House Dog

Well, she kept tugging at my heart strings and I couldn't take it any longer.  I brought Miss Madison over to the house so she could live with us.  Yes, she even has "overnight" privileges, joining the very few who stay in the house during the night:  Goldie, Bailey, Spinner, Helen, and Holly.  And now blind Madison ... a sweet, gentle, loving girl.

I made the decision to bring her over here on the Sunday we lost Teddy.  I was zooming around the ranch on the RTV that morning doing chores, and Alayne had already called from the truck to say Teddy had died in the back seat.  As I drove past the Widget's House yard, here came Madison again, running towards the sound of the vehicle.  She always wanted so badly to be with us, and the sound of the RTV told her we were nearby and she'd better get going! 

I had told Alayne a few weeks ago I was thinking about bringing Madison into the house, which hadn't surprised her.  She already knew I was particularly fond of this little old lady.  But I guess it was the emotional toll of having lost Teddy that morning that made me realize I needed to do it ... that if I didn't, and something suddenly happened to Madison, I'd never forgive myself.  

So I stopped the RTV, backed down the drive, and pulled over to the gate where Madison was waiting.  I picked her up, put her on the seat, and drove her down to the house.  And that was that.  When Alayne got back from Helena later that day, she didn't even blink when she saw Madison lying on a bed in the living room.

I took these photos the other night after we'd put all the other dogs up in their cottages.  Madison has a funny little habit:  Whenever I'm kneeling in front of the wood stove starting the fire each evening, she comes over and nudges me in the back with her nose.  That's the signal I'm supposed to turn around and give her some loving.  She's one of those quietly affectionate types who kind of sneak up on you to get what they want.

She heard me take that photo above, realized I was right there behind her, and got up to turn around and face me:

Of course, there are some other dogs we'd love to bring into our house, too, but with only 1,400 square feet (130 square meters) and 40 dogs at the ranch, there are limits.  Madison is very happy she made No. 6!

---

Rosie update:  Erin called this morning with great news -- Rosie made it through the night and so far is doing fine.

---

Still No. 1!

Please keep voting for us every day in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge.  Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest.  Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize!  Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote.  Please ask your family and friends to vote, too.  Thank you!

Comments

[Lisa Brown]

Who can resist the "blind nose nudge"...? She looks like a sweetheart, and truly deserving of the special spot in front of the fire. I'm so sorry to hear about Teddy and Fibby. What a month it has been for you all(!)

Peace.

Lisa B. and Blind Hope =^..^=

[Roxie]

RDR Fans - don't forget to vote in Shelter Challenge over the weekends!
Alayne & Steve - hang in there. What a miracle you both worked in saving Rosie. So glad Rosie and Gabe are on the right track and Madison has found her Park Avenue next to your sides.

[Boundforglory]

We're glad Rosie is doing better; hopefully tomorrow will be another strong day for her.

Precious Madison sounds like a real people dog; she loves you very much and wants to be near you. That's understandable....we love you too! :)

[ginger & the critters]

So glad to hear that Rosie is doing well.
Madison, what a huggy bear you must be! I love the photos & she's so smart to turn around so we can get a view of that precious face! I think you made a wonderful decision Steve! Bravo!
Big hugs to all, Steve & Alayn included,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

[Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin]

I'm so glad Madison made it to the house. It was a good decision & still mourning Teddy she gave you the extra footsteps to hear, wet nose & the loving I know you definitely needed.

She has got one of the best faces ever! And, she is also one smart cookie cuz of the cold winter that lies ahead!

[Miranda]

Bringing Madison over fits right in with the philosophy of living each day like it may be your last. I applaud your decision and because of her age, desire to be near, and the look of that face, how could your heart strings not be tugged. Please give Madison an extra hug from us out here. Also, happy way to start the weekend with the news about Rosie!

[Lynn (in Louisiana)]

I bet both you and Madison are glad this decision has been made!

Who's Holly? She's not on the dog bio list so I'm guessing she's one of your personal Seattle sixpack?? And, I thought Mr. Moose stayed inside.

I just noticed that a category is noted next to the time and date at the bottom of your blog entries. (Of course this may have been there forever and I'm just noticing! LOL ) Anyway, I clicked on "dogs" and this lead me to an older entry which lead me to another then another and before I knew it an hour went by!!! I got to know Zodiak and saw photos of Wobbly Allie when she had just arrived as a puppy and found out Spinner was named Angel before she came to the Ranch. If this is a new feature, thanks; if not, never mind!! :-)

[Angela]

So happy to hear about Rosie's stable condition!!! And what a sweetie Madison looks like - so content looking toward the fire.

[Kristi Gross]

Dang it Steve, I hate it when I get all teary at work, but this post did it. Madison is a dear and I'm glad she's one of the house dogs now. My 20 year old cat went to Heaven the same day as Teddy. Losing the two of them broke my heart. God bless you and Alayne and all the sweet ones at RDR.

[Eric]

In your first picture, Madison appears to be watching what we call Campout TV. Madison is no dummy, Montana winter is just around the corner.

[Toni]

Yay Madison! What a sweet girl. I'm sure she is loving her new digs, especially since she's closer to her favorite people.

How's my other favorite doing...Moose?

[Sue]

Oh my goodness-what a Teddy bear of a face she has! Such a lucky girl to be one of the Chosen Ones :) is she a SuperSizedMinion then? I'm always happy to hear that Spinner is doing well...any more seizures?
Squishes to everyone! I'm voting every day and hoping you guys stay as number 1!!
Sue and The Crew

[Lynne Parker]

I thought Madison was the dog that loved to ride with you so went back and checked:
http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2009/07/along-for-the-ride.html
Sure enough, your RTV buddy is now a house buddy too! Good for you.
With all those dogs I'll bet you do what my boyfriend calls "dogasthenics"--no matter where you go in the house you get your exercise stepping over or around a dog. Even more so at your place since most are blind and can't even see to get out of your way!
Healing thoughts to Helen, Bailey, Rosie, Gabe and all the rest.

[Jessica, NL]

Sometimes the best decisions are made in the spur of the moment, happy winter dreaming for Madison!

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

And I'm very happy for sweet Madison!:-)

Thank you so much, Steve, for the wonderful news about Rosie. I was so worried about her...

Once again, God bless you for taking such great care of all the furkids at RDR!

[Kate and Luke]

What a happy girl!

[Carol Smith]

I am so glad that you love Madison as much as our volunteers in Meridian did. You have been able to do things for her that we only dreamed of! This loving girl weaved her way into all of our hearts and we are forever thankful you agreed to give her a place to stay and be loved! If I could ever run a wonderful sanctuary as you do, I would be forever grateful and love being at "work" each day. For now, I do the best I can for each shelter pup that comes my way.

[mel]

Her looks and quiet manner make me instantly think of Moose. :)

I was also wondering: is there any chance of you perhaps putting a 'search' feature on this blog one day? Sometimes there are old posts that I'd like to refer people to, but have no idea where to begin looking in the archives. :)

[Rich Y]

Yeah, Madison!

[Marla]

Glad to hear about Rosie an hope she is home soon as I am sure Bo is fretting without her.....

[Kathy and Harley]

I love this picture.I bet Madison is happy to share the warmth of the fireplace with you both, with a face like that how could you resist her? I'm sure all the other animals feel very warm just knowing that care about all of them so deeply, or your would't do what you do.Thanks for making it all possible for these animals.

[Marla]

Movin on up Miss Madison.....movin on up! Her smile must have made the deal. Congrats to you all.

[Margaret]

That defines "picture of contentment". Her sweetness comes through the picture all the way to Washington state. :)

Sorry there has been SUCH an emotional roller coaster for you all. So glad to hear Rosie's heading the right direction. Please give Bo a hug for me, too.

[Shirley * James/Portland, OR]

That was INTENSE about Rosie!!! Glad she had a good night. This blog made my day! Thanks Steve!!

I still have everybody voting everyday for the Ranch!

[Janet in Cambridge]

Maddie's another one who stole my heart when I first saw her. I'm so glad she's been upgraded!! Teddy would be so pleased.

Life is like that lots of time. Can I live with myself if I don't do this?

[Ev]

Glad to read that Rosie is doing well. Whew.
Lucky lucky Madison.
Ev

[Lynda]

I don't blame you a bit Steve. Who could turn down a such sweet face like Madison's?

[Aliza]

Awww. I love Madison. She's been a happy, amicable girl from the start. Good call, Steve! Fingers and toes crossed for Rosie!