Author: rbrcc

Life since COVID appeared continues to bring about dynamic changes. Our interest in hunting has led us to Mississippi several times over the years and we’ve grown rather fond of all it has to offer. Now that my father has retired and can play rancher, I’ve gotten to follow my passion expanding into Timber and Hunting in Mississippi.

The dogs and I moved over just this past week in time for the holidays. We will still be actively involved in the Texas ranch and back about every month (and Christmas!) if someone is interested in a dog. In the meantime, we’re starting scent work, prepping land to be replanted, hunting deer, and a home remodel! Let the adventures begin!

We often get inquiries on how Effy is doing, Since we’ve had a big change, I wanted to give a more public update.

We had a couple who waited almost a year on our waitlist for the right puppy. They’d had a poodle in the past and knew only a standard would do. The husband has Multiple Sclerosis, so we needed a certain temperament. One who was calm, perceptive, confident, etc. In the future, capable of both walking slow with him and briskly with her. Matching temperaments to families is always our priority.

We decided on Ringo from our 9/11 litter. But a little puppy was too much for their situation and Ringo went to another family in Kansas. We decided that only an older dog would work for them.

It weighed on my heart for months— I had all these dogs and Dawn was in need. Effy was there for me after my wreck that crushed my pelvis, put me in a wheelchair, and where I had to learn to walk again. She helped me get the confidence to go out when I was still wobbly and scared. She was there for me when I moved down to manage the ranch and was my only companion for years. But most of all, I understood the drain and loneliness of caregiver fatigue. How much you need a friend who comforts your soul and renews your energy.

So we trained retrieving a cane (5 mins) and called Dawn. Effy is more like a person than a dog. She just gets it and is perfect in any setting or situation. We drove to Austin and did a one-on-one walk through in their home of all her commands and tricks.

Leaving her was so hard. It’s been two months and I still can’t help but cry whenever I think of her. She was my best friend for 7 years but sometimes friends have a new chapter in their lives.

Things are going great for them in Austin. The no dogs on the bed rule was out the window immediately. Effy is able to walk with Loren which is therapeutic getting him out of the house and trying. (Though they did have to work on ignoring the squirrels). Dawn works from home and gets to take breaks walking Effy. And since Dawn’s elderly mother lives next door, Effy gets 2 back yards and more opportunities for treats. That’s my girl.

We’re out enjoying these last days of spring and looking back fondly on those snow days. We faired well during the storm and appreciate everyone who checked in on us. It was “something different.” We appreciate both the consistency and inconsistency of ranch life. Luckily, we enjoy being prepared for the unexpected!

The spring family reunion was a week ago Our first since covid so we had a soft reopening now everyone is either vaccinated or testing positive for antibodies. Strange only have 23 people for one day instead of double that for 3 days. It’s been nice to have the ranch open for people needing to escape quarantine. For them to be able to come camp, ride trails, kayak, pick wild blackberries all while being safe.