National DOG Day

I miss having a dog for company, someone to hug, someone to talk to and yes, make me get up and walk him/her.  Since there isn't a companion here to share a photo of now, will share pictures of my departed fur babies from the past.

This is Shumba, our first Rottweiler pup at about 8 weeks.  We purchased her from a local breeder who also shows their dogs.  Her chew toy is almost as big as she is.

And here she is about 2 years old and a mother of 8.  We had her hips OFA certified to ensure healthy pups and to show potential buyers the k-9 parents' hips were certified.  Our intentions were to breed her once and have her neutered.  We were not going to ruin her health by over breeding.

Shumba was a fantastic mother.  Bruce built her a whelping pen and it was in our living room so we could watch over the group.  No way did mom want that.  She wanted to care for her brood in the basement out of the prying eyes of others.  So we made a place for her down there.

We sold 7 pups and kept one, a boy named Panzer.  He was a silly, funny dog who made me laugh all the time.  When loose in the park area behind the ball field if there was no ball to play with and they got tired chasing one another Panzer would pluck a wild flower and tease his mother with it.  Once his endeavor got him a bee sting on the nose....poor baby.

After Shumba passed we adopted Shadow from a local vet.  She was supposed to be half pure bred Rottie and pure bred German Shepherd.  Here is Shadow at 10 weeks ~ she sure looks like a Rottie doesn't she?

Then she grew up, 😏 and her behavior was 100% German Shepherd.  Her behavior changed faster than her appearance which was that of a Shepherd.

We had both Panzer and Shadow together.  As rotties are more relaxed than hyperactive  Shepherds, the elder Panzer had no patience for Shadow.  After my precious Panzer died it was me and Shadow.

Shadow was a loving dog and full of energy which Shepherds are known for.  Sadly I lost her too and she is also missed.

One day I received a phone call from the same vet from whom we adopted Shadow, asking if I was still looking for a Rottie.  Heck yeah!!!!!  In comes my boy Ben.  He was 6 years 7 months old when I adopted him.

Ben was a very affectionate and protective dog.  He was my warning system whenever anyone came into the yard.  He loved my grandson too and let folks know if they were being too rough with him or me.  Ben would growl and jump up but not bite.  And I  miss my big boy Ben a lot.

When I hear of new pets up for adoption at the local shelter I consider inquiring.  But in reality know that at my age it probably isn't wise.  Besides, I'd want another Rottweiler or Pittie and if rug camps ever begin again would have to put them in a kennel.  Not only do I NOT like putting dogs in a kennel, but most kennels don't take those breeds in.

Be kind to your beloved dogs and I do promote adoption over buying from breeders.

Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Finally Hanging and a Shock

Was contemplating what to post since my Snowman isn't done, haven't gone back to my Star Geometric from rug camp and binding of the Horses and Hearts rug isn't finished yet.  So decided to show a picture of this room where I finally hung a few more smalls.

Top left you will notice the recently hooked Donkey at the top and previous small horse pieces below.  Next right is the wonderful Kinderhook Basket which was color planned with Barb Carroll. 

To the right top of that is the small version of Magdalena's Goat with the antique adaptation Spike below.  I will talk about other side of the room in a second.

The two green birdhouses sitting on the dough-box came from Cape May and the little mat was hooked by Tonya Robey.   The hooked heart pillow and heart footstool were also purchased on eBay from Tonya.

That primitive Annie doll stuffed with rags is one I made and wearing a pair of my son's shoes from his youth.  Annie is sitting in an antique doll highchair.  The antique school desk I've had as long as the dough-box and it moved a few times between Delaware, Maryland, to California and back again.

 Starting on the left side top rug is Harvey's Magdalena, next an antique ceiling tile, which looks out of place and hooked antique adaptation Chum.  Both the antique tin and Chum need to be replaced with other rugs.  That is an antique grape wine press which has fake grapes in it and also has several thousand miles of travel in its history.

Now for the shock to me.  When I downloaded the photos I saw that orb on the chair which my boy Ben would curl up in.  Immediately upon seeing it I burst into tears.

Here is one of many old photos of Ben, he is laying in that chair.  He sure didn't look comfortable to me but he would come to the room and lay in the chair often when I was on the computer.

Yes, that orb brought me to tears but believe it is an indication his spirit is with me.

Saundra

Getting Ready

Am finally starting to get ready for rug camp less than two weeks away. For several days it was questionable if I would be able to attend this year.  Many of you may know that my ex would come care for the dog (previously Shadow and now Ben).  But sadly he is very sick and cannot do it.  I'm very saddened for his illness for I never wished any ill harm come to him.  

Was uncertain at such late date I could find a kennel with an opening. Luckily I was to find one who would take on a Rottweiler as the first place refused to take a new client with a host of certain breeds.  Am sure I will worry about Ben at camp and hope he adjusts, if not that might be the end of my travel to rug camps.

The pattern I'm taking to Barb Carroll's is a Woolley Fox Design called "Gossip". Here is a photo of the rug my pal Deb started at Barb's camp a few years ago.

Deb halted hooking on the design because she wanted to tweak the swan, owl and another bird.  Deb liked the design so much she purchased the pattern twice.  She found the other when cleaning out her stash and I was the lucky recipient of the duplicate.

In anticipation of hooking this design got thinking about the motifs she has having a problem with and had an idea..... what about changing the turkey, owl and swan into birds also.  AH HA!  Good idea Saundra.

Today I started digging thru my wool to decide what candidates there are for a background and pulling small pieces of color for various birds.

And am wondering about some motifs on the rug ~  referring the the motif at the very bottom and those along the sides.  When thinking about the name and the design have two thoughts...  'birds of a feather flock together'  and are those motifs feathers? 

Would be interested in your thoughts.... feathers or leaves?

Must walk Ben as we will soon be on the way to the vet (AGAIN) but this time it is to get him vaccinated for kennel cough since he will be kenneled in 11 days.

Saundra

The Border

Don't go get'n your knickers in a twist because I'm not talking about THAT border.  I'm talking about the border of my Olde Hearts rug 😉.  

But first will show you how the center looks all hooked.  As previously mentioned I'm changing the border to suit me and will attempt to replicate the one I admired which Barb Carroll hooked.  No way mine will come close to her antique style but will attempt.

Am sure the pattern below looks a mess as I've extended the border line (drawn in red) and also did the pre-binding rows of stitching as it is easier before a rug is hooked.  Or at least it is easier for me than manipulating a heavy rug around a sewing machine after it is hooked.

So far my border accomplishment is minimal, only the bottom right corner has been hooked.  For the rest of the evening I'll work on the pre-whipping work on the Magdalena Goat rug.

Tomorrow not much hooking will happen as it will be a joy ride (NOT) taking Ben to the vet.  He has had an enlarged spleen which needs continual screenings to be sure nothing bad is happening there.  Plus he needs new Heartguard prevention meds and his weight sometimes fluctuates over 100 pounds which requires an additional puppy pill.  

$o to the vet we go tomorrow.  Ben loves to ride in a car but walking him can be dangerous as he wants to chase them.  While he loves riding in cars, he is as aggressive in the back of the van toward moving vehicles as when being walked. That is why it is NOT fun to take him for a ride.  He is so perfect in every other way but hey.... no male (beast or man) is perfect are they????

Happy Tuesday.

Saundra

Red Lion Update

Still not not done tho and at this rate Lauren (Rugs and Pugs) will beat me to the finish line.  Click that link above to see what she just started.

Here is a photo of the original in case anyone is just reading this the first time.

My boy Ben had a follow-up sonogram on his spleen and it isn't quite as large as before and the spot of concern isn't there either.  He has had this ongoing issue since 2013 so the vet says he will keep a watch every few months and if required will remove the spleen. 

While at the vet there was a gal there with a young male Rottie and when Ben spotted him wanted to visit.  Wasn't sure how receptive the pup would be so didn't engage.  I think Ben misses his pal Phantom.

Have a good evening.

Saundra

Let the Show Continue.....

....but this time lets make it antique rugs.  

Below is a framed E.S. Frost rug pattern which is printed on burlap.  It was hard for me to tell from the original but think it is the foundation and not hooked.  But still an awesome and delightful item to proudly display if you are a hooker.

A horse in profile with scrolls early 1900's from Ephrata, PA.  A very well kept rug for that age.

Seems I've a red theme going with rugs.  Perhaps my Christmas spirit is about to be unleashed.  This one is an American hooked rug late 19th century.

A very primitive single flower in the center surrounded by hit and miss circles.  Would be something simple to recreate with our worms and make a cute primitive mat as a gift to those who love naive primitive pieces.  

Wow, look at this piece of folk art.  The cat is drawn naive and there are polka dogs in the body.  Wish I knew more information about it but that is all I could find on the auction site.

Again with the my red theme brain, here is a red and white bird with hit and miss border.  Wonder if those are holly berries and leaves?  

You guessed it, I'm biding more time to work more on the Red Lion. You'd think I'd be done by now since it is a small mat but not so.

Ben and I hope you have a good evening.

Saundra  

Travels of the Witch on A Whale and other stuff

Since today I'm feelling more normal will do more of a post, sorry that I've been in outer space for a while.  Mama ain't happy with the numerous lines of color around the small witch with the outline to define the arm and the halo effect to separate the so close in value colors of dress and background.

Personally I feel witches wear either purple, black or grey dresses those are my choices.  Well can't be black, can't be grey because the whale is that color and so is the witch's hair.

In the picture below you can see the background wool under the 3 purple choices I pulled from my stash.  The first two seem too light to me and the wool on the far right is the same wool as is in the roof of the first house which can be seen with the background without a halo.  It may look brownish in the picture but is a purple.  If I use that then I intend to give my witch pointy green shoes like her scarf color. Otherwise the black shoes would need to be haloed  or would have to give her flesh colored feet.

Oh, I put a couple of those far right purple strips on the witch's hat so you can see what it will look like.

Now the 'other stuff'.  Many have asked how I am feeling and thank you for your concerns.  This was way different that the two day flu like illness had previously but was afraid to say I had a bacterial infection (aka Cellulitis).  

Was asked if I got the infection at Cape May and the answer is an emphatic NO.  This was an injury caused by my beloved dog Ben who wants to kill cars.

On 9/25 he thrashed about with his metal collar or head hitting my arm numerous times attempting to pull away and chase a moving vehicle. Ben has no fear and heads straight toward the front tires.  

I had a huge contusion, bruising and redness but applied ice numerous times during the next few days so most of the swelling and redness disappeared.  That is until 10/5 (10 days later) at night when I was in excruciating pain, swelling and redness reappeared and was sure I must have had a break or at least a fracture.

Went to walk-in urgent care, the x-ray showed no broken bones.  But, I had cellulitis (aka bacterial infection) in my arm.  The arm was feverish, really red and painful.  That night my fever (at one point) reach 102.5 and think it was higher than that previously because I blacked out, in a standing position holding onto the fireplace for 4 hours until I reached a certain level of consciousness.  So I am on heavy antibiotics, called the urgent care about my comatose like symptoms the next day and they said it was due to high temperature.  My temperature has stabilized and take the temperature often so I don't black out again.

So, I’ve put new batteries in the shock collar and while I thought it inhumane to use before have now changed my mind.  I’d rather he get the hell shocked out him for a second than me with a potentially deadly infection once again.

Have a good evening everyone.  Am getting ready to hook on the rug for the first time today.

Saundra

A Rug and A Rottie

I've made some progress on the Pot of Flowers pattern sure wish I could get it done before Wednesday afternoon when the commission piece(s) arrive.  Yeah, started out as one project and is now 3, but that's okay, it will give me pocket change to feed my hooking addiction.  Was so tempted to just keep hooking the strips that were hanging below the pattern but decided to take it off the frame and post a picture anyway.  I mean, that could just go on forever with finishing up the strip.

And just had to share a picture of my sweet boy Rottie Ben.  I adopted Ben in October 2011 when he was 3 years 7 months old.  Hard to believe I've had him almost 3 years.  This boy is such a sweetheart, very affectionate, loves people, gets along with other dogs well too.  The picture below is Ben to the left and Phantom, his very best neighbor friend who is now departed. 

Rotties and Pits might have a bad name but they are not all bad dogs.  I previously owned two other Rotties.  They were good dogs and raised from puppies.  So Ben is proof that you can adopt a good adult dog, even one with a bad rap.  Just be sure to inquire how long the dog has been worked with and socialized after having been rescued.

Ben does have a flaw tho, he was a car chaser so if a vehicle drives too fast around the meadow I just might need to 'tone' him with the training collar to divert his attention.  Were it not for that he would be perfect.

Below is a picture taken yesterday of my silly boy.   Yup, it is in the shape of a pacifier but it is a KONG and a treat is stuffed inside.  Here he is trying to crush the treat with those strong jaws so the treat will fall out the hole.  He looks funny with the pacifier end in his mouth.

Oh my, look at all those wool ends and threads, dog hair and toys.  Guess I need to pull out my vacuum instead of putting a rug back on the frame.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Ben in his new Playground

Ben was adopted on October 3, 2011 on a Sunday after my last show of the year.  Not knowing his habits and how he'd accept a neighbor dropping in to walk him during the day I decided to not pick him up until after the weekend show and my van was unloaded.  He has been a source of great joy and is a gentle boy even tho he must weigh in about 115 pounds with all  muscle.

He would be almost perfect if it weren't for the fact he hates moving vehicles and wants to chase and bite at the tires.  Yet he loves to ride in the car.  My son says, "...that Ben is only trying to hitch a ride".  Well I laughed at his humor but that can be a deadly bad habit which meant I could never let him loose like I could my other dogs.  My other dear boys and girls were raised from babies and well trained.  Unfortunately the previous 2 years of Ben's life he was either out loose to chase cars, deer, and whatever else, or sequestered to the basement with his older Rottie companion.


So feeling as tho he wasn't totally happy being either on the leash, inside or tethered to a tree when I was outside decided to have a fence put up so I could sit on the deck and we could play ball or just chill in the shade and breeze.  Previously posted was the work in progress of the building of the fence and here is an after picture from the back corner toward the back of the house.

And here is a picture of my boy lazing around in the shade while I'm having a glass of cabernet and hooking on the deck.

I just love this picture.  He is not rolling and scratching his back, he is belly up and chillin'.  Believe it or not, the very first time I met Ben after about 10 minutes he layed on his back to expose his belly and I knew he would be a keeper.  When a dog is submissive like that and showing their vulnerable side they are the ones I want. 

However, that is not always a 100% proven case because I can remember that Bella laid on her back and after 3 weeks she ended up biting me.   Bella lived on the street and maybe she was abused, was definitely near emaciation (as I was told by Majestic Rescue) and she put on 4 pounds since I adopted her in just 3 weeks.  So I believe she was getting her strength back, was becoming the dog she would normally be and when she laid on her back at first meeting she WAS vulnerable and thin then.  I personally feel she was turned around too fast in the rescue program after neutering, change of environment from street, hospital and enclosed area to heal and then to me, etc.  


Believe me when I say you can have great results in pet adoptions and not promoting the breeding mills because I have a wonderful dog.  But be sure to ask questions on  what were the reasons the dog being put in the rescue, was it abused, did it have aggressive behavior, was it emaciated, how was the dog socialized?


Blogger is acting up again and totally understand why some are moving.  I know there are misspelled words here and cannot get spell check to work.  AND, my last post there was white under the print and then I went in  to do an edit to put color under everything so it would look the same.  So we did the Google Chrome for THIS?


Hug your four legged companion and give it or them a kiss from me.  GO pet adoption!


Thanks for visiting..... Saundra