A Cowdogs Advice

Grip up, America!

Holidays

Let Heaven and Nature Sing!

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Please enjoy this post from Ladysmith, in memory of past Christmas blessings.

 

 

This is the best season, in spite of the cold and snow. We only had our first real snow this week, with only a couple light snows earlier that mostly melted, even up here. This will stay. And I notice it is a lot colder when I lay outside on the porch.

 

 

 

Regular readers will know we made cookies and went up on the mountain to save a tree that was ready to fall off the cliff.  It is now in the living room, had to move one of my beds to make room for it. Now it can live out its days as a beautiful tree of lights and celebration. Unlike the trees from a tree farm or lot in town, this one is wild and unruly. It was a rebellious one, daring to lean out over a loose rocky cliff. It’s long, rangy branches have never been sheared, with open spaces where the trunk shows, instead of bushy thick branches. It is not a perfect tree, but it is perfectly beautiful for our world.

I think it is like me, and a lot of cowdogs I know. Uncommon, unforgettable, but pretty good in our own way.

 

The best thing about the tree, is all the ornaments mom hangs on it. Sprout helped this year, and mom told him all about the many things they hung. There are horses and dogs, snowshoes, doves and boats, that all tell a story.                           

 

 

 

 

I see little brass engraved ones with pictures of Jess as a baby, and little frames of those who have gone on, family I have never met. Mom used to carefully festoon the entire tree with thin icicles, making it so beautiful, but the cats are known to pull off and eat them, then vomit them up and make a very un-Christmasy mess. So instead there are twisted tin ones that move and catch the light.                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course the Christmas tree was not present for the birth of Christ, but was a tradition started by 4th century German Lutherans. Because an evergreen doesn’t lose it’s needles in the cold winter months, they chose it to symbolize life everlasting and the re-birth of the spirit, with boughs pointing up toward heaven.

 

 

 

This is a season of baking, too, and I always try to help. I know I could herd cookies really well, if they would let me.  They did make small dog shaped cookies, maybe for me! It is mom’s secret recipe, but I think I detect cream cheese in there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They baked a big pile of Cowdog Cookies for me, too!  There are plenty and we give gifts to some of my friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the recipe so you can make them for a special Canine Christmas, New year’s eve, or anytime!  https://cowdogsadvice.com/2020/11/ladysmiths-bowser-biscuits/

 

 

 

 

Sprout and I mixed peanut butter cookies too. He lets me help a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a dog of order and don’t like changes in my routine, still this hectic time of year is a joy.  I still remember a long time  ago, my first Christmas here, when I got my first present. It was a big sheepskin bone! Of course I destroyed it to get that pesky squeaker out! What a joy it was though, to get a present!  I get a new one every year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are plenty of dogs out there who have never had Christmas, and people, too. This time of year should be a reminder, and help us show generosity all year. Check out I heart dogs and Greater Good Charities; there are sure plenty of cowdogs in shelters that need you, too.

I will show kindness to the cats. They are impudent young things, but they are mine. See, I let Mopsy lay on my bed. Let us be Light.

A Cowdog’s Christmas List

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While I was savoring a little Thanksgiving turkey, it appears the world went crazy with competitive  shopping. I guess it really starts even earlier each year, with Christmas on the shelves before Halloween now.

It is a hectic time for sure – even an organized cowdog like me has a hard time keeping it all together and on schedule. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a snowstorm blow late on Turkey day. Then the temperature dropped like a hundred-pound snowball.

But we had a long and pleasant fall right up until then!

 

 

This is the time of lights and beautiful decorations. It is a time to light the advent candles weekly, and little boys find a chocolate treat in that calendar daily.

They will be helping us put up lights and anticipate setting up the Christmas train that will chug around the tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They remember going up the mountain, every December of their lives, to cut a fresh wild tree. They call them “bank trees,” because the boss always gets a tree that is leaning over the rocky banks, half the roots exposed, one that will not last too many winds or too many spring thaws. Like grandma, they believe the tree should end it’s life as a Christmas tree, not just fall ignominiously down the bank some stormy night. And so they save them with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments, then set them out later with all kinds of treats for the birds. 

 

So a wild, sometimes sparse bank tree will be decked out in lights and beauty here soon; I just hope the cats have sense enough to not mess with it as they’re running laps around the house! A little boy who is learning to read and write, will make lists this week for baking, and write a letter to Santa.

Tomorrow we start making cookies. Sprout is good at mixing and has always let me help a lot.

 

 

 

 

Mom makes a lot of neat gifts, including an especially nice one that will honor any great dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For now, I bring you The Cowdog’s Christmas List.

 

  1. The world is so crazy and getting harder for so many to get by. Number one on my list is for all animals to be loved and cared for, to find a family of their own who loves them for life, and for the people whom they rescue – they need each other.

2. Food – I hope everyone has enough, and some special treats, too. I am glad to see the haystack, and the bags of grain, too. This year has been hard on wildlife, too. I see the turkey and deer come around a lot, looking for a bite. I worry about the animals in burned areas, and especially for the lost and alone dogs and cats on the streets. Lets help others eat.

 

3. Toys – this cowdog has a lot to do and is usually too busy to play much, but it is fun to get a new toy. I like the tough ones at https://www.mydogtoy.com/  but my favorite has always been a good big sheepskin bone!

 

4. I have a comfy place to sleep – I wish this for all dogs, especially those who have old bones that ache in the cold. 

5. Christmas cookies for all!

 

I guess my list is not of things I want or need – I have all I need. If we remember that the reason for this season is that God gave us the best gift of all – His Son – then we just need to copy that and give with love. I do that with Heeler smiles, kisses, barks, wiggles, laughs, stares. I sit on the boss’s feet so she isn’t lonely. I follow to the bathroom so she knows I’m on the job. I lay strategically so I can keep on eye on everything.

 

 

What is my Christmas List? It is just to give a gift of love and kindness to everyone I can. That may include helping make cookies that we give to some. And of course tolerating cat hair up my nose when I eat treats with their help. What kind of list can you make this season?

 

 

 

 

Relax – enjoy the season. Now I need to go help get up decorations, cut a tree, and bake cookies!

 

 

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” – Luke 2:10

A Manger, A Star, A Night Divine

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Away in a manger, no crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

 

As a cowdog, I know something about mangers. I have been in plenty of barns, with stalls for the horses and cows, most with some kind of manger in the back corner. The ones I know are usually built of wood, worn from years of use and livestock leaning against them. I’ve watched mom and dad throw in hay, usually in the early darkness of winter, then listened to the contented munching as the critters consume the fragrant dry grass.  They like the warm, dry shelter, instead of eating out in the snow. A few times, I’ve slept in the cool shade of a manger after a hot summer day chasing cows.

No one really sees them, they are just the inconsequential structure where hay is tossed. But when you need one, they sure are important. Even  the worst old barn has better shelter than outside. Personally, I hate the dark and cold, and don’t much care for snow  on my back and ice in my paws.

 

 

 

 

 

There must have been extreme relief and comfort in seeing the manger, for that couple long ago. Certainly not the place most would seek out for the birth of a special child. But a safe place of comfort. That welcomed shelter animals know.

Another old stable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What kind of peace did they find there?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is what we all need this season, this year. Shelter from the storm, and a little peace. Take time to find that this Christmas season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone, from this old cowdog, with a few photos of my Montana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is my hope every dog and cat has a warm home and loving family too. Please remember the shelter animals this Christmas and all year. They need a Christmas miracle more than most.

 

 

 

May the meaning of Christmas  – the special gift of a Savior that we all desperately need – rest in your heart and make  this night, Christmas Day, this season, your needed Peace. Jesus came for you!

 

Collars, Christmas Gifts, and Making Memories

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                                                                                                                                                                   This may contain affiliate links for which we are compensated

 

 

Every day is a little more magical, edging toward Christmas here. I have a great last-minute gift you can make yourself. Today I will teach you how to make a very special gift, perfect for everyone who has ever loved a dog; today is about collars and memories.

 

Now last week we made cookies with Sprout. I didn’t get many and hear they are to be given to others. We plan to make more and somewhere in there are some just for me!

 

I should get to sample the gingerbread, cream cheese, mincemeat, peppermint ones, too. probably not the chocolate cookies, though.

We got a couple of days of snow this week, too. It is not a winter wonderland yet, but as dry as it has been, every flake helps.

 

 

The winds have quieted and that is a relief. Last week, a downed power-line sparked a massive grass fire, that reached a small rural town north of here and burned down the big old grain elevator and a couple dozen homes. That little village can’t afford to lose so many houses I’m told, but of course one would be too many. It is sad, especially right before Christmas,  and we pray for all those people.

The Denton elevator destroyed by wildfire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is hard to make sense out of many events in this life. One of the hardest is why dogs may live to be old but still die too soon, always far too early for their beloved people. Maybe it is because there are so many good dogs out there that need homes, and a heartbroken human can rescue another one too. Maybe it because if we lived longer the parting would be so absolutely unbearable no one could survive it. I don’t know where that Rainbow Bridge is, but I know my people pause when they pass Dog Hill, and speak by name to those dogs and cats who are buried there; ” Hi Derby, Aurora, Ruger, Ruby, Piper, Billy Bob, Patches….” It is the same when we ride through the orchard where the horses rest:  ” Hi Star, Moons, Stormy, Doc…” Mom does not get through them all without tears, every one both a happy and sad memory.

 

 

 

 

Through the years, mom has always made gifts for others, and this one is the best. To remember a beloved dog, she frames pictures and verses about them in their own old collar! It is a memorable reminder that hangs on the wall.

 

Then the owner can still touch that collar they put on a hundred times, still finger the tags that used to jingle when a happy pup ran up to greet them. Of course, this would be a great gift to celebrate a new pup,  the adoption day, or even a cat, too. The cat collar would be smaller and all glitzy I suppose; I really don’t know because our cats don’t wear collars.

 

 

On the front, we put one or several photos of the pup. On the back, mom puts an encouraging verse and dates if she has them. And the old worn collar encircles it. Here’s how to make one.

 

 

List of supplies:

Piece of plywood, photos, paper, Mod Podge or other clear glue, collar. This is really all there is to it.

 

 

Instructions

 

  1. Pick out one or several good photos of the collars wearer. It can be one large portrait, or a collage of several small shots, and photo or heavy paper is best. Type or print your meaningful verse, dates, etc. on nice heavy paper for the back; mom burns the edges of the paper, or other decorative embellishments can be added when it is applied to the back.Remember, the heavier paper is  easier  to  keep smooth.

 

 

 

 

You can draw the circle size you are using onto a piece of paper, and use that to design your layout, front and back. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Using the collar as a template, estimate the size circle you need to cut. An easy way is to find a plate or jar the collar fits snugly around, and use that to trace out a circle on your wood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The wood can be any solid piece of plywood or board, about 3/4″ thick or close to the width of your collar, or a little narrower.  The back will be stained and exposed, so pick decent wood, don’t use particle board or OSB if you can avoid it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Cut out your circle using a jig saw. For a perfect circle, have a woodworker cut it for you. Craft stores may have pre-cut circles about the right size, but hardly ever are thick enough. Of course you can always tighten or loosen the collar to adjust it, but mom always likes to leave it the same as the wearer had it.

 

 

 

 

5. Lightly sand the edges of your circle. You can stain or paint the back.  This is not necessary but adds finish to the design. We do not stain the front but ensure the photos cover the entire surface on that side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Both sides can be sprayed with a clear poly varnish, or can be brushed with an initial coat of the Mod Podge. [a note on this: Mod Podge is a brand of clear glue for decoupage or permanently sealing paper items.   There are many other brands but this is most common in craft stores] 

You can get it here: https://amzn.to/3rQxZ2s

 

 

7. Figure out the layout you want by arranging photos, then trim them to fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply your photos and verses, one side at a time and let it dry, following the instructions of your sealing material. Generally, you will apply it to your wood circle, and to the back of the photo, stick it down, and brush over the front. This is repeated until all is glued to the circle, coated, sealed and smooth. At first, it looks white and wrinkly, like this. Smooth out any air bubbles while it is wet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. When dry, the collar is glued around the outside edge like a frame. It may be arrange so that the tags hand down and can have a ring at the top for hanging. Some collars won’t have  suitable hardware for a hanger; it is easy to just add a wire or picture hanger on the back.

9. If the collar is tight around the wooden circle, it may only need a little glue. If it doesn’t fit tightly, I’ve seen mom use a thick silicone type glue to attach it. Check  to  see  if  any  oozes  out  around  the  edge  and  clean  it  up  if  necessary.

 

 

You can add tags with a name if there isn’t one, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last step is to wrap and give the most meaningful gift a dog lover is likely to receive this Christmas or ever. Maybe it is a gift for yourself, a final happy memory to keep, or the first small collar to start a long happy lifetime.

Our walls are full of old collars surrounding smiling pups. And collars of happy memories.

 

Giving Thanks

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Get ahead of the crazy Black Friday frenzy and get a great gift for cowdog fans. Give thanks for Heeler Heart and Soul apparel and proclaim your greatest blessing – a Heeler! Grab it here :

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnythingForJess?ref=shop_sugg

 

 

Now this is the season when everyone thinks about all we have to be grateful for. This year, more than ever, perhaps we need to to look back with gratitude and recognition of what is important.

We had a severe drought this year, the pastures dried up, the creek was a trickle.

 

 

 

 

But we did not have a wildfire here, and we found enough hay for the winter. 

 

We’ve had truck troubles, health troubles, fencing troubles and the neighbors cows. But we can fix things, get things fixed, even share a little hay with the errant cows.

We are still here and we can work, laugh, go outside and look with wonder on the beauty of the mountains. It is still dry, but we had a little snow this week.

 

 

We can still pray.

 

I hear about the crazy way this country is tipping, thanks to misguided leadership, and I wonder what kind of America little Sprout and his baby brother will have.

 

But I know God is still in control.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is coming next week, a chance to get together and reaffirm all that is good and right. It is a great day for everyone, except maybe turkeys. But here, the wild turkeys still come around, unaware that a cousin of theirs will be guest at dinner next Thursday – and not in a good way.

 

Regular visitors here, but not on the Thanksgiving table!

 

 

Even a humble cowdog such as myself has a lot to be grateful for. I had rough times early; nobody knows but me, and I still remember the fear, poor treatment, lost and alone,  months in the shelter. But that has faded in memory, as time has replaced it with years of happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a job I have done well, and contributed to the ranch.

I joined a long line of honored Heelers in this place of kindness.

 

The great Ruger

 

Oh, I did bring trouble with me from those tough early times. I ate couches, doors, and broke out a window. One time I bit a guy; he jumped in the truck and shoved me over. I was not going to let him hurt my dad, although it turned out he was only getting in for a ride!

 

That was long ago, and I am happy to say that, in spite of that, I’m still here and have  been in my forever home for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a good time to reflect on my many blessings, so I will share some on my Gratitude List:

 

I am grateful I am a strong Heeler, who could survive.

I am grateful one kind lady at the shelter saw something worthwhile in me, when no one else did, and saved me from execution, in order for me to reach my home here.

I give thanks that, even though their hearts were broken from losing another cowdog named Ruger, Dad and Mom still knew another dog needed them – ME! And they needed me.

I am grateful that all these years, my family has helped me overcome my worries and quirks, been patient and forgiving, and never given up on me. They give kindness, so I do too.

I give thanks I live in the country, on a nice foothills ranch with a creek to explore, a four-wheeler to ride, and cows and horses that sometimes need a good cowdog behind them.

 

 

 

 

I am grateful I get good food with fresh meat and other things mom says keeps me healthy.  I always have fresh water. I have many soft and warm places to sleep, I have nice wide porches to lay on and watch my world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the truck  I ride in with dad.

 

 

 

 

 

I try to count the cats among my blessings, but at times they try my patience, and are impossible to herd!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am grateful I have someone to play with me, compliment me, encourage me, reassure me, and reminisce about our years together, and tell me the stories of how I rescued them.

I am a simple cowdog, but it is my hope everybody has a long Gratitude List. Blessings come from God, and the old, the young, the downtrodden – everyone – desperately needs them.

Finally, I am blessed to have you follow my story.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and be sure to share some turkey and sweet spuds with your favorite cowdog!