These girls were headed for the shelter, no doubt. Their previous home was, at best, unhappy.

Because Keisha was the favored dog in the family, Buffy bore the brunt of mistreatment and getting pregnant only intensified her dismal situation. When her family moved to a new home, Buffy was soon chained up as a result of neighbors complaining about her. Then it was discovered she was pregnant and she fell into further disfavor.

She was brought into the garage a couple of days before delivering the puppies (delivered 01 May 1998) and as soon as the pups were actively moving around, the entire family was relegated to the back yard and Buffy was chained up again. Buffy was going to the shelter as soon as her pups were weaned, and the pups with her if they couldn't be "gotten rid of". (Shudder)

After much soul searching and praying and sore ankles from jumping between "Yes! :D I'll take them!" and "No! :( I can't possibly take them!", the decision was finally -much to the relief of everyone involved- made. ;D

I've never regretted the decision. Oh, yes! To be sure there have been plenty of times I've heard me saying "My God! What were you thinking?!" LOL

Can you tell this "den" was built by someone who had absolutely no clue about canines?! :D

All my efforts were pretty much destroyed before sundown the first day! :D All the fencing materials were removed, giving The Girls an 8' x 10' covered area. The blankets, meant to provide a dry sleeping area, proved to be a treat for puppy Billie's need to put everything in her mouth. She learned how to strip duct tape really fast! The blankets were drug into the yard and ignored.

The runway to the back yard opened to what I considered a "huge" (7,000 sq. ft) playground they'd be thrilled to stay in!

(Isn't that just like a human?!)

I was determined that I would not have dogs if I could not keep them safe; and that (to me) meant fencing them in. Through much groveling and begging, the funds to purchase the materials required to build a fence around the place came and the manual labor began in heat of early June 1998.

Of course it didn't work out exactly as planned! Buffy took being confined for all of one week and then began digging her way under the fence and taking her daughter with her for romps in the woods!

It only took a week before *pop* and yet another fantasy bubble bit the dust. I wandered around the fence, filling in holes Buffy had dug to escape, wondering how I could have let my mind ever grab onto that idea as being anywhere near rational. I could almost hear Buffy saying "Oh sure, mom, we'd just be tickled pink to stay confined to a lousy 7,000 square foot yard for the next couple of decades!"

Then Billie learned her long legs would take her over the 4' high fence and promptly taught her mom how to do it!

The joy and blessings I've received from these two cherished fur kids is beyond measure and so incredibly difficult to put into mere words. Together they have shown their loyalty a hundred fold and actually saved my life, twice! My only hope is that I can be as good as they think I am.

Buffy and Billie arrived at Thisildo Realm 20 June 1998. Buffy (b. 24 May 1997) was just over a year old; Billie (b. 01 May 1998) was only seven weeks old. Thisildo Realm is Buffy's third (and forever!) home and Billie's second (and forever!) home and it's with an Alpha (er... ah... that would be me?!) who'd never been responsible for a dog before. We've all learned a lot about each other!

Funny how time seems to flow differently when you're living with the wolves -especially when you're outdoors with them. Oh yes indeedy, each and every dog -be it a wee little Chihuahua or massive St. Bernard - has the way of the wolf about them. Look into their eyes; watch them run; feel their excitement, anxiety, joy, fear as you listen to them sniffing the air currents and dashing off to follow a scent... yep, there's a wolf in that fur kid. No doubt.

When I'm walking in the woods with the girls is when their heritage shows through. Sometimes I wonder if there's some rabbit in them -their noses are always twitching! They stop suddenly and gaze off into the tangle of trees, their bodies tense with the moment, their noses tasting the air to determine if it's friend or foe. Their thinking processes are amazing! Their determination, fierce.

In just three short years, I've learned a lifetime of living through the eyes of my girls. They taught me about absolute trust, unconditional love, and unwavering loyalty in the face of all odds. They've given me the Life With Buffy & Billie Adventure!

Introducing...Bailey!

Isn't he just the sweetest little pupper you ever saw?! <vbg>

Chilady send a delightful note with Bailey ~

"Well, Bailey finally woke up & when I told him he was going to a new home where he'd have lots of friends to play with, he got really excited...so much so that he didn't mind his morning bath. *vbs*"

27 January 2002

Bailey arrived at The Realm this morning and we're so thrilled to have him with us!

Billie and Buffy are delighted to have another buddy to play with! Billie towers over him but is really gentle with him, Buffy can't seem to make up her mind if she wants to play with him or just *stop* him! He's a very active puppers!

The purrbies, however, are not so easily impressed!

;o)

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