Day 1
Got to lodge at about 5pm last night, went to get some dinner at Thunderbirds Diner, and got back around 7pm-ish. Worked on my computer and watched The Bachelorette until a little after 10pm. Took me a while to fall asleep. Woke up at 8am. Went to take a shower. Big ant in my shower. Took me about 10 minutes to save the big ant from my shower. (Also saved a fly last night, it had a leg stuck in my sink faucet...) Shower was great!!! Eating breakfast soon, then leaving for my Best Friends tour. More to come...finished my tour. Am in love with this place! Would be a great place to live for a couple years after I graduate from college. Met some very cute animals at the sanctuary, saw a wild turkey and two wild squirrels playing. On my way back to the lodge I discovered gas went down 10 cents from last night (when I filled up my near empty tank), that sucks! There were some beautiful views at Best Friends.
After tour drove to Kanab to buy lots of fruit for my lunches. Kanab is a cute little town. Came back to lodge and now I think I'll go sit on the porch and read for a while...it was cold out on the porch and the wind was blowing, didn't last long out there. Forgot a sweater so I can't handle the cold. I finished watching The Bachelorette (man I hate Bentley!). More guests arrived today, and brought a very special sleep over dog from Best Friends. Her name is Jilly, her dog mom chewed off her ear. She has had a successful surgery on that ear and is healing now. She's still a very sweet, beautiful dog...
I can't wait until I can start bringing dogs and cats back here for sleepovers! I'm going to fall in love with all of them, will be hard to pick! At least I have a month to bring home different babies! Maybe I'll have to sneak one back home with me ;)
Day 2
Woke up at 6:20am (blah!). Did not take a shower, figrued I would get one (or a nice bath) after a morning of volunteering at Best Friends. But that didn't happen. Went to volunteer orientation today, got my schedule, I'm not volunteering today. My schedule was a little messed up, so I have to go tomorrow after volunteering with cats to get my new and improved schedule :) I was originally suppose to volunteer with dogs, cats, horses, and pigs--but due to an equine disease outbreak I can no longer work with the horses or pigs, but they were still on my schedule, a lot. :) So the nice B.F lady is going to substitute in other animal areas, I prefer Parrots, but wherever they need me I'll go!
Came back to lodge and discovered I had a couple visitors to my room...
Came back to lodge and discovered I had a couple visitors to my room...
Thank goodness for windows!!!
Took a shower this afternoon, there was an ant in there again, except this time it was right after my shower. Maybe they're falling from the roof?? Anyways, this little ant was stuck head first in a water drop, saved him with a square of toilet paper. He dried off and I let him crawl down the vent in the floor like I did the first ant. You might think I'm a little crazy for caring about ants but, having ant friends might come in handy one day when giant ant mutants visit from outer space, haha! Not much else happened today, watching some Tosh.0, then bed. Oh, and by the way, I don't get to bed until 10-11 because it looks like this at 8pm...
Took a shower this afternoon, there was an ant in there again, except this time it was right after my shower. Maybe they're falling from the roof?? Anyways, this little ant was stuck head first in a water drop, saved him with a square of toilet paper. He dried off and I let him crawl down the vent in the floor like I did the first ant. You might think I'm a little crazy for caring about ants but, having ant friends might come in handy one day when giant ant mutants visit from outer space, haha! Not much else happened today, watching some Tosh.0, then bed. Oh, and by the way, I don't get to bed until 10-11 because it looks like this at 8pm...
Day 3
Woke up at 7am today! Got ready quick, had Apple Jacks, and left for Best Friends! I volunteered with the cats today. The building I was in had some socialized cats, but a lot of them were to afraid to let me pet them :( There were some really beautiful, sweet (but shy) cats though. One of my favorites was Heart, because she has a very distinguishing pattern on her fur, I wonder where she got her name...
I'm happy because today I brought my first sleepover home to the lodge! She is an extremely cute cat! Very sweet, and she loves to cuddle!!! She's the perfect cat, as long as she is given the time to get used to you. She can be shy with some people (I didn't have that problem though). Her name is Duchess, and she is a beautiful girl with big beautiful eyes!
Isn't she cute!?!?!? If you might be interested in adopting her, or know someone who is, here is her page at the Best Friends website.
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1010793
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1010793
Day 4
Today I volunteered with the bunnies. They have to be the cutest animals at the sanctuary! And they are all so soft!!! A lot of them were shy and kept away from me, but others did allow me to pet them for a little while. I watched one of the bunnies, Jessica, get some clicker training (which I didn't know could be done). And did you know bunnies can also be litterbox trained? Now some bad news, I forgot to put the memory card back in my camera this morning, so I didn't get any pictures of the bunnies!!! Totally sucks, I love taking pictures! And today is the only day I volunteer with the bunnies. :/ Big bummer. To make up for not having any cute pictures of the bunnies at Best Friends, here is a picture I found of the most adorable baby bunny ever...
Those big bugs from day 2 keep running into my windows! They really want to get in here, I don't know why! But it's pretty loud when they run into the windows, I cringe everytime, they must be hurting! I'm gonna go pick up another sleepover kitty soon. More info on that to follow...I have my sweet new sleepover. His name is Rascal. He's a very nice cat, but also very shy. He hasn't come out of the cat carrier too much since I got him home, but when I took him out he liked to be pet and he gave very nice headbutts. He would do great with someone who would give him time to warm up to a new environment and new people. Rascal is an FVI positive kitty, so he should be the only cat, OR he needs to be seperate from any other cats in the house ALWAYS.
Here is Rascal's very own page at Best Friends Adoptable Pets, if you might consider adopting him, or know someone who can. Thanks!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016564
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016564
Day 5
Ahh, parrots! I sure do love parrots. Is there any other animal that is as cute and sweet looking as a cockatoo? I think not...
This young lady is Charlie, my new love (I'm sure I'll find plenty of new loves while I'm here). She has to wear that cute, fashionable shirt because she picks at her feathers and her skin due to stress. And that shirt helps keep her from hurting herself (you can see where it's been picked and torn). I also met a cute cockatoo named Lollipop who likes to say, "La la la" and she "dances." If I get a chance I'm going to go back to visit the birds, even though today was my only official volunteer day with them.
I also got some really cool pictures of this big raven type bird that is abundant on the sanctuary grounds. They are at least a foot tall, if not larger. I also got a picture of one of the sanctuary guests, a beautiful red tailed hawk.
I also got some really cool pictures of this big raven type bird that is abundant on the sanctuary grounds. They are at least a foot tall, if not larger. I also got a picture of one of the sanctuary guests, a beautiful red tailed hawk.
No sleepover friend tonight :*( But tomorrow is my first day with the dogs, and I have a list of dogs I would love to bring for sleepovers! It'll last me until I go home. I looked for dogs that have sad pasts, ones that need extra loving! Can't wait to share stories and pictures with you guys.
Day 6
I volunteered with the dogs today, I have too many new loves now to mention on here! :) I worked with the "old friends" today, and spent most of my time walking them (but I also helped feed a few of them and collect dishes). I definitely got my exercise for the day in though. I brought home a very very sweet sleepover...
This handsome man's name is Trapper Don. He is a Hurricane Katrina survivor!! He is very sweet, but also very shy of strangers. He did very well in the car, laid in the back quiet and calm. He isn't qiute ready to let me pet him, but he isn't aggressive if I try, he just shy's away. He came right into my room and made himself comfortable on my bed, so I'm sitting on the floor right now, which I definitely don't mind. I think given time he could make someone a really good dog. If you're looking for a new friend, you should look him up at the Best Friends site! It might be the best decision you've ever made!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=104184
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=104184
Day 7
Today I volunteered with the kitties. I worked at the Kitty Hotel today, that's where the FIV+, sick and special kitty cats stay. There are a lot of beautiful, sweet cats in this building, I love them! In order (left to right) we have the beautiful Montana, Lilah, and Daryll.
If any of these lovely felines strike your interest here are their adoption pages at the Best Friends website.
Montana: http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016705
Lilah: http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1017087
Today, I am being haunted by bugs! I had to sweep the outside of a room, and there were a bunch of big ants...then I came home to the lodge and there was a still alive bottom half of a cricket, a spider crouched in a corner (I didn't know it was dead), and a smashed SOMETHING on the floor (all in the bathroom)...no way was I going to take a shower with all that in there with me! So, the lodge lady came and saved me from them with the "BugZooka," which she was so kind to leave with me just in case! The BugZooka doesn't blow them up (which I first pictured), it sucks them up, and you can release them, which is good because I don't like killing them. ANYWAYS, some more bugs from today, I was walking out to my car to go get lunch and a big flying bug hit my face! And last but not least, there was a big mosquito eater, dying, right inside the front door...so I got some paper and put it outside to let it die without being squished. No pictures of the bugs...
I'm leaving soon to go get Skywalker Tye...he is an FVI positive kitty. He climbed into my lap and fell asleep while I was in his room, how could I not bring him for a sleepover?? Okay...Skywalker was my favorite sleepover so far! No offense to the other kitties, they were all loves too, but Skywalker is the only one who slept on the bed with me. He slept next to me all night, which is what I wanted! I want to bring Skywalker for another sleepover, but I told myself not to bring the same animal twice because I don't want to get attached....ugh! And without further ado, here is the handsome Skywalker Tye...
Montana: http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016705
Lilah: http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1017087
Today, I am being haunted by bugs! I had to sweep the outside of a room, and there were a bunch of big ants...then I came home to the lodge and there was a still alive bottom half of a cricket, a spider crouched in a corner (I didn't know it was dead), and a smashed SOMETHING on the floor (all in the bathroom)...no way was I going to take a shower with all that in there with me! So, the lodge lady came and saved me from them with the "BugZooka," which she was so kind to leave with me just in case! The BugZooka doesn't blow them up (which I first pictured), it sucks them up, and you can release them, which is good because I don't like killing them. ANYWAYS, some more bugs from today, I was walking out to my car to go get lunch and a big flying bug hit my face! And last but not least, there was a big mosquito eater, dying, right inside the front door...so I got some paper and put it outside to let it die without being squished. No pictures of the bugs...
I'm leaving soon to go get Skywalker Tye...he is an FVI positive kitty. He climbed into my lap and fell asleep while I was in his room, how could I not bring him for a sleepover?? Okay...Skywalker was my favorite sleepover so far! No offense to the other kitties, they were all loves too, but Skywalker is the only one who slept on the bed with me. He slept next to me all night, which is what I wanted! I want to bring Skywalker for another sleepover, but I told myself not to bring the same animal twice because I don't want to get attached....ugh! And without further ado, here is the handsome Skywalker Tye...
Day 8
Today I volunteered with the dogs. I got to take a very sweet dog named Google for an outing. An outing is when somene takes a dog out of the sanctuary to hang out for the morning/afternoon. I took Google to Kanab, and we walked around for a little under 2 hours, we walked from one end of the town to the other. After our walk we stopped by Subway and ate out on their patio (he got treats, I got a sub). Then on our way back to the sanctuary we stopped by Angels Rest, that's where all the sanctuary animals that have passed on get buried. People can also bring their own pets to be buried there. It's a very pretty, peaceful place with beautiful wind chimes.
Google was a little camera shy, so it was hard to get a good picture of him, but I managed to get a couple good ones, as you'll see a couple was with the help of the dog caretaker, Google would not willingly look at the camera! :)
Doesn't he have beautiful eyes? He's such a sweet boy! He was very friendly with all the people we met in town. In fact, he would approach them and rub against them while he happily accepted pets from them. He also did very well in the car, he stayed in the backseat, remained quiet the whole time, and enjoyed looking at the world pass him by. If you're interested in adopting Google, you should check out his adorable adoptables page:
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016396
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1016396
Day 9
Last night I did battle with this HORRIBLE looking mutant bug. It looked like a cricket/spider/shrimp hybrid. And it wasn't just creepy looking, the way it moved was scary too! I worried about it and freaked out for about an hour before I got the guts to use the BugZooka on it. I didn't use it sooner because, despite how awful this thing looked, I didn't want to hurt or kill it. But finally, around 11pm, I had to get it because I did not want to sleep with that thing (which could climb walls, by the way) in my room. So I used the BugZooka on it, and it didn't kill it! Yay!!! I then went outside (in my pjs, at 11pm at night...super fun!) and released it. I just can't kill bugs! Even if they are a minion of the antichrist...
I volunteered with the cats, at the Kitty Hotel again. I just love those guys!! They are so cute!! I cleaned another room (actually the same one I cleaned on Day 7) and got to walk a couple cats. One of them, Jessica, did not want to walk very much, but the other, Rascal, loved his walk!
Day 10
I had the day off today, no volunteering. Got some grocery shopping done, now I have food for my Workshop week, I'm going to be very busy now so not sure I'll have time for shopping. After shopping I did get a sleepover cat...it was Skywalker Tye again...I really love that cat! If I didn't have cats at home, I don't think I'd be able to leave here without him. Once again he was sweet the whole time he was with me, loves to cuddle and loves to give headbutts. He slept pressed right up against me all night, which is so nice! He also laid against me while I read....love love love him!!
So, everyday on my way to Best Friends I pass two police dodge SUV trucks...and both of these have fake cop's in them. They use these dummies that look like a giant creeper Ken doll. They gave one of these guys sunglasses and a hat, which makes him even more creepy. But the worst part about them...when I first got here (before I knew they were fake) I thought I saw one of them moving....which is what nightmares are made of...so I'm pretty sure before I leave here, I will have at least ONE nightmare about killer cop dummies coming to life. Haha!
Day 11
Today I volunteered with the cats, I worked in the Kitty Hotel again. I just can't keep myself away from these guys!!! I love the cats in that building (can't I adopt them all??). I walked a few cats today, Jessica, Rascal and Thumper. Click on the pictures below to see who's who.
I also helped clean my room #2 again, got to see the sweet sweet FIV kitty cats. Who are always so helpful while I'm cleaning :) One of the cats got hold of a lizard, luckily it got away, leaving it's tail behind...the cat ate some of the tail (BLAH) and I got to sweep up the rest (double BLAH). At least the little lizard can grow a new tail.
I'm not gonna have a sleepover friend tonight, it's my first day of the How To Start An Animal Sanctuary workshop tomorrow and I would not be able to get the animal back in time. And I found out today that the horses are no longer under quarentine, so I'll be able to work with the horses and pigs during my last week and a half. Yay!!
I'm not gonna have a sleepover friend tonight, it's my first day of the How To Start An Animal Sanctuary workshop tomorrow and I would not be able to get the animal back in time. And I found out today that the horses are no longer under quarentine, so I'll be able to work with the horses and pigs during my last week and a half. Yay!!
Day 12
Today was the first day of the How To Start An Animal Sanctuary. I met some very nice people, and a few people/couples that are doing this workshop already have their own sanctuaries, which is great! There is a bunny rescue, a exotic bird rescue and a cat rescue. Here is the link to the exotic bird rescue:
http://www.the-oasis.org/index.php
I will try to get information on the other two rescues.
We learned about the history of Best Friends, and we also were put into groups for a project. My group got the hardest project, but I think we'll pull it off. For the last part of the day, we took a tour of the Dog and Cat areas. We got to see where they did grooming, and we visited the Old Friends. We also saw a dog doing some hydro-therapy for bad hips.
http://www.the-oasis.org/index.php
I will try to get information on the other two rescues.
We learned about the history of Best Friends, and we also were put into groups for a project. My group got the hardest project, but I think we'll pull it off. For the last part of the day, we took a tour of the Dog and Cat areas. We got to see where they did grooming, and we visited the Old Friends. We also saw a dog doing some hydro-therapy for bad hips.
Day 13
Day two of the workshop: We started off by finishing our tour of the sanctuary, visiting with the horses, pigs, birds (exotic and wild), and bunnies. After seeing the animals, we went back to Angel Village and learned the basics of "How To Set Up A Nonprofit" and "Strategic Planning and Risk Management." Today I also had an epiphany about what I want to do with my life. Lately I've been wondering if I want to work as an animal cop for a few years after graduation, or if I want to try and immediatly start my own sanctuary.
My epiphany lets me do both! I'd like to work as an animal cop in Dallas, and I'd like to get a property with some acreage (anywhere from 3-10 acres, nothing huge). I would build some housing for dogs and cats. But not just any dogs or cats. I would take the dogs that no one else wants to mess with, the "aggresive" dogs (which most people don't realize are just very fearful or shy) and I'd take FIV+ and Feline Leukemia+ cats. To most shelters these 2 diseases are a death sentence, but they absolutly don't have to be (Best Friends has proven that). I'm having a lot of fun making plans and designing the buildings that would be most effective to help these animals.
My epiphany lets me do both! I'd like to work as an animal cop in Dallas, and I'd like to get a property with some acreage (anywhere from 3-10 acres, nothing huge). I would build some housing for dogs and cats. But not just any dogs or cats. I would take the dogs that no one else wants to mess with, the "aggresive" dogs (which most people don't realize are just very fearful or shy) and I'd take FIV+ and Feline Leukemia+ cats. To most shelters these 2 diseases are a death sentence, but they absolutly don't have to be (Best Friends has proven that). I'm having a lot of fun making plans and designing the buildings that would be most effective to help these animals.
Day 14
I had a very productive, very educational day today! First part of the morning we learned about a pit bull initiative; I've always been pro-pit bull, but I still learned some surprising things I never knew before! I'll just give you a couple of the biggest pit bull MYTHS that we walked about today: 1) Pit bulls have locking jaws - FALSE, pit bull jaws are no different then any other breed's. 2) Pit bulls have the highest crushing jaw power - FALSE, Pit bulls were out ranked in crushing power by German Shepherd Dogs and Rottweilers. I'll be talking about a lot more of the information on my other website, which I will be happy to share with you when I get a chance!
Today we also heard from two gentlemen about "Buildings, Utilities, and Maintenance." I got some important legal information I'll need in the future, and I got some helpful tips about how I should design my animal buildings, and how large they should be. For example, I learned that for cats, there should be 13-15 square feet per cat...so I plan on about saving 10 cats per room (I'm going to have an FIV room and a Feline Leukimia room), so each room will need to be anywhere from 130-150 sq feet...that is very helpful to me!
We heard from two women about the Health and Care of Puppies and Kittens...which is always fun to talk about (puppies and kittens I mean!). I heard about a couple good formulas to feed kittens, and we learned about the importance of kitten diseases. Honestly I did not take a whole lot of notes for this section because it doesn't really apply to me and what I want to do. But it was cute (and sad at times) to hear about the sanctuary's experiences in this area.
We heard from Dr. Mike today, a Vet at Best Friends. He told us all about the different vaccines for cats and for dogs. I'm not sure how much of this information you all will be interested in, however there is one thing I think you all should know. Do NOT vaccinate your cat for FIV, because once you do your cat will always test positive for FIV, and if it is ever lost and tested by a shelter, it may be euthanized because they think it's FIV positive.
Last but not least we learned a little bit about dealing with adoptions. A big rule we learned about is you have to be a little flexible when it comes to matching people and animals. And I noted some things I think will be important for my specific goal.
Like I said, very imformative day! Will be another one tomorrow.
Today we also heard from two gentlemen about "Buildings, Utilities, and Maintenance." I got some important legal information I'll need in the future, and I got some helpful tips about how I should design my animal buildings, and how large they should be. For example, I learned that for cats, there should be 13-15 square feet per cat...so I plan on about saving 10 cats per room (I'm going to have an FIV room and a Feline Leukimia room), so each room will need to be anywhere from 130-150 sq feet...that is very helpful to me!
We heard from two women about the Health and Care of Puppies and Kittens...which is always fun to talk about (puppies and kittens I mean!). I heard about a couple good formulas to feed kittens, and we learned about the importance of kitten diseases. Honestly I did not take a whole lot of notes for this section because it doesn't really apply to me and what I want to do. But it was cute (and sad at times) to hear about the sanctuary's experiences in this area.
We heard from Dr. Mike today, a Vet at Best Friends. He told us all about the different vaccines for cats and for dogs. I'm not sure how much of this information you all will be interested in, however there is one thing I think you all should know. Do NOT vaccinate your cat for FIV, because once you do your cat will always test positive for FIV, and if it is ever lost and tested by a shelter, it may be euthanized because they think it's FIV positive.
Last but not least we learned a little bit about dealing with adoptions. A big rule we learned about is you have to be a little flexible when it comes to matching people and animals. And I noted some things I think will be important for my specific goal.
Like I said, very imformative day! Will be another one tomorrow.
Day 15
Well today started off good! I showed up where we had the classes yesterday 10 minutes early (yay me!). At 8:15am (when we were suppose to start) I was wondering why there were only three of us there. I looked at the schedule again to make sure we weren't early...and at about 8:30 I realized we were in the wrong area!!! And it was going to take us about 15 minutes to get to the correct place. So instead of being early today, I was 30 minutes late! Esk! So, we missed some of the Pig Care talk.
We learned a lot about fundraising today. I got a lot of great websites that will be a big help to me in the future. And I learned some really important information. I was really happy about todays lesson. Except, today right before part 2 of fundraising, I went to refill my water glass and I ended up knocking it over...and breaking it. That was embarassing!
I also learned some good information about taking care of bunnies, which may be helpful to me in the future.
We learned a lot about fundraising today. I got a lot of great websites that will be a big help to me in the future. And I learned some really important information. I was really happy about todays lesson. Except, today right before part 2 of fundraising, I went to refill my water glass and I ended up knocking it over...and breaking it. That was embarassing!
I also learned some good information about taking care of bunnies, which may be helpful to me in the future.
Day 16
Today was a good day! I got to watch two dog assessments, which will be very very important for me and my goals. I learned what kind of tests to do during an assessment (and which to avoid), and both dogs were very very sweet! I learned a couple of training techniques and commands that I could use with my future shy/aggressive dogs, and I learned a very effecient way to teach a dog their name.
I also learned about how I can save animals over the internet, which I think will be a HUGE avenue for me. I was shown what a good website should have to be successful, and I learned a couple helpful tips for networking myself.
I also learned a very sad statistic today...70% of all animals killed in shelters are cats...how awful is that?? People, if you can afford to get a cat (or get another cat), please do it...they desperately need saving!
I learned about how to provide dogs with a positive Quality(enjoyment) Of Life, and what stressors to watch out for and how to help reduce them.
Today I also saved some more bugs!! Haven't reported that for a while....I saved a cricket from my room (apparently I have a predator in my room that attacks any cricket I leave in my room), I saved a spider from the kitchen sink, and I save a moth from my room. Over all, good day for bugs I'd say!
I also went out to eat with 11 other workshop people, and it was really fun, I'm glad I got an invite! I got a couple more people to add to my Networking friends, which will be very helpful in the future! Doing something like what I have planned is all about networking!! (And the animals of course!)
I also learned about how I can save animals over the internet, which I think will be a HUGE avenue for me. I was shown what a good website should have to be successful, and I learned a couple helpful tips for networking myself.
I also learned a very sad statistic today...70% of all animals killed in shelters are cats...how awful is that?? People, if you can afford to get a cat (or get another cat), please do it...they desperately need saving!
I learned about how to provide dogs with a positive Quality(enjoyment) Of Life, and what stressors to watch out for and how to help reduce them.
Today I also saved some more bugs!! Haven't reported that for a while....I saved a cricket from my room (apparently I have a predator in my room that attacks any cricket I leave in my room), I saved a spider from the kitchen sink, and I save a moth from my room. Over all, good day for bugs I'd say!
I also went out to eat with 11 other workshop people, and it was really fun, I'm glad I got an invite! I got a couple more people to add to my Networking friends, which will be very helpful in the future! Doing something like what I have planned is all about networking!! (And the animals of course!)
Day 17
Cats, cats, and more cats!!! Today was a day learning all about cats!!! I got some great information on what enrichment to provide them with (to avoid boredom), I got some good tips on what to do with shy cats, and how to help them trust people. I learned all about Community cats (also known as ferals), and how we can decrese their numbers (without killing them!!!). I got some information about how I can effectively communicate my message to everyone so I can get help with funding and whatever else I may need. And last but not least I learned how to get good volunteers, and how to keep them!
Tonight, after dinner at Angel Village, the workshop class presented their group projects. My group went third (woot!) and I think we did very well!!! We presented on ways to stop a breed specific mandatory spay/neuter program, and how to ultimatly avoid a breed ban being enacted. I think we proved our point!!! Go pit bulls!!! Oh, amd "program" was called 'For Pits Sake,' how cute is that!?!?
Now after a long hard day of sitting, and learning, I am off to take my evening shower!! Tomorrow is the last day of the workshop. I have really loved this (it is totally worth the money) but I miss the animals and can not wait to start volunteering with them again!
Tonight, after dinner at Angel Village, the workshop class presented their group projects. My group went third (woot!) and I think we did very well!!! We presented on ways to stop a breed specific mandatory spay/neuter program, and how to ultimatly avoid a breed ban being enacted. I think we proved our point!!! Go pit bulls!!! Oh, amd "program" was called 'For Pits Sake,' how cute is that!?!?
Now after a long hard day of sitting, and learning, I am off to take my evening shower!! Tomorrow is the last day of the workshop. I have really loved this (it is totally worth the money) but I miss the animals and can not wait to start volunteering with them again!
Day 18
Last Day of workshop, and half way through my time here at Best Friends!! It was a good way to "end" the week. We learned a bit about Humane Education, not sure I'll be using any of it for what I have planned, but it was still a good lesson. Plus I got to be part of a little skit about hwo to safely approach a dog. We were also told about some of the alternatives to starting a sanctuary. But I am really excited about my plans, so I'm not sure how much of those I'll be using. Had lunch with some new friends from the workshop, and then went to volunteer with the kitties for a few hours! I volunteered in Kitty Motel again (surprise, surprise!) and I still love them cats!
I brought Skywalker Tye back for another sleepover...is anyone surprised?
I brought Skywalker Tye back for another sleepover...is anyone surprised?
Someone seriously needs to adopt this cat! He's a great cat for someone who likes to read, watch tv, or just do anything that would allow him to cuddle. But he's not pushy, if you don't want to or aren't doing something that would allow this, he is perfectly content to lay somewhere else near by. And he's quiet...I've had him on three sleepovers now and I have yet to hear him meow, the only noises he makes are sneezes. Check him out! He's waiting!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=104112
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=104112
Day 19
Today was my first day working with the piggies. They are so funny, and cute!! I think pigs are one of the most underestimated creatures, if you think a pig is dumb, you could not be more wrong. They are smarter than dogs, believe it or not. I was bringing one of the pigs its breakfast, I told it to sit, and it sat! It is really cute to see a pig sit as a trick, next I want to see one that knows how to shake! :)
I got to make the pigs their breakfast, feed them, fill some mud baths, and I got to take three pigs on walks! The first pig I took has a bit of a temper, and she actually did bite my leg, but thank goodness for jeans, she didn't pierce the skin! And once she knew I was not happy with what she was doing, she stopped "attacking." Boy, pigs are strong! lol. The other two pigs I walked were perfect gentlemen. It's cute to walk a pig because in order to get them to walk and go where you want, you throw treats in front of them. It's funny when they speed up to get to a treat.
And I love pig tails!!! They are so small and cute! And pigs wag their tails like dogs, it's cute!!!
The pigs are adoptable, and they make great pets IF you know how to correctly take care of them!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?N=4294967246&Ne=1
I got to make the pigs their breakfast, feed them, fill some mud baths, and I got to take three pigs on walks! The first pig I took has a bit of a temper, and she actually did bite my leg, but thank goodness for jeans, she didn't pierce the skin! And once she knew I was not happy with what she was doing, she stopped "attacking." Boy, pigs are strong! lol. The other two pigs I walked were perfect gentlemen. It's cute to walk a pig because in order to get them to walk and go where you want, you throw treats in front of them. It's funny when they speed up to get to a treat.
And I love pig tails!!! They are so small and cute! And pigs wag their tails like dogs, it's cute!!!
The pigs are adoptable, and they make great pets IF you know how to correctly take care of them!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?N=4294967246&Ne=1
Day 20
Today was my first day with the horses! Love horses! First, I cleaned and filled the horse water tanks, then I spent the rest of the day mucking with the caretaker and two other volunteers. Let me tell you, if you muck enough your arms will get strong!! (Duh, right? lol) But it was a good day, I got to see and pet a lot of horses. There was a big clydesdale, Clyde, who was too afraid to come see me, which is kind of funny since he's a lot bigger than I am. But he's awesome to look at, so he can be shy.
After I was done working at horses, I had to go shopping! So I'm sure I smelt and looked quite bad after mucking all morning! Haha! And I couldn't go back to my lodge and shower/change first because it's a 30 minute drive from my lodge to the grocery store, and I did not want to waste all that time and gas! Gas is way too expensive to be doing that! Sooo, I tried to get out of their as soon as I could...oh and by the way, my luck, it seemed to be "hot guy day" at the store. Haha! :D
Anyways! If you're in the market for a horse, check out the residents of Best Friends!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?N=4294967279&Ne=1
Remember...horses are expensive, and a lot of up keep. Don't adopt if you're just going to turn around and give them back in 3 months!
After I was done working at horses, I had to go shopping! So I'm sure I smelt and looked quite bad after mucking all morning! Haha! And I couldn't go back to my lodge and shower/change first because it's a 30 minute drive from my lodge to the grocery store, and I did not want to waste all that time and gas! Gas is way too expensive to be doing that! Sooo, I tried to get out of their as soon as I could...oh and by the way, my luck, it seemed to be "hot guy day" at the store. Haha! :D
Anyways! If you're in the market for a horse, check out the residents of Best Friends!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?N=4294967279&Ne=1
Remember...horses are expensive, and a lot of up keep. Don't adopt if you're just going to turn around and give them back in 3 months!
Day 21
Today I worked with the dogs! Gotta love those dogs! I walked...oh...4 or 5 dogs. I got to take a couple dogs to the "dog park" -- which is a 2 acre, fenced in oasis for the dogs. They even have a pool!!!! I was sitting by the pool and I saw a couple frogs and lots of tadpoles. I never knew how cute tadpoles were! Ha! I wanted to bring a dog for a sleepover tonight, but I'm too tired, and would be unfair to keep a dog locked up in my room all day.
On one of my walks I saw something so funny! A doberman that was also being walked had picked up a "stick" that he liked. This "stick" was a a few inches thick, and when the dog carried it there was 3-4 feet sprouting out of both sides of it's mouth! Haha! I did get a good picture of it, but unfortunatly I will not be able to add it on here until I get home, because I need to use my camera cord to put it on my computer. But it's something for you to look forward to.
I also got a really cute picture of a sweet dog named Inca holding up her paw (shaking for a treat) and smiling. But, I also have to wait to add this one until I get home for the same reason. But you can check Inca out on her adoptable animals page until then!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1015152
Nothing much else happened today, sloooow day.
On one of my walks I saw something so funny! A doberman that was also being walked had picked up a "stick" that he liked. This "stick" was a a few inches thick, and when the dog carried it there was 3-4 feet sprouting out of both sides of it's mouth! Haha! I did get a good picture of it, but unfortunatly I will not be able to add it on here until I get home, because I need to use my camera cord to put it on my computer. But it's something for you to look forward to.
I also got a really cute picture of a sweet dog named Inca holding up her paw (shaking for a treat) and smiling. But, I also have to wait to add this one until I get home for the same reason. But you can check Inca out on her adoptable animals page until then!
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?dbid=1015152
Nothing much else happened today, sloooow day.
Day 22
I worked at Kitty Motel today! Oh boy do I love those cats!!! They are all so cute! I did my usual work at the Motel...walked a cat, cleaned a room, helped with feeding, and cuddled with a lot of kitties! Good day! :)
Since I wasn't too tired today, I went by dogtown and got myself a sleepover dog! He is a very sweet boy named Phil. He's also very shy and fearful of people at first. He has a permanent hackle line down his back because he was burned (I don't know if it was by acid or fire), but someone did it to him on purpose. So he has every right to be scared of people. But it didn't take him long to warm up to me once I got him home. He is such a sweet boy! We went on two hikes, and he was a gentleman, didn't pull the leash. He also takes treats very gently out of my hand. And he's not just sweet, he's a looker too!
Since I wasn't too tired today, I went by dogtown and got myself a sleepover dog! He is a very sweet boy named Phil. He's also very shy and fearful of people at first. He has a permanent hackle line down his back because he was burned (I don't know if it was by acid or fire), but someone did it to him on purpose. So he has every right to be scared of people. But it didn't take him long to warm up to me once I got him home. He is such a sweet boy! We went on two hikes, and he was a gentleman, didn't pull the leash. He also takes treats very gently out of my hand. And he's not just sweet, he's a looker too!
I don't know if Phil is adoptable yet, because of his fear issues, but keep checking the Best Friends Adoptable Animals page for him to show up! He is a really sweet dog and only needs a small amount of time to warm up to you.
Day 23
I worked with the horses today. Did some mucking, and then we went with the animal care attendent and fed horses in the different pastures around the sanctuary. I sat in the back of the truck with the other volunteers...hay bales were our seats, hay is very pokey and sticky! We met one goofy horses who, apparently, pees everytime the feed truck comes along, so they have to wait until he pees to feed him. Haha. After we were finished feeding the horses, the animal care attendent took us to the hidden, underground lake. It was cool! I couldn't get any good pioctures of the water because of all the dust particles floating around. But I did get some cool pictures of the outside of the cave. It was kind of like that movie Secret Garden.
Day 24
Pigs again today. We (the other volunteer and I) only got one pig walked today, her name is Cherry. She's a sweety, likes to stop a lot. :) After walking Cherry we went back and made all the pig's breakfasts, then we fed the pigs (of course). After feeding the pigs we took a little break, and then collected all the food bowls (those piggies eat fast!). And our last chores of the day were: filling some pig's mud baths, swimming pools, and water bowls. All the pigs were too hot to come out of their little "tents." I don't blame them. But I do have one question...what cartoon character does this first pig, Metro, remind me of? Oh! And did you know pigs can make art?? Their little painters! I think the people at Piggy Paradise call their artworks "Pigcassos." I want one! :) And if you want one too you can order your own on the Best Friends website. Check it out here. http://www.bestfriends.org/guardianangel/index.cfm?csid=5301&csii=5305&csit=Set&entry=04B8D9A0-0ADA-9467-6736715E3911B062
Day 25
I'm going to the dogs! Dogs are my second favorite area to volunteer (Cats are first) which is weird...because I am really more of a dog person. I just think it's because so many of the cats at the Kitty Motel have stolen my heart! Anyways, we are talking about dogs today!!! I worked at "The Fairways" area, where I walked a dog (twice) and took a couple dogs to "The Dog Park" with another volunteer. We also helped feed the dogs their breakfasts.
Funny story from today. I went into a run that housed 3 dogs (Manford, Nikon, Tobbs) and they were so excited and sweet! And during all the petting and jumping and licking one of the dogs (the big black lab named Manford) untied my shoes!!! At first I didn't know he did it, I just thought they got untied by accident. So I went to tie them again and Manford grabbed on to them and wouldn't let go! Me and him wrestled around a little; me trying to get my shoelaces out of his mouth, him ecstatic that I couldn't. :) While Manford and I "wrestled" the other two were running all over the place not sure what to do. But as soon as I managed to get my laces out of Manfords mouth, the other two got between me and him and pushed him into a corner! They were protecting me!! Awww haha. Of course I helped poor Manford with them, he didn't deserve a time out. :P Here are cute pictures of all three of them...
Funny story from today. I went into a run that housed 3 dogs (Manford, Nikon, Tobbs) and they were so excited and sweet! And during all the petting and jumping and licking one of the dogs (the big black lab named Manford) untied my shoes!!! At first I didn't know he did it, I just thought they got untied by accident. So I went to tie them again and Manford grabbed on to them and wouldn't let go! Me and him wrestled around a little; me trying to get my shoelaces out of his mouth, him ecstatic that I couldn't. :) While Manford and I "wrestled" the other two were running all over the place not sure what to do. But as soon as I managed to get my laces out of Manfords mouth, the other two got between me and him and pushed him into a corner! They were protecting me!! Awww haha. Of course I helped poor Manford with them, he didn't deserve a time out. :P Here are cute pictures of all three of them...
And because he's so great and has the sweetest face, I decided to bring Tobbs for a sleepover tonight! He has been such a good boy, very polite. He waits for me to open HIS door and grab his leash before he jumps out of my car, he likes to ride with his head out the window, and he is good with other people. Tobbs and I went to an antique shop in town and I got gifts for some of my family. I got my nieces a few books, my mom a cute squirrel stone carving/painting, and I got myself a small painting. I would have gotten more stuff for more people, but I didn't know what they would like! There was a cool hawk painitng on a flat stone I wanted...I might have to go back before I leave and get it! Haha Anyways, Tobbs did very good in the shop, and was patient with me while I shopped. Here are some more cute photos of Tobbs (you can tell he loves the car!)...
Day 26
Cats today! Anyone wanna guess which cat area I volunteered in today? If you guess Kitty Motel, you're right!! First thing in the morning I did a lot of kitty walks, 6 in all; Casper, Wolfi, Rascal, Thumper, Jessica, and one who's name I don't know. During my walk with Wolfi I carried him around for most of it, but he still got to see and smell new things. After I was finished walking I helped clean another kitty room, shockingly it wasn't room 2 this time. I got to meet and play with new kitties. And last but not least I helped with some of the noon feedings.
I watched Marley and Me tonight, and of course I cried my eyes out. I love that movie, makes me cry every time. Great story! If you haven't seen it, make sure you read the book first (the movie cuts out a lot of funny stories). The book made me cry and laugh out loud more than the movie--but I still love the movie. So read, then watch!
I watched Marley and Me tonight, and of course I cried my eyes out. I love that movie, makes me cry every time. Great story! If you haven't seen it, make sure you read the book first (the movie cuts out a lot of funny stories). The book made me cry and laugh out loud more than the movie--but I still love the movie. So read, then watch!
Day 27
Well....today did not start off to well. I got woken up at 5am this morning (didn't get to sleep until after 11pm last night) because I felt something crawling on my neck/shoulder area. Who was the culprit? It was one of the minions of the antichrist from Day 9. It was not fun waking up to that....and it was also not fun walking on my toes across my room because I was worried about stepping on other crickets....I made it to the light without squishing anything. Small victories. Then I used a piece of paper to hit the cricket off my shoulder (it got stuck on my spagetti strap before it fell). And then I couldn't fall back asleep! I was scared!! I managed to fall asleep sometime after 6am....woke up at 7:15. Oh man I was exhausted!
Today was my last day with horses. I did a lot of mucking again today, which is fine by me. I also had to take a drive into town with one of the horse caretakers to get some screws and nuts to fix some (most) of the mucking rakes. I fixed about 2 or 3...out of 9 or 10...I was kind of slow. I blame it on the fact I didn't get much sleep. But I'm sure it also has something to do with my lack of knowledge and strength to fix mucking rakes.
Pigs tomorrow...lets hope I don't get woken up early again by another creepy crawler, because I will probably have a hard time falling asleep every night until I go home if that happens! The only thing putting my mind at ease is I think I know how the cricket got on my bed. One of the blankets on my bed had a few inches draped on the floor, and I think the cricket climbed up that. Because last night was the first night I forgot to make sure my covers were not touching the floor, and it was also the first time this happened. So I don't think it was a coincedence. My covers are all now folded nicely so they are so far from the floor nothing will get to them! Pray for me that this doesn't happen again!!! I need sleep!!!!
Today was my last day with horses. I did a lot of mucking again today, which is fine by me. I also had to take a drive into town with one of the horse caretakers to get some screws and nuts to fix some (most) of the mucking rakes. I fixed about 2 or 3...out of 9 or 10...I was kind of slow. I blame it on the fact I didn't get much sleep. But I'm sure it also has something to do with my lack of knowledge and strength to fix mucking rakes.
Pigs tomorrow...lets hope I don't get woken up early again by another creepy crawler, because I will probably have a hard time falling asleep every night until I go home if that happens! The only thing putting my mind at ease is I think I know how the cricket got on my bed. One of the blankets on my bed had a few inches draped on the floor, and I think the cricket climbed up that. Because last night was the first night I forgot to make sure my covers were not touching the floor, and it was also the first time this happened. So I don't think it was a coincedence. My covers are all now folded nicely so they are so far from the floor nothing will get to them! Pray for me that this doesn't happen again!!! I need sleep!!!!
Day 28
Well....no crickets crawling on me last night. But I did dream that there was a cricket on my bed, and crickets on the floor....soooo I woke up around 12:30am and again at 6am. So I was tired again today, but the pigs are cute so that's okay. I walked one pig today, worked on breakfasts, fed some pigs, picked up dishes, and hung out with a very sweet, goofy pig named Jeffrey. I brushed Jeffrey (he LOVED it) and pet him for 30-40 minutes.
Today my moms anniversary flowers arrived. My dad had them sent to my lodge because my mom, sister and nieces will be here tomorrow or the next day. They are pretty, colorful roses, and they smell great! My dad also ordered chocolates with the flowers.
I think something else happened today I wanted to mention...but I have a horrible memory. When (if) I remember I'll add it in!
Today my moms anniversary flowers arrived. My dad had them sent to my lodge because my mom, sister and nieces will be here tomorrow or the next day. They are pretty, colorful roses, and they smell great! My dad also ordered chocolates with the flowers.
I think something else happened today I wanted to mention...but I have a horrible memory. When (if) I remember I'll add it in!
Day 29
My last day with the dogs! And it was a memorable one. I took a very very special boy out on an outing. His name is Alfie, and he has had distemper before. He doesn't have any more, but it left him with a neurological problem, so he can't run and play like other puppies. He has tremors that makes it difficult for him to keep his head up and stand on his front legs. But he can still play in his own special way, and he is a very happy puppy! He's about 5 months old. And he seems to be potty trained, at least he did all his business outside during out outing. I took Alfie to a beautiful area on the sanctuary grounds called Angel's Landing. It has soft green grass and lots of trees and shade. I also found a worm in the grass, I moved it to a safer spot so Alfie or I didn't squish it while he played. How cute is Alfie?
I'm going to go get Skywalker as a sleepover tonight. It might be my last chance and I'm going to miss that cat!
Day 30
5, 4, 3, 2....1!!! My last day at Best Friends (it's a bitter sweet moment). I am going to miss so many of the animals I met here, but I miss my own babies a lot! I can not wait to see my beautiful girl, Sweet Pea.
I volunteered with the cats today, at Kitty Motel (of course). I walked Rascal, and I cleaned rom 2. I spent most of my time playing and socializing with the cats in all the rooms. I'm going to miss them.
I brought my mom, sisters and nieces on a mini tour of Best Friends today (they drove here to drive back home with me). Our first stop was the Kitty Motel so they could see where I spent most of my volunteering time. My mom talked to my dad later and told him he's lucky she isn't coming home with a cat. Haha. I tried to take them to the hidden lake but we couldn't get there in my car (the sand road was way too deep). After that failed attempt we went to see the pigs. Everyone got to pet one of the pigs named Jeffrey, he loves belly rubs!
I volunteered with the cats today, at Kitty Motel (of course). I walked Rascal, and I cleaned rom 2. I spent most of my time playing and socializing with the cats in all the rooms. I'm going to miss them.
I brought my mom, sisters and nieces on a mini tour of Best Friends today (they drove here to drive back home with me). Our first stop was the Kitty Motel so they could see where I spent most of my volunteering time. My mom talked to my dad later and told him he's lucky she isn't coming home with a cat. Haha. I tried to take them to the hidden lake but we couldn't get there in my car (the sand road was way too deep). After that failed attempt we went to see the pigs. Everyone got to pet one of the pigs named Jeffrey, he loves belly rubs!
After my mini tour we went to a little resturaunt in Kanab. Not naming names, but my chicken was a little bland so I didn't eat a whole lot. I ate some fries, they were good...but I hate cold fries so once they get cold I stopped eating them. Came home and had a cup of mandarin oranges and finished off the pepporoni I had left (which wasn't a lot). Took a bath, relaxed, watched some Ugly Betty. Talked on Skype with sister for a bit. And then bed time!!! Leaving tomorrow!