Great Conversations

As I post this, Alayne is in Helena tonight hosting a table at an event called 'Great Conversations.'  It's an annual fund-raising dinner for the Helena Education Foundation.  They invite 45 people who are considered to be doing "interesting things" and ask them to host a table and lead a conversation about a topic of their choosing.  People then sign up for the table and topic that interests them, with dinner tickets going for $60. 

Along with the great conversations, Alayne's in great company, too.  Among the other table hosts are the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, another Montana Supreme Court Justice, the Lieutenant Governor, the author Tom McGuane, and more professors and Ph.D's than I ever thought possible to get in one room.  (Okay, it's a hotel ballroom.)  For more about the event and the various topics, go here. 

Alayne's topic, of course, is central to what we do:  "Can Disabled Animals Enjoy Life?"  We find that many people expect disabled animals to be sad, pathetic creatures looking forlorn.  Then they come out to the ranch for a visit and see the blind and deaf dogs romping and playing, the blind horses contently grazing, and the other animals with various disabilities just having a good time.  Sometimes, before visitors leave after their first visit, they take us aside and confess that they had been concerned about coming out because they thought this would be a sad place.  Instead, they saw how joyful the animals are, how incredibly 'normal' they are, and how different it is from what they expected.

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With Alayne gone for the evening, our little blind dog Goldie -- part of our original 'Seattle six-pack' of dogs -- is in her usual funk.  She gets really upset when either one of us is gone.  Goldie sits outside, patiently waiting for the sound of the truck coming down the drive.  On cold nights like tonight, she would sit outside for hours, ignoring the frigid temperatures, if we let her.  Instead, we have to herd her back inside, and then keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't sneak outside again.  She feels her 'pack' isn't complete when we're not both here. 

Comments

[Juli]

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and keeping up with the goings on at RDS. Thanks so much for what you do.

[Leigh]

What a great event! I am sure Alayne spread the word about how disabled animals are happy and enjoy life.

I am continually frustrated why so few people adopt "special needs" animals, since I have several in my household. I never put it together that most people think disabled animals are sad.

Showing people that all animals deserve and can have a joyful life full of love and happiness... that is what makes Rolling Dog Ranch so special.

[Karen SA/TX]

Well, the pack isn't complete and she knows it. Just when one thinks they know all about loyalty, a dog like Goldie will be there to teach us more.

[Nina]

.....but little Goldie has a cute funky face!!!!

Alayne.....so glad you have opportunities to share your stories about your passion for all animals, especially those who suffer from being unwanted. I'm sure you were an inspiration to those around you.

[Roz]

Hurray for Alaine and hope she enjoyed the event. I'm sure she enlightened many. Goldie is so sweet and sensitive.