Little Ida Claire continues to improve, and she is fitting in nicely with the rest of the family,
much to the chagrin of Tammy Tabby.
Rule #1~
Everyone is welcome at Windy Acre Cottage.
Rule #2~
Everyone must get along.
(Even if it means hiding in a box for a while.
And some days I wish I could fit in that box, and I'd crawl in with her!)
A few weeks ago I had a dream that my home was named Windy Acre Cottage. Even in my dream I remember thinking, "It's not windy here. And this isn't a whole acre." And then in my dream someone stepped up to explain to me that my home was named Windy Acre Cottage because I take in and care for every homeless person and critter the wind blows through. It seemed fitting. And inspired.
Meet Ida Claire.
On Halloween night after all the trick or treaters had gone home, my guests were getting ready to leave when a couple of people I've never seen before wandered up to my yard carrying this little Pughuahua. Her leg was broken and she was either lost or dumped, and very scared. This couple was trying to find someone to take her.
I thought to myself, "I declare, dey done brung me a dawg." I promised to care for her for one night and then would attempt to find her a home.
To make a long story short, she was also very, very sick with Blastomycosis, a debilitating lung disease contracted by inhaling spores that attack the lungs. I took her to a local vet who treated her with antibiotics, thinking it was kennel cough. Days later she was no longer eating or drinking and I was doing my best to force feed her, but she was dying.
And then the heros stepped in.
I am forever grateful to Shawn Aswad, Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, and Animalia Health and Wellness. Shawn made arrangements for me to take Iittle Ida Claire to Animalia, the most beautiful animal hospital I've ever seen. Doctors Michele Preston, Tammy Perkins, and Blake Malone took excellent care of her. Within 24 hours she was responding well to the medications, was eating on her own, and was breathing better. Within 48 hours Ida Claire was allowed to return home to me with medications to continue her recovery process. And as soon as she is out of the woods, they'll take her back for immunizations and amputation of her front leg that is completely unattached.
With soul is how the folks at Animalia would like for you to think of their home- a peaceful retreat for animals where they receive the best medicine from the best doctors with the best knowledge- all wrapped and presented with soul, kindness and a genuine love for the animal kingdom.
The Animalia site itself is of great historic significance to Williamson County. It was originally home to some of Middle Tennessee’s earliest pioneers. Late in 1779 James Robertson led a small group of settlers to Middle Tennessee, which was originally known as the Cumberland Settlement.
In 1799 James Robertson sold his original land grant rights for this farm site to William and Eleanor White, who built the first home here. The property remained in the family more than a century and three generations are resting in the family cemetery located on site. A hand-dug well and a fresh water spring serves as a natural resource for the Whites and other settlers who tamed this wild, sparsely populated region. A wagon road that leads west, passes Indian mounds created by much earlier settlers of the region- The Woodland Indians- and remains on site.
I love the peaceful and scenic location, the breathtakingly beautiful facility, the historic significance of the estate, but I'm most impressed with the care and compassion that brought my little Ida Claire home.
Thank you!
Fine tea will be brewed.
Delicate dishes shall be enjoyed.
Please wear your favorite hat and bring
your favorite teacup to the party.
Pet Pals of Maury County would like to extend a cordial
invitation to Hats and Cats Afternoon Tea
A Southern Tradition with a Modern Twist
Sunday, November 6, 2011
3:00pm
Athenaeum Rectory
808 Athenaeum Street
Columbia, TN 38401
Reservations are $20.00 and are limited.
Call Today 931-797-9191
Browse kitten paintings by local artist susan e jones. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go to to Pet Pals to rescue and care for homeless animals.
When I decided to give up cable television in favor a $50/month savings and Netflix (it was only $10/month then), I could only name 3 TV shows I would actually miss: Ghost Hunters, Tori and Dean, and American Pickers. And it's not as if I watched these programs regularly, but I must admit. I like them.
So you can understand when I was excited to learn Mike Wolfe of American Pickers and his lovly girlfriend, Jodi Faeth, purchased a home in Leiper's Fork, TN. They don't currently live here full-time, but hope to one day. However they are still very involved in the community.
First of all Mike opened his second retail location in Nashville, Antique Archaeology Nashville is located downtown in the old Marathon Automobile car factory dated from the early 1900s right along I-40. The address is 1300 Clinton St., Suite 130, if you want to plan a visit.
He also has gotten involved in Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, run by fellow artist and friend Shawn Aswad. Mike and Jodi help with fostering homeless dogs, volunteering at adoption days and transporting animals to their furever homes.
Personally, I think the world needs more people who love middle Tennesse, furbabies, and antique treasures. The next free Saturday I have on the calendar, you'll find me at Antique Archaeology.
Jenny & Shirley were elephants at the same circus when Jenny was just a little calf just off the boat from asia and Shirley was in her 20's. The two lived one winter together at a circus, but then were separated 22 years ago.
It's very rare for elephants to display this kind of emotion in captivity, and it's probably the first time such an occasion has been documented on film. And it happened right here in middle Tennessee, in Hohenwald, at the Elephant Sanctuary.
Here is the background story...
And here you'll get to see the Elephants reunited...
"I don't know who the first person was to put a chain on her, but I sure am glad I'm the last person to take the chain off. She's free at last. Gonna miss you Shirley, my big girl, " says Solomon, Shirley's keeper.
This wonderful film was created by world-renowned filmmaker Allison Argo from ArgoFilms, you can also check out her Facebook page here.
