All God's Creatures is participating in the Purina Pets for Seniors program. In this program, Purina will pay $50 of the adoption fee for senior people that adopt adult cats or dogs (over 1 year). The website for the program is purinapetsforseniors.com. You can sign up for the program by going to their web site.

I stole your dog today. No, I didn't set a foot on your property, but from the condition of your dog, I can imagine what it looks like...the word 'junkyard' comes to mind.

I found her along a road, with a heavy chain wrapped around her neck, still attached to rotten boards from her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails protruding. Not only did I know that most of the town had already ignored her, judging by where I found her, but I knew that if she had gotten into the woods the 'cross' that she dragged behind her would have wrapped around a tree until starvation or thirst killed her.

The local populace is usually deaf to the sound or blind to the sight of an animal in need, unless they decide to shoot one for trespassing.

That her ribs showed, that her ears were filthy, that her overall condition was poor and that her coat and eyes were dull, were good indications that you didn't deserve her. But just to make sure, I checked with the local authorities for a report of a missing (unlicensed) dog matching her description and to see if you'd placed a 'lost dog' advertisement in the local newspaper.

You hadn't, which I can only surmise means that you do not miss her. That's rather convenient, because the fact that she is not spayed, probably unvaccinated, and possibly heartworm positive means that restoring her health could cost me around a thousand dollars.

Perhaps it may be some small comfort to know that she doesn't miss you. In fact, her very act of escape made it clear that she'd had enough of your brand of pet guardianship.

It took her about a day to realize that I'm not you, that I won't hurt her, that despite our brief acquaintanceship, I love her. It took two days for her to realize that the other animals who live here accept her and that one of the joys she has been missing has been the companionship of other dogs. It took three days for her to appreciate the ecstasy of a home cooked meal and that a couch is meant to be reclined on, and that she no longer has to sleep outside - in fact, when the thunder starts, she'll get a hug and her ears rubbed, and I'll make a fool of myself with baby talk.

She has a beautiful name now. Already in the first week she has come to look more like she should. Her eyes sparkle and she has learned to wag her tail in greeting. She has stopped flinching when I make a sudden movement, because she knows now that I won't beat her, in fact, she rarely leaves my side. She's even become brave enough to bark at a cat and today I watched from the window as she initiated play with the other dogs.

No, it's clear she does not miss you or her former life of neglect on a chain. Of all the things that have become apparent from my brief relationship with her - such as the forgiving nature of the dog, their wonderful ability to heal and to trust, the fact that love can work miracles - one of the most apparent is what a fool you are. She was possibly the most trusting, loyal and loving being in your life, and you consigned her to a life of filth and loneliness until she made the best choice she's ever made when she broke free.

Perhaps her guardian angel helped her escape. Lest anyone should mistake me for an angel, I will admit that one day I hope to be as good as she; I believe she forgave you within the first twenty-four hours of her new life for the about four years of her previous 'life,' while I still wrestle with the part of me that hopes that one day you will burn in Hell.

Hardly anything has pleased me more than the day I stole your dog. I need only look into her beautiful brown eyes to know that she'd defend my decision with her life. If we have one prayer, it is that you will not replace her, and if we have one special day to commemorate together, it is the day I stole your dog and the day she stole my heart.

Copyright Jim Willis 2002

Recently All God’s Creatures has received calls concerning horses in our area so here are some things you will want to consider when owning a horse, after all, they can live well into their 30’s when properly cared for.

First you need approximately 1 acre per horse if you are going to use grazing as your main source of feed. If you have a smaller area then you will need to supply the feed that will give your horse what he needs nutritionally to maintain good body condition & weight.

A horse needs good, fresh, clean hay. This is the roughage that they require therefore you must make sure that the hay they eat is light green in color & smells fresh. There should never be any mold or stale odor to it. A good way to see if your hay is free of molds is to pat it or shake it, if you see dust or powder coming out of it, please don’t feed. Along with your hay, a horse needs other nutrition. That will be the reason why you will supplement your hay with some sort of pellet feed or grain that is specifically made for equines. This will ensure that your horse will maintain good body weight, healthy coat & bright eyes.

Your horse will always need fresh, clean water as well as a mineral salt block. This is vital to his health. He requires some shelter & shade as well.

Deworming is also very important; this should be done about every 8 weeks. This will also be a good time for your blacksmith to come out & keep your horse’s hooves in good condition. If a horse has over-grown hooves & should become lame, you will be sentencing him to a life of pain. A horse just can’t survive without good, sound feet & legs. This is another reason for good feed.

If you can see his ribs or back bone, hip bones or over-grown hooves then you have a horse that is not getting what he needs to be healthy. They cannot fix these things by themselves. As a responsible animal owner you are the one that this animal is trusting to take care of him in the best way possible. There are several reasons why your horse may be looking poor; even teeth can be a source of problem for him, especially as he ages.

A horse can be your best friend, I know mine was growing up & still is today along with my dogs. They are intelligent, graceful & loving animals. Help them to be all of those things if you choose to include a horse in your life.

Until next time, happy trails! Denise

All God's Creatures has built a new facility and is now offering grooming and boarding by appointment only. Rest comfortably on your vacation knowing that we provide 24 hour on-site care, and we offer individual "suites" for your pet. Please call today (803-279-1613) and make an appointment for your dog's next grooming. We are also offering boarding for dogs 30 pounds and under. Proceeds go to help fund our mission of rescuing abandoned & abused animals.

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Thank you all that have donated to our bin at Bi Lo! We sincerely appreciate your continued support of All God’s Creatures. Until next time, enjoy a nice long walk with your ‘4-legged, significant other!’ Denise

Dear Friends,

One behalf of all of us here at All God’s Creatures pet rescue, we would like to thank everyone that has donated food, supplies, treats, time and talents. Your continued financial support is amazing and appreciated more than words can say. We will continue to need your help finding good, loving homes for all the animals that come into our care.

We now have a new physical location for our rescue organization in the lower end of Edgefield County. We are so grateful and are working hard to make it the best facility possible.

As we begin our 10th year of rescuing, we are excited about all the new things that will come with 2010. I look forward to all of you sharing the New Year and all that it will bring to All God’s Creatures!

Sincerely,

Denise Lee Holcomb, Founder