Dark times since the last update. A miserable end to a difficult year.
While still coming to terms with the death of Twiggy, Frankie died from what we believe was a snake bite. We were with her until the end and did what we could. She was a sweetheart who adored people.
I rarely take photos when a dog is unwell, except to send to the vet.
I do however have pictures of the puppies.
The photos are roughly in chronological order. After at least a week in quarantine the puppies got to meet everyone. Otto was one of the first to say hello. I suspect their mom looked like him because they all tried to nurse.
Herbie and Otto, early August.
Evo and Hugo in front of Jojo and Dulce.
Reina and Peanut were fascinated with Eddie the rooster. Unfortunately, days after this shot, larger dogs managed to breach the enclosure and put a swift and violent end to Eddie. Sorry Eddie. I miss you.
Dogs found this guy in the yard at the end of September. Everyone involved was shocked. He spent a few days with us and our vet found a home for him.
He was the star of the show while he was here, Luna and Frida were transfixed. It was a welcome distraction for Luna.
She was diagnosed with the same condition as her recently deceased sister Twiggy, and had a similarly rapid decline and demise. I'm worn down, we haven't been able to mourn for one before another is gone.
The puppies' skin and stomach problems were clearing up so they could finally be vaccinated to be rehomed. We had someone interested in 2 when 3 more stray pups turned up who took their place.
The 9 little rascals continue to grow. We call this guy Wombat.
Already bone tired and sad, I got the news that my dad was in hospital. I left as soon as I could and he died before I arrived. I spent a week in the US and Sean was alone with all the dogs. It wasn't easy for either of us.
The puppies have been one of the few bright spots.
Well-named Dulcita in early October. In the background, Peanut is nearly as big as Brooklyn. We had Brooklyn spayed, and a tumor removed from Zoot but other things had to be postponed. Elewah was diagnosed with heart worm and the treatment is expensive and time sensitive.
A moment with Herbie, Peaches and Reina before the bad news worsens.
Sean's mom was murdered, there are no words or answers.
His brother was arrested, which is preposterous.
I've been submerging myself in puppies as a buffer to this world.
Greatful for 20 years with Zasu -and Sean.
Mid-November and it's getting difficult to tell the puppies from the rest.
Xmul insists she is a puppy. She'll soon be leaving us for a few months.
Nico is plagued by health problems but is so silly and joyful.
I hope I deserve the way she looks at me.
Herbie in my lap (end of November).
We intend to hold the next sterilization clinic in January.
More work than hours in the day to keep us occupied until then.
Sean works while dogs rest (Peaches foreground).
All of the photos in this post were taken by Sean (with our sturdy, waterproof, slightly low-res camera). The salt ponds and surrounding woods have steadily been drying out.
Xmul and friends cross what's left of a pond.
On the mornings that Sean runs he goes about 8k, with 9 dogs, and takes drinking water ...for the dogs. Everybody (except Sean apparently) loves to drink out of the bottle.
Tori, Xmul, Luna and Truman have a slurp.
Xmul, Tori and Murci have a drink.
Oh, Steve. Not a thinker, but at least he's handsome.
Horrible! Frankie next to a huge turtle shell, nowhere near the beach; obviously poached, gutted and dumped.
To the beach! Tori, Linda and Twiggy.
Note the new house in the background; it is not only illegal (construction has been halted by an environmental agency for now), but also completely asinine to build so close to the water. This entitled nonsense, including the compulsion of homeowners to remove beach scrub, and install street and porch lights, does more to harm the turtles than the poachers.
Two of our biggest fans of the beach, Rufus and Linda!
PuppyG is rocking a new haircut!
Linda, PuppyG and Rufus!
King George and Xmul. George has been with us for a long time; he is worshiped and beloved by all the younger dogs.
Late in the month, the flooded roads are drying up.
Puddle jumping with Daisy,Tori, Mo, Chester (weird, he doesn't usually get wet ...maybe George knocked him in), George, and Bosha to the right.
Murci leads a happy group across land that was underwater a month ago.
For some reason black dogs are the least likely to be adopted. I don't know why.
We have many black dogs and I think every one of them is striking.
Jack pauses with some of the gang. He has a beautiful coat.
Lovely Luna is 2 years old.
Posey is 5 and, I think, one of our prettiest dogs.
Her ears don't usually stand up.
Walking with Tito and Miles.
Tito knows that black dogs are the best.
Self-doubt is not his style.
He often pals around with Reggie on walks.
I don't think Tito notices the size difference.
A few of our palm trees succumbed to a blight so we're trying again with something else.
Sean has plenty of supervision. Pete, Zoot and Posey in front.
Frankie has been a happy girl; she loves having visitors.
The Couchsurfers/Helpxers that brought Tori stayed on for a couple weeks.
Kaya gets to know the gang.
Linda watches the ever helpful Kaya fix one of the dog beds.
Tori wants to help.
Twiggy and Tori keep an eye on things while Kaya and Olli paint.
Oliver has been traveling frugally for years.
http://www.timeless-travelling.com
Olli and Tori.
Dog fun. Jack, Hazel, Amber, Tori, Daisy and Mega
Bette, Lucy and Tori on a walk. There isn't a dog here that doesn't like Tori (her new nickname is Cookie Monster.). She learns quickly and wants to please; it breaks my heart that people thought she was too much trouble. She's one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met!
Bette and Tori on a salt pile. After a rain they're as hard as coal.
Oliver and Kaya say their goodbyes (Paco, in the background, crows his goodbye).
Thanks so much to you both, for saving Tori, and for all your help around the place!
You're always welcome here.
Linda doesn't understand why everyone can't stay forever.
It has been a little over 2 years since Daisy found us.
Lounging with Mega.
With Frankie.
Many thanks to volunteers Zoe and Mike for all the help!
You guys were great! Twiggy, Linda and Hazel
(in front of the shelves Zoe painted).
Twiggy gives Zoe a goodbye kiss.
Stella, Frankie & Twiggy guard Mike.
Sisters Frijolita, Blue and Osita enjoy a jog.
Sisters Godzilla & Blue check the perimeter of the beta site.
Zasu leads the inspection team.
Four members of the good boys' club ...& Linda.
Jack, Reggie, Archie, Truman ...& Linda.
Twiggy in morning light w/friends.
She and her sisters have been with us 2 years this month.
