Auld Lang Syne

The last 12 months or so have aged me in dog years.
Since the last post we've said goodbye to 3 more friends.
 

George and Gracies' only boy, Truman Chapotle, passed at the beginning of November. He was an awesome dog. 

Truman with little Willy a few years ago

 

a little angel

 

smiling in the sunshine with Zasu

 

Archie had his last trip to the vet early December. 

He was our most vigilant protector of the yard

 

He was brilliant, silly and a great friend to many. 

Rolling in cow poo on a walk with Miles

 

Helping Shirley get comfy when she was new and not feeling well

 

My girl Tuesday is no more.

In her favorite spot at sunset

 

Lung cancer took her mid-November and I wasn't ready.

A few years ago -Zasu, me, Tuesday and Monkey

 

Archie, Bean, Reggie and Tuesday: loved and missed

 

Within hours of Tuesday's passing a man showed up with a wounded stray. The little thing was horribly matted and there was a lot of blood. As usual I didn't think to document it until we were well underway. That matted fur on her back was solid and infested.
Wounds dressed and getting a haircut

 

 

 

 

 

 

Considered calling her Wednesday (it was a Wednesday) but her name became Agnes. Still sedated, matted hair removed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A high-pitched bark and high maintenance coat are not my favorite but that isn't her fault. She's a young, rowdy goofball, busy unlearning an array of bad habits

 

Aggie is now healed and spayed. She likes sleeping in hammocks, barking and kicking ass. Playing with Joy

 

It isn't easy to lose old friends, but such sweet new friends help. 

Wishing everyone a hopeful new year. May we all have some good to help with the bad. 

A better photo of newbie Rhubarb's short legs and stubby tail

Godzilla has left the building

The post titled Crime Wave from a few years ago is regularly found by people searching for information on crime in Celestun. For that reason I'll mention that there have been a spate of house robberies- from what I gather the targets generally are unoccupied beach houses. A few nights ago the house nearest to us was robbed. Big TVs are a popular target. As we have no tv and MANY dogs I doubt we are of much interest to thieves, but this may be a concern for others.

Recently our sweet Godzilla, the biggest and furriest of Gracie's pups, died. It was a complete surprise, as she had been in good spirits and showing no symptoms of any of any health problems. Dra. Sandra suspects a heart attack. We'll never really know, but we were privileged to know her for the entirety of her life.Young Zilla running with her sister Eve.

 

She was a robust and happy girl with no love lost for cats, and we'll miss her.
Morning walk flanked by Bette and Tito.

On the topic of cats, Mama cat Sugar hasn't been seen for few weeks and I fear the worst. Her daughter Minya has made dog harassment her focus.

This time of year has many milestones for us. One year since the first clinic. Most of the street dogs that were neutered and released are still doing well and a couple have found themselves homes! The next one is scheduled for May 8th May 15th.

It has been 5 years since the arrival of Xmul, Twiggy, Luna and Mo, 6 since Monkey, and 7 for Maggie and April.  
We're combating an outbreak of kennel cough, exactly 4 years since the last (and 1st) time. With better luck and more knowledge, we seem to have limited it to only a few dogs.
My little muse Nico is still suffering from a fungal problem -despite daily rinses, medication and immune boosters.












Her spirits remain high. Playing with her sister Coco.

Leading the charge to me.

She makes me laugh!

Thanks for raking.

Girl group pose after dinner.

My big guy Reggie has a tumor that may need to be surgically removed. 
Hazel and Cookie give Reggie love.

















Beautiful Archie has been having hip problems, but he's still our #1 watchdog!

















Some sad milestones are fast approaching, but I try to focus on the happy faces in front of me...these for example.

damp days

I'll update on the saga of the strays and puppies soon. 
Suffice it to say that so far they're doing well.

I haven't been taking my camera on walks so here are a few shots of home life.
Days have been mercifully uneventful. 
Sugar and daughter Minya are the center of attention.

  
Sugar is the least graceful cat I have ever met! 
It's only a matter of time until I get video of her falling off of something.
She is also a loudmouth!

It's easy to be the center of attention here -just eat something.

3 spotted dogs, Pete, Gracie and Archie.

Beautiful Shirley loves her toys.

Miles and Zasu have seen a lot together-
from Pittsburgh, to Portland, to the Yucatan.


















Brothers Pete and Steve asleep by my desk.
When they're awake they are in constant competition.













One of the palm trees has started to produce coconuts.
The bees love it!

The pitayas produced 2 gorgeous fruits. 
We ate one and left one for the birds.

Large mantis on a 'mother of thousands' plant. 
Both are awesomely creepy.

April update

Beautiful weather has made for bug-free walks, better moods, and a tidier yard.
On walks, Ginger has been helping to fill the void left by the death of her sister. 
She is great company.

Ginger Pudding.  Prettier than ever, with a touch of gray.

Roxy completed her heartworm treatment and is doing great!  We'll have her tested in a few months to make sure they're gone.  
Ginger and Roxy.

Linda and Roxy. 

Except for the shaved patch at the injection site on her back, there's no hint that she was recently on Death's door.

Bette's hips haven't been bothering her.

Bette seizes the day!

Monkey has been with us for 4 years; she's an absolute brat and I adore her!

In the yard, Archie is our most dedicated watchdog.

Out of the yard, he prefers to roll in filth.

Murci has finally been spayed.  She and Hazel had to be kept apart for a few days while she recuperated and Hazel was noticeably depressed about it.  Murci is a tad taller than Hazel, mid-sized, but bigger than we initially expected.

They're back together again and all is right with the world!
Murci(élago) -air attack.

Lovely Xmul is back with us for a few months.

Tori, in front, has been with us a year!
Happy Anniversary Tori Monster!