We're Moving ... To New Hampshire!

Yes, indeed.  We're moving the sanctuary to New Hampshire.  That's what the new place looks like above -- 120 acres of forest and fields, with a pond, spring, a house big enough for both dogs and people, a huge barn, and a 5-bay equipment shed.  It's located in Lancaster, in the northern part of the state that everyone there simply calls "the North Country."

You may want to pour yourself a second cup of coffee -- or a second glass of wine, depending on what time of day you're reading this -- because this will be a long post!

Last year was our 10th anniversary here in Ovando, and it made us start thinking about the next 10 years ... and the 10 years after that.  Alayne and I are in our early fifties, and we began to ask ourselves, is this where we want to be when we’re in our 60s?  In our 70s?  We plan to be running this wonderful sanctuary for a long time to come, but is this the right place to do it when we’re that age?

To understand some of our thinking on this, you need to know that we believe gas prices will continue to rise significantly over the next decade or two, simply due to global supply and demand dynamics.  And because of our current distance from services — we’re 70 miles (112 km) from vet clinics, grocery stores, banks, etc., so it’s a 140-mile round trip to do anything — the cost to operate the sanctuary from this remote a location will escalate a lot as a result.  (It’s gone up a lot already in the 10 years we’ve been here.)

Moreover, as gas prices increase in the future, people will have less discretionary income to spend on things like charitable donations, and nonprofits like ourselves can expect to see downward pressure on revenues over time.  Thus from the expense side, we want to reduce our cost structure as much as possible so we can be prepared for this more challenging economic environment.  (As if the current economy isn’t challenging enough!)  That means moving much closer to services.

We also want to move closer to services and a larger population center for other very important reasons:

• First, it will make it easier for us to recruit and retain good employees.  We will have a much larger pool of candidates to choose from, and they will be able to work for us without having to relocate.  It was always a major problem for us to hire employees here, because most people did not want to move to such a remote area.  And of the few who were willing to move out here, most quickly tired of living so far out.  They wanted to go out to dinner, see a movie, go on dates ... and that is tough to do when you’re more than an hour away from a town of any size.

• Second, being closer to a larger community like Lancaster, which has more than 3,000 people itself and many thousands more in the vicinity — will make it easier to get volunteers.  We have been blessed with a dedicated team of fabulous volunteers, but because of our distance from Missoula and Helena, it’s been a pretty small group over the years. 

• Third, being close to a much larger population will also give us a better opportunity to find and develop people to succeed us some day.  As we get into our 60s, that succession plan will become increasingly important.

So how close are we to services in Lancaster?  We’re only three miles from the center of town.  Yes, even though we have a private, end-of-the-road setting, we’re that close to town.  The vet clinic we're going to use is just minutes away.

Another benefit of this kind of proximity is that spending less time on the road gives us more time back at the ranch getting other work done.

Wait, there's more!

As most long-time blog readers know, we’ve always tried so hard to provide a “home-style” environment here for the animals, so they would feel like family pets and not like they were in an institution of some sort.  Because our own home was so small (1,400 square feet, or 130 square meters), that meant constructing several cottages and other buildings, like Widget’s House, to house the dogs.  But that also added to our operating costs, because we had all these other separate structures to heat and maintain.

And it meant that a large group of dogs, the ones at Widget’s House, were living separate from us ... something we’ve wanted to change for a long time.  So as we explored the idea of a move, we thought a lot about accomplishing two objectives when it came to animal housing:

1) reduce the operating costs for animal housing, while

2) shifting from a “home-style” environment to a true “in-home” environment for all the dogs.

With the property in Lancaster, we managed to do just that!  The house is 3,600 square feet and has two wings, one of which is large enough to house all the dogs under one roof — while the other wing is where we will live and where the sanctuary offices will be.  The large dogs will go on the first floor (with their own solarium!) and the small dogs on the second floor.  There’s also a large corridor (really, an interior wing) connecting the two wings that has tile floors, and that’s where the incontinent dogs will be.  The corridor has south-facing windows the entire length and even a ramp coming out the door — perfect for our little Dachshunds like Bailey!  This is what the dog wing looks like, and you can see the ramp in this photo:

Here's the inside of the dog wing on the ground floor:

Pretty nice, eh?  The amazing thing is that it is almost exactly the same size as Widget's House -- actually, a tad larger!

The upstairs, where the small dogs will go, has a full bathroom, so it will make it easy for bathing and grooming.  This is what the "Beagle/Dachshund Annex" looks like:

Between the ground floor and second floor in this wing, we will have more combined space than we have today with our multiple dog cottages here at the ranch.

Something else we're really looking forward to:  No more trudging 75 yards (68 m) down the drive at 9 p.m. to head over to Widget’s House to let them out one last time and then put them up for the night.  All we’ll have to do is go down the hall!  The cats will have their own separate quarters in a heated room in the barn, with big south-facing windows of their own.  (They can't be in the house because Alayne is very allergic to cats.)

Here's the outside of the people wing:

Although it looks larger in this view, it's quite a bit smaller than the dog wing, as you can see from this interior view of the living and dining area, taken from the kitchen:

Those beams give you an idea of the history here:  This was originally an 1800's farm house, completely restored in the 1980s.  The dog wing was added on at that time.  A lot of people like that old farm house look with the heavy beams, but it's not really our style ... we're more into clean, modern design, but that's okay!

Here's the kitchen:

This next shot is a wide view of the entire house ... that tree in front we've already named "Bailey's tree," because we can't wait for him to be able to go out and lie on the grass underneath it:

Another way we plan to reduce costs long-term is to become more self-sufficient, and this property gives us much more ability to do that.  For instance, we'll be able to use the wood from our own woodlot to heat the buildings with woodstoves.  We also want to be able to put up our own hay, which has become increasingly expensive to buy because of rising fuel and fertilizer costs.  Out here in the West, you need both sufficient water rights and irrigation equipment to have enough water to produce a hay crop, and we have neither.  In New Hampshire, there is plenty of rainfall and no irrigation is necessary.  Speaking of feeding hay, grazing season begins in April in New Hampshire, while we can’t begin grazing here until June 1 because of the climate.  That’s a lot less hay to feed!

And yes, that climate in New Hampshire was definitely another attraction.  Though it’s still “snow country,” it’s a much milder climate than where we are now.  I think the day Alayne and I finally decided to get serious about moving, back in December, it was 22 below zero here and 24 above back there.  We had just finished scooping poop that morning, our hands were frozen, and we thought, we’ve had enough of this kind of cold!  As much as we’ve loved living out here, we realize that dealing with the persistent sub-zero temperatures every winter will not be something we want to do in our 60s and 70s.  (We realize it can get sub-zero in New Hampshire but it's not anywhere as extreme as where we are in Montana.)

Here is a view of the 3-story barn that has 7,200 square feet (669 square meters) of space, accessible from both the north and south ends:

Love those garage doors for easy opening in winter!  There are garage doors on the other end for the middle floor, too.

This is the equipment shed:

I mentioned a pond at the beginning of this post:

Yes, we will fence it off to make sure no blind dogs or blind horses wander into it.  It's fed by a permanent spring that also provides the water to the house and barn. 

This is the view from behind the house, taken from the pond ... people wing on left, dog wing on right:

So, why New Hampshire?

We did look at other places around the country — the Pacific Northwest, Virginia, and elsewhere — but the real estate prices for the kind of property we were looking for were by far the most reasonable in New Hampshire and Vermont.  (Yes, we looked at many properties in Vermont, too.)  This place in New Hampshire was $663,000.  Here in Montana, a place like this would have run into the millions of dollars.  Also, the fact that New Hampshire has no sales tax will save the sanctuary a lot of money compared to other states we looked at.  No personal income tax is another benefit!

We are going as fast as we can to get out of here so we can get this place on the market as soon as possible.  (No, we don't know what we're going to be asking for it yet.  We're getting it appraised first.)  As you can imagine, the logistics of this are daunting -- animals, ranch equipment, supplies, tractors, not to mention our own household goods -- all have to moved.  We have lined up haulers to move almost everything, and the first shipment of equipment left last week. 

The most difficult thing to plan for was how to move all the dogs and cats.  We have hired an outfit that specializes in cross-country ground transportation of pets.  We have contracted for their entire fleet of vans and drivers to do this.  They are picking up most of the dogs and cats on May 24th.  The horses will be leaving the same week.  (Yes, and the goats, too.)  Alayne will still be here with about 6 dogs, and I will already be back in New Hampshire by then to be on hand to receive the animals.  I’ll be taking 8 of the dogs with me.  Alayne will stay here for a while to help close up and get it ready to go on the market.

Now, some people will ask whether this move isn't going to be hard on the animals.  No, it's not.  Most of the animals have come here from distant places, so cross-country travel is not new to them.  Moreover, these animals have already overcome significant hardships -- abandoned at shelters and coping with disabilities like blindness or missing limbs.  Traveling to New Hampshire will not be a problem for any of them!  They will take it in stride, just as they have in overcoming their disabilities.

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For the next few months ... through June ... our address will continue to be the same.  We'll post our new address on the blog when we're officially there.  If you have a recurring online donation set up, you won't need to do anything.

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I'm leaving on Tuesday for New Hampshire with the truck and horse trailer full of stuff -- dog crates, bedding, litter boxes, a few household goods, water tanks for the horses, etc.  I will be meeting with a fence company so I can get them started on the dog fencing we need around the house; with the people who will be installing the Internet access; and others.  

Because we are particularly swamped as a result of this entire adventure, please hold emails and phone calls if at all possible and use the comments feature on the blog instead.  I'm sure there will be quite a few questions -- many of them similar in nature -- and it will make it easier for us to respond on the blog than by individual email or phone call.  We are just out of time.  I hope you will understand!

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Please keep voting for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day!  We're currently in fourth place and still on track to win $3,000 for the animals, but every vote counts!  We just slipped from third place to fourth, so please help round up as many votes as you can so we can stay in the running for the $3,000.  Ask your family and friends to vote for the ranch, too!

Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.

Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.

Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.

Thank you!

Comments

[DMB]

For the Shelter Challenge starting September 20th...will you be considered VT or MT?...voting runs through the holidays and I want to be able to make my vote count...thanks!

[Valerie Miller]

Hi guys,

I'm sure hoping buy now the nightmare of moving is over. The property and buildings look wonderful and I am so happy for you to find something the meets so many more needs and will help with succession planning as well. I've been to Ovando and the isolation, especially in the LONG winters, would grow tiresome. Not to mention, if I may say so, the Lincoln/Ovando ethos is a little scary at times. Best to you both and update us on how everyone is settling in.

[Barb Marsell (Their Last Best Place; a 501c3)]

I have not kept up with your move. Or your former ranch here in Montana. I for one, would have been glad to come and work there, as well as relocated to join the staff. I would love to find a place for my non-profit, and have been trying for donation of land for a while now. At any rate, I'm hoping your contacts here in Montana can help me, or if you would want this little girl, let me know. I have 2 double merles, one boy, one girl ... both fixed, UTD on shots, and about 6 months old. they can see fine, but are deaf. Actually the little girl can hear just a little bit. Whistles, pans banging, etc. I need an active home for her because she is so smart. the little boy is so laid back, he gets along with the pack here, and helps with the aggressive ones that I help. The little girl is really submissive to all other dogs, and very kind to everyone but her brother, who she really attacks in play. They are coming into their own, and know basic signs ... their names, come, sit, stay, wait, watch me, and down. I would like to have her go to an active home, and let her develop her personality. He, too, needs to develop what I'm seeing to be a totally different personality when separated from her for training. Please let me know what you could do to help.

[Joan Le Blanc]

Anything I can do to help, let me know....I am in MA and willing to volunteer some time..

[Carla McDonald]

How wonderful for you, and what a beautiful place! I am, however, sorry for the animals of Montana who are losing your wonderful care. Good luck and God Bless.

[Jen]

You are amazing and I am sad to see you leave Montana but I do understand your reasons for doing so. Best of Luck to you and all the wonderful animals in your new home! You will be missed!

[Inge Scott]

Wow! I thought moving my crew 10 hours away was a big deal...
Have fun in your new home! Inge

[Jeannie Jacobs Parisi]

Wow, the new place is just dreamy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!My very best wishes and though I am in New York, would love to someday visit..

[Claudine]

This is SOOOO exciting and looks so wonderful!! CONGRATS!

[Nightowl7]

I am going through some self-introspection as to where to spend my 60's etc. and totally understand your making this wonderful decision - on so many levels - it is PERFECT!!!! The location and all the buildings couldn't have been better and the scenery and pond are magical - reminds me of Waldon's Pond!!! Bailey's Tree is special too - this place will be a forever sanctuary for the animals that have for so long been the main theme in your lives - I commend you and wish you all that you would wish for this new place and your new lives. Your future planning is also wonderful and please let us know whether you form some kind of foundation for people to name in their wills so the sanctuary can continue long into the future in this new Garden of Eden!!!

[Tina Bentzer]

Hi Steve & Alayne. I am looking for a place to work, in your field. I have already been out to Best friends Animal Sanctuary, in Utah. A friend told me about you, and I hope I can come visit you too,sometime soon. I am a certified dog trainer, and have worked with horses and marine animals. I fly for the airlines now, so I can go anywhere, to find my perfect fit. Eventually, my life will only be about the animals. That is my passion! Looking forward to talking with you and meeting you. Thank You, Sincerely, Tina Bentzer ph.(773)866-1973.

[Ellie Holstein]

Hi Steve A(and Alayne)
I am so happy for you both and for all the furry friends. Hope to see you sometime in NH as I may be heading to Vt for the last chapter...Ellie

[Rusty Berry]

WOW!!! Im truly impressed. HOW cool is that!!! The new digs are fantastic. I identify with your method behind the madness of moving. As we age we gotta think about that stuff. And the animals got to go on a ROAD TRIP!!!...To bad The Northwest wasnt in the running but DANG!!! What a deal..the critters will certainly be happy there. as you guys will be to.
Keep up the awesome work you do for our furry friends. God Bless you Both!!!

[Kimi Lubow]

Just got the email about the move....Good Choice! The property is beautiful and I'm so glad you guys are still hanging in there and doing such great work. I adopted a blind Labrador Retriever some time ago and one day will tell you his story. It seems as though you have created a real "family" on line. It's amazing how many people support you guys.
So, good luck with getting settled and I know you did the right thing.(even though it's probably been a real pain)
Keep in touch,
Kimi and Jake

[QiaJenae Hamilton]

Fantabulosity! You two impress me no end! Wise, thoughtful, rockin' folks. You deserve the best. Thanks for your inspiration!

Q
San Francisco

[Kimberly D. Brown]

How wonderful. Many congrats to you and all of your fury friends. I know they will be sooooo happy there. It was great reading your newsletter and blog. It left me all warm and fuzzy inside. Best of Luck and take good care of each other.

[Melanie Raymond]

I was amazed to read this. You people have been an inspiration to me and it was in following your story that we have been setting up our own sanctuary, which is going to specialize in handicapped animals and is also located in New Hampshire!

[Jeanne Evensen]

Congratulations!!!!and best of luck on your move! I was quite surprised to hear that you are leaving your BEAUTIFUL!!!! place in Montana, but completely understand the reasons why.
Best Regards to you and all the Beautiful Animals,
Jeanne Evensen

[Missy Madden]

I am so excited to hear this news....the new sanctuary looks perfect. I am happy for you both and the animals! And selfishly you are closer to us! Congratulations again!It's going to be great!

[Judith Adams]

What very wise, thoughtful and organized people you both are. Thanks so much for the detailed explanations of your decision. May you all continue to have wonderful and successful lives in your new home. What a beautiful decision to have a home-like atmosphere for everyone.
I'll be voting again today and continuing my monthly donation for sure. Best wishes to all. We are proud of you both for the life you have chosen. Judith

[Mary Dreiling]

I was just thinking last night that I hadn't seen a newsletter in a long time.

Congratulations. Everyone appreciates the work you do.

Mary Dreiling

[JoDel Travis]

I can see that this was the best move for the animals and you. We in Montana will always miss you though. Thank you for the gift of a beautiful example of humans giving to animals that we have ever known.
Your new home is just beautiful and amazing looking. May God continue to bless you.
-J. Travis

[camilla]

I would love to come up from Asheville NC to volunteer sometime. I wish you both a safe, easy transition into this huge move.

Take care-Camilla

[Julie Newman]

Congratulations!!! I just read about this for the first time in your newsletter. I've been wanting to visit you folks since I first found out about you, and now that you're in NH I just might be able to (I am from Seacoast NH originally)! I am so excited for you all. The new ranch looks beautiful!!!

Thank you for all that you do for the animals. You are incredible people!

Dog Bless!

[Donna from Pennsylvania]

Hello Steve and Alayne,
What a brave and wonderful move you have made. You have made the greatest decision in your life. The animals are so fortunate to have you two ANGELS from Heaven taking care of them. NH is a beautiful state. Your place is gorgeous!! I wish you the Best Of Luck in all that you do! Donna

[Judy]

Wishing you "all" a peaceful life up here in the Northlands!
Living here in CT, Im hoping to visit your sanctuary in the future now that we are almost "neighbors".

Much love and happiness for everyone and all the "kids".

[Gitta Brown]

Wow - that makes our planned move to the Pacific NW look like a cakewalk now - I'll never complain again!! Congrats on your sensible decision - you both deserve halos for being the most devoted and dedicated (not to mention superbly organized) animal advocates and care takers on this planet! Best of luck - and I'm sure one of these days we'll be able to visit your new digs(Montana was not much of a possibility...)
Gitta Brown, California

[Shelley]

Well I must admit I am happy to hear of your move to NH. It is much closer to my Ontario Canada home (we have a house in ME as well) so maybe I will be able to meet you both and have a volunteer visit! All of your reasoning makes perfect sense and as you would do with human kids, you have to plan for their future. Rolling Dog Ranch and all it's inhabitants are your children, and what wonderful parents you are!

[Anna Ruff]

Dear Steve & Alayne,
This is such bittersweet news!! I have some friends from Florida who I am meeting in MT this July & for yrs they have heard me speak of your beloved sanctuary. I had just logged onto your sight to see if there was an open date to visit the ranch & also do some volunteer work while we were there. While I'm disappointed that I won't get to visit this yr, I am also elated for you guys & your furry family. I do think the Good Lord has directed you to this beautiful piece of heaven where life will be a little kinder & so deserving to all of you. Many "Blessings" for all you do for these loving animals & I will think of you as "Noah's Ark" as you transport them to your new home.

[Janice Yelland]

I am hitting the road this September, 2010 from Langley, CANADA and had planned on visiting/volunteering (and reside in my RV) at your Sanctuary (had planned this since first learning of your site, 8 years back :).
I am very disappointed to learn of your moving from Montana but, certainly love the more space and lovely set-up you will head to in New Hampshire!
Best wishes to you and I look forward to visiting/volunteering in New Hampshire on the 'eastern side' of my travels in the next several years!
I would very much appreciate a reply from you (when possible), letting me know if I could be of use to the Ranch in 2011 and, I can plan my travels around attending to your new location for awhile. I type (90 wpm), I love animals and am not afraid of hard work.
Take good care and, thank you for doing this wonderful work! Best wishes to you in settling everyone into their new home! Congratulations!
Regards,
Janice Y
Langley, BC CANADA

[Debbie Bolduc]

I had a business meeting with my long-time vet (20+ years) in Laconia, NH and asked if she had heard of you. I couldn't recall your business name, only that you care for those animals that might never find a home and you were moving to NH (somewhere to my north if I recalled correctly). Not much to go on but thanfully a Google search eventually got me back to the blog I read a month ago. I am sharing the link with her as well as the NH Humane Society with whom I am also well connected. Everyone that loves animals needs to know about your wonderful ranch and the work you do. Welcome to NH!!!!

[April]

Thank you thank you and I am sure that is what the animals will be saying. If we had more people like you .. just WOW.. Animals are not disposable because they have a disability and they are not the perfect animal that people want as a pet (that's the truth) but you want them and for that I say thank you. I believe that dogs and cats have feelings and I know that they will feel so loved and wanted. Please e-mail if and when you have a fund raiser.
I will definately vote for you.

[Judith Apy]

As a long-time friend and supporter of the Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary in NM, I've dreamed of having a haven such as theirs and yours here in NH. This is an answer to prayer, and you will be welcome with open arms by the entire rescue community!! Look forward to meeting you all!

[Andrea Anzivino]

Hello:)

My name is Andrea Anzivino and I am the New England Coordinator for Friends Of Rescued Mastiffs, Inc.(FORM) I happened to stumble on a You Tube video of your place and I was so moved and impressed with you & your wife and the work you do! Then I learned today you were coming to NH, my own State and was so pleased! Your place in Lancaster is lovely and I am sure you and the animals will love it as much as we do although we're in Southern NH. We would love to be able to visit the ranch and animals sometime when you're settled and of course if I can ever be of help with a English Mastiff up in your area, I am glad to! You can find me and my info at www.mastiffrescue.org if I can ever be of assistance. Take care & Welcome, Andrea :)

[Kirsten Holland]

Steve and Alayne, Montana's loss is New Hampshire's gain. Thank you for the time you spent with us here in Montana, and as always for taking Smilin' Sam. So glad we got to meet and visit. You will be deeply missed but I know you will continue your great work in the North Country. Love, Kirsten Holland, former director, Flathead County Animal Shelter.

[Roy Haynes]

Welcome to the East Coast.Our rescue group in neighboring Vermont has been assisting homeless/needy pets since 1995.We look forward to "working" with you.Thanks for caring & please get in touch!...SAVE OUR STRAYS

[Heather Csongor]

I am so excited that you are coming are way. You have all of our support.

[Elena]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just curious, what will happen with the "old" place? hope it can be used for good purposes! do you know?

[Lisa P.]

What a wonderful organization you have and I just want to welcome you to our great state of New Hampshire! You're really going to love it here, it's gorgeous and we LOVE our animals so you'll fit right in. Lancaster is a beautiful place, you'll really enjoy it. I hope you'll be very happy here and thank you for doing the most precious and needed work in the world! I wish there were more people like you. Keep up the good work and can I just say WOW about your new home? it's beautiful!

[SUZANNE]

I SOOO ADMIRE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I LIVE IN 1 OF THE SURROUNDING TOWNS OF LANCASTER. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT WE, HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WILL WELCOME YOU & YOURS WITH OPEN ARMS. I,M SURE YOU WILL FIND LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN QUITE ENJOYAVALBLE. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME . ANXIOUSLY AWAITING YOUR ARRIVAL

[Becky Mulaire]

I am from Berlin,NH just 30 miles away. I think this is great you are coming here. There will be alot of people who will want to help. WELCOME to the Great Northwoods!

[Judith Lodge]

I am from Lancaster NH and I am thrilled to learn of your move here. I can't wait. I will vote each day. Your work with disabled animals is amazing and I will be here to help with whatever you need. Thank you.

[Renee Valley]

At first, like everyone else, I was shocked! But then when I read all the reasons for your moving and saw the photos of the home, buildings, greenery, I realized that this is the best place for you all, the ideal place. I am so, so happy for you! I am so thrilled, and I know this is a positive move for you and the animals. It is such a beautiful, green location. (Although, I think you'll get lots of snow there!) It's as if this place was just waiting for you. I am so thrilled and excited for you. I can't wait to hear all about it, and, even though I'm sad you are leaving Montana, I am thrilled for your new adventure

[Kevin K--Poplar, MT]

It is sad to hear that the RDR will be leaving Montana, but you have the animals' best interests in mind and that will make it OK. What you've done here over the past years has been miraculous. You have dedicated yourselves to animals that other people find undesirable. This move will only enhance what you already do. Continued good luck and good wishes to the animals and their people of the Ranch. The new place looks wonderful and love that there is plenty of grass to roll in (and greener for a lot longer!). Hopefully you will always have plenty of Montana visitors in the future. Good luck during the transition.

[April]

Wow, the property looks lovely and you've definitely done your homework. Congratulations, you must be SO excited!!! Though I'm sorry Montana will be losing such wonderful people, it's great that you've found such a perfect new home.

[Vanda Southey]

How exciting for you! I continue to be amazed at your dedication and love for what you do.

The new place is absolutely beautiful and will offer you and the animals so much more. It's like it was made for you, just waiting for the right moment.

I had hoped to make it over some day to visit all of you in Montana, the distance will just be a little longer..

I look forward to watching for your posts and send hugs and blessings your way.

You warm my heart.

Vanda

[3 Flying F Ranch]

So very sorry to see you go. NH is very lucky, indeed, to have you both as residents. But MT is losing two very fine people who do wonderful things for society's cast-offs. Wishing you nothing but the best. May God bless you all.

You will be missed. We thank you for your service.

[Elaine]

OMG-What an undertaking! Best of luck and happiness to you all. (I wish you were moving to NC - I'd love to be one of your volunteers.)

[Habibi Tagati]

My goodness, I've been offline for a couple of months (moved from Placerville, CA to Port Townsend, WA with my fur babies) and was looking forward to visiting your furbabies this summer in MT. Looks like I'll have to plan on a longer vacation next year instead.

Kudos to you both for doing this now and planning on the future. As a 55+ rescue person myself, I'm attempting to do the same research as you for the future.

Many hugs for the entire family!

[Mare in Somerville, MA]

Let me offer both of you and all of the animals a HUGE welcome to New England! I am so delighted that you'll be joining us in this lovely part of the country! I live in Massachusetts and I've been following you for years and donating when I can afford to (yes, you do have fans on the East Coast already, and will soon have many more!). I can't wait to visit you and give you a donation in person!

You'll have so much to discover and enjoy about life "back east." In New England, everything is smaller and closer together. If what you need isn't in your own town, it will be in a nearby neighboring town a short drive away. Communities are interconnected and plentiful, yet it can still *feel* rural.

You'll never have to experience 22-below-zero again! Right now as I type this (April 9), in New Hampshire there are crocuses and Spring grass up from the ground. Winters are postcard beautiful with blankets of snow, but not nearly so cold. And just wait until you take in the bright Fall foliage in September and October!

You'll have so many animal lovers to choose from as your workers and volunteers. I bet your Lancaster neighbors are delighted that you're coming. I know I am!

I'll be following the blog and voting every day as you make your transition. See you in New Hampshire!