Hectic Time in The Crowe House

[Richard Crowe]

Judy is attending the American Maltese Association Specialty which is very necessary because that Specialty is the major fund raiser of our American Maltese Rescue efforts.  She is handling the various auctions and other fund raising events as well as giving assistance to the Specialty in general.

 

This leaves Richard in charge of the house and our dogs.  I thought that it would be easier than it is.  We have a total of 9 adult Maltese (4 of them rescues) and two litters of Maltese mix puppies, totalling 6 puppies.  Of course we also have our Holly who is absolutely no trouble at all.  If it weren't for Holly's wonderful relationship with the Maltese, this caretaking would not be possible.  She is truly a joy to have with me.

 

Mealtime is hectic because many of the Maltese have various dietary needs and are on medications.  Of course, each dog is fed in a different area so that the fast eaters don't take advantage of the slow eaters and the right meds go to the right dogs.  I have printed out lists of the dogs with the meds that they need.  I know that foods each eats so I cut out tabs with each dogs name and place it by the bowls as I am preparing the meals.  After, filling the bowls, I place the tab in the bowl, put all the bowls in a tray and distribute the food (always remembering to pull the tabs out of the bowl so they don't get eaten along with the food).  It takes about forty five minutes to prepare and distribute the food and meds.  Then, there is one dog who needs drops in her eye and onother who needs drops in her ear.  I feel like "Nurse Richard"

 

The puppies have been weaned and are eating kibble which compounds the problem because I not only have to prepare two different puppy bowls (the litters are different ages) but, the pups do a lot of pooping and I switch their pads and clean the puppy pens about four or five times a day, plus cleaning out any poop as I walk by the puppy pens.

 

Tomorrow, I am going to the Specialty for one of the luncheons so I can meet, face to face, many of the rescue volunteers with whom I have developed an email and phone relationship over the last couple of years but, whom I have never met.  I will be taking one litter, two puppies, with me to turn over to a foster volunteer who has traveled down from Vancouver, Washington for the Specialty and who has furever homes scheduled for the pups.  That will make it slightly easier with the reduction of one group of puppies.

 

However, I soon expect to get Nutmeg a doodle, which we will be fostering.  I am sure that Meg will take up any slack generated by the absence of the two puppies.

 

After the Specialty ends this Saturday; Judy returns home for a couple of days and then is driving to Texas with our son-in-law's mother who has helped us greatly with our dogs over the years (she doggie sat when we traveled to China for two weeks).  She was apprehensive about driving all the way to Texas and since Judy has two sisters and their families in Texas whom she would like to visit, that was a great way to get there. Our son-in-law is paying for Judy's return flight so that will be a free trip for Judy. Judy will only be gone about five or six days.

 

However, when Judy finally arrives home permanently, we can then start dividing the chores between us.  Oh yes, I am naturally having to keep the house straight and clean in addition to minding our poochies.  This is a break time for me because after their breakfasts, all the dogs take naps...

 

 

 

 

 

[Christine & Camus]

Darla and Spanky are adorable. Your meal time video is great too.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow, you guys are so dedicated and wonderul! Sounds like a busy, crazy life but so rewarding.

[Richard Crowe]

     I just came back from the fund raiser luncheon and raffle.  I  sat at the table with our biggest benefactors.  A lady from Northern California who has made expensive medical care possible for many  rescue Maltese and a couple who own a cruise booking business and who donated a one week cruise to Alaska for two in a deluxe verandah suite aboard a Holland America cruise ship. 

     It was a fun afternoon and paid for future medical care for a lot of Maltese rescues.  Leyla's puppies did not soil their pen too much so I just had to change pads when I arrived home.  Now, since the hoard of Crowe Canines are napping, I am going to take this opportunity to catch an hour or so nap myself...

[Leslie J]

Richard, when you fall asleep after a very busy day, you can certainly rest well knowing that you are making a difference and saving some precious, innocent lives.