Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Leslie:
Looks like we have a storm brewing up here. Did Squirt eat the Fresh Pet? I hope so. I put Elvis' meds in his breakfast food again and he was throwing it everywhere this morning, he can taste the meds. I told the Dr. to tell the druggist to use Apple flavoring as he likes it, but he insisted on Cherry. He can taste I right away and starts flinging it all over off of his beak. If it was not so cold in the garage I would be feeding him in there!! This stuff dries like cement and is hard to get off things. It is easier that stressing him out and holding him burrito style in a towel. Hope you have a good weekend and that Squirt gives in and gobbles the meds up. Blessings
Patti

Mom is a little dense at times, ya know? Yesterday about an hour after she walked away from lunch, I was thinking about this, wondering what was up with her, when I remembered the way she was tossing her head when she would take a bite. So I wondered about a bad tooth, a real possibility, but her teeth all felt solid; tho one or more could still be causing pain, none are loose. THEN it hit me - the Tramadol piece I had put in her food the night before when she walked off was still in the bowl when I offered it again (when she walked off, I put the bowl of food in the fridge) and it took me longer to prepare the other babies feed than usual after putting the pain med in Squirt's food. So I bet that little piece of pill dissolved and spread its bitterness throughout the feed - which I kept trying to give her and she kept refusing. SOOOO I fixed her half of her normal portion around noon yesterday with nothing in it - and she ate it all up happily. So it was the Tramadol in the feed that put her off of it. As often as this has happened, one would think that would be the first place my mind went, huh? :D

She's ate her breakfast with the Novifit and herbs this morning just like normal so the Tramadol will be a battle when she needs it. ;)

Leslie:
There is a supplement I give Tipper in her food. I try to crush it up. She always finds a small piece in her dish and leaves just that tiny piece! Well the next time I feed her back in the bowl it goes. It must taste awful and she refuses it. When I give her a piece of chicken with her Vetoryl she always smells it, but will take it. When I put the supplement in chicken she smells it and backs away, just doesn't want it as much as she wants the chicken wrapped around it. You are such a good care taker of Squirt she has the best life possible with you. It is raining and dark here now. At least Tipper got her walk in this morning. Blessings
Patti

Now, I want to share something with my family here.

One of the local TV stations has a contest called Pay It 4ward (they are KARK, channel 4) and a dear friend, whom I call Sis, nominated me. Here is what she wrote on the nomination - (she insists on using my maiden name as she cannot stand my ex and what he did :p)

"I would like to nominate Leslie Hays of Benton. Leslie lost her daughter several years ago in a tragic accident. Feeling lost and alone Leslie turned her energy towards helping special need dogs. She has adopted 2 blind "babies" with many health problems, fosters special need dogs until they find forever homes. She has even taken K9 nutrition classes so she can cook specific meals for these dogsthat will most benefit them and their medical conditions. She works tirelessly for animal rights and against animal abuse, all while suffering with her own health issues. She lives on a small fixed income of disability and repeatedly ignores her needs to be sure her "babies" have everything they need. Skipping meds, eating very little, passing up a social life all for these little animals that need tender loving care. Leslie is a true rescue angel for these canines that have nobody else. She gives to them mentally, physically, fiancially...in every way. Leslie Hays deserves recognition for her actions; for taking the horrific grief and turning it into a determination to help these animals that cannot help themselves."

To my utter astonishment, I was one of four winners selected and yesterday the TV station came to interview me. Their visit was supposed to be a surprise but Sis knew that if she let the cameras catch me in my usual state - frumpy dress, barefoot, no makeup - she would NEVER be able to run far enough nor hide well enough! :p:D:p So she warned me they were coming. I didn't believe that I was a winner, tho, rather that they were gathering footage to have ready when they did select the winners. Why would they choose ME of all people?!

BUT when they started filming they handed me a plaque declaring me a winner! They told me they were sending a check for $200! We talked a bit more and then I actually read the plaque. And was FLOORED to read that an anonymous donor had donated 200 pounds of dog food for my babies!!! I couldn't help but to start crying at that point. The girl doing the interview and the camera man were blown away that I was more excited and moved by the food than the cash. But that donation meant the world to us! It will feed my babies for a year and allow me to help others as well. For the first time in years, I lay down last night and went to sleep not worrying about what today would bring for my babies. They have FOOD and will for a long time to come. The burden this kind, generous gentleman lifted from my shoulders is beyond expressing. The cash prize means my grandsons will have a present or three under the Christmas tree and that is a huge relief as well. In an hour's time, so much of my stress and worries were alleviated. All for doing what I love. I am still amazed, astounded, humbled and feel ever so honored. And STILL don't understand why or how I have been so blessed.

The segment is supposed to air this coming Tues. night and all my babies get to be on TV! :cool::cool::D:cool::cool: If a link is provided, I'll share with ya'll so you can see them. But fair warning - I have no idea what I said during the interview so no telling what you may hear! :o:p I envision a lot of shots of us and the audience hearing the interviewer's comments, not mine! :p:p:D:p:p

Leslie:
My God this is the best thing I have heard in I don't know how long. The reason you won is because you don't think you know what you did to win. You are so humble and so caring you do not realize what a true inspiration you have been to me. You just think what you are doing is no big deal, and you are wrong. You are making a tremendous impact on so many lives, and not just 4 legged ones either. I have learned so many things from you that you are a blessing. We all truly love you for all the things you are to us, and for all you are to the critters. As far as I am concerned you should have won all the prizes hands down. I thank the very smart lady who nominated you and said such eloquent, truthful things about a most wonderful person. I am so happy for you to be recognized for all you selflessly do. I am so excited for you and I hope we can get to see you and your babies receive the recognition you deserve. I still hope in my dreams to see you one day Leslie. Blessings
Patti

A well deserved prize to a wonderful woman agree with everything your friend said you deserve this. I'm so so happy for you

Tracy

Wow that is awesome, pay it forward indeed!! Two thumbs up Leslie!! Would love to see the clip, hopefully it gets posted online somewhere, let me know if it does as I would love to see our latest TV star! xx

I definitely want to know when it airs. Maybe we can find it online at the station?!

You are so deserving of this Leslie and I couldn't be more happy for you. Sis is wonderful to have nominated you and there isn't a doubt in my mind that once nominated, the whole world would know what a real winner looks like and she is named Leslie!

Isn't that the best about the dog food! No worries on that front! yipppeee! And Christmas too.

I have tears in my eyes, because sometimes, every once in a while, something truly wonderful happens to someone who deserves it. You Do pay it forward, and hopefully many others will be inspired by your story, to get out there and help out where they can. This forum is filled with a wealth of wonderful people who pay it forward, and you are a leader amongst us all.

Thanks for sharing Leslie!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Leslie,
You seriously wonder why they chose you? Come on girl :-)
As for the anonymous donation, he saw proof that his donation would be used solely for the dogs. I would've donated too. Congratulations!

Leslie,
Congratulations!!
That is so wonderful. It couldn't have happened to a more wonderful, caring, and deserving person than you. Reading that made me feel so happy for you.
Hugs