A few weeks ago I had a post about some extensive diagnostic work we were doing with our blind-and-deaf Cocker Spaniel, little Miss Ellie May. She was having intestinal problems and hadn't responded to antibiotics, so our internal medicine specialist in Missoula, Dr. Dave Bostwick, performed some tests to rule out cancers and other threats. Well, we're delighted to report that all of Ellie May's results came back negative. We still don't know why she was having those intestinal problems -- and fortunately they have pretty much cleared up -- but we're relieved to find she's in really good shape.
Alayne took this photo of me with my little minionette this evening. Sometimes Ellie May looks more like a teddy bear than a Cocker Spaniel, and as long as I'm holding her, she completely melts. I can drape her over my shoulder, hold her upside down in my arms, or prop her up on my knees. She'll stay absolutely motionless, like a stuffed toy. You can do anything with her at that point. Like put a ridiculous pair of sunglasses on her.
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Firedog contest update 2: We learned today from Circuit City that the ranch will be getting a check for $3,641 for the animals -- thanks again to everyone who voted!
cute pic!
Posted by: Avree | February 14, 2008 at 02:00 PM
What an adorable pic of Ellie May.
Congrats on the check from Firedog. Wish we could have gotten you first place though.
Posted by: Carisa | February 09, 2008 at 02:25 PM
So, it is true: Blondes really do have more fun! Happy to hear the nice amount of CC money that is coming to the RDR. =O]
Posted by: Kathy Goog | February 05, 2008 at 07:01 AM
I know this is unrelated to the blog but I thought some people might like to read a prayer I wrote for a friend of mine whos job here in N.Z sometimes includes having to deal with those four legged friends of ours not fortunate enough to find a loving home...
Lord, please forgive what must be done and accept this lost soul into thy heart so that they may find the love they could not find on earth.
Just felt like sharing.
Posted by: Andrew | February 03, 2008 at 04:36 AM
:) That is really fantatic! $3641! Wow! :) You well deserve it!
Posted by: Kylie | February 02, 2008 at 05:24 PM
She looks adorable in that picture. Make sure you print and frame that one.
Posted by: Jennie Wiseman | February 02, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Ellie May is one cute minionette! She rocks wearing those cool shades!
Posted by: Nina | February 02, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Dear Steve & Alayne, what great news on lovely Ellie May! Doesn't she look adorable with those sunglasses on? As the song goes "my future's so bright, I have to wear shades"...:-)
Way to go, Ellie May!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 02, 2008 at 05:40 AM
Just stopped by. I'm a prevet Senior at the University of Georgia and I'm VERY much interested in animal rescue and rehabilitation, plus low-cost spay/neuter programs.
This article grabbed my attention because right now I am fostering a 14 year old blind and deaf Cocker Spaniel named Keller with the Gwinnett County Humane Society! I've had her since Thanksgiving. Everything you said to describe your girl is JUST like mine! A big, floppy teddy bear!
Posted by: Amanda | February 01, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I think Ellie May has a future in the movies--love the picture.
Wow, wonderful way to start the new year with a fine contribution from Circuit City contest. I've never been a fan of CC but I might have to change my mind.
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | February 01, 2008 at 10:25 PM
So glad to hear Ellie May is ok.
She looks great in the shades. Really cute picture and it's a good one of you too Steve. I voted in the Fire Dog contest too. It's wonderful that so many voted and got you lots of cash. It will be put to good use. Give Smokey & Charlie a hug.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | February 01, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Maybe I've just had a really long week, but doesn't Ellie May look like the drummer from ZZ Top?!
That sweet girl is the definition of "cool"!
Posted by: jeanne | February 01, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Steve, I'm just SO happy that your have your own "little minionette", and that she is getting the good news from the doctors. It is such a pleasure to be able to hold a dog like that. Her total trust in you is well deserved! :)
Posted by: Margaret | February 01, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Great picture of Steve with his arm-candy, Ellie May. :D
Good news on the Circuit City donation - - congratulations!
Posted by: Moon Rani | February 01, 2008 at 09:07 AM
She is just too Cute in those glasses!Yall are just a pair!That's great about the money for the ranch!
Posted by: Mary Young | February 01, 2008 at 07:27 AM
I have alsway's loved Ellie May, since the first day I saw her. She is precious!
Posted by: Lahna Zandi | February 01, 2008 at 07:07 AM
OMG She is a doll and so lucky to have found Rolling Ranch. I think you should have added Alyane and Oscar.
Posted by: gayle | February 01, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Awesome numbers on the Circuit Contest. I voted twice!! One from my work email and one from my personal one!!
Looking good Ellie May!! I'm glad Steve you finally have your own minionette! First of many I'm sure!
Posted by: Laura | February 01, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Ellie May's good new is great to hear (read)! She looks quite the Diva in this pic.
Congrats on the Circuit City Firedog contest money. I did invite lots of people to vote, but was hoping for the "Big one" for you.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 01, 2008 at 05:11 AM
"I wear my dark sunglasses in the middle of the night and when I look in the mirror I'm such an awesome sight!" Thanks to Weird Al he's got you covered, Minionette.
Posted by: Janet | February 01, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Thank you Kim & Summitt! As we all know, every bit helps whether it is that grand 'ol moola or caring individuals and paw pals as you & Summitt (XOXOXO...). As for Ellie May with those shades, she can make even the dreariest day a sunny one--great pic Alayne!
Posted by: Rosemary | January 31, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Does anyone else think of the Corey Hart song "Sunglasses at Night" when they see this photo?? Miss Ellie May is definitely too cool for school :)
Congrats on the Circuit City donation, good job everyone!
Posted by: Kristen D. | January 31, 2008 at 08:37 PM
That Ellie May has darn good taste in guys. So glad to hear that her guts are better.
Wow $3,641 from Firedog is amazing. This blog is the best!
Posted by: Jane Tunnicliff | January 31, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Steve, oviously Ellie May is quite smitten with you!
Any word on Snowball?
Posted by: Cora | January 31, 2008 at 08:15 PM
awwwww... great pic! ellie may looks smashing! congrats on the circuit city contest too! i know the extra $$$ will really help. hugs and lots of love to all at RDR! :)
Posted by: GiLe | January 31, 2008 at 08:13 PM
that picture is adorable. ellie may seems like such a sweetheart... :)
Posted by: maggie | January 31, 2008 at 08:08 PM
If you had buttons on your jacket,Steve, you would be bursting them! You are so fond and proud of your minionette, aren't you?
Glad to hear that you are getting a good amount from Circuit City.
Posted by: Kay Stemnock | January 31, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Aww, sweet little Ellie May. What a doll, I wish my dogs were like that, too bad they never sit still ! Haha
Posted by: Kylie | January 31, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Maybe there is something to Callie's attention. More then just grooming. Great picture.
Posted by: Lisa James | January 31, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Congrats on the Circuit City contest! I know the extra $$$ will go a long way! I voted and forwarded the info to my friends. And Ellie May is looking like a true "rock star"! Stay warm and thanks for the superb job you all do there in Montana! Hugs to you and Alayne and your assistants-Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | January 31, 2008 at 06:15 PM