Tough Times This Winter

As everyone knows, winter has beaten most of us down with all her snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. I'm not whining--just stating facts sure to show up on a Gallup poll.   The falling snow ceased looking wondrous to me weeks ago. Most of us are about done in after paying excruciatingly high fuel oil prices and paying the guys to plow out our driveway.  And many of us, including myself, have fallen on ice.  My ankle and thigh still sport a lovely oil-slick purple bruise. We are winter-poor and winter-weary these days.

As I sit here trying to fight my way through Twitter and Facebook--I'm of an older generation that has to learn social media by the hit-or-miss method--the deer are gathering outside my window for my meager offering of corn.  Yes, I feed the deer; they've had it rough this winter, too.  Their life is difficult--way more than mine, I guess--having to avoid getting shot by hunters in deer season and now by poachers in non-deer killing season, bedding down in the pouring, freezing rain, and having to nourish themselves when most of their food is under two feet of snow.  And their water sources are frozen-over, forcing them to cross dangerous highways to travel down to the river.  It's not an easy life.  So, I've begun to try to make their lives just a bit easier by putting out corn.

Every evening around this time the herd approaches, stealthily--never at ease, never able to thoroughly enjoy a meal in peace and quiet as I do.  No, the deer are constantly on edge, fidgety--they know to watch for two-leggeds with guns, cars, and bad intentions.

What they don't know is that I do not, or ever will, carry a gun to kill them.  I am their feeder, their nourisher.  I just hope to fill their bellies and make one afternoon a bit easier for them.

The Disabling of America

 Forgive me, if you can, for getting on my soapbox about the devolution of my America.  I am upset about the direction this country is going under Obama's autocracy, and I must have my say. Most Americans are suffering these days: fuel oil is over four dollars a gallon; food prices are inflated; jobs are scarcer than a flea on a pig.  A US citizen can hardly stay warm or even eat decently these days, and many of us don't have a pot to piss in because we're scraping to pay taxes that are unreasonable, at best.  It's time the suffering stops for the middle class, for we are the only ones up against it right now.  So here be my cathartic piece, if it's nothing else. Hereafter I will limit myself to goodies about animals.  

The Disabling of America

            I have no physical limitations, yet I am a disabled American.  I have been robbed of my sight, hearing, and my ability to speak.  I am struck numb by Obama’s fundamental transformation of America.

I am nearly blind. 

            My America had become almost unrecognizable: a President consumed by radical ideology, dreamy-eyed by visions of a Euro-America--a socialist nation in which an individual’s instinct to compete and reach for the American Dream is drowned out by cries of “redistribution of wealth.”  What little I can see of this administration is frightening: self-proclaimed Communists and Socialists within the President’s advisory groups, associates of the President with criminal records--co-founders of radical, anti-capitalist terrorist groups of the 1970’s.  I do not see a President proud of his traditional America values, for he apologizes to foreign nations for America’s foibles, as he interprets them..  I do not see a President who loves America and her unique Constitution. 

            I rub my eyes, but all is blurry.  I hardly recognize my fellow Americans either.  Where are those people who cherish competition, higher education, and creative entrepreneurialism?  Where are those Americans who would rather tough it out than receive a hand-out from the government?  Where are the Americans who express their patriotism freely, proudly, and are willing to protect, at great cost, this country from terrorists and enemy nations?  Where are the Americans who stand proud against dissatisfied youth, ingrates, and jealous foreigners?

            I rub my eyes: I vaguely recognize some of these Americans in the distance, but the vision is dimming fast.

I am deaf. 

            I don’t hear our representatives in Washington defending our Constitution.  I don’t hear them opposing Obama, the ideologue, or questioning the legality of his decisions.  Yet within the silence sounds a roar: concerned citizens at town hall meetings--trying to be heard, trying to make sense of a huge deficit and health care bill that is a lie set in stone, one which jeopardizes their very lives.  American citizens everywhere are being silenced by those that have elected them--chastised by Congressmen and women and Ms. Pelosi who has called them “disruptive” and “un-American” because they are speaking freely and protesting according to their Constitutional rights.

I am a mute.

            I open my mouth to protest but fall back in silence—out of fear—fear that no one will listen, fear that I may be Big Brother-listed against the current regime, fear that a radical may retaliate against me and all that is dear to me.  I must be quiet for lurking in a corner hides a lout who has never understood how America came to be free and who does not value individual freedom and who is intent on leveling and fundamentally changing society.  Silent for fear for my life, I have, overnight, become a charge of a totalitarian state.

I am blind; I am deaf; and I am unable to speak, but I am hardly alone.  At this moment, many Americans have been disabled by this President’s shrewd, hidden agenda.  Despite this government’s employment of smoke and mirrors, we have one quality left with which to fight and find hope:

We can still feel.   

            Even while our America is gasping under the murky waters of the Obama administration, I hope and feel that Americans--black, white and Hispanic--will demand to speak and be heard.  Americans united will see that before we are any color, we are first Americans—rugged individualists—who resent being hand-held, regulated, and controlled by any government and who expect elected officials to uphold the Constitution.

            We Americans are NOT European: we don’t WANT to be as Europeans, failing to thrive as individuals under socialist governments.  We Americans are not wired that way.  We are wired to think, question, and judge all criteria against the values of freedom, democracy, and capitalism. 

            What can we, as disabled Americans, do?

            Overcome the disabilities—the outright lies-- and stand firm, as firm as our forefathers did.  Hold our representatives and the President accountable for insuring our individual rights and freedoms, and our RIGHT to pursue happiness.   Protest with vigor and commitment the equalizing and socializing of American society because with the leveling of classes comes a wider class gap and the loss of individual freedom.

            If, after that effort, we find ourselves more blinded, deaf, and more afraid to speak, we must revolt as our ancestors had to and seek freedom afresh.  We must clean house—the White House.  We will demand the resignation, if not, impeachment of this President and his hatchetmen. 

            As this current administration seeks to disable us, we must stand united against it, armed with the Constitution and our stamina as Americans.

By Gay L. Balliet

The Companion Pig

The snow and ice in the Northeast has been a bit more than annoying this winter, but it did help me out.  I became housebound for enough days to finish a book which I have written under a pseudonym and which won't be mentioned much until I get some guidance from my agent and publisher.  Yes, it is that good and that secretive.  It must remain unwhispered until I find out how to deal with some things inside its cover.

I also completed a handbook for potential and current miniature pig companions.  It's working title is THE COMPANION PIG.  I cranked it out in fewer than three months with the help of my friends and contributors Susan Magidson, Jeannie Watson, Dr. Arlen Wilbers, and, of course, my agent Diana Flegal.    Without them the book would have been rather skeletal.  But it is finished now, and it is in Diana's hands.  We shall see how enthusiastic the publishers will be for it, but I know there's a bunch of readers out there who are in desperate need of an all-inclusive book on how to care for piglets and adult pigs.  And I know, too, that lots of pig humans (I cannot call them "owners" because pigs do not allow themselves to be owned as dogs and cats do.) would appreciate a book that guides a reader on how to re-train an aggressive piggy.  THE COMPANION PIG attempts to do it all.

In the meantime I'm heading outside to muck horse stalls and probably fall on the jagged ice for the umpteenth time.  And if I have another creative idea spring into my mind, I will begin authoring another book.  At least that will be a safer journey than the one outside.

The picture posted here is by pet photographer, Dennis Gillette, who photographed my friend, Sheryl's pig, Pee-Wee a few years ago.  Pee-Wee is giving me one of his famous kisses.

Guest Blog: Kimberley Nelson's fundraiser for Fort McMurray animal shelter

 

Here's a guest post from Kimberly Nelson, an animal rescuer and fundraiser.  After she adopted her dog, Rolo from the local shelter in Fort McMurry, she did a Christmas fundraiser.  In 2013 she asked friends, family, and the community to help her out.  Here is her tale of success.

Today is my 26th Birthday and what better way of sharing my special day then sharing the total for Our Christmas FMSPCA Fundraiser of 2013. Why do I love Fort McMurray.. Well look below! First off I want to give a Big Thank YOU to all of the people who contributed to our Christmas Fundraiser by either purchasing an item, donating a wish list item, donating bottles or even just spreading the word about our fundraiser. A Big shout out to my Mom, Auntie Cathy and her dad George for taking time out of their lives to make handmade bone ornaments to sell with proceeds going to the fundraiser AND THEY DONT EVEN LIVE IN FORT MCMURRAY. As well as the lady my mom knows and her daughter in BC who made the fleece tied animal toys from my mom’s scrap fleece and my good friend Nicole Robinson who held a Zumba fundraiser for me with the proceeds going to our total. My goal this year was to collect wish list items and sponsor 3 kennels as last year I only collected wish list items. I thought this was a great goal as sponsoring the  3 dog kennels alone would cost $600.00.
This needs to be written in Caps Locks..WITH ALL OF YOUR HELP WE WERE ABLE TO SPONSOR NOT 3 KENNELS BUT 7 KENNELS AS WELL AS PURCHASE SOME WISH LIST ITEMS WITH THE LEFTOVER MONEY. This truly makes my heart melt knowing how generous the community is. I love Fort McMurray and those who don’t should take a look around at all of the amazing people we have here who give so much to those who need it.

Our 2013 Christmas Kennel Sponsorships include;
Toby
Moose
Chillo
Lexi(now at Edson Animal Rescue Society)
Georgia(Adopted)
Ginger
My favorite Tripod, Triumph(Adopted).

Kimberley NelsonConfessions Of A Rescue Mom
"Blogging About All Things Animal & Adoption"
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rescuemomblog
Blog: www.confessionsofarescuemom.com
Twitter: @RescueMomBlog

 

Service Animals: Helping is Saving

Here is a guest blogger, Cindy Romero, who has written an article on service animals I think you will all enjoy.  Thanks.  Gay

Our pets are hardworking, and willing to do anything to please us, but can they also keep us safe? Besides the Seeing Eye dogs we all know and love, there are many other service animals that keep their masters alive, well, and happy every day.

Mental Health Therapy Dogs

Let’s start with what most people commonly express about their pets: they are therapeutic for their mental health. My pets know when I’m sad, and they do try to cheer me up whether it’s snuggles from my cats or energetic kisses from my dogs (my bunny remains adorably oblivious but that’s okay). Our pets can say so much about us and can also be a very therapeutic part of our lives. Among the different types of animals we keep as pets, dogs seem to be best at helping us when we need them most.  Among those that are so appreciated is the certified psychiatric service dog.

Besides helping autistic children with emotional, social, and communication skills, dogs are also great for people with depression and anxiety disorders, as well as those with developmental disorders. The unconditional love and dependency of a dog can boost a person’s mood more than anyone would think. According to MentalHealthDogs.org, the many benefits of specifically-trained-for-you therapy dogs include the following:

·         Increased sense of security, self-ability, self-esteem, and well-being and purpose

·         Relief from loneliness and isolation

·         Structure and healthy habits

·         Optimism

·         Uncomplicated, dependable, and safe relationship

·         Motivation to exercise and interact socially

Even if someone doesn’t have a trained mental health service dog, snuggling with his or her pet helps lower the hormone, cortisol, a stress hormone urging to engage in either fight or flight.  And lowering one’s cortisol level is always beneficial.

Diabetic Alert Dogs

These therapy dogs can quickly alert diabetics to the severe spikes or drops in their insulin levels, some of which can be life-threatening. The Wall Street Journal suggest that the dog’s acute sense of smell, its accuracy and speed for detecting low blood sugar does a better job of detecting impending a diabetic crisis than do many medical devices.  Scientists don’t know what it is the animal can detect, but these dogs (retrievers, generally) smell it.  Once alerted by his or her canine friend, a diabetic can then take steps to manage their blood glucose levels, which can save a life and prevent serious complications.

Seizure Alert Dogs

Similar to the diabetic alert dogs, these dogs are trained to warn their caretakers of an on-coming seizure. How Stuff Works maintains that animals are highly sensitive to subtle physical and biological signals that humans don’t notice. Assigned to those with epilepsy, a dog can tell when the seizure is on its way and will warn the human by pawing, barking or circling and trying to get the person to lie down in a safe place. The dog will then lie beside or on top of the person to make him or her feel safe and prevent them from injuring themselves. How loving and responsible is that?

Other uses:

Reading therapy dogs and even school counselor assistance cats and dogs are also helpful in the classroom setting, making children more comfortable and less aggressive toward others (for more information on therapy animals, click here).

Animals provide a heartfelt and enthusiastic service to so many appreciative people. 

January 29^th is Seeing Eye dog day. Celebrate all service animals on this day, and  let your animals cheer you up a little bit more for an extra treat.

I’m Cindy Romero a writer on all things pets.  I have a high jumping cat (Sebastiana), a beautiful black lab (Shadow), a calming retriever-lab (Teddy) and a feisty Himalayan bunny (Ruby) that all roam around the house.

Gay's Ring-of-Fire Chipotle Salsa

With tomatoes coming out our ears this time of year, now's the time to can lots of salsa to enjoy time and again throughout the winter.  If you have a cheap smoker, you can make your own chipotle chili peppers, which are smoked jalapeno peppers.

1. Prepare green or red jalapeno peppers as follows: Remembering to wear latex gloves and not rub your eyes or face during this preparation, take 70 or 80 jalapeno peppers and remove the stems, cutting a vertical slit in one side and sliding a finger inside each to remove the white membranes and seeds.  Don't separate the two halves, or they could fall through your smoker's grates.

2. Stack jalapenos in a smoking machine (Little Chief or any smoker) and smoke, using wet hickory or mesquite wood chips.  Smoke the peppers for about 12 hours, replace spent chips with fresh wet ones every hour and a half.  Chipotle peppers are done when they turn from bright green to olive green and are slightly wrinkled.  Seventy to eighty chilis will fill about 3/4's of a storage gallon bag of chipotles.

Making the salsa:

1.  Using a tupperware dishpan or other big dish, fill with about 30 to 40 pounds of roma or regular tomatoes.  Remove the skin by throwing the tomatoes into boiling water for about 30 seconds or as long as it takes for the skin to peel off easily.  Remove the skin and discard the seeds by prying them out with your fingers.  After the tomatoes are skinned and de-seeded, put the tomatoes through a processor on "chop," or chop them by hand.

2. Put the chipotles through the processor.

3.  Put the chopped chipotles and tomatoes in a huge stewpot and simmer.

4.  In large saucepan, heat about a quarter cup of canola or olive oil.  Chop and add 4-5 large onions, 4-5 green peppers (not hot ones), a whole head of garlic or more if you really like garlic, a large bunch of fresh cilantro (use less if using dried), lots of fresh or dried basil, and fresh or dried oregano.  Simmer spices and onion mixture until limp.  Add this mix to the tomato and chipotle stewpot.  Stir.

5.  Add more spices to the pot according to your taste:  Adobo seasong (2 tsp.), turmeric (1 tsp.), cumin (1 tsp.), ground oregano(1 tsp.), salt (2 tsp.), black pepper (2 tsp).  Mix and taste salsa.  Adjust the taste by adding more spices.

6.  Add approximately a quarter cup of red wine vinegar to the stewpot and allow the mixture to simmer off most of the water for half a day, stirring every half hour.

7.  To can the salsa:  Sterilize 16 to 18 pint jars in a boiling water bath for ten minutes, along with lids and screw caps.  While the salsa is hot, ladle it into the jars, hand-sealing each one.  After the jars are all filled, put them back into the boiling water bath and boil for ten minutes.

This is my own recipe, and adjustments for taste will be required, as well as adjustments to the volumes of the peppers and tomatoes.  Use your own judgment.  And you may need fewer or more canning jars, as well.  All is approximate.  But you will have fun doing it and a good product for fall and winter snacking.

The Hardest Decision

One of the hardest things we animal lovers do is have to make the decision to put a dear pet to sleep.
My dear pig-friend, Ivy Mae, has been diagnosed with a tumor in her sinuses.  My pig doctor, Dr. Arlen Wilbers, who is the top pot-bellied pig vet in the area and who, I might add, is the most compassionate veterinarian I have ever met, advised me a few months ago when I had called him out to look at Ivy, that we would know it was time to euthanize her when she stopped eating.
The tumor growing in Ivy's sinuses has forced her to breathe from her mouth for the last month or so, but I certainly didn't expect to see fresh blood oozing from one nostril yesterday.  I cringed when I saw it, and as she walked, the blood dribbled between her front feet onto the barn floor.  And last evening she refused her food.
This morning she refused her breakfast, too.  So, I called Dr. Arlen, discussed the possibility that it was "time," and set the appointment to put her to sleep for this afternoon.  Then I emailed my best friend, called my mother, explaining to both about Ivy.  And then I called the excavator to bury her.
After I hung up, I went out to the barn to be with Ivy Mae for one of the last times in her life of fourteen years.  I carted with me a box of butterscotch Krimpets--her last meal, if she would take it--and the second she heard me tearing the cellophane wrapper, she looked up.  Because she had not eaten her breakfast, I didn't have great hopes she would eat the cake.  But she surprised me.  The blood had stopped running from her nose, and she opened her mouth, a happy smile across her face.  I gave her the Krimpet.  She swallowed it in seconds and then begged for more.  She still had an appetite--at least for junk food.
Then and there I decided to give her at least the weekend to live--to be ecstatic eating butterscotch Krimpets.  She is not suffering; otherwise, I'd have allowed Dr. Arlen to still come out.  Instead, I cancelled the euthanasia and the burial: Ivy has a few more days to live while I lace her Krimpets with higher doses of steroid in the hope it will reduce the tumor's growth.  While I know that the tumor will prevail in the end, I want to extend Ivy Mae's precious life as long as I can.  She is not suffering; therefore, I will hold out.
Every day of a life lived is a day that should be cherished.