Zara Heartwood 1950 ~ 2012

We were very sad this past week to hear of the loss of Zara Heartwood in B.C. It was because of Zara, that Jess became a part of our lives. I am sorry that Zara and I never met, face to face, however we kept in contact, although not frequently. Zara, along with the Shetland Sheepdog Club of British Columbia, took Jess into rescue where she was fostered in Zara's home.

This was Jess the day she was rescued, at over 9 yr. of age, wet and dirty.With Zara's loving care, this was Jess "cleaned up" being led by one of Zara's puppies. Zara was instrumental in getting Jess to us and will forever be remembered for her love of the many dogs she help to rescue. Jess lived over half her life in a horrible environment. She was so lucky to have Zara in her life when she was most needed.Thanks to Zara, Jess was able to live her senior years with us, becoming a loved pet therapy dog for six years. Jess also earned a Rally Novice title and a Tracking Dog title just before reaching 15 years of age. Zara was always so happy to hear what was new with Jess, and see every birthday party picture of Jess with our other dogs. This picture is Zara and Jess. Zara was preparing to load Jess in her crate at the airport to come to us. May Zara always have this smile on her face.

Thank you, Zara, for all you did for all the rescues, not only for our special Jess.

The Day After....

Usually, after a storm the following day is beautiful and sunny...voila! It is...even though extremely cold and windchill of -28 C. This is the most snow we have received this winter.

Plowed again this morning, Blast up on top hoping I will not call him inside.

This was the former path behind the house and into the forest that the deer used. It is very buried in deep snow right now.Taken this morning from the back deck, very pretty, no tracks anywhere now other than bunnies and squirrels.Down at the bend in the driveway, deep piles at the sides, and the driveway is very narrow now. Trees are very heavy with ice and snow.From the driveway looking into the east field. Most people would think this was a winter wonderland, but it has become just major work for us now, and the melt will not be a fun time. Only the dogs are happy!!!

March 3rd + Biggest Storm Yet!

Our snowplow guy did the driveway around 8 a.m. These first few pics. are around 9:30. We've been under a heavy snow warning for 24 hr. and it's been non-stop driving snow sideways most of the time, so drifting as well.

Tank and Trust and I are heading back up to the house.Trust is standing at the bend in the driveway, which is now mighty narrow, heading up to the house.None of these early pictures truly show the driving sideways snow, but this one gives you 'some' idea. It was awful walking and you had to hold your hat or hood on your head most of the time.Looking south on the driveway, and even a short time after it was plowed, it is already snow-covered and drifted in again.Trust pushing through drifts in the driveway. All our dogs love the snow...after all, they have servants and no worries! It's all just fun!!!Out again in the afternoon, snow up to 6" again in driveway, with drifts. Some places the snow is blown off to nearly bare where it is drifting, other places the snow is so heavy, you can hardly walk through it.Blast always finds the highest spot to jump up on and "protect" his ball from Tank!Doesn't matter how cold or awful the weather, he'd be happy spending more time out here.David and Kira in the driveway. He's throwing snowice pieces into the field for her. The drift on the right is actually the driveway.Here she comes, back through it all. This is actually a ball she has in her mouth this time, covered in snow.The poor trees were covered in ice before the snow began. It was wet at first, and piled up on the branches. I'm surprised we didn't have some snap off, and even more surprised we did not lose hydro in this storm.

The driveway was just plowed out again, and now all the paths around the house, the deck and the bird feeding areas need to be done. Too much work, the snow is terribly heady and the dogs will just want to go out and play...

So when is it spring?!!