HAPPY NEW YEAR!

** Monday, December 31st, 2012 **

2013 ... the New Year ... is just around the corner!  

 

Are you ready for it? Well, ready or not ... here it comes!   

 

I want to be one of the first to wish you a very Happy New Year! 



As I reflect back on 2012, I was so busy being a dog and living my life, I wasn't as good at keeping up and sharing my journey with all of you.  My deepest apologies ...

2012 Recap:

* Jewel retired, so that was more time she had to spend with ME ... OK, all of us!

* I continued on with acupuncture and decided to skip the swimming (since that wasn't my favorite).

* I celebrated Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Earth Day (by digging a hole for Jewel to plant a tree)  ... and Cinco de Mayo (without the tequila).

* On June 5th, I went on my second trip to visit my favorite kinders at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic School.  Awwww ... kids and ice cream!

* On the first day of summer, I reached my goal weight of 81.5 pounds ... coincidence?  NOPE, it was hard work and determination!

*  We found that there was no surgery that could fix my funky gait, but who cares?  Not me! 

*  We will all remember Miss Valentine and the joy she brought to so many!  Rest in Peace my favorite feathered friend!


I don't remember ever being able to do so much before I was rescued, so I got carried away! Who wouldn't ... life is wonderful!

So, here is the blast from the past ... where we left off!

I spent the summer cleaning up after Jewel. She would throw out strawberries and other fruit into the yard. So .... being the good girl I am I would eat them .... Ooops, I guess they were for the birds. Well, I like strawberries too!

I also decided that I like the couch, and I can get up on the couch all by myself!

 

I can make it up the stairs from the field with just a little bit of help!  That means I go out to the field with all the dogs and walk with them every day! 

 

And do dog things ... smell the air, dig in the dirt, enjoy the world, and hang out with my best friends.

 

I can actually run (and I run fast) up the hill in the field.  Especially when I get in on the "play date's" with Ollie and one of the foster dogs and join in on the fun .... except I think I still bull doze them alittle bit!

And the best part?  Well, Jewel told me that "I am HOME and I will be here forever!" I am a real member of her pack!  What a lucky dog! 

And at the end of every day, I settle down with my family for a good night's sleep so we can start all over in the morning!

My New Year's resolutions for 2013 are to:

1.  Keep my weight down  (since I made my goal of losing over 56 pounds)
2.  Get plenty of exercise  (it's good for the mind and the body)
3.  Eat right (it's good for the soul)
4.  Be the dog that Jewel and all my fans think I am ('cuz no one let this good dog down!)
5.  AND ...

Wake up every morning

with the thought that something wonderful

is about to happen!

'Cuz I do and it does ...

I remember August 6th, 2011, the day when I sniffed the air at the shelter and knew that everything was about to change! 

And look at me now ... a family of my own!

Happy New Year to all my fans, friends, and family!  May you all be as blessed as I am!

Tail Wags, Sloppy kisses, and All My Love,

~Summer

See you in 2013!

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Monday, December 24th, 2012

 

Merry Christmas to all of my fans!

 



 

The gift of love.

The gift of peace.

The gift of happiness.

 

May all these be yours at Christmas and throughout the New Year!

 

 

Love,

Summer

YUP, still get the "got chicken" face :)

 

 

(With the hustle of the holidays, I'll be sending an update to celebrate the New Year ~ I can hardly wait to fill you in on my FANTASTIC life!)

 

 

 

 

Remember Ms. Valentine ... RIP

~ Ms. Valentine ~

February 14, 2011 (Day one of Rescue) - September 13, 2012

 

Rest in Peace our sweet girl! You were one survivor and amazing turkey...

Before and PRICELESS!



February 2011

 

June 2012 - "I am a diva and I do have Attitude - I am turkey and I am proud!"

 

When I first arrived at "Foster" Farms retreat, I met Ms. Valentine, a very special rescue, just like me, except she was a turkey.  It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Ms. Valentine, the beautiful white turkey girl, has passed after a long 3 week battle to stay alive.
 
I will miss her turkey conversations with everyone who would listen and her special songs when she got her treats.  Oh, and when in a dog kennel riding in the car, she would bark like a dog.  Yup, pretty amazing!  Most of all I will miss the morning "turkey walk."  When Jewel would go to feed Ms. Valentine and the barn kitties, I would sneak (yes, I can do that now ... kinda ... it was more of a bull dozer ... "Jewel, I'm coming too!")  We shared so much together.  I still wait at the door, just in case.

A lot of my fans know that Ms. Valentine came from a "horrific" hoarding case as the only surviving turkey (all the turkeys in her pen were dead), along with dogs and if I remember correctly cats.  She was emaciated, dehydrated and naked.  She was a survivor.  Folks thought she lived by eating her feathers to stay alive until the "rescue train" came with food and people to help.

She was going to live at a sanctuary and had to be tested for "turkey stuff" prior to "crossing state lines."  Well, wouldn't you know, her blood test showed positive for exposure to salmonella (and the only way they could tell if she was a carrier or just exposed was to euthanize her and run more tests).  REALLY? 

Well, Ms. Valentine was put under quarantine at Jewel's "Foster Farm" Retreat and was given the right to live IF under NO circumstances she would be around other poultry.  Well, no other poultry here ... just us, canine and feline family.  So, very quickly I could see that she stole Jewel's heart and everyone else that she met.  She loved attention, petting, preening and would have a lot to say to anyone who would listen (did I already mention that?) 

She loved to eat (just like me) especially corn on the cob and raspberries.  When she would get her corn, she would sing her "corn song," (even I thought it was pretty cute, even though she wouldn't share her corn with me).  She got so healthy so would lay eggs ... one every other day for a long time. 

 

Fall of 2011

Three weeks ago she stopped eating and Jewel had to entice her with special things like watermelon and worms (ICK!) ... her crop became engorged with fluid.  The girls learned it was a condition for which there was no cure.  She fought for a long time but today she crossed the rainbow bridge with so many others where she could be healthy once more. 

She was such a character and a delightful personality who will never be forgotten.  And most of all - she was loved!  Remember Valentine ... she was one of a kind.

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

I DID IT!

**Monday, June 18, 2012**

Hello FANS!  On August 15th, 2011, I left the vet's to start my journey with Jewel and everyone who believed in me at 127 pounds.  Dr. B. and the girls figured that when I was originally rescued that I probably weighted 137 pounds or more. 

On Monday, June 18th, 2012, just 10 months later, I have reached my goal weight and tipping the scale at a slim, trim and healthy 81.5 pounds!  I have lost at least 56 pounds!  I am "looking GREAT" if I don't say so myself.

Jewel, Mercy and I celebrated with a plain hamburger and I even got the bun!  Now that was a real treat and I know that I won't be "dining" on those very often (so I can keep my healthy weight and lifestyle), but boy, was that yummy!

August 2011 - Before

June 2012 - Now :)

Just wanted to share the GREAT news with you!  Remember, be healthy, eat healthy, and live every day to the fullest!

I'll be in touch soon!

~ Summer

BTW - The first day of Summer is June 20th!

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

REUNION TIME!

**June 5th, 2012**


Hello World, all of my fans and my favorite kinders! 

Today Jewel asked me if I wanted to go for a car ride and see some very special kids ... You don't have to ask me twice if "I want to go" and "see kids."  I could feel a sense of a big surprise and I knew I was going to be part of it!

If you remember last fall on November 4th, 7 months ago almost to the day, I got to meet Pat Mill's and her very special kindergarteners at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic School.  The class participates in "Care for God's Creation," an all-year social justice project. Every Friday is Quarter Day! and the students bring in a quarter for a charity that benefits homeless animals and they were helping ME!!!  When I saw them last year I couldn't hardly walk ... well, fans ... things have changed ...

So, it was going to be a surprise for the kids.  They were going to go to the park and see the ice cream man (whoa, did you say ice cream?) and then I was going to show up.  Pat says the kids ask about me all the time.  Now how exciting is that?  Brooke showed up and off we went.

We finally got to the park where the kids were playing and having ice cream. I couldn't wait to see them  ... OK, they were a long way off, so I had to stop and rest for just a moment. 

Well, the kids saw me and it was a sea of kids running toward me and I was surrounded with kids and ICE CREAM!

Jewel even made an exception and the kinders got to give me treats (little pieces of milk bones, even though I was hoping for ICE CREAM).  I was in heaven!  After lots and lots of pets and doggy kisses, Jewel gave the kids an update on my progress.  They couldn't believe how "slim" I am and how I can walk.  Jewel told them that I may never be a normal dog, and that over 5 doctors have looked at the x-rays and examined me and that there is no surgery that will fix me and that I am not in pain.  They are amazed I have come so far ... losing over 50 pounds and now walking over 1/2 mile every day to the creek and back ... in just 10 months!  And that I couldn't have done it without them and the love of so many others!

The kids presented me with more quarters to help with my medical bills and also a folder of drawings and special words just TO ME from each of them.  I couldn't figure out why the girls had tears in their eyes, but it was tears of JOY!

And then before we knew it, the kids had to go and they were on their way back to school.  I could have hung out with them all day!  I didn't want them to go!  I'm hoping their first grade teacher next year will let me come and visit them!

After they were out sight and safely on their way, I caught the scent of FOOD, so I stopped to sniff and caught up with one of Jewel's other dogs. Chloe ... (watch me go in the video below)...

And then it was time to go, back to the car, and to my new life with Jewel and the rest of her pack.  What a special day!  And don't you know, my last weigh in I was a SLIM 84 pounds!  

What a lucky dog I am ... I love my life and everyone in it! 

Until we meet again (soon),

~ Summer

CELEBRATE ... Dance to the music!

** May 5th, 2012 **

Today is full of celebration ... It is weigh-in day, an update on my visit to the vet and also ...
Happy Cinco De Mayo*!

Just wanted to check in with all my fans and bring you up to speed on ME!

The other day Mercy left her car door open (and I just love car rides, don't you know) so I decided to go with Mercy (where ever she was going).  I loaded myself right up and went to Mercy's house and explored more new territory.  Then I loaded myself back in the car to go home.  I got back just in time to go with Jewel to do chores and feed Ms. Valentine and the barn kitties and sniff around some more.  I remember when I was rescued and it took 4 people to load me into the car.  I have come a long way baby!

I had my appointment at the vet to diagnose my mobility issues.  I may be mobile but I have a funky gait and still go down if I am not centered.  We had to wait until I lost enough weight in case I needed to have surgery.

They "knocked me out" and took x-rays of my spine, knees, and hips and physically manipulated my knees.  I'm pretty sure I'm glad I was out during this 'cuz it was probably pretty uncomfortable.  

It looks like I tore both of my knees at some point and they have healed.  I also have spondylosis of the spine and severe arthritis.  I also have a minor case of inverted eyelids, I can hardly pronounce the word, let alone spell it. And are you kidding me ... I am on my 6th or 7th UTI.  

The good news is that there is nothing that can be corrected with surgery and the vet told the girls that I don't act like a dog in pain.  So I'm on my weight loss plan to loose another 5 pounds and get lots of exercise.  Every pound I lose and every step I take (and every hole I dig) makes me stronger and more mobile.  Everyone gets a special smile when they watch me walking, sniffing, and running with the other dogs and being a "real" dog at last!  I may not ever be a normal dog, but I am a HAPPY one!

Oh, this was the first weigh-in that I didn't loose any weight but that is ok.  It was a rainy, rainy week and I prefered to hang on the couch where it was warm and dry!  I keep reminding the girls that I've accomplished so much in 8 1/2 months and it's always hardest to lose those last few pounds!

I'm off to celebrate lots of things! 

Until next time,

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

* Cinco de Mayo Trivia - Did you know that it's really an American tradition and few places in Mexico celebrate the day, but it is based on the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when outnumbered Mexican forces defeated the invading French Army.  And 2012 is the 150th anniversary of the victory!

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

**April 22nd, 2012**

Spring is in the air and it is Earth Day today!  So embrace the day and take time to look around, breath our air in a little deeper and hug our trees a little tighter.  Celebrate with me and pledge to do your best to protect the incredible offerings that nature unfailingly provides us. 

What are your plans to celebrate Earth Day?

Well, I won't dilly dally, 'cuz I am going to hang out side and just enjoy the wonders of spring time! 

The big news is that yesterday was the "every other week weigh in" (drum roll... marching band) .... can you say 87 pounds???? 

Yes!  That is almost 50 pounds in 8 months!  Two more pounds to my get to my target weight and then to the doctor to start tests on "what's going on" with my back legs.  More coming on that soon!

Acouple weeks ago, I was hanging out in the field with Jewel and some of my buddies and Brooke showed up with her two.  I was very excited to meet them and just look at me go!  Boy, those are 2 handsome dudes!

Our conversation went something like this:

Summer - Hey dude, you have a strange looking shirt on.  What's up with that?

Bentley - Oh girl friend, you should check it out, it's awesome!  I get really nervous when I ride in the car or hear thunder, gun shots, fireworks ... the list is BIG and this makes me more comfortable!  My favorite Auntie's got this for me.  We are lucky, lucky dogs!

Summer - You got it .... we are soooooooooooo lucky!

We had a great visit and I was sad to see them go, but I know they will be back soon.

Well, it's my time to help out with Earth Day and do what I love to do - dig in the dirt!!!!  I am helping one of my buddy's dig for .... hmmmmmm, what are we digging for?  I'm not sure, but it is so fun!  And I have it down pat ... I can lay on the ground and dig, dig, dig with my front legs and really make some progress ... Boy, it's a work out too!

I think I'll dig a hole in honor of Earth Day so that Jewel can plant a tree!  What a great idea!

Off and moving to start my project!

~ Summer


If you are getting this by email, please go to www.summersfans.blogspot.com so that you can watch the video!

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

"LUCK OF THE IRISH ..."

March 2012

Well, well, well!  Where does the time go?  Let's catch up!

It was my intent to wish everyone a very happy St. Patrick's Day, however that got postponed since a good dog buddy of mine had to go to pet emergency.  He is just fine, his mom is "embarrassed" and the pocket book is lighter.  But always better to be safe than sorry.

So Happy St. Patty's Day!  Did you know that everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  Why?  Because the Irish never get old.  Everyone looks for the pub or parade they can lose themselves in and toss their inhibitions to the wind with the Irish saying:  "Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening and live every day as if it were your last."  Of course, the pot of gold and 4 leaf clovers are magical too!

Well ... on to me, I have been one busy young lady.  We tried (NO, the girls tried) one more visit to Joy to try the "swimming" thing again.  I was thrilled to see her, it had been a couple months ... and she was amazed to see me and how thin I am getting and how mobile.  She was so happy, she cried.  I think that's a good thing isn't it?

But I wasn't thrilled to see the tank and knowing what was coming next.  Well I made it through the session and we agreed to give hydrotherapy up for awhile and take a break from  acupuncture for a while too since I am getting so much exercise in the field with the other dogs.  But Harmony just can't resist my beautiful loving face and I can't resist treats!!!

We are waiting until we get down to my target weight or close to it to go to the doctor to find out what is going on with the back end .... is it my knees, arthritis, an old injury or something neurological or a combination?  The scale is promising ... let's just say I'll let you in on the most current weight in a few days! 

But I bet you can tell which way its going as you watch me on the video at my last visit to see Harmony awhile ago.

If you are getting this by email, please go to www.summersfans.blogspot.com so that you can watch the video!

See ya soon!

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

February 14th, 2012

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.

All you need is love!

We have so much to celebrate ... so click on the arrow above and sing along with me! 

I'm hoping for lots of roses, chocolates, strawberries, red wine and don't forget the diamonds ... (OK, maybe a plain hamburger without the bun?) Most of all, I'm wishing for all my fans to be my special valentine! 

Speaking of Valentines, we went to feed Ms. Valentine the other day and I decided that I needed a rest before going in to see her, so I plopped down for "just a moment."  So Jewel went in to start the routine thinking I would get up and follow her in ... well, something got my attention ... and when Jewel came out, I had made it across the field (stopping to rest a couple of times of course) and was heading down the hill outside the pasture exploring new territory.  (Thus the comment last time about me needing some "training.")  Who me? 

Then of course we went to acupuncture and what feels like a doggie massage (aka manual chiropractic manipulation) with Harmony.  I got lots and lots of special attention by all the people who had appointments there too.  (It doesn't hurt that I am so darn cute and irresistible!) 

And then of course, guess how much I weighed last weekend ... Go ahead, guess ...

Yup, a SWEET 95 pounds. 

Now that calls for a celebration!  Maybe I can get Jewel and Brooke to take me for a special Valentine's treat after we go to see Harmony this afternoon.  What a way to spend Valentine's Day ... getting acupuncture and lots of attention ... things could be a lot worse!


So what do you have planned for this special day?  I would love to hear from you ... your comments, reactions below and "like" on facebook.  www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Summers-Journey/107593476020209

Sending each of you lots of sloppy kisses this Valentine's Day!

~ Summer

"People come and people go,

In and out of your life and so,

When one shines bright among the rest,

And is there when needed, you're truly blessed.

That is how I see you, friends of mine,

And why I'm sending this Valentine."

By Karl Fuchs

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

 

NEW YEAR and NEW PROGRESS!

February 4th, 2012

Fans ... I'm back!  Let's get right down to business and the news of the New Year!  Last time, I know the girls and I were hoping for a lighter end to 2011 - WELL .... I did it .... In early January I weighed 99.6 pounds (under 100) and last Saturday, January 28th, I weighed 97.2 !!!!  The girls say I only have 12 more pounds to go ... who would have ever thought that would have been possible 6 months ago?  I'm singing my own version of "I believe in miracles" .... and I'm getting to be such a sexy thing, don't ya know!

Time has just been flying by and I have been one busy girl.  Now that Jewel is retired, I have a full time job following her everywhere! 

It's an uphill battle, literally!  Every morning we (Jewel, me and the other dogs) go up the hill to feed the barn cats and it is my mission to check the entire barn for them.  Then, further up the hill we go to see Ms. Valentine (the rescue turkey) and feed her.  I really like Ms. Valentine and as you know, we have so much in common and she likes to talk to me!

Now that I am "lighter" I am also more determined.  Jewel said I should clarify that I am not totally mobile and that Mercy and her still help me with the harness.  But we really move with their minimal support and I am definitely giving them their exercise.  I can still get around on my own, but I still need to lay down and rest before "hoisting" myself up.

I'm hearing from the grapevine that I am also in the need of some "doggie manners," since I am no longer content just to hang out and wait for things to happen.  I go where I want when I want.  If the other dogs let themselves in the house, and I too, "go thump thump ... BUMP!" in and out the door!  Yes, Independence!

We are still going to acupuncture with Harmony and I think it is really helping me to be so mobile.  Last time, she checked my reflexes which looked promising and everyone thinks that I may still have problems with my knees, arthritis, an old injury or something neurological or a combination.  Only time will tell, and I'm seeing more tests in my future.

And the really good news is (knock on wood....) NO more bladder infections, the expensive medication finally got that nasty bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli) - Yahoo! 

We're off to see Harmony again on Tuesday, so I'll be updating everyone and get back to my blogging!  Oh my, that's a full moon but that always brings me good luck!

Gotta go for now, off to see what everyone is barking at ... up close and personal ... instead of laying and listening .... now doesn't that just put a smile on your face?  I know it does mine!

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved