Happy Birthday Jackson!

Yesterday, Jackson, our local hound-lab mix rescue, turned the Big One according to his adoption records. He was one of a litter of nine brought to the shelter as they struggled to live, slowly nursed back to health. I met Jackson and his littemates when they were already 3 months-old while touring the local animal shelter here in Crescent City, Florida. I wasn’t even looking for another dog, but for some reason this lively litter of black and white pups fascinated me and I decided to adopt one on the spot.

Jackson is extremely smart and playful. He always seems to be having a good time, often entertaining himself when he can’t engage any humans or fellow dogs to join in as he has tired us all out. He is strong, sleek and powerful and runs like gazelle when off-leash.

Jackson and his littermates were rescued and sheltered by Ginny Oaks and her staff at the Animal Rescue Konsortium of Crescent City, FL. ARK also offers low-cost vaccine clinics and is excited to introduce their new Spay and Neuter trailer early next year to serve the entire county. This is a positive and much-needed development.

Putnam County, where I now reside, is a very large county with many rural pockets. The county is excited about its new and improved animal shelter that will open in early 2025 as well. As I work with the Animal Welfare League of Putnam County in conjunction with ARK, I met with the county’s Director of Animal Services and a colleague, who is well-versed in animal welfare initiatives. They feel positive about some of the changes coming to the way the county shelters its dogs and cats. Controlling the pet overpopulation problem here and wandering dogs in this region is no easy task and takes a multi-tiered approach to bring about change; Spay and Neuter initiatives, education, affordable resources and services, transport and training. 

I have also been working with my fellow board members and officers of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) in preparation for our Annual Awards Banquet held in conjunction with the Westminster dog show in NYC on February 8. Also keeping me busy is my work with the Animal Welfare League of Putnam County on an upcoming fundraiser being held on December 6th here in Palatka, Florida. Raffle baskets, photos with Santa Paws and music in a beautiful waterfront marina and award-winning restaurant should bring pre-holiday cheer. 

And another “First” Approaches. My first Thanksgiving without my mother. She is missed every day and her wonderful spirit keeps me uplifted each day. I am now in my second year of log-cabin living. I love the simplicity of life here in rustic Central Florida and find myself more focused and writing more often. I know this is a difficult season for the widowed and people who’ve lost close friends and family members. In our loss we find ourselves forever changed left to reboot and make choices on our way forward with what remains. 

For many widowed persons, please understand that dogs, and other pets, are often our life-line to the world. Especially for those of us that don’t have children, and thus, grandkids, to fill our lives. Our dogs are truly regarded as family-members and they help us relate better and get along with humankind, too. Without them we would be lost.

Have a very nice and restful weekend and Thanksgiving Day and may we all find our place in the sun. 

P.S.

My new substack email newsletter will be availble soon. It will focus on my writing process and progress and art. If you wish to subscribe please provide your email to [email protected]. My new author website is in the works as well!