Dog Ranch for People too :-)

      Throughout my life there has only been a few things I've been passion about like,  Jesus, animals, art, writing, healing homosexuality,helping homeless people, dreams, and few others here and there. Thankfully God has allowed me to walk in one of my passions as an author. I've published 2, soon to be 3 books (and many more in the works). I'm grateful that the Holy Spirit deposits books in me.       
        Besides being an author/writer I'd like to open a "Dog Ranch" tag line "His eye is on the sparrow, so I know He watches me". This ranch would combine several things I love - helping hurting people, the country and animals (dogs). We'd provide housing for hurting people (homeless people maybe, or drug addicts, sex addicts etc) and rehabilitate them. These people would work on the ranch taking care of the homeless dogs that we rescue from shelters (before they are euthanized). Animals have a way of healing people and bringing joy in ways other things can't, that's why they are taken to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Allowing the hurting people to care for the dogs would allow both human and dog to heal deep within their hearts.
       The ranch would provide Christian counseling, church services and activities, discipleship programs and more for those staying there. The possibilities are endless. We could even grow pumpkins and Christmas trees to raise money each season (another activity they can learn and take part in). We will also have adoption events to adopt out the dogs they have helped train and nurture back to health. They can study and learn about dogs and lead obedience classes for the new owners as well. This will allow them to walk in leadership roles and have more responsibilities. As they transition out of our ranch and into the real world they can also adopt a dog they've grown close to throughout their healing process. It would be neat if the dog they bonded with could stay in their cabin with them as a buddy (just depends on living environment). Our ranch will help them find jobs and find a stable safe home. We will also have people who will check in on them throughout the years to make sure everything is going smoothly and provide additional counseling. We'd have to hire people that LOVE people and LOVE animals.
     Honestly I have no idea how this vision will come to pass, but I wanted to blog it because it's been in me for so long. I wanted to officially write it down. When I picture the ranch in my head. I see a hunter green barn and white trim, but that's cosmetic and God may have something else in mind. I see lots of open land, I see open areas for  the dogs to run, also cabins where our residence will live, and counseling center and a sanctuary where we can have Christian bands come and speakers to minister to those living there. I also see a farming area where we grow seasonal things to sell.
       Taking care of dogs in a shelter type setting takes lots of work. So we would pay our residence a small amount to teach them how to handle money, with an assigned "mentor" to hold their hand during beginning stages. The money they earn while working (cleaning, walking, training, etc)  will be saved up for when they transition out of our facility (for a used car or emergency funds when living on their own). This way they don't fall back into their old cycle of lack and defeat.
       Lord willing this vision will come to pass. My hubs and I love people and love dogs. God can do anything. I pray He sends us a dream and shows us if, when and how. As for now I'm glad to have this finally posted somewhere. :-)

Caught the rascals!

(Buddies on a friend's porch)

          I heard this loud noise coming from the living room window, where the front yard garden lays. I got up from my computer in the back room and walked slowly to get a better listen. I saw my Golden's ears perk up as she let out a small growl. Then half way to the living room a sharp meow came from the same window, then another, and then low deep meows. I knew what it was! My cat was facing off with another cat outside ! The neighborhood bullies had returned!! My Golden lives for these moments! She looked up at me and we ran to the front door. She knew in two seconds I would open the door and let her rescue our beloved Mercy. Amazingly, she always knows which cats to chase. I've seen it a dozen times! Grace charges with her tail wagging and cats take off in every direction, as Mercy sits and admires her hero.  

(Mercy)

          I couldn't reach the front door fast enough for Grace. She was barking and stomping her front paws, as I approached. As I opened the door I was met with a sharp sound, "AHHH!! THE ALARM!!!!", at the same moment my Basset Hound decides he wants to save Mercy too, so both dogs step on my toes, push me aside (almost making me fall) and run down the street at 110mph. I catch the swinging front door before it hits the wall and hurry to turn off the alarm. At that moment panic hits me and I whisper a little prayer,"Jesus, please don't let a car hit them!"  I grab the phone (so I can answer when the security people call about the triggered alarm), and make my way outside, shouting, "GRACE! WINSTON! COME NOW!!" They are at least 4 houses down by now, so I keep calling them with more and more authority, as my anxiety rises. What happened to saving Mercy?!?!?

(Buddies)

          Finally, Grace decides she will come back and heads to the house, like she always does, but half way she sees Winston jet across the street, and she changes her mind about going inside. I belt out a firm, "GRACE! INSIDE! NOW!!!!!!" and she finally stops in her tracks and I grab her collar and drag her in and shut the door. What on earth had gotten into my once obedient, gentle Golden? Was she that easily given to peer pressure and the bad behavior of another dog? Geez! 

(Grace)

         Now that Grace was in, all my attention focused on Winston. You'd think since he's a basset, that he'd be super slow, but no way! That little guy is fast! The only hope I had to catching him was waiting till he stopped to sniff something, then pounce on him. His nose finally lead him to my next door neighbor's garden, which was an act of God, no doubt. My heart was relieved. I reached down deep and pulled out the firmest voice I could and said, "WINSTON! SIT!" and he looked at me, dropped his head low in shame and sat. I grabbed his loosely fitted collar and pulled him inside, where he was excitedly met by Grace who was still high from her midnight run down the street.

(Winston)

          I flopped on the sofa and watched the dogs jump all over each other, they were obviously to wound up for bed now. I couldn't help but laugh as I watched them play, I mean, all this just to save my poor cat from the neighborhood bullies! I wonder if Mercy knows how special she is, her two buddies, Winston and Grace, so willing and excited to save her (haha). 

 

(Mercy rubbing her head on Grace's chest, like she does every single day when she comes inside. Grace usually licks her ears, but is to focused on treats in this picture.)