11/18/04 Somethin' Lurkin'

Somethin' is lurking in the brush at Black Pond Farm.

Maggie Doggie just chased "something" off in the direction of the lower pond.

We've sighted bobcats, bears and mountain lions/cougars in that area in the past. It could be any one of those, Tim will be looking for tracks later today.

The chooks were down that direction and were "sounding the alarm" as they do when one of the others is hauled off.

06/2002 A Flashing DINER Sign

I see all the adults, but I only see 2 black silkies and one red bantam of our littlest members of the flock.

Maggie Doggie had "it" on the run this morning, but she is getting too old and stiff to be working the farm. We've lost 6 young chickens since Riley (the border collie) injured his paw.

To bring you up-to-speed, over two weeks ago, Riley injured a paw. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that he had torn the claw away from the pad (in the middle area). It didn't bleed much -- in fact -- it had a scab already, but seemed to be sore. I kept an eye on it for a few days for signs of infection. He's a *real working dog* now --

OF COURSE it got infected. I'm thinkin', "No worries...I know how to handle that. Some numbing antiseptic spray for the pain, gauze and wrap it up tight to keep it clean, check the dressing often - no biggy."

Did I mention he is a *real* working dog now?

04/30/04 Border Collies Arrive

06/25/04 29-19 =10 Chicks Left

The lil' stinker could get the dressing off faster than I could put it on! I tried all types to slow him down!

OF COURSE he kept it from healing properly. Anyway, it would puff up and then drain after he'd lick it. He has been hopping around on just three legs (he's getting pretty good at it too).

I took him to the vet to see if there was something "in there" last night. The X-ray showed nothing but paw bones and lots of painful swelling. The vet loaded us up with anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and pain medication...and asked nicely for 200 bucks.

We both got a good laugh when he poked fun of my efforts to keep Riley's paw wrapped up. He found the stories to be quite humorous and I was relieved when he said that would no longer be necessary. Whew.

Tim was so calm about the vet bill total -- I was shocked! He told me that he was just glad that Riley was going to be fine.

We love our critters.

Yep, I married the right guy...

	Somethin' Lurkin' In The Brush
	November 18, 2004
	Somethin' is lurking in the brush at Black Pond Farm. Maggie Doggie just chased "something" off in the direction of the lower pond. We've sighted bobcats, bears and mountain lions/cougars in that area in the past. It could be any one of those, Tim will be looking for tracks later today. The chooks were down that direction and were "sounding the alarm" as they do when one of the others is hauled off. 06/2002 A Flashing DINER Sign I see all the adults, but I only see 2 black silkies and one red bantam of our littlest members of the flock. Maggie Doggie had "it" on the run this morning, but she is getting too old and stiff to be working the farm. We've lost 6 young chickens since Riley (the border collie) injured his paw. To bring you up-to-speed, over two weeks ago, Riley injured a paw. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that he had torn the claw away from the pad (in the middle area). It didn't bleed much -- in fact -- it had a scab already, but seemed to be sore. I kept an eye on it for a few days for signs of infection. He's a real working dog now -- OF COURSE it got infected. I'm thinkin', "No worries...I know how to handle that. Some numbing antiseptic spray for the pain, gauze and wrap it up tight to keep it clean, check the dressing often - no biggy." Did I mention he is a real working dog now? 04/30/04 Border Collies Arrive 06/25/04 29-19 =10 Chicks Left The lil' stinker could get the dressing off faster than I could put it on! I tried all types to slow him down! OF COURSE he kept it from healing properly. Anyway, it would puff up and then drain after he'd lick it. He has been hopping around on just three legs (he's getting pretty good at it too). I took him to the vet to see if there was something "in there" last night. The X-ray showed nothing but paw bones and lots of painful swelling. The vet loaded us up with anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and pain medication...and asked nicely for 200 bucks. We both got a good laugh when he poked fun of my efforts to keep Riley's paw wrapped up. He found the stories to be quite humorous and I was relieved when he said that would no longer be necessary. Whew. Tim was so calm about the vet bill total -- I was shocked! He told me that he was just glad that Riley was going to be fine. We love our critters. Yep, I married the right guy...	Riley watches as two chicks zip by where he was sunning himself. BELOW: Teresa (seated on swing with the border collies) and her husband Dewey (also pictured with the border collies) now have "Ringo" back at their farm, after Ringo learned that our chickens were tasty. Teresa and Dewey love Ringo and Riley, "the boys" as much as we do! Teresa is the one that brought them to us to foster after adopting them from a home in Oregon. UPDATED DECEMBER 2004: We are mourning the loss of our beloved Riley. Shortly after this story was posted, Riley was hit by a fast moving car on the country road . Tim found him at the end of our 1/4 long driveway and rushed him back to the vet . Riley had to be put down due to the severity of his injuries. It was out-of-character for him to be where he was. Riley never left the property, opting to stay close to home. He must have tried to follow me as I drove into town that day. He was buried at Teresa and Dewey's home. We miss him very much, but I think he is back with Tori now -- she must have needed his company up in heaven...