Having a Baby Changes Everything

There used to be a commercial that ran on TV that had the tagline “having a baby changes everything.” 

It showed a woman giving a plump little baby a bath in the kitchen sink with the child laughing and smiling and the woman having the time of her life. Water was splashing everywhere and the commercial was shot in black and white, giving the viewer a feeling of nostalgia. 

You know, it doesn’t matter whether it’s human or animal, this saying is completely true. 

Having never had children of my own and giving my parents more grand-dogs and grand-cats than they would probably prefer, I’ve yet to raise a baby mammal of any kind (other than hamsters and other shelf pets many years ago). 

Chickens, ducks and now more recently geese, have been raised from hatches on the farm but never an animal that needed to depend so strongly on another to grow. 

The puppies that were born a few short weeks ago, otherwise known as the “potatoes”, have definitely changed routines around the farm. They are learning to stand on all fours, trying to create “ferocious” growls (it sounds a bit like a muted coffee grinder) and some have even found their “bark”. Their eyes are wide open now and suddenly the kennel that has been their home for the past four weeks doesn’t seem large enough for their adventurous spirits. 

The other animals on the farm have felt the surge of popularity of the tiny creatures as feed times sometimes are delayed due to needing to get the puppies into a playpen so that they can have a bit more room to run about or the visitors that have wanted to just peer in on the snuggly cuddle puddle that the little ones create. 

It is getting close to the time that the pups will be heading off to find forever homes and I have to say that I’m feeling a bit melancholy. All of the pups will be adopted through the Jackson County Humane Society and all will be given great homes.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t still want to keep them as close as I can for just a little while longer. 

Fostering animals is definitely a skill to learn. It does sting a bit when they leave, but keeping the mindset that they are going to homes that will treat them with so much love and attention makes it a bit easier. Also, every animal that is placed for adoption means that another in need has a place to stay while they wait for their turn. 

In the meantime, I’ll be making sure that the little potatoes learn as much about domesticated life as possible. Things have definitely changed. 

Until next time…

For the Love of Potatoes

 Fall is usually the time where things begin to slow down a bit on the farm. Hot, humid days are replaced by cooler breezes with the trees slowly transforming from their deep green to the vivid colors of southern Indiana that everyone knows and loves. 

One of my many part-time jobs is helping out at the county humane society every Sunday morning and sometimes that work (literally) follows me home. During the slower fall and winter months, I usually welcome a dog that may be in need.

The past three years or so I have occasionally agreed to “foster” a dog for a couple of weeks to help them avoid the trauma of being in a shelter. These dogs are usually small, timid and just need a quiet place to rest. My three resident dogs are the perfect companions for such an animal in need and help them adjust - allowing behaviors that may be warning signs to come out so that a potential adopter receives little to no surprises when they take the canine home.

It was four weeks ago that I agreed to take a 10 pound terrier mix female, who I called Shadow, home to help her. I got her settled in, introduced to the “pack” and prepared to receive a call soon about someone looking to adopt her. I was planning for her spay surgery and knew such a cutie wouldn’t be without a home long. 

One evening though, when sitting on the recliner with her in my lap, I was definitely fed a dose of reality. Looking at her belly, I noticed waves. “Surely not,” I thought, “maybe she’s just got an upset tummy.”

Another look and sure enough - either there was an alien invasion in this dog or she was expecting puppies and from a quick Google search - it would be happening soon! 

I’ve had hundreds of chicks hatched on the farm through the years but never a dog. What was I going to do? What needed to be done? Did I need towels, blankets, warming pads, a nose sucker? 

Thankfully a reach out to connections for quick tips and a couple of weeks ago, Shadow delivered 4 puppies that resembled little baked potatoes. There were three girls and one boy and all received potato temporary names; Spud (male), AuGratin (female), Julienne (female) and Tot (female). 

It will be several weeks before puppies (and mama) will be up for adoption at the local humane society, but until that time these little spuds will learn the ways of country life and how to be a proper companion for someone. I also have to announce that I’m beyond thrilled that my mama has already staked claim on the little one named Tot. 

You know, I had thought about growing potato plants on the farm this season, but time just didn’t allow for it - I guess I should have realized things happen, just not in the way we expect it. 

Until next time…