Bryce Canyon

"Leave it as it is. You cannot improve it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is keep it for your children, your children's children and for all who come after you."

-Teddy Roosevelt

some more random photos

Where the wild things are

We saw deer and elk today- so cool. There was a 'family' with a mama, daddy and baby but the dad got skittish when we stopped [that's him in the trees]- mama and babe just kept eating.

The deer and lone elk that are closer up weren't quite as close as it might appear- I had my zoom lens on- but if we got much closer they may have taken off, they were definitely keeping one eye on me.

It's funny, though, some of the deer photos look just like Gordon [our greyhound]! Same profile, same color, almost the same size...

just some more random shots

We are such desert rats!!!

We went for a hike and found this awesome waterfall. Of course, being from the desert, we were drawn to it- so we not only hiked to it, but we sat behind it for a bit to cool off...very refreshing!

shy guy

One of the neat things about volunteering here is you get to meet all kinds of fascinating people. I met a lady that is very involved in Mustang Rescue in Salt Lake City. She has created videos, has legislation before Congress, and is very involved in their welfare. We exchanged information and talked for some time.

Good Times

Dixie's Chicks - and a fellow

Best Friends has this really neat program where you can take one of their dogs [or cats] for a 'sleepover'. We chose Dixie. She is a 10-year-old pit-bull/lab mix. Sadly, she was found on the streets of LA at the age of 6 months and has spent the past 9 1/2 years at Best Friends, never knowing the joy of a home. She was so wonderful- mellow, housetrained!, and loving. We would have considered making her an Arizonan, but she doesn't like cats, or other female dogs...so it just wasn't an option, but she is just too sweet. I guess if she had to live somewhere, this would be the place.

Playing 'possum

This guy, along with his 'brother' was dumped in the desert- as well as a bunch of other exotic animals several years ago. He is unable to be survive in the wild, so he will live his years at Best Friends, being cared for. Check out those teeth!

Did you know that a 'possum releases a chemical involuntarily to make it 'play dead'? It has no control over this!! This guy is unable to do this, so releasing him would be a death sentence- not to mention that oppossums are not native to the southwest part of the United States.

Star Struck

Here we got to meet some of our favorite people- stars of the TV show Dogtown, on National Geographic Television. Megan is getting her book signed by Sherry Woodard, who is an animal rehab specialist. And the other lady is Ann Allums a dog behaviorist that has worked extensively with the 'Vicktory' Dogs- the pit bulls seized from Michael Vick and place in special care at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Benton's House

Benton's House was the first real cat structure at Best Friends. Now it houses the cats with the most special needs. But don't tell that to them! They are feisty, loving, and, well, they're cats....

Many have neurological problems, but they scoot along as best they can, and you can bet, they don't consider themselves disabled in any way, although, being cats, they probably think they are pretty special!

The One that you feed...

A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his Grandson.
"A fight is going on inside me. It is a terrible fight and it is between 2 wolves.," he said to the boy.

"One wolf is evil and ugly. He is anger, envy, war, self-pity, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, selfishness and arrogance."

"The other wolf is beautiful and good. He is friendly, joyful, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, justice, fairness, empathy, generosity, compassion, gratitude, and deep vision."

"The same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other other human being, as well."

The grandson paused in deep reflection because of what his grandfather had just said. Then he cried out, "Oh, Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

The elder Cherokee simply replied, ""The one that you feed."

Meet Scott

Scott is housed in one of the special needs houses for cats. Even non-cat-lovers can't tell me he isn't the cutest thing with his snaggle-tooth. He is personality-plus!

Meet Jackson

Jackson is a boxer-mix. He suffers from an immune deficiency disorder, so he doesn't go on 'regular' walks; so Megan and Jeff took him to a grassy area. He got tired so Jeff had to carry him back to the truck.

Guess what this is??

This is what no TV, no computer, and only your sister and a board game to entertain you looks like!!! Talk about 'family time'.

How many people does it take

to walk a dog? In this case, several! Because most of these kids were too young to handle the dogs individually, they opted for the 'group' approach- and now they all have a 'hand' in walking the dog!!

Monday is our second day

If you've ever watched Dogtown on National Geographic Channel, you'll recognize this...every morning we checked in here and then spent about 4 hours at dog kennel- walking dogs and cleaning cages- with LOTS of dog kisses in between!!!!

Above with Kaitlin is Miranda and Bojee [Bojangles] who was adopted when we were there!! He is such a hoot- one of those unruly boys that you just love, even though he is a handful!!!

a few more

It's really just beautiful...

Angel's Rest

We've known this day would come, we knew it from the start

And now we sit together, me with a heavy heart

I know it is time to release you from your pain

There's nothing left to do; nothing left to gain.

As I look into your eyes; I feel the pain, I see

I know you have been holding on just because of me

You are my best friend and I don't want to let you go

But loving you as I do, I can't see you suffer so.

So as I hold you here, I just wanted you to know

Today I loved you most of all. Today I let you go.

-author unknown

Angel's Rest is a place on the property where the animals that have passed on have been buried. It is such a solemn place, that you can't help but reflect on all the animals that have entered your life, both living and not. If you've ever watched Dogtown, they've shown some of the ceremonies, but you can also have your pet buried there, as well. It's common to see people leave marbles at the simple gravestones. Also, when people visit, they leave things, like their pet's collars, ashes, or other things that are significant. There are also huge windchime 'trees' that make a magical sound, especially being in the canyon.

JUST A REMINDER...

If there are any photos you want to see better, simply click on it, and it will 'enlarge'.

Hey, Hey, or is it HAY???!!!

there are horses that have been rescued, too.

I have no idea

what these poor animals have experienced in their lives, but I know that they now receive wonderful care and a place that they can feel safe. Many are available for adoption. But if they never leave here, they will always be well taken care of and have love from staff caregivers and volunteers.

uuuhhhhmmm, tell me again

Who's not a cat person????

check out the cat on the floor, he has his foot on Jeff's foot ;-]