Happy Mother's Day!!!! A bit belated:)
For a mother is the only person on earth
Who can divide her love among ten children
And each child still have all her love.
-Author Unknown
As you all know I have time issues, and today is no different.
If it matters, I started yesterday, but fell asleep with my laptop in bed with me:)
For many a day of reflection for the mothers who may no longer be with us or we can't be with them today.
I'm not with my mom today, but she has been on my mind all day.
With age I have learned that even though at times we did not see eye to eye, more times than not:)
Little did I know she was teaching me many things then that have made me the person I am today. My strengths and dedication to family are because of her.
She is the strongest person I have ever known and yes, I get my stubbornness from her too:) Never asking for anything, working harder than any person I have ever known and never taking no for an answer, she raised six of us kids by herself and taught us that we are in control of our life and it is what we make it.
To love deeply, to forgive often & keep God close to our hearts..
Mom even though I can't be with you today, I love you always!!!
As always we talk dog around here, so here we go!!!
Kya's babies are growing up so quickly...
Seems like just yesterday we pulled her from the pound and because she was so starved I didn't even know she was pregnant. Lucky for these two, we did!!!
They are alive, very healthy, will be weaned very soon and then on to families they can call their own.
Soooo cute don't you just want to give them kissey, kisses all over their little faces!!
Mwuah!!! They have the best puppy breath:)
People always ask me how I get such nice pictures of the dogs. I take alot of pictures!!!
Yes, I act and talk silly to them, so what you see is, probably them laughing at me:) But truly, this place and property to me is magical. It is a place of peace and miracles. I live at the top of a foot hill overlooking a beautiful creek and pond.
The animals are happy here, it is just an in between place they can call home for the moment,
to heal and learn, until they go on to their forever homes.
I'm tired most days, but it is all worth it. The pictures are proof of this..
Life can be beautiful if just given the chance and all these beautiful creatures deserve a chance. With love all things are possible... I believe this with all my heart!!!
I hope all you moms reading know how special and important you are!!
You are the creators of life, the ones who will teach our youth of tomorrow and make them the people they will become. Cherish your moments with your little ones..
I am cherishing my mommy moments right now:)
Much love to you all!!!
Blessings and light...
"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there."
-Robert Browning
Very FUN Auction for "A Place To Bark"
"How beautiful the day, when a kindness touches it"
-George Elliston

Wooo- Wooo!!! Tell all your friends "says Gusov".
I am floored...WOW!!! "A Place To Bark" has been blessed with an amazing gift that is up for auction by the film maker on E-bay right now!!!
"CLICK HERE" to view it.

If you love funny movies, would like to have a collectors piece to show off and in turn help the animals here, now is your chance!!!
There is a new moving coming out
"Boys of Summerville" from independent film maker,
"Lycan Entertainment".
This is rare chance to own one of the props from this movie signed by the cast.
The auction is for an original movie prop that was used movie, which was filmed entirely in east Tennessee.
The sign was used during the opening credit, when the main character drives into town, for the first time in many, many years (as seen in picture).

The prop is a sign that says "Summerville Welcomes You" and is signed by most of the cast and crew (as seen in picture) including, the writer and director during the premiere at the
"Regal Entertainment Downtown West Theater" in Knoxville, TN!
The sign is in excellent condition and will be shipped and packed very carefully to keep it safe and sound on its way to you.

This sign was the original sign that was used in the movie.
It measures approximately 25" by 39" and is made out of high quality corrugated glossy plastic.
After the auction has ended and item is received,
"Lycan Entertainment", LLC agrees to, unless buyer wishes to remain anonymous, post the winner's picture and profile on the official
"Boys of Summerville" website!
Too cool!!!!
Check out the
WEBSITE and
TRAILER, it looks like a fun filled movie!!!
We as artist are always in search of networking and supporting like minds and hearts and I highly recommend that we pay forward the kindnesses that they have bestowed upon us.
Even the smallest of ways count, like having a day of fun, going to the movies and remembering that this company, took the time to care and help a small rescue called "A Place To Bark":)
You rock Brooks Benjamin, cast and crew!!!!
I Believe in Love...
"After the verb "To Love"...
"To Help" is the most beautiful verb in the world.
-Bertha von Suttner

How can you not love them all or want to help them?!!
I do love them all and cannot believe what I have come to see on a daily basis..
Sad how disposable,things have become on many levels of life.
Marriages, children, our elderly and the animals just to name a few...
The world can seem like such a harsh place many days, but there are moments and people like you, that make it all seem right:)
I really appreciate you all and I hope you know this!!
You reading, commenting and supporting what I do, keeps my spirits up on those down days and helps me to continue on.
I know I will be doing this for many years to come and feel blessed that you are with me on this journey.
I am working on a few art pieces I am going to give away in a raffle soon, to those who will comment in an upcoming post. So check back!!!
These posts are about some of our most recent cases.
Who now have a chance because we all took the time to care.
Without you, I could not all I do:)

This precious little guy is "Chase".
He was picked up by animal control, a hit and run victim, running with a pack of dogs on a rainy day. Very unsocialized he is so terribly frightened by people, when you get near him, he starts breathing rapidly and has a look of terror in his eyes that just breaks your heart.
Only 3-4 months of age, I hope he will learn to trust again.
He does bite, but he is in terrible pain for his hips are dislocated.
As the days pass he is learning to trust a bit more.
Still at my vets office the staff there gives him lots of love!! He'll probably be there another week.
I am looking at a set of wheels for him from
HERE so he'll be able to get around and recover.
It will be many months of recovery for this little guy.
I just don't understand how someone could hit a dog and keep driving...
So keep this little guy in your thoughts and prayers and send him healing wishes:)
Our next sweetie is "Duckie". A female poodle, approximately a year old.
This sweet girl was in horrible shape when I got her.

Filthy, dirty, her poor legs were felted hard, like a solid plaster cast from the mats.
She could not even bend her legs. The vets office had to sedate her to groom.
As you can see she is nice and clean, feeling a bit naked, but hey!! her hair will grow back.
If you notice she has an admirer in back:)
"Jo-Jo" the cocker, too was very matted when he came in and is now quite smitten with "Duckie".
Looks like he is whispering sweet nothings in her ear....
"Hey baby.. You lookin good!!!"
Many of you know that I treat pups with parvo on a regular basis, but may not know that the cost of treating parvo is 5 to 7 hundred dollars depending on the severity.
Many rescues pass on pups, due to the fact it can be very cost prohibitive.
Many shelters put the pups down immediately as not to infect the whole shelter due to the fact it is very, very, contagious.
This month we have treated 12 cases. Ouch... But I just can't turn my back on life.
I actually took 5 pups out of the shelter and I knew that they had it.
But I just could not leave them to die a very painful and horrible death.
So we went straight to the vet, lucky he is on the other side of the block from animal control.
We keep parvo tests on hand here and are always expecting the worst and hope for the best when animals are brought here from the pound.
We keep pretty strict quarantine when they come in and it is difficult, but all part of what we do here. Every life is precious...
The pups survived and here are some of their happy faces!!
"Mischief & Maverick" they also have a sister named "Mabel"

These three are part of a litter of 8
"Jolly" is one of 8 in a litter.

Last but not least is "Daphne" who even though she is an adult also survived parvo.
She most probably was never vaccinated.
So yes, long pictorial post, but I know you all love the pictures so I hope you enjoy them!!
It is expensive to treat all the illness, but life should be worth more than the almighty dollar.
Times are tough and they are going to get tougher on the charities with the economy the way it is, but we'll just keep doing the best we can!
Together we make a difference, the small donations all add up and this is what we do with what you give us...
Thank you again...
Paying it forward for a cause: 60 miles in 3 days
"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
And just because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."
-Edward E. Hale

"A national philanthropic trust project"
This post in dedicated to my friend
Beckyand all those who are survivors, fighters and those we have lost to Breast Cancer.
I know this post is not about animals in need, but Becky's mom did adopt two cats from me and
Becky has 2 rescued cats, if that counts:)
There is a song by Reba McEntire called "Everyday People", it is about those who care enough to make a difference.
Becky is one of those people.
Everyday people are the ones who are making miracles..
And we need a miracle to cure breast cancer!!!
The picture above is
Becky last year at the 3 day.
I LOVE this picture of her!!!
It captures her love of life... and that she is, living large and loving life, friends, family and every moment!!
We all have our causes that are near and dear to our hearts.
You all know what mine is:)
But I do try to pay forward kindnesses given to me and this is one I hope you will help support.
Becky and her husband Doug have been huge supporters of me and what I do, so now it is time for me to return the favor.
Breast Cancer is something that affects so many and most people have a loved one, with breast cancer, know someone who has had it or know someone that it has affected and is no longer with us.
Becky has walked this walk before and is doing it again. 60 miles in 3 days.
All I can say is it takes an amazing spirit of heart and dedication to the cause, to walk the distance. I get winded going to my mail box or chasing the puppies:)
Becky and her team
"The Wonder Bra Barbies", are in training for this national walk and I hope you will help support her and her team in their efforts to raise money for the cure or support someone in your area for this cause. To donate just click
HERE. I donated and made my dedication to my friends Patricia Zoline and Kelly Snelling, so their names will be written on the shirt Becky will be wearing during the walk.
If you have any reservations, please watch these
videos I am sure it will inspire you, to walk for the cause or support it.
The energy and power of people coming together, is something that cannot be explained, but must be experienced.
No matter how small the donation, it all adds up in the end to something huge!!
If you live in the Boston area and want to join her team, let me know and I will put you in touch with her.
Becky you are my friend and my hero and I love you!!!
Since I'm being so gushy today, I want you all to know I appreciate and love all of you that visit my blog:)
Dog post later tonite...
"Because Everyone Deserves A Lifetime!!!"
BIG Fluffy White Dogs...
"The Foolish Man Seeks Happiness In The Distance.."
"The Wise Man Grows It Under His Feet."
-James Oppenheim

All I can say is Life is Happening!!!
Busier than usual around here!!! I'm tired but happy..
How could I not be, with all these wonderful loves here:)
As with many things we go in cycles and some months I have many of the same breed.
This month, it is lots of Big White Fluffy dogs..
I have 3 purebred Great Pyrenees and 6 Pyrenees/mixes.
The Pyrenees mixes are about the size of a Lab or a Golden, so if we are talking in designer dog lingo, mini Pyrs:)
If you love the way these dogs look, but have never had a giant breed or a Pyrenees, please read this article
"Is A Pyr For Me?"Until moving to the south, I would have never thought there would be so many Great Pyrenees down here.
With the current state of affairs, the recession and the drought last year, people are losing their farms/homes and letting their dogs go, we are seeing record numbers of Pyrs at the pounds.
My friends
"Allison" and
"Jean" take many, many more Pyrs than I do and truthfully, it is all
"Allison's" fault that I have grown to love the breed:)
She was the first rescue person I met when I moved to Tennessee.
"This is "Burton" he is a male, Pyrenees approximately 1 to 2 years of age.
"Loves to be Loved!!" Very playful and outgoing.
"Nika" is a female Pyrenees, approximately 2 -4 years of age.
She is a bit shy and reserved, but loves to be pet and will lay her head on your lap.
Can you say, couch potato:)
Your new best friend. Would do best in an only dog household.
"Atlas" is a LOVER!!! Male, approximately 1-2 years of age.
Super wiggly and will stand in front of the door so you don't leave him.
Just a great BIG sweet guy...
"Molly & Mo-Mo" Mom and son.
Molly is a female, Lab/Pyr mix, approximately 1-2 years of age.
Loves everyone!!! Mo-Mo is a male, Pyr/Mix. Approximately 3-4 months old.
Very laid back and follows you everywhere.
"Miss Matilda" or "Tillie" for short. Is a female Sheepdog/Poodle mix.
Approximately 1-2 years of age. She is soooo, darling!!!
Was horribly matted when she came in, is now sporting a darling cut, with a long plumed tail. Submissive in personality, great with other dogs. Lots of energy and bouncy like a kangaroo!!! Like to run? She does too:)
Remember these little ones? Last time you saw them their eyes weren't open.
What a difference a few weeks makes.

"Kya's" babies are now walking around and just being so cute!!
She is a great dog and a fabulous mom!!

I just wanted to let you know that if you are interested in any of our dogs here, there is transport available if you live on the east coast, Alabama, Georgia & Florida.
"P.E.T.S." just delivered "Hazel" to her new parents in Vermont, where I am told she is doing well and loving her new family:) I know Pam and Kyle and they do a wonderful job of delivering the dogs to their new destinations, safe and sound.
Here is the
"Route" if you want to see if you are within drivng distance.
Last but not least, yes I know it is not a BIG Fluffy dog, but it is super darling and I haven't been posting cats or kittens for awhile.
I was blessed with an afternoon visit from
"Rebecca Sower" and her son.
They came to visit and adopt a kitten, they have named "Maybelle".
I know she will be cherished and am thrilled that she will be a part of their family for many years to come.
If you have never had the chance to meet
Rebecca, she is a joy to behold.
A fabulous artist who is finds beauty is all that surrounds her.

The momma and the kittens were actually rescued by my friend Pam, but needed my help with the veterinary care for her.
She had a tooth punctured the side of her mouth and needed to be removed. Pam works wonders with my fosters and I couldn't do as much without her:)
So much to tell, so many faces here....
Will try to post sooner, but life gets away from me, when there are so many to care for.
We are still working on the building, having some problems with finding sub contractors that understand what I am doing and that I have very specific santition needs for the building.
For example:I was told to just drain it out into my fields:( CAN you say ICK!!
More on that later, but I am finding building and trying to build correctly is not easy.
In the News..
"Forgive Quickly"My dogs and cats have taught me a great lesson in life..
Shed a lot!!!
-Susan Carlson

I love this picture!!! There are certain pictures that capture an energy, a life force that is so undeniable, this is one of those pictures. I have literally thousands of pictures I have taken over the years doing rescue. Strange but true I revisit those pictures often.
Reminding myself, on days when I am down, that we have saved many, even when it feels as if we are not saving enough. And trust me, I have lots of those down days, when I have to only take some of the dogs at the pound, because we don't have enough room, resources or help to take them all.
But many, many, faces that have touched my life, passed thru our home and gone on to loving families of their own. For that I am grateful everyday, that you have helped me, help them..
I have been back from Chicago for I think about 2 weeks.
I have lost track of time, since things have just been so hectic.
We are at record numbers again with pups. I even went as far as to buy another 500 square feet of kenneling. That makes 3200 square feet and a 30 x 50 building that is coming.
I have a funny feeling we will never have enough room, but will do the very best for those that make it to us.
The
Spring International Quilt Show was so much fun!! I had a chance to hang out with my artist friends, meet many who read my blog and see what is new and exciting in the industry.
Not to mention I was awed and amazed by the generosity of those who love the animals and made it a point to bring donated items to the show and leave them for me:)
You all are the BEST!!!
I also had a surprize visit from an adopter who has one of my dogs, "
Dugan".Sooo sweet, she snuck one of her smaller dogs into the show, came to visit me and give me a donation. I had never met her, but she adopted the dog thru my rescue network and wanted to tell me how spoiled he is and how much she loves him!!!
If you want to know more about the show, check out the
Editor's Blog.
Some fun pictures and you will get a feel for how much fun these events are and will want to join in the FUN!!!
A very special "Thank YOU" to
"Luanne" for dragging a digital baby scale thru the never ending aisles of the show.
This is a very important thing for me and especially for the puppies here to insure proper dosage of medication and that they are gaining weight properly.
And to
"Belinda" for the massive bag of toys and blankets!!

"Sophie" is a member of the Bolton household and is one of three dogs and is groomed daily by their cat
Dickens. They adore her and she is blessed to be loved by such wonderful people!!
I was also asked by the very talented
Beryl Taylor to find a new fuzzy family member for her.
I adore Beryl's work and could not take my eyes off of her mixed media fabric work.
There is a really nice article in the current
Animal Fair magazine about "A Place To Bark."
It is a really amazing lifestyle magazine that is the total contrast to what I see on a daily basis.
It features stars and their pets, wonderful lifestyle articles and AF Cares just to mention a few things.
Wendy Diamond has a heart of gold and a darling dog named
"Lucky" Too funny, former President Clinton gets Lucky, that is he gets to hold Lucky:)
My friends found the magazine at Borders Book store, but you can
subscribe to the magazine via their website if you can't find it in the bookstores.
The pooch in the picture with me is "Marley" he is a male, poodle probably a mix, approximately 1-2 years of age. Would do best in an only dog household.
He doesn't like to share his food with other dogs...
But is just the most loving, bouncy buddy you will ever have!!
Am working on another post, LOTS and LOTS of new pictures. So please check back soon.
I know many of you have e-mailed me about the "Cafe Press shop", sorry it's down, but should be back up the end of next week.
I am off and running today, my sweet "Hazel" is leaving for Vermont tonite to go to her new family that has been patiently waiting months for her.. She's coming Christine!!
Don't forget Hazel LOVES
"Evo" Food:)
Home again... But not for long...
"Where love reigns, the impossible may be attained."
-Indian Proverb
I'm back from Chicago, but not for long...
I have to return the van to the rental place in the morning, bring a few dogs to the vet, stop at the pound, drop some medication and supplies to some of my foster homes and get home to prepare my art supplies and leave again for Chicago.
This time not to transport, but to work.
My schedule for creating art and showing uses of
"Luminarte" &
"Ranger" products for the public is as follows:
Friday 10:30 to 12:30,
Saturday 12:30 - 2:20 and
Sunday 12:30 - 2:30
The transport went fine, everyone did very good and this group was actually very quiet.
The only bummer was it was raining pretty hard and lucky I got out earlier than usual for the bridge by my house was flooded over.
Everyone on my road was stuck at home for a few days.
I had a funny feeling the nite before I left and couldn't sleep well, so I was out earlier than normal.
The man upstairs takes good care of me and animals, keeping us safe and sound, for that I am grateful:)
Here are a few of the fabulous faces that went to the
Humane Society and are up for adoption.
There were many more, so if you are looking all you have to do is look at the cage cards to see if it one of my dogs.
If you are in Chicago and looking for a forever friend, please consider adopting one of our rescued pets!!!
The
Schipperke above at the top of the page is "Kermit" and he is just a fabulous boy!!

"HANNAH"
"CYRUS"

"FRED"

"RASCAL"

"DREAMER" & "SNOOPY"

"BEAR"

"BUDDY BEAR" & "GARTH"
Have a Fantastic week, I will have more news next week on our future building plans, a new Cafe Press Shop, web site changes and the art auction coming up in September!!!
Blessings and Light to you all...