#foxhaven

I have so very much enjoyed this litter of Reason x Rose puppies. Starting with health tested and sound parents with good temperaments and proven performance, gave us the ‘nature quotient’ necessary to be good stewards of the breed. We followed the Collie Club of America Code of Ethics, that is designed to ensure stewardship, welfare of the individual dog for the life of the dog, mentorship, and continued improvement of the breed.

I am thankful to my mentor, Shelley Bergstraser of Wild Wind Collies. Her dogs are well known for their soundness and intelligence. They excel not only only as beloved family pets, but in whatever endeavor the family chooses to pursue with their beloved companion, be it herding, agility, obedience or conformation. We strive to match puppies with the family’s experience and expectations to the puppy’s personality and potential. The breeders, my husband and I, stand behind the puppy/dog for its entire life and offer needed support to the forever family.

These puppies have been nurtured, as readers are aware, through Puppy Culture protocols seeking to enhance and enrich the critical socialization in a puppy up to 12 weeks.  Timely ‘lessons’ and experiences are based on the puppies development markers, which may vary from puppy to puppy. The program has helped us learn to closely watch the puppies and allow them to take the lead showing us what they need & when. I believe strongly that we have raised puppies who “enrichment seekers” and are ready to thrive!

The puppies love affair with their forever families begins in the next several days. It is bittersweet for me. I cry happy and grateful tears knowing that I have done all I can to raise sound, curious and loving puppies who will bless their families for many many years. My heart is full and these precious ones will reside in sweet memory and fond hopes there forever. I am always here for you, my darlings. Go, now, with joy, puppy kisses and tail wags (and nice PC “manding”) into the world.  In each whisper of “I love you” from your family, know it echoes in my heart.

The challenges of covid have not personally impacted our everyday life on the ranch much. That said, our hearts feel daily angst, deep sadness and real concern for our family, friends and the global community. Yet, I hold onto the belief that in every crisis is an opportunity. I pray that we come out of these times kinder, wiser, more forgiving and more hopeful. Even as I say this, I know that it may ring hollow to those who have lost so very much. This shadows even the most optimistic views.

Yet, I have this moment and this summer and I am grateful. There are many reasons for hope at Foxhaven. Our elevated beds grow sweet basil, peas, cucumbers, greens, peppers and tomatoes. Our flower baskets and pots bloom gloriously. Yet, despite all the prep and expense for zoned on the lower half of our front yard for a wild flower meadow, it failed. The weeds came back and the weather turned hot and dry. I think I will try more raised beds with mulch and cobblestone/gravel walkways there next spring/summer. Live and learn. Maybe I can make green spring from dry ground. Those who plant seeds, believe in miracles.

In a twist of fate, just as we were signing up Legend, our little big man miniature stallion, for some therapy visit at our small town’s assisted living he had a very serious accident. Somehow, probably “horse play” with Jaimie, he got kicked causing a subluxation of his hock, a puncture wound and broken splint bone. Of the three injuries the latter is the least serious surprisingly. Our farm vet, Deanna Jordan, was quick to respond on an emergency call. After a thorough exam and cleaning of the wound it was suggested we go to Littleton Equine Hospital. As worrisome as the three hour trailer ride was to us, it had to be done. There he was xrayed and underwent surgery to thoroughly clean his wound, remove the splintered bone and cast his leg. 

Once home, Legend went downhill quickly despite our 24/7 care. His pain was evident and his gut sounds, as well as fecal production decreased. Unbeknownst to us, a serious side effect to both surgery and orthopedic pain is cecal impaction. The cecum is a one way fermentation vat, somewhat similar to our appendix. Once ‘clogged’, a horse can be well one moment and dead the next. Needless, to say our vet was called again and he went to her clinic. Dr. Deanna Jordan gave him the 24 hour care he needed to not only recover but survive. IV fluid, tubing, special care and pain management, as well as a nearby stall mate, Dolly, and a friendship with Deanna’s dog, Walker, saved our little big man. 

After two weeks in Dr. Jordan’s care, he is home. The whole herd, humans included, are relieved. He is sporting a custom splint and will have several months of stall rest. He still has some battles to conquer and challenges to overcome. He has the heart to do it! And all the love our hearts can hold. Welcome home, Legend.

(Watch for another wonder-filled post about new life at Foxhaven.)

The month of March has been both telling and tiring to my soul. We started our month unexpectedly losing our little white dog, Tundra. She was a happy little mite, tail always up and wagging, unassuming and eager to please. We are guessing she was nearly 14 years old, but we’d have thought (and hoped) she’d live forever. Then came the crushing reality of the covid19 virus.

Spring is supposed to bring the kiss of hope. The rains came, the fields blushed green & the birds began to nest, the kiss of spring seemed fleeting and distant. I simply cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of the pain and suffering. I cannot fully grasp the stark reality facing so many, nor the heroic efforts made daily by the “helpers” and essential workers across our globe. It was easy to fall into a blur of dismay, uncertainty, grief and anger. It became something to resist, as well, not only to survive but to redeem by trying to make some sense of it in our lives, and in mine. I saw our little town turn inward, shut down. I saw our rural community resist by, on one hand, reaching out to help those who lost jobs with food vouchers, caravans featuring local musicians in truck beds & trailers drove through neighborhoods singing Peter, Paul and Mary tunes, little libraries turned to little food pantries and volunteers stepped up and out to help others less fortunate. On the other hand, folks polarized through speculation, doubt and woe. I suppose both are natural reactions, as is waffling between the two extremes. Grief is like that and each of us process it in our way.

It has been said that these past few months is like a Greek tragedy playing out in real time. Others, indigenous to this land and wise to suffering, offer prayer and dance, as a way of healing and a powerful symbol of solidarity for ALL people. We are also seeing first hand of our natural world healing in the midst of slowed human activity, the pause of the pollution inherent in much of our modern-day activity, as well as evidence of the cumulative, sometimes latent, protective measures taken prior to the pandemic. I resonate with all these interpretations, and learn what I can from them.  I am grateful for Foxhaven farm, and the closeness I feel to our land and the rhythm of life here. It affords me peace and a place to think, live and thrive.

Living the rural lifestyle we do, not a lot has personally changed for us. I do feel the shifts in my heart, as well as concern, as we try to educate ourselves with fact, reason and compassion.  We help neighbors where we can, reach out to friends far and near, and help with the community little pantry. I try to choose the path of love and take guidance from a quote recently shared by a friend from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, known for his spiritual teaching and mindfulness:

“When we walk like we are rushing, we print anxiety and sorrow on earth. We have to walk in a way that we print peace and serenity on the earth. Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are the kissing the earth with your feet.”

It is a time of reset and reflection. I think we survive a crisis by learning from it. The deepest part of ourselves is revealed. We develop strength we didn’t know we had and compassion that sustains not only others, but ourselves. I pray I walk gently -- at least most of the time -- leaving gentle footprints of grace, gratitude and hope.

Wow, Sunday, March 8th is daylight savings time. I will be happy to have longer evenings. One sure sign of spring for us is spring shots and dental floats for our horses. Equine dental care is important to do annually to prevent sharp points from harming the inside of the cheek and gums, to help the bit fit more comfortably and, amazingly, a healthy well balanced mouth, impacts the horse gait and gut health.

Bill had all the horse in their stalls waiting for Dr. Jordan and Birgit. They were all calm throughout, even watching and interested in the ‘goings on’ in the neighboring stall. I was surprised they were all so calm; I know I am not when I go to the dentist. Of course, we had a supervisor, Rita, who purred throughout the procedures. Maybe that contributed to the calm. 

Another rite of spring, is deep cleaning. I have started on our fridge, freezer and pantry. Take everything out, sort, toss and clean. How do crumbs get in the bottom of the chest freezer?! Why did I bother to freeze 1/3 cup of gravy? Oh my, the things we discover. I rediscovered a cool serving platter! My husband asked me to label the drawers and containers; “what!?” I thought. I have always done categories, but this step may just be the magic I need for things to stay organized! We shall see.

I try to make spring cleaning fun by being mindful and grateful. I am grateful for the bounty we have in our pantry, and imagine my next homemade meal. I am grateful I discovered the platter that I am now displaying on my buffet. The platter was a gift from a dear friend now living in Europe. It blesses me with a little of her sunshine each time I see it now. Clearing and cleaning, I discovered, encompasses more than just things, but our sense of internal order. With that order, I find peace.

I am hoping my business, NEST, will expand this spring and summer. We have a number of loyal and regular clients, and we take pride in helping them maintain their vacation homes and vacation rentals. Our valley and surrounding mountains create a quaint refuge, unique in our busy world. Homes nestled here truly are an oasis with the most amazing vistas and kind small town folks. 

Check out visitcustercounty.com to see all the activities coming up this spring and summer. Everything from star parties to PRCA rodeo to car shows to Shakesphere theatre and more! 

This weekend we installed a doggy door. We’d hesitated since (1) I wasn’t sure I wanted to cut a hole in our back door and (2) since we have lots of wildlife, wanted to be cautious about letting them out. It was difficult to always know when they wanted outside and we did not always hear the bells on the door.

We can leave the dog door open when we want to, and closed when we do not, especially at night or when we are gone. They have a great area in our mudroom and hallway to hang out when we are not home. They are all velcro dogs and like to be where we are! Hey, they are companions, after all.

Freedom is key, too. They caught on immediately and love to zoom in & out at their leisure and according to their needs & whims. Easier, too, for us to let them out of their crates or off our bed, as the case may be, in the morning to zoom out and greet a new day. Carpe diem is the morning chant! 

I got to thinking about this freedom of choice and how essential it is to ALL of our well being. Domesticated animals or those no longer living in the wild are happiest and healthiest when they can practice (live) their natural behaviors. Temple Grandin’s work supports this theory and it is not isolated to farm animals and livestock. Our animal family, here at Foxhaven, are supported in this quest to thrive; however, balanced with the stewardship and protection that is our responsibility through the domestication of our animal friends and companion animals, whether our horses, donkey, duck, cats or dogs.

This means we are always learning ways to improve their lives and enhance understanding of each as both as an individual & as a distinct and beautiful species. One example is our decision to move to Westcliffe to have more space for our animal family, but for us as well. We desperately wanted to reconnect with the land and nature which sustains us. We are thriving, and I pray our animals are too.

We woke up to 6 inches of snow and had single digits overnight. Surrounding areas are getting more. We need the moisture and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range that surrounds us is a white out. 

With animals, we must be vigilant. Our routines and planning pay off big time in inclement weather. Bill was up a 4:30 a.m. letting horses out, cleaning stalls, checking that the waterers were working and plowing. Horses have plenty of feed all day thanks to our trickle feeders. The grass hay actually helps keep them warm and they have the option of shelter under the eaves of their barn or the open of the paddock or pasture. They also have heaters in their water troughs, which were filled the the brim with clean water this weekend (when we had 60 degree temperatures). This shift in temperatures is hard on animals. We feel that providing electrolytes and warm mash in the evenings helps too.

The duck have extra shavings in their coop and surrounds, as well as some meaty sunflower seeds and corn to help keep them warm. This morning they devoured some warm green peas and have plenty of fresh water that also has a bucket heater. No swimming today girls! We even retrieved one egg just after sunrise. It did not freeze and Bill had it for breakfast.

Kitties are snuggled into a self-heating cat bed in the barn, droopy eyed and purring away, tummies full of a bit of warmed cream and wet food.

Two more suet cakes were put in the bird feeders last night in preparation for the storm. The birds, particularly the scrub jays and juncos, flock to it.

Dogs are lounging around me now as I type, but came out briefly to do their business and run about in the snow. After about 5 minutes, paws were being lifted and it was time to come in. Beau, my quintessential farm dog, followed me about while I did the farm chores. 

It seems the theme of the day is eggs. Earlier I posted about the not so empty bluebird nest I discovered. Later this morning I found our first duck egg! It has been quite cold here and with all our construction, the ducks have been stressed. But this morning I found a single egg tucked in the shavings of their nighttime coop.

I wonder who laid it?! My guess is one of the Welsh, Skye or Little Mary. I think it would have been a fairy egg if it had been our younger Khaki Campbell ducks, Kate or Meghan.