Adieu 2020 Adieu

January 3, 2021 @ Ledges State Park

In a year of world-wide sorrow
Either one of us might have derailed

Without the four-leggeds.
They kept us moving and laughing every day,
Motivated to continue to work,

Gladdened to retreat home,
Inspired by dream-filled nightly recovery.
Blessings counted, generosity replenished, masks up, forward.

Healing beyond borders, and bones, and ballots,


Holding each other and you ever closer in the turn,


With exceedingly grateful hearts.

Jasper's Bithday

Jasper celebrated one year in his new home and his seventh birthday one day later.  Just like his bonded buddy, Bella, a year ago Jasper had never been in a car, crate or kennel or house. He rarely walked on a leash and had next to zero obedience training and minimal veterinary care. Unlike Bella, his deteriorating physical health has interfered with his capacity for canine calm.  We have to remind him that it’s a good thing he is so cute. Happy Birthday, Jasper.  We are sticking with you. Count on it!

Adoption Anniversary

Adoption anniversary May 18, 2019- another celebration day here. Too bad both of the two-leggeds had to drive away and go to work. But not before morning walks! This family wants to thank all the folks who cheer us on. It’s been a dazzling sometimes frazzling year, adopting two rescues at once.  Jasper would have delaminated months ago without Bella and I would be a wreck without Don. Jasper’s chronic disease compounds his high strung behavior. And his Rx expenses for meds and diet confound our budget.  It takes courage for me to ask again, but please know that your direct gift to Boone Veterinary Hospital (2507 Eastgate Drive, Boone IA 50036 phone 515-432-4601) goes right into the dogs’ account.  No middle man, no percentage withheld.  Every penny to the pups. Any time. Any amount. Thank you.

Of course some people just like to shop. An Amazon card burning a hole in your wallet, PETCO reward points racking up, or Chewy credits rolling? You can’t help with Rx but feel free to snag a Benebone or Kong. (See photos or contact me to get the right size etc.) Benebones are car ride calming treats that reduce canine vocalization and make it safe for humans to drive. Kongs are the only “toy” allowed without supervision. Jasper and Bella get Kongs loaded with frozen snacks whenever we go to work. Like today. Sigh. 

Adoption day May 2019 Let's get these dogs home!

Bella Lulu's Birthday

Bella turned seven yesterday, a beautiful Saturday and a very happy one indeed. Extra walks and a new Benebone (yum bacon flavor) and generally making a bigger-than-usual fuss over her. As we recall all the changes in her world in one year- car rides, crates, kennels, leashes, moving indoors, regular veterinary care, and soooo many new friends, we marvel at her resilience. Happy Birthday Bella and many more ahead. Next canine b-day? Jasper just two days away.

Mother's Day 2020

Join the Jasper Love fest. Yes, there he is at 59.2 pounds last Tuesday.  Covid protocols kept me out of the exam room, but vet staff assure me the scale actually said 60 and that’s where they charted him. He started wiggling and wagging for the photo so I guess he was .8 pounds airborne. Anyway that’s up just about 20 pounds from death’s door in November. Thank you to the Jasper fan club for cheering us on.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to send Jasper a gift, you could do so for his birthday next week. He will be 7. His inflammatory bowel disease is with him for life, so even has he regains weight and strength, the costs do not abate. Your gift goes directly to Boone Veterinary Hospital, not me. No middleman organization gets a penny. It’s just whatever you can give, whenever you are able.

You can remind yourself how to get this done at centeringporch.org and click on the Jasper Love menu tab. I know lots of people are hurting now. I totally get it if this isn’t a good time to give. It takes courage for me to even ask.  Come take a walk with us. We can mask and social distance as we spread Jasper love. Thank you so much.

Easter 2020

Hope is on my mind. This photo was taken March 10, 2020 at Brenton Arboretum. I was there with my gardening girlfriend, Sandy, on our annual March goof off day. The first corona virus case had just been identified in Iowa and we both felt some kind of change in the atmosphere. I recall that it was the last day I felt balanced. But this sculpture of St.Francis lifted us then and now. Arise. Attend. Awaken.

Jasper Love update: COVID 19 at the VET

We have been walking the dogs at least twice a day and sometimes three times. Our routes vary from a half hour to an hour and a half. So Jasper did not gain any weight between early March and early April check-ups. But the protocols at the vet sure did change! The sign above awaited us at the door when we rolled in for our appointment last week. Vet staff took in each of our dogs, one at a time, on vet leashes after we took off their collars outside. I spoke with the doctor on my phone after each exam. I appreciate that. I want Boone Veterinary Hospital to stay OPEN and SAFE.  HOORAY FOR BVH!

And the dogs have been there so many times, who needs me? Apparently Jasper was a little over active, but Bella was sweet as pie and reluctant to come back out.

Timely, here's a quick 5-step daily checklist from Healing Touch for Animals to support your beloved family.

1. Embrace the animals in your care.
2. Allow them to emotionally care for you.
3. Accept and take in the unconditional love they offer.
4. Thank them for being part of your life and a part of your Support Team!
5. Breathe & Celebrate your special Bond!