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LANCES BAY, JAMAICA – MAY 12, 2010 – Karen and Coleman Hookaylo always dreamed of retiring to Jamaica and opening their own vacation resort … and now they are living that dream.
The couple has opened Le Mer luxury villas in Lances Bay, Jamaica, which sits between Montego Bay and Negril. These private villas, located just steps from the ocean, offers spacious rooms and beautiful views.
“I always knew that I wanted to retire and find a way to share my beautiful homeland with others,” said Karen, who was born and raised in Jamaica. “Then when Coleman and I, who were both attorneys in Hilton Head, South Carolina, retired three years ago – we thought ‘Why not now?”
So the Hookaylos purchased the land Le Mer now sits on and went to work turning its run-down buildings and overgrown landscaping into their vision of a tranquil vacation getaway.
The site now boasts simply-styled, Caribbean-themed villas with their own kitchens and living areas.
“To see this land transformed from where it was to where it is now has been truly exciting,” Karen said. “Now visitors can come together on the unique balcony or relax under the cabana and read in the shade. They can explore sea caves, snorkel in the clear blue water, or relax in our pool.”
“Le Mer truly is the realization of a dream and we feel so lucky to be here right now,” Karen said.
Each villa at Le Mer comes with the following accommodations – two bedrooms with king beds, two bedrooms with two queen beds, a living room, a dining room and a full kitchen.
Rates range from $280 per night to $1750 per week for the entire 4 bedroom villa.
“We know our rates are low compared to some of the other villas in Jamaica, but our location is very unique and focuses on “rest and relaxation”. We love the simplicity of it, it is not a fast paced tourist resort, just beautiful serenity by the water” says Karen.
For more information about Le Mer luxury villas in Lances Bay, Jamaica, please visit http://lemerluxuryvillas.com.
ABOUT LE MER LUXURY VILLAS
Le Mer consists of two identical luxury villas with the following amenities: wood panel ceilings; ceiling fans; individual air conditioners for each room; television with cable; two rooms with king beds; two rooms with queen beds; all rooms furnished with locally handcrafted beds, dressers and lounge chairs; full bathroom in each room; large living room/salon; dining room; fully equipped kitchen; and private balconies.
Fancy is a 2 year old pitt bull and is very smart. She is very protective over my son I am interested in breeding her she does not have papers, but I would like to breed her with a blue pitt if possible. If any one is interested email me at aprilpritcher30@yahoo.com
> Hi Everyone, > > I just wanted to let you now that just recently in Tennessee there > was a > puppy mill bust with over 380 dogs ( Shitzus, pugs,yorkies etc)and > 250 were > puppies. I spoke with the Charleston Animal Society to see what we > could do > to help out. They are bringing in 25 puppies and they need puppy food > (Iams, Pedigree, or Purina One) as well as the other things on their > wish > list > > http://www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/spca_wish_list.htm > > The puppies that are on there way here are in fair condition now, > but it is > so important that we not support this type of animal cruelty > > http://stoppuppymills.org/ > > My dear friend Noele at Serenity Now Yoga has offered her studio as > a drop > site for donations, 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 103 Mt Pleasant SC, > 29464. > I hope to take donations to the Charleston Animal Society by the end > of the > week. > > Thank you for your support. > > Lots of love, > > Sarah
I hae a 4 year old male Bouvier Des Flanders. Would like to breed him for pick of the litter.
Male Chihuahua for stud ckc registered, has had one litter already with various markings including fawn all white and a blue grey. please email for pictures of the father and the litter or with other questions.
thank you
Jonathan
We are looking for an additional groomer for our grooming/boarding shop located in Moncks Corner. The ideal candidate will ideally: 1) Love animals, 2) Have a good reputation, 3) Have somewhat of a following or the ability to establish one. We offer you a generous commission, friendly clean place to work in a great town. We provide all supplies, insurance, and advertising. Please forward your resume or a brief description of your experience. We will accept persons interested in full or part time employment. Please respond to ycorens@comcast.net. Your response will be kept completely confidential.
Pet owners: Please pass this along to your groomer if they are in the Moncks Corner area.
Thank You!
Hi my name is Nicki and my mom has had some shih-tzu's for awhile now she is trying to sell them to a good home we have four males that are about to turn 12 week old first shots an dewormed ckc registered they will only get about 5 or 6 pounds at most she is selling them cheap only $250.00 if any one knows any one looking for a great small energetic puppy who loves attention then let them know about us you can also send me an email at Embersunset@aol.com just make it known that its for a puppy and ill try to get back to you if not then u can call my mother Sarah at 843-364-2236 thanks for reading ill try to add some recent photos of the ones we have left when i get some free time on my hands
already sold this lil guy this was one of the females we sold but the other males look just like her
My wife and I lost our brittany spaniel in the Jedburg area in between Hwy 78,Jedburg Rd and Dawson Branch Rd. We are desperate...please call us with any info at 843-729-5435 or 843-296-8510. He is mostly white with orange/liver spots. Named Beau.
our white mini poodle ran away on Dec. 30, my main concern is that he is safe, he answers to Frosty. wearing a black collar with gold rabies tag from GA. super friendly. West Ashley off hwy 61 near JCC.
Found 12/29 in Dunes West, a small yellow lab mix. Please call (843) 371-0489. Current Rabies ID tag.
Looking to adopt a pet as a gift? Purchase a Pet Helpers Gift Certificate instead!
Charleston, Sc - Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term commitment. It's a decision that needs input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal.
There are many questions that need to be considered thoughtfully: What type of animal would have a personality most compatible with a person or family? Who would be the primary caregiver of the pet? How much will it cost to feed and provide veterinary care? Who would look after the animal during trips? Could someone be allergic to the pet? It is extremely important that the primary pet caregiver—whether it's you, a friend or loved one—is 100% involved in the adoption process.
Instead of buying a puppy or kitten as a gift, consider giving a loved one a Pet Helpers “gift certificate” instead. This not only promotes responsible adoption, but also gives your loved one a chance to make their own personal connection with the animal.
Shelters too often bear the brunt of these unexpected gift decisions. If the recipient decides the pet is not that cute anymore, too much work, or they just weren't ready for the responsibility, it is often the local shelter that takes these animals back.
Carol Linville, Pet Helpers Founder/Presidents states, "We need to remember that pets can't simply be returned or discarded like a broken toy. And that if you’re adopting an animal as a gift, you have to look at every issue that may occur; moving, allergies, medical cost and training."
If you’re looking for that purebred pup and you think you can only get it from a breeder…think again. Ten percent of Pet Helpers’ pups are purebreeds, and there are millions of healthy mixed breed animals currently awaiting good homes, too. Pet Helpers adoption fees include your animal being spayed or neutered, up-to-date with vaccinations and micro chipped.
So if you’re still thinking about adopting as a gift. A Pet Helpers Gift Certificate may be the best gift you give your family this holiday season.
For more information call 795-1110 or visit www.pethelpers.org.
My Boykin Spaniel has skin allergies that have resisted all treatments except steroids. They have made her bulk up and gain 15 lbs that she can ill afford. A friend suggested an old time remedy that he has used for 30+ years on his children AND dogs. It is called S.T.37. That's right, that is the whole name, S.T.37. It is a first aid antiseptic/oral pain reliever for burns, cuts, abrasions and hygienic care of the mouth. I have been using it in a diluted form (half water - half solution) for 6 days. She has just about quit scratching and excessive licking and is no longer taking the steroids. Another friend is using it on his dogs face where the sores from scratching were bleeding and they are healing. He had been using antibiotics with no results. It takes spraying the affected area and gently rubbing it past the hair to the skin as often as you see them scratching. The first 2 days were intense and since then I only have to spray once or twice a day and then the scratching insn't obsessive. It is available only through WalMart, they will order it for you and will be at the store the following day, and costs $13/for 16 oz. Steroids are not the best solution for any problem and this is non-invasive and without side effects. The dogs can ingest it through licking without harm and it can be used in the ears for fungal infections as well. If it gets in the eyes it doesn't burn or hurt them. Coco just looks at me when I come to her with the spray bottle and waits while I spray her. If it hurs or burned, she would run. Hope this is of some help to you.
Reply to: comm-918402542@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-11-13, 11:47PM EST
PLEASE DO NOT FLAG!
A little over a year ago, I purchased my dream dog from a breeder in Georgia. A female, red Bloodhound, Maggie, became my best friend. We were inseparable. Last winter, I began to slip into a depression, and honestly she was the only thing that helped me through it. She made my days brighter and happier. After my health became much better, I decided to start back again at being a full time student at the College of Charleston. In order to keep Maggie’s and my life the way it was so perfect, I had to work on top of going to school which left Maggie at home most hours of the day. My best friend who pulled me through the toughest part of my life didn’t deserve to live a life like this. I wanted the absolute best for my little girl. I wanted to give back to her what she gave to me; a loving home.
I posted an ad on craigslist indicating my heartbreaking situation stating that she would be free to a good home under the following conditions. I would be able to keep in contact with the new owner to check in from time to time to see how Maggie was doing. I had numerous responses to my ad. I came across a family whom, at the time, seemed perfect. They had another dog and wanted a companion, they told me they lived in a new house on 4 acres with a large fenced in area for the dogs to run, and their property backed up to the Edisto. This family invited me to dinner whenever I wanted and said I could call or come and visit at any time. Again I thought this situation was sounding better and better. Four months ago I decided that this family was the family that I chose, and they agreed that if it did not work out and if they did not want the dog anymore, I said it did not matter when or how long down the road this happens, to please bring her back to me and I would try to make it work at home or try to find another suitable family for Maggie. After keeping in touch for two months, I was confident that I made the right decision and I was happy with my decision. Time went on and the phone numbers for this family were disconnected and I started to worry, but still figured that everything would be ok. This past Monday my mom and I were visiting and searching through the classifieds in the Charleston Post and Courier and saw an ad stating that an 18 month old female bloodhound was for sale with papers and she was spayed for $250. With not being in contact with this family for quite some time I decided that it was wise to contact this ad just in case. Low and behold I called, and the woman’s name, who I sold Maggie to, her name is Joy Salvatore, was on the answering machine. This imposter was trying to sell my Maggie. My mom spoke to her explaining the situation, cried to this woman and said, if you need the money I will be willing to buy the dog back from you, no harm, we just want to make sure the dog is safe. At this point she denies that she ever posted an ad trying to sell the dog. We contacted the police, pet helpers, and animal control services and a police officer assisted us in going to their home and trying again to buy the dog back from them. When we arrived at the home, this was not at all as how they promised where they reside. The property was horrible, not suitable for ANY pet, and there was also no fenced in area for the dogs to run. They lied to the officer and to us stating that this ad was not posted by her but by another Joy Salvatore “who also has an 18 month old bloodhound in the area.” We then contacted our attorney and we together found the invoice of the ad in the paper tracing back to the woman, Joy Salvatore, and her address, 147 Sand Pit Rd. in Ridgeville, the address in which we found Maggie. We did get to see Maggie when we were there so we know that they still have her and that she is in an ok condition. They then asked us to leave their property which we did, sadly, with out Maggie. We called again stating that we knew that they want to sell the dog, told them the proof that we found and offered them double of their asking price for Maggie, and they still did not budge. We are working together try to and find the best way to get Maggie back into safe arms. PLEASE if you are putting your pet up for adoption PLEASE take my story into consideration and be VERY careful as to whom you place you pet with. I am a strong believer that a pet is a family member and no one would want their family to be in harms way. If you have any input or know anything about my situation please e-mail me at your earliest convenience. Thank you!
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PostingID: 918402542
Hi, I just joined the community and was looking for other Dalmatian Lovers in the area.
Christi
Happy Howl-o-ween! It just wouldn’t feel like Fall without a huge post of masquerading pooches! Costuming your canine is becoming more and more popular these days. In almost every city there are Halloween Parades and contests catering exclusively to pets. Are you lacking the creative inspiration for an amazing costume for your pup? Hopefully you’ll find it here! You may even think about bringing your well-behaved pooch out Trick Or Treating! Take a look at these 45 (yes 45!) fantastically dressed up dogs! Poodle Impostor: Chi in Spectacles: Elsieta, Owned by Brygida T. Chihuahua Eaten By Alligator: Count Dogula: Fried Egg: Leopold, owned by Cynthia Rufo Mexican Wrestler Chihuahua: Maltese Gnome: Pit Bull Kitty: iPhone iPup: Wiggles, Owned by Brygida T. Swashbuckling Doxie: Pinto Pony Chi: Hannibal Lecter Chihuahua (and the silent lambs!): Pirate Pug: Very Pink Cocker: Frog Dog: Lion Lab: Scottie Skunk: Pig In Heaven: Scary Dude With Tiny Mummy Dog: French Bulldog Baby: Banana Dogs: Dachshund Batman: Santa’s Little Helper: Cerberus: Corgi Pony: Squinting Mouse: Astronaut Pomeranian: Pot Roast Dog: Royal Steed: Ricky Ricardo (with Lucy in the background): Clowns are Scary! (So are Clown Dogs!): Taco Spaniel: Biker Dog: Wobbles, Owned by Brygida T Westie Chicken: Carmen Miranda Golden: Pit Bull Prisoner: Watch Dog: The Pupparazzi: Frenchie Bear: Space Pup:Hounds Of Halloween 2008! 45 Incredible Costumed Canines!
posted on Dogguide.net
The Headless Horseman:
“I swear I’m non-shedding!”
Photo by istolethetv
Darth Vader and Princess Leia:
“Will using The Force get us more treats?”
Photo by l0ckergn0me
Photo by richmulhern
His victim is belly up, trembling with fear!
Photo by xmarine1973
Photo by Miro’s Run
Greyhound Mummy :
Photo by gwen
Photo by write-pudding
Photo by NiteLynx
Photo by Gregory Hull
Here Comes The Bride :
Photo by Doxieone
Photo by xena2542
“It puts the biscuit in the basket”
Photo by istolethetv
Poodle Panda:
I love the crossed paws!
Photo by victoriafee
The tongue makes me think this pirate may have had too much grog!
Photo by amonick
Not sure- but very pink!
Photo by Chris Inside
Photo by Doxieone
Photo by vmabney
This Scottish Terrier/Skunk almost looks stuffed!
Photo by istolethetv
Photo by cagedheat3
Photo by mysuspira
Photo by istolethetv
Photo by Shirley Two Feathers
Photo by shutterberry
Photo by aphrodite-in-nyc
Photo by Aaron Edwards
If looks could kill….
Photo by crows to burnaby
Photo by IanWhalen
Photo by girl_onthe_les
Photo by istolethetv
Photo by caffeineguy
Amazing hairdo on Ricky!
Photo by abeanpie
Photo by alabamleft
Photo by istolethetv
Photo by jayme_sloan
Photo by goldenpaws
Is this pitty trying to make a political statement with this costume?
Photo by Aaron Edwards
Photo by Yombe
Photo by PayPaul
Photo by solutionsoap
Photo by istolethetv
LCDA has announced our fall session of classes to be held at the Mt. Pleasant Armory on Monday Evenings. We are offering Canine Common Sense Obedience for the Family dog, a puppy class, a class to teach your dog to come when called, as well as an introduction to agility class.
Please refer to our website at http://www.lcda.bravepages.com/ for more information or call 720-8021 and leave a message and your call will be promptly returned.
Please join us for a fun filled fall season of Dog Training.
Well, it's been 6 weeks since my TPLO surgery and I'm doing great! I've been doing physical therapy exercises with my Mom, and we kinda look like idiots doing figure 8's around trees in the park, but I don't mind! I've got persmission to go for longer walks now, 3 times a day, up to 20 minutes long and I can start doing some hills again. Nothing too steep, but it's helping me regain strength in the joint. My Mom said adding some hills to our walk will help her too...something about "sympathy weight"??
I have two more rounds of Laser Therapy to do, one this week, one the following week. It doesn't bother me at all...I don't feel anything. But my Mom and my new friend Shawn wear funny looking glasses while they put this wand thing over my leg. Every forty-five seconds, it beeps and she moves it to another spot. I guess they say it promotes healing...but all I care about is I get a treat when it's over.
And that's the other thing...I'm getting really spoiled on the treats. I get them after I do my sit/stand exercises. And after I do the figure 8's. And after I do my stepping over rail exercises. And sometimes I get them when I don't do any exercises. I must be a great dog.
I've often heard the phrase, "Too much of a good thing is still too much." From my own experience, that tends to be true…too much chocolate and I can't get my clothes on; too much gin and tonic and I can't remember where I left my clothes. There has to be a limit - even on the "good " things.
But how about puppy love? Can there really be such a thing as too much puppy love??? Well, I don't think so ... or at least I hope not. I'm hoping that the newest member of the household will mean that we'll have double the laughter and double the fun - not double the trouble!
This is Honey's full sister who, for now, is just being called "Sis". She's 8 weeks old. Honey will be 2 in November.
As you will see from the pics, Honey was less than thrilled about meeting her little sister... and Sis wasn't exactly anxious to share her rawhide chewy with Honey. There was a lot of attitude in the house this morning. At last report from Allan, the referee, they're tolerating each other just fine - actually playing. That's a very good sign. 
It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that my Appaloosa gelding, Frisco, went on to greener pastures late last Saturday afternoon.
It's taken me the better part of a week to compose this e-mail; and trying to keep myself composed during this time has been extremely difficult. So many memories - too many to write about at one sitting - and way too many tears shed in remembering the good times and the not-so-good times.
Frisco had been lame all of his life. When I got him two years ago, he had a noticeable limp but didn't seem to be in too much pain. Over the last ten days or so, I noticed his limp had become more pronounced and that he spent quite a bit of time lying down or standing in a position which relieved the pressure on his front foot.
When I went out to feed Frisco early last Friday morning, I was not greeted by his usual whinny, or the impatient toss of his head and pawing of his foot as he waited for me to serve him his breakfast. As I entered his pasture and walked to the barn to pour his feed, he was not nudging my back or hanging over my shoulder or running ahead of me to get to his bucket. Instead, Frisco was standing quietly next to the pasture gate - seemingly reluctant to move. It was then that I noticed something different about him...that telltale sign that all animal owners dread...the fire in his eyes - that spark of mischief and spirit - was gone. Instead, in those big brown eyes, I saw pain and sensed, overall, that he was weary. With a little coaxing, he eventually did hobble to his feed bucket, but without his usual enthusiasm. In that moment, I knew that the time had come to put an end to his suffering. I made a tearful call to my sister, Elizabeth, who made all of the necessary arrangements to have a veterinarian friend of hers come to my house to perform the euthanasia.
I spent most of the day last Saturday pampering Frisk - a couple of cans of Diet Pepsi here, a little extra grain there, a few horse snacks, a little more feed, a nice cool shower when the temperature hit it's peak, etc. He loved the attention and was more lively than I've seen him in a long time (Of course, it could have been the caffeine from the Diet Pepsi). I even let him have the run of the yard for a good portion of the day...during which time he deftly picked all the apples that were within his reach off the apple tree in my front yard. It didn't matter that I had been pampering the tree for the last several years and that this is my first crop of apples... and I'll even overlook the fact that while he was at it he apparently gorged himself on the fruits of my fig tree (He left very few ripe ones and many of the green ones are half eaten).
Frisco's send-off has to be the most unorthodox euthanasia of all time - I'm serious! To the occasional passerby, the gathering at the back of the pasture Saturday afternoon probably looked more like a tailgate party than the somber affair it should have been. In actuality, it was a party - complete with several pizzas and beer...lots of beer...much to the delight of the guest of honor.
We were a motley crew who gathered to say our goodbyes: Dr. Chris Thompson (Dr. Kevorkian of the veterinary world) arrived about 3:30 or so. My sister Elizabeth (vet tech extraordinaire) and brother-in-law, Kelly, arrived shortly afterwards in their pick-up truck - with a few bales of hay in the back (again, much to the delight of the guest of honor) - and with a generous supply of comfort food (the pizzas and beer).
My friend Normand was on hand with his backhoe to dig the grave (What? Did you think I was gonna manually dig a hole big/deep enough to bury a horse?). (Note to self: Get an aquarium and some fish, not another horse. No veterinarian needed to treat fish. No backhoe required to bury fish. When fish are sick or die, you just scoop them out of the tank with a net and flush them down the toilet. Also, fish will not raid your fruit trees or bite the paint off your vehicle).
As we made our way to the back of the pasture, towards the shade of the oak trees, near the site I had picked for his final resting place, Frisco eagerly followed the truck carrying the food – snatching mouthfuls of hay from the back of the pick-up along the way. I brought up the rear of the procession...or at least I thought I was the last one out there. As it turns out, all the commotion in the pasture had captured the attention of the chickens. So, not wanting to be left out of anything, Dink and Nugget joined us.
Well, folks, we spent the next hour or so eating pizza, drinking cold beer, and swapping stories! Frisco drank at least 6 or 8 beers...so many, in fact, that we honestly thought we might have to make a beer run before all was said and done. He ate whatever pizza he could bum from us - mostly crusts, but we did catch him with his head inside an unattended pizza box. No harm done - just a little hay mixed up in the toppings. Frisk was such a ham and so pesky that we actually had to keep pushing him away from us! He was in his element - the center of attention. Dink and Nugget managed to scavenge a few pizza crusts too, along with whatever bugs wandered by. In looking back, I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take pictures...it really was a happy gathering.
But all good things must come to an end. And in the end it was my sister who held Frisco's lead rope and stood at his head, petting him and uttering soothing words of praise and comfort to him throughout the procedure. She called him "handsome man" and told him that she was sure her two horses, Nonie and Vokie, were waiting to meet him on the other side and that he'd be in good company. She also assured him that in horse heaven he'd be whole again ... able to run without pain. Then I heard her whisper something in his ear about him also being able to sire lots of little appaloosa babies. When I questioned her about it later, and reminded her that Frisco been a gelding for over a year, she told me it was her belief that when he reached his final destination he'd be fully "restored" to his former self - "manly" parts included. I'd like to think she's right...for his sake. (I swear he died with a smile on his face.)
Dr. Thompson was wonderful - both personable and professional - and made Frisco's final gallop to horse heaven an unbelievably painless, smooth transition. First, there was a sedative to make Frisco drowsy and relaxed. Second, a shot that Dr. Thompson referred to as "heart attack in a syringe" which, within minutes, had done its job. It was a peaceful end for my dear friend.
Frisco was quite a character with tons of personality and, as such, had acquired many nicknames over the past couple of years. My mom referred to him as her "Grandhorse". I referred to him as: "Frisk," when he was being good; "Goofball," when he'd spook at the silliest things - like the old soccer ball that he was terrified of. No idea why, but when it was kicked in his direction, he'd go into an absolute frenzy of running, bucking and snorting. "Bad Egg," when I'd catch him raiding my bird feeders for birdseed or licking the nectar out of my hummingbird feeders; "Big Jerk," when he would mischievously dump over the wheelbarrow full of manure as I cleaned out his stall; "S.O.B.," when he'd walk up behind me and purposely push me into the pile of manure I was trying to pick up; and "*!@&%&," when he decided to use his teeth to pinstripe the trunk of my newly painted car. Frisk never met a stranger and was especially fond of anyone who brought food or beverage within his reach.
Folks, when it's time for me to leave this earth 
, I hope that I, too, will be surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones (please bring ribeye steaks and gin and tonic...lots of gin and tonic). I pray that my "Master" will lead me Home with as much celebration, peacefulness and dignity as he afforded my boy Frisco. I'd like to think that as I make my way toward Heaven's gate (By the way, in my Heaven it's a rustic old wooden gate leading to green meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see), that once again I'll hear a familiar whinny and be rewarded by the sight of Frisco - standing at the gate, tossing his head and pawing impatiently as if to say, "Hey, hurry up! What took you so long? I've been waiting..."
As most of my friends know, I have a strong affinity for Appaloosa horses. Always have. Probably has a lot to do with the fact that my sister, Beth, had a big appy gelding when we were growing up. Vokie was a beautiful seal brown with a white blanket and spots - one of which was shaped like a tomahawk. He also had "Appitude" - more than just "attitude" - kind of like attitude with a hearty helping of brains, a great deal of mischievousness, and tons of personality. She trained him, showed him very successfully in timed events and western pleasure and, when she got older and started her family, she sent him to NC to live with me.
Vokie was a dream to ride, and ride we did - all over NC, on wagon trains, on trail rides, etc. Eventually, when Beth's children were old enough to enjoy horses and she needed a dead broke babysitter, Vokie went back to live with her. He's buried on Johns Island in a pasture that overlooks the Intercoastal Waterway.
That was the beginning. Over the years there have been other appies that have endeared themselves to me: "Bobbie Socks" (named after my dad, Bobby) was a mare that my parents gave me when I moved to NC; and "Mama" was the nearly blind, starved, mare that I rescued from slaughter. Turns out she had national and world champion bloodlines in her pedigree. There were also several colorful (and one or two not so colorful) foals resulting from breeding the above mares. And there were others....several others....appies and non-appies.
And of course there was Frisco - my big, spoiled, appy gelding with more than his fair share of appitude. I've already written about him - and I still get teary when I re-read the e-mail I sent to everyone about my decision to euthanize him. That was two years ago. Within days of putting Frisco to sleep, I tore down all the fence between my yard and the pasture so I wouldn't be tempted to get another horse. Over the past couple of years, many people have offered replacements...but I've steadfastly refused. I vowed that I wasn't going to get another horse until I finished clearing/cleaning up my property - until I had a better pasture - until I had the money to put up nice fencing - until I had a barn - that was until I saw Blue...
Around the first of the year, Megan, a co-worker, showed me pictures of her Appaloosa gelding, Blue. What a beauty - a big guy with lots of spots! She shared stories of Blue's antics with me and I, in turn, shared my pictures/memories of Frisco with her. I told her that one day I hoped to have another Appaloosa and would love to have one with tons of spots. That, my friends, was the beginning of my downfall...
Megan left the firm to take a job at a veterinary office, but promised that she'd keep in touch - and she did. In April, I received an e-mail from her saying that she loved her new job, but was having trouble finding the time to visit Blue at the stable where she was boarding him (appx. 20 miles away). She said she had come to the point in her life where she was devoting most of her time to family (husband and dogs) and work and her priorities were shifting. Hate to say it, but she's showing all the signs of (ugh) growing up. Then she asked the all important question - if I would be interested in having Blue.
I pondered that question for days. Had myself convinced that I really didn't want or need a horse. Too much to be done on the farm, too little time, too much expense, etc., but there was that small spark of interest. Well, I decided I'd just go look at him. What could it hurt?
On an April afternoon, Megan and I drove out to the farm so I could meet Blue. As we walked towards his pasture, Blue saw us and came galloping up from the back of the field... and I had flashbacks of Frisco greeting me that same way. By the time Blue had eaten his way through all of the treats I had, and as he was pestering us for more attention, I knew I had to have him. I just couldn't resist that personality, that beautiful face, and all those darned SPOTS!!!
With the help of my brother, Robert, and his friend, Allan (and with absolutely no help from my 19 year old niece/roommate, Anna, who informed me that she "doesn't do manual labor"), there was a flurry of fence building, fence repair, land clearing/cleaning and...okay, it wasn't exactly a "flurry". To be honest, it took nearly 2 months to get the fence up. There are many reasons for that - too many to mention - but I can tell you that it had a lot to do with the fact that: we all work full time; there were a few false starts due to lack of materials; some budget cutbacks; numerous changes to the fencing plan; hot afternoons where we only put up one post but watered it in with a six pack of beer...well, I'm sure you get the picture. It could also have had something to do with the fact that both Allan and I were dragging our feet ... seems that neither of us was anxious to see our project come to an end. I enjoyed his company and looked forward to seeing him every afternoon - and apparently he felt the same way about me.
I'm happy to say that on June 7th, Blue came to live with Anna and me on the farm...and so did Allan and his Jack Russell Terrier, Honey. After working side-by-side almost daily for nearly two months, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Like most men, he hates to hear me say those three little words, "I've been thinking," because he knows it will probably involve another project. A shed for Blue is tops on my list. Of course Allan has a few ideas of his own - one of which involves moving the newly erected fence to make room for a 20x20 building. Did I mention that we're all still adjusting to the lifestyle changes of the past few weeks?
Blue has settled in quite well - so well, in fact, that he's already bucked me off. Feeling frisky, I guess. Even after several weeks, I still haven't managed to put a positive spin on that event....could have something to do with the pain I'm still feeling.
Honey and Anna just go with the flow. Actually, Honey goes non-stop - up the eucalyptus tree, down the eucalyptus tree, out into the pasture to chase a squirrel, double back to chase Blue up to the gate. Repeat every few minutes. Makes me tired just watching her, but she's so darned cute!
So, once again I'm the proud owner of a very pretty but totally useless horse...uhm, I mean an Appaloosa. And who knows, maybe one of these years - sometime down the road - Megan will call me up, looking for a dead broke babysitter for her kids. Hopefully Blue will have mellowed into fine old gentleman and he can go full circle, back to Megan and her family.