasure Hunting

Another week gone  - it seems like just yesterday I was putting away the Christmas decorations and now it is May.  It is true, the older you get the faster time moves.  I know that isn't possible, but maybe as we age time seems to move faster - our lives seem to move quickly, maybe we are moving to an end...or a new beginning.

 

This week has been an easy week for me - no courses to teach or clinical hours to complete.  All that changes tomorrow. I am teaching a community health course for eight weeks and completing my adult health practicum over the next 16 weeks, along with my 40 hour a week job.

 

Since I didn't have work to do - The Big Man and I went on a treasure finding trip yesterday. We drove over to Lake City, AR. A friend text me about an antique shop that had a china hutch.

We had a great trip - just me and the Big Man.   We found a couple of treasures

This china hutch needs a little love - but it will perfectly fit in my dinning room.

 

We currently hang our onions and potatoes on the wall in the garage, I am excited about finding this vegetable bin - all wood cost $12.50.

I also got to spend some time in my craft room.  I cleaned, rearranged and worked on a few project. Below are some knitted squares that were mixed in with some yarn that was donated to our church's prayer shawl ministry.  I got it washed and packed today - I plan on piecing them together into a throw.  

Life is always good when you get to spend some time being creative.

Plans for next week
Teaching Diabetic Self-Management Classes - Monday after work.
Humane Society Meeting - Tuesday after work.

Friday - Mayfest after work.

Saturday - Mayfest (NWTF booth and Hosting the Humane Society Pet Show).
Teaching Community Health
Starting Family Nurse Practitioner Adult Health Clinicals (Thursday and Friday)

Life is Good
~ Connie ~

 

 

Everyday Life - Weekly Wrap-Up

Weekly Wrap-up. 
First let me say - Life is Great
This past week was busy. Tuesday I drove to Mayfield Kentucky to meet with the Delta Regional Authority and the Army Medical Reserves.  My Hometown, Blytheville, Arkansas will be the site for a free medical mission in August.  The Army Medical Reserves will be providing medical, dental, optometry and maybe veterinarian services for nine days.  I am really excited about the opportunity for my community.   I am not sure how I got involved, actually how I got to be the coordinator of the project....but God must think I am capable. 

We spent the weekend in Texas visiting my Dad. My Dad did not know the kids (grandchildren) were coming.  My Son totally surprised him.

He had not seen King Jax (his great grandson) or his dad in 4 years.

 The trip was exhausting we drove 1200 miles in 3 days.  Just when I started to feel exhausted and put out with people (because I was tired) I realized I did not have anything to be grumpy about.

On the drive to Texas it rained on us for 5 hours - but God protected us and we arrived safely.

The clerk at the hotel was a great resource - she helped me find food for 17.

The Cracker Barrel staff was very helpful - the oldest son left his sunglasses in the restaurant 2 hours away - they are going to mail them to him.

I am truly blessed - I need to remember daily to say thank you for all of my blessings.

I hope each of you have a great week

~ Connie ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posting from Texas

This has been a record year for me to see my Dad - two trips to Texas in 12 weeks.  It 500 miles from my house to my Dad's house.  Today we made the trip with my son and grandson.

It rained and rained while driving through Arkansas.  The sun finally started shinning in when we entered Texas.  Rain or sunshine - King Jax (Grandson) did kept himself busy with his iPad. Thankfully his Buddy Ben packed Jax snacks for the trip. He is a growing boy.

My Dad did not know that the kids and grandchildren were going to make the trip. We met Dad (Pee Paw) at 1 of 2 restaurants in Jewett Texas.  He was speechless when he saw the boys.

Pee Paw still doesn't know that my daughter and youngest son are driving all night to get to Texas.

Tomorrow is the Thompson family reunion. It has been 30 years since I attended a family reunion - I am betting tomorrow there is one proud 85 year-old Daddy/Pee Paw when he has his "girls" (me and my sisters) with him at the family reunion.

Family - you got to love them.

Check back to see more of our trip to Texas this weekend.

~ Connie ~

P.S.  I really need a run after being in the car for 10 hours.

 

 

 

Everyday Life

It has been another long week - work, 3 full days of clinical, and remodeling the kitchen has been a little stressful.  But, I have new countertops, new flooring, and new paint.

 

 

I still need to clean everything - my dinning room furniture has to be dusted - but I couldn't wait to hang the new art we picked out for the dinning room.

As the Big Man and I were shopping for new mattresses we found this print. Immediately we both said the same thing - this look like the spot where we trout fish at Mammoth Springs, AR. The tree leaning over the river and the cut in on the bank - this is our favorite place to get away from the world.  

I haven't trained much this week - but after talking it over with the Big Man, I think I am going to start training for the Pemiscot County Animal Welfare Society  5K.  I ran it a couple of years ago -

 Running  this time will mean more to me - the Caruthersville Humane Society has changed their name and they are now officially a No-Kill shelter.

Susie says - Thank goodness for No-Kill Shelters

I pray that each of you have a blessed week

~ Connie ~

 

 

 

 

Spring in Northeast Arkansas

As I was leaving for work this morning ~ I couldn't help but notice how colorful my yard is in the Spring.


Have A Blessed Day~
Connie

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An Ordinary Life with Blessing

As I sit quietly in the Study - I can her my men snoring away in the Den.  The Big Man, King Jax, and Jer Jer snoring in unison.  

 

I wonder if my children and grandchildren really know how much I love them and how proud I am of each of them?  Sure we have had our ups and downs but I wouldn't change a thing.  Each of them are their own individual person.  I know each of them has a big heart  and knows what it means to do the right thing. They would never leave a living thing (person or animal) in need. Sometimes I look at them and wonder how I got so lucky.  They didn't come with instructions but they turned out - not just good, but great.  I am blessed

                                                    My Boy's Playing Basketball Today

Recap of last week's blessing. 
Work was work.  I love my job but it has some frustrating points. I enjoyed the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Quality Conference.  

My clinical hours were awesome - I am beginning to feel more comfortable diagnosing children.  I am almost finished with my paper on pyloric stenosis. 

I got in 1 run and 1 yoga class this week. Both left me feeling out-of-shape.

I made it to the Humane Society meeting - I am officially in charge of the Humane Society Pet Show.

The Humane Society's New Mascot

As for the house remodel - the flooring is installed in the dinning room, the walls in the dinning room are painted - need to finish the trim and paint the kitchen... then we are starting on the patio. I will post pictures next week when I get the furniture back in the rooms. 

 

I did get a new toy this week -  

I can't wait to play.  I am going to teach myself to quilt.

I hope everyone has a blessed week

~ Connie ~

 

Training Tuesday - Yoga

Today has been productive day.   I did not get to run. I did get an hour of Yoga.

As I was tooling through Facebook today during a boring meeting I ran across a post announcing a Yoga Class at the local gym.   I text the Big Man who encouraged me to go ~ it was just what I needed.   The class was relaxing and eye-opening.  I realized how out-of-shape I have gotten over the last few months.

So, my goal is to attend yoga class again next week.

As I was writing this blog - I realized I have options to practice Yoga everyday.

There are videos

There is YouTube

There are websites

http://www.myyogaonline.com

 

Do you practice Yoga? If so, do you attend class? Use videos, YouTube or websites?

~Connie ~