What was under my bed ?

This is rather funny but true. Back in the Sammy Terry days, we scared the crap out of ourselves and each other. There was me, my step sister's Tammy and Tina, my sisters Brenda and Donna, my cousins Tim and Devonna. We would all end up at my " Ma's " house. There was a long window on one full wall and the couch sat right up against it; my cousin Tim would act like he was going to the kitchen to get a pop and sneak out the back door and yep ! He would pound on the window right at a scary part of the show. Fun, fun days...

That's what started me thinking about how scared I was to get my feet even remotely close to the bottom of the bed, lol. It's strange how our minds can play ticks on us. I saw a spider last night and that ruined me for the whole night. I was feeling things crawling on me and even kept the light on all night, it's a small lamp but still, what was that going to do ?

Getting back to " what was under my bed " - What did we think was under there ? When I think of all of us girls running to the beds, it cracks me up ! The one that made it to the bed before me would grab me and pull me under the covers as if she was protecting me from something and that scared me even more !

Me and Tammy was the youngest, they was 4 and 5 years older. It just cracks me up ! The least little noise, we would scream and Ma would come running... she'd say... awe ( in a discuded way ) there is nothing in this room, now pipe down ( what did that mean anyways ? ) and get to sleep or you'll feel ill in the morning.

Does anyone remember the SAMMY TERRY DAYS ?

Raw Meat

He was sick in this picture. I had been crying and was in hopes he just had a tummy ache. That night he went to the E- R.

NO RAW FOOD !

I would consider myself a smart woman as far as animals are concerned. I would face the very hurtful fact of killing my own pet because I am a people pleaser and want what's best for my babies ( yes, babies, lol ). I would say that I am a leader and a follower.

Listen people, there's an old saying "if it's not broken" don't fix it. Let me explain something to you. back when your pet ( many, many, years ago ) or lets just say wolves in general then dogs... Yes, they had to eat raw meat but their system was set up for it. They were strong enough to fight the poisons off.

Sorry, but my Chinese Crested hasn't had to eat a rat yet. This is why they became so popular back when ships an pirates were a way of travel and trade. They use the Crested to kill the rats. Mine eat out of a bag, straight off the pet store shelf. The bad has already been cooked out of ingredients and even some of the good. What are we feeding our dogs, mostly fillers but most of us are satisfied with that. I also add carrots and green beans, even COOKED chicken.

So, I chose to listen to a breeder... I knew better deep down inside but continued any ways... if there's a small voice SCREAMING in your ear, LISTEN !

I started the raw diet and was so proud of myself for feeding him what his breed required... NO ! NO THEY DON'T ! They are now formed by us to eat treated food, not raw ! After a $ 5,000 vet bill... thanks to I-Vet, Indianapolis - off 96 th street - they will run you a $3,000 credit card then call when you have reached your limit. I think I had about $ 800 left to spend then a vet tech ( I won't tell on her ) called secretly and told me that they had him in a card board box in a utility closet ( they were not even full ), loaded on pain killers and still crying from pain. She told me that he was in so much pain that he would hold himself up with his back legs and rest on his head... MY GOD IN HEAVEN ! I ALMOST LOST MY MIND...

I can't stay in that place for long... I loved him so much, he was the sweetest lil guy. He was a beautiful cream puff. He was a mamma's boy too. He slept with me every night, right at the top of my head, I miss him.

I know I write sad posts sometimes but if you are not told the truth, you will end up hurting like me. He was tested and is was salmonella poisoning... I killed him, slowly. From the moment I noticed ( about 5 - 7 days after the raw diet ), he passed a painful week later.

His name was Sen- Sei

I'm sorry baby, I loved you so much. I miss how you made me laugh, I miss how we would lay at night and your nose always ended up on mine, you silly guy; I am high hopes of seeing you some day. The only way that I can get through this, is to picture you running, ears flapping, turning on a dime and running up to me to keep you safe from your girl Geisha... she misses you too. Smell the flowers for me and Geisha; and pee on all the bushes you want ! I love you my lil puff man !

Way Off !

So, I jumped in my car and started on my way to see what I thought was someone who needed a place to stay for just a short time. Times were hard and the story I got was... that her parents were in  hospital due to an automobile accident, chances are, they won't make it.

The drive didn't make things easy, it was long drive and I kept trying to figure everything out on my own. I was so far from the real truth. I had all the things ready for her; a short stay wouldn't take very much. I had to wonder if she would like me.

Man was I way off... I didn't spray any body sprays or us ant scented deodorant, I didn't want to throw any strange smells at her. I had heard she had been through a lot and this was a change for her.

I was catching grief from some of my friends but they all know how I am and when my mind is on helping, that's what I will do ( if I can ). I was getting close, I was really starting to get a bit excited. Would I regret this or will things fall into place ?
I have done this type of reaching out many times, not all ends well but most of the time, it works out. I have a very hard drive inside of me for being a stepping stone for others.

My gps system tells me I'm getting very close. As I pulled into the drive, there was no " in your face meeting " like I had pictured. I opened the car door and tinkered around in the back seat to stir up some attention but nothing ! Was I at the wrong house ? I made a quick call to make sure and the woman said... yes, we see you are here... I was thinking to myself; that this was strange.

As I walked up to the door, it was really very still; no sounds at all. A very short lady opened the door for me, I ask her if everything was alright. She assured me that everything was fine.

As I walked over to the only chair in the room, the woman told me to have a seat. That's when my eyes met with hers. It was a surprise to me. I remember thinking, her eyes look hazy and her hair is starting to grey, she didn't even look as if she had the energy to walk across the floor, but she pulled herself up and came towards me. She didn't appear to be afraid. She seemed very lazy in motion. I was thinking... this is a bit different from what I am use to and would soon learn how society looked at this issue.

I even thought myself of saying... you know, I don't think I can help with this but the family that has her can do nothing; I could see it in their eyes without them saying a word. She explain to me how her niece had discarded her like trash on her sister and brother in law, and they loved her deeply; this family was very simple and was renters. Their landlord wouldn't allow it at all. They had kept her hidden for several days already and was scared of losing their home. Tears filled her eyes, I could hear someone in the other room fighting back tears with small sniffles.

My eyes began to water and my throat was throbbing with pain. I could see this was hard  them. The woman walked over towards Sassy and me, she bent down and Sassy licked away the tears the best she could. I reached over and place my arms around her and said... Sassy will be just fine, I will find her the perfect home.

Sassy was a 14 year old mix of some sort but she was alive and well. The woman's sister and husband took great care of sassy. Their daughter dropped Sassy off after a short month of owning her. She didn't even know her name but she was only 6 months old, I am assuming in her time she was a Sassy lil thing to earn that name.

I was told that she was an awesome protector and never gave them a bit of trouble. I put the travel crate in the back, I thought I was getting a spunky girl or at least a frightened girl; she was neither. I had a thick comforter that she ended up laying on; she didn't mind the front seat at all, lol. I did everything that I usually did to travel ( placed a collar with an address on it ( mine ) in the case of a wreck( you never know ). Before I left, a tall middle aged woman walked out and thanked me for everything; she had been crying and it was obvious. I was more upset for them. Me and Sassy was going to be fine, that's what I do, I place dogs with families and families with dogs.

I will make this short if I can... after many turn downs due to Sassy's age, ( months after ) I found her a home with an older woman that had nothing left. She was an only child, her parents had passed, she had only one aunt, she had recently passed. Sassy lived to be 17 1/2 years old. It was a very heart breaking loss for her new owner but it was one that made her and I both realize that old age doesn't always mean that life is over. We all fail to see life in an aging pet; sure, they need a bit more attention, maybe softer food, medication for arthritis, maybe nothing at all except us humans loving them during their last days here. Sassy was one out of thousands that got a great second chance. She helped a broken hearted, lonely woman to realize  none of us live for ever... she has since adopted another elder male... his name is Sniffles... he holds his nose high and sniffs the air... she says it's very cute. He too will pass and if she holds out, she will repeat her mission... passing out love and offering the only thing she can... a needed home and warm arms to hold them with.

I will rescue the elders if you will promise them an awesome exit out of this world. Puppies are great and cute but they too will get old, I hope you're around to provide for them, if not, I hope there is another me to pick up their pieces.

Go to the shelters and ask for an older dog, there won't be many so place yourself on a waiting list, they know what I know... not many homes will open their door or heart to an aged pet, they will be euthanized - the short time that an older dog has to offer is so rewarding. I have two myself... thank you for reading this, it's a true story - Sassy is burried under a weeping willow tree, I was at her funeral, it was beautiful !

Going Back

Where are all the roses, fresh warm rain, helicopters and pine trees, and snow so high the doors wouldn’t open and oh yea, ice cream trucks.

I was looking at some old photos; things look and feel so different today. When I was a child we welcomed rain, we’d grab a plastic bag and cover up as much as possible. We would all gather at Ma’s house ( my wonderful grandmother ), sit on her from porch and watch the rain, it smelled so fresh.

The porch had huge pillars, the funny thing is, I drove by there a few months back and they didn’t appear to be so big. The porch itself seemed shorter, lol.

In the photos there were rose bushes that seemed to reach out for miles. I remember them very well. There was also bees and we didn’t seem to mind but now, I run like a mad woman if I see anything flying, lol.

Getting in ponds was great and refreshing, we didn’t care or think of all the germs floating around in it. We didn’t die, lol… I must say, now… no way !

Neighborhood crushes… Mike pearson, he was my big time crush but my first kiss was from Mark Sanford. I remember thinkg… I don’t want to kiss him, he has a birth mark right by his lip, lol. I was 10 yrs. Old. My cousim Tim would run all the boys away, he’s five years older than me. I have 2 real sisters, 2 step sisters and three half sisters, so that left cy cousin with a lot of work, lol. He lived with my grandmother and that’s where all of us girls had boys chasing us around. You did good Tim !

Sitting in front of the fan playing cards ,lol. It’s funny because at my mothers house there was an in ground swimming pool, air conditioning, and all the pop, candy and snacks you wanted. At my dads ( Ma’s house ) it was a bit tougher… no air conditioning, turning bottles in for penny candy ( Charlie Browns Corner Store ) and a pop there was almost unheard of but cool aid was great !

The front door that popped shut as we ran in and out. The smell of Ma cooking Hershey’s Fudge. ( every one called her Ma, even older women than her ).

It was also very cold in her house during the winter but that didn’t stop us, we curled up in front of the old gas burner with a blanket ( pallet ) and scrunch all up together and drink hot chocolate.

I use to think that we were just rich at my moms house but realized that Ma was just poor. I can remember her standing at the sink whistling and humming “ How Great Tho Art “

Back then we was excited to see company, today, we can’t wait for them to leave. We use to invite families over for lunch and now we hope no one bothers us as we eat. Back then you could loan anything out and get it returned, now you have to lock everything up and if you loan anything out, you just know that you will chase it down or never see it again. Kids were happy playing outside climbing on a tree, now kids wont turn the t.v off. We use to have family night every night, now we do it once a month ( if at all ). Mothers are now killing their children and husbands are killing wives. Pets are no longer a joy but a burden. Playground fights at school end up in gunfire. A drug is no longer drinking a beer but anything that will change who you are.

When I was young, the neighbors watched each other’s kids as we ran up and down the street, now the neighbors will kill, steal and rap our children.

Man ! Can we just rewind about 30 – 35 years ?

Mammy and me

Hello all - I thought I would switch it up a bit and talk about the fun things in my life. I have two great grandkids and they simply make life worth living. I am the normal mammy that thinks anything they do is graet ! My three year old grandson made me a card - it was called mammy and me, it had pink glitery hearts on the front and pink bows. Although we have bad days... Bryse and Brook brings me much joy. Brook is 7 weeks old and the cutest little thing. She and her brother both have blue eyes. Bryson being three is saying everything. He's so funny... I told him to hurry up and come sit with me because I had put a cartoon in for us to watch; he says to me... calm down lady, I have to pick my toys up first... HA ! That was great folks. He says things all the time that is so funny ! I'll keep notes and tell all. We have a garden together at my home and he thinks that the whole thing is his and watering once or twice a week while over, is enough, lol. I let him think just that. I can't wait to see how me and Brooklyn are, I'm sure that we will have just as much fun. It's all great when it comes to being Mammy... it's so different, a tear from my Bryson can make me do just about anything. I am scared to see what Brook will do to me. Their mother, My daughter, is the sweetest thing that has ever happened to me, well, her sister as well. I have to stop sometimes and think... wow ! I have two adult daughters and they are so different yet just alike. They both have alot of love towards others, each other and for me. It's just great ! The blond is the mammy to both the kids and she is wonderful !!! They have a great father as well. My youngest is a smart social butterfly. I will write more later. I will be sharing some photo later of my sweet four legged babies soon.

Indiana Pet/ Breeder Laws

Pet Laws : Indiana :

Here is the link – on the side bar will guide you to many different articles. Watch this video “ Pipe Line “ www.petshoppuppies.org

We feel that you can be best educated if we tell you what laws Indiana does not have.
1. Dog Breeders: Indiana has no laws that pertain to dog breeders and therefore, most go totally unregulated.

2. Pet Stores: Pet stores are also not regulated by Indiana law.

3. Selling Puppies: The only law that regulates the sale of puppies is a small clause within a law that is primarily written to protect the spread of disease within livestock. In short, it states puppies can not be sold before the age of 8 weeks.

4. Animal Cruelty/Neglect: Indiana law states that a person who "recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally abandons or neglects the animal commits cruelty to an animal." To a layman this may sound pretty vague, in the sense that it could be used to convict puppy mill owners. To prosecutors throughout the state, however, the vagueness is a hindrance and makes it virtually impossible to ever convict a dog breeder of animal abuse or neglect. The explanation is quite simple, puppy mills are in business to make money. Could they "recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally" abuse their dogs if those dogs are their livelihood? What many of us think are abusive situations, such as confining dogs to small wire cages, breeding them every six months, and neglecting to provide the most basic of veterinary needs, are just "smart business practices" in the puppy mill industry. Even federal law allows for cruel confinement, and a prosecutor would have a hard time proving cruelty the way Indiana statutes are written.

5. Disclosure Laws: This is a topic that few people think about and even fewer people can comprehend. Indiana has no disclosure laws, and therefore, when a customer buys a puppy, the seller is not required to tell them anything about the breeder of that puppy, not even the name! Indiana pet stores are notorious for providing either no information, or very limited information about their breeders. Because of this, the customer is never able to understand the origin of their puppy, and more importantly, the cruel living conditions to which their puppy's parents are subjected.

6. Lemon Laws: Many states have enacted "puppy lemon laws" to protect consumers when they purchase sick puppies. Indiana has no such laws.
It is because of Indiana's lack of laws that puppy mills thrive in the state. PetShopPuppies, Inc. is a non profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and therefore we are prohibited from lobbying. We can, however, support or oppose legislation and most certainly encourage citizens of Indiana to get involved with their state and local officials to change the laws in Indiana. The 2009 legislative session is showing promise of some important changes in the state, but we can't be reliant on others to get the job done. Our nation is facing some of its toughest challenges in decades, and animal laws will be very low on the agenda for the elected officials in the state. Remember, law-makers work for you, and state and federal organizations are already working against any changes in Indiana. Your voice must be heard, and to do this, you must know and communicate with your elected officials.

Still stuck in this day

Still thinking of what can be done as far as the law and pet owners. I will have a better day today; I have to know that I alone can't fix every one. I'm sure we all need fixed in one way or another. I hope every one is having a great day ! Remember... don't forget to hug some one today. hugs to you, Rebecca

Here it is a few years later from when this was written. No changes in the law. Sad : (