Friday, April 18, 2008
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..
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.:: posted @ 1:51 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 8 comments :: permalink
"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.
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.
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.:: posted @ 1:51 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 8 comments :: permalink
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.
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.
While at the show, I noticed that "Sophie" one of my rescued dogs was on the cover of Cloth, Paper, Scissors new publications "Studio Magazine"
"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!!
::
posted @ 1:47 PM by Bernie Berlin::
9 comments :: permalink 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!!
Monday, April 07, 2008
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.
I will be working for "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" at the Spring International Quilt Show located at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
If you are there please stop by the "Open Studios" and say hi!!!
If you are there please stop by the "Open Studios" and say hi!!!
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"
"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...
::
posted @ 12:34 AM by Bernie Berlin::
11 comments :: permalink
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Animal Lovers Please Watch This Friday..
"Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight."
-Albert Schweitzer
I'm leaving in the morning to drive to all the wonderful dogs we've rescued to the Anti Cruelty Society so that they have chances to find their forever homes.
I wanted to make sure that I posted before I left, for everyone to please watch the Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday April 4th.
If you have ever purchased a pet from a pet store, this is a very important story of the untold truths, that most people are unaware of.
Please, Please, do watch Oprah's Show....
-Albert Schweitzer
I'm leaving in the morning to drive to all the wonderful dogs we've rescued to the Anti Cruelty Society so that they have chances to find their forever homes.
I wanted to make sure that I posted before I left, for everyone to please watch the Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday April 4th.
Click HERE to view the show topic of "Hidden World of Puppy Mills".
If you have ever purchased a pet from a pet store, this is a very important story of the untold truths, that most people are unaware of.
My first dog, my best friend who will never be forgotten came from a pet store.
It was not until later in my life, when I started doing rescue that I learned where my dog came from and will never buy from a pet store again.
Over a year and a half ago, I had my first true, live visit to a puppy mill, while assisting the sheriff's department, here in Tennessee that HSUS came down to help.
It was not until later in my life, when I started doing rescue that I learned where my dog came from and will never buy from a pet store again.
Over a year and a half ago, I had my first true, live visit to a puppy mill, while assisting the sheriff's department, here in Tennessee that HSUS came down to help.
I had never seen anything like it, the thought of it still to this day makes me sick to my stomach and it will be forever burned into my memory. The eyes of those animals...
This is one of our puppy mill pups success stories. "Sylvia" came from a puppy mill.
This is one of our puppy mill pups success stories. "Sylvia" came from a puppy mill.
Her body broken, most probably bred too many times, she had horrible issues with her legs and hips.
Well, she is a true rags to riches story.
She was adopted by a wonderful family in Chicago, now living in a gray stone mansion and is catered to and carried everywhere.
The family also adopted another dog from us, Mr. Binky so they both are spoiled rotten:)
These pictures are before and after. Sorry about the logo writing, I couldn't find the original picture on short notice before bed.
These pictures are before and after. Sorry about the logo writing, I couldn't find the original picture on short notice before bed.
We used her pic for our last art auction. She is so smiley and happy how could we not!!
Gotta get some sleep, 4:30 a.m. comes early:)
Gotta get some sleep, 4:30 a.m. comes early:)
Please, Please, do watch Oprah's Show....
We must not turn a blind eye to their needless horrors and educate ourselves to be the best pet owners we can be.
The suffering and greed must stop and only we can help end the vicious cycles...
I'll be thinking of you all from the road!!!
::
posted @ 11:38 PM by Bernie Berlin::
3 comments :: permalink The suffering and greed must stop and only we can help end the vicious cycles...
I'll be thinking of you all from the road!!!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Kya's Two.. Double Darlings
Spring has sprung and so life begins...
::
posted @ 8:46 AM by Bernie Berlin::
9 comments :: permalink
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed...
Nothing will be impossible for you.
-Matthew 17:20-21
Spring has sprung and so life begins...
"Kya" gave birth yesterday to two little ones:)
Unusual for a big dog to only have two pups.
It is probably her first litter since she is so young and she was very, very, thin when she came to us. The two little ones appear to be healthy and she is a good mom.
She was not to sure about me coming near them at first, but a smelly bowl of soft food changed her mind.
For myself, chocolate would be my bribe of choice!!
So if I am growling throw a few bon bons at me:)
As the seasons change, I try to reflect on the past and make plans for the future.
It is so easy for our lives to go off track and fall into patterns that we just get use to, or that may not be the healthiest for us in the long run.
Lately, finding myself doing just that, taking on more than is healthy to handle, my heart breaking many days knowing that I cannot save all the animals I come in contact with and having to leave many behind.
Trying to focus on the positive, what we have saved and working with others to the future of a better situation where I live for the animals. Trying to do so is much easier said than done.
It is always a battle of the mind and heart for me..
This month I will be trying to restore balance to my life.
I struggle with this often, but will not give up until I do so:)
I celebrate in the fact that I have friends, fantastic friends who give me strength, who also love art and the animals as I do, so I will start sharing with you their fabulous stories and making a point to honor those of you I have come to know.
Speaking of fantastic people, check out Zak George's new post which is a darling you tube video called "Sibling Rivalry".
I so adore him and his doggies!!! If you love his videos, comment & let him know I sent you his way:)
I so adore him and his doggies!!! If you love his videos, comment & let him know I sent you his way:)
I wish I could know each and everyone of you personally and would love to hear from you anytime!!!!
Lots of changed and improvements coming in the near future!!
I will be posting links, product and book reviews all animal related.
We use a lot of animal products and they are all well used and tested here, so I can tell you if things will last and launder well. So keep visiting us here!!!
I received a wonderful e-mail from "Emma's" new parents, she was adopted the day she was put on the floor. Her new name is Bailey and she has a brother named Raider.
The humane society does give out my info when asked and the e-mails I receive from the new owners are what make my day and keep me going.
To know they are loved and safe makes my heart smile and all the work worthwhile!!!
You won't hear from me till next week, I transport this Thursday.
My thoughts are with those of you at Artfest, I am so sad I'm not there and that I will miss seeing you, but as always these guys come first!!
Till next week...
P.S. do you think my pictures are too big? Should I make them smaller?
