All the barn cats have taken to the new location and have been enjoying themselves exploring the place. True to form, they never venture far, always preferring to stay within sight of the buildings. We've had some of these barn cats (Smoke and his sisters Smudge and Skitter) for nine years now. But what I'm seeing here in New Hampshire is that they're spending a lot more time hanging around the house, and it took me a day or two to figure out why. It's because, with the exception of the dog yard in the front of the house, the other dog yards are actually set off from the back of the house by about 10 yards or so (9.1 m). This gives them a corridor where they can walk freely around the house without having to be bothered by excitable dogs.
Smudge in particular has taken to hanging out on the deck between the people wing and dog wing. This not only lets her gaze down on the dogs in the yard below, but also take in the view of the pond and the mountains beyond.
The edge of the deck is just under the kitchen window, and the other evening she hopped onto the railing and was trying to figure out how to get into the kitchen. I was inside cooking, and she could see and hear me from the deck. She stood on the railing staring at me, then leaned forward as if she was going to leap towards the window and grab the screen with her claws. She has ripped open many a window screen over the years, so I sensed her next maneuver and hurriedly closed the window. She went back to admiring the view from her perch.
On occasion, when I've left a door open while I was bringing dogs in or out, I'll end up with one or two of the barn cats in the house and have to shoo them out. Now that they're in New Hampshire, I think they're beginning to wonder whether they couldn't be part-time house cats and part-time barn cats. (Because of Alayne's severe allergies to cats, the answer to that is: No!)
But, you've got to admit, how many barn cats have their own deck overlooking a pond and mountains?
(Note: In that photo above it looks as if there's a power line above the pond, but that's just a reflection of some sort. No power lines there.)
---
Good heavens, did I ever regret posting that update on Margaret and her sisters. I had a number of peevish emails and comments taking us to task over Scarlett. Here's a sample: "I was shocked to hear that a sanctuary would sell a(n) animal to a dairy ... I am dismayed and saddened by this move. Sanctuaries, I thought were to protect animals from exploitation." Another wrote, "How sad that Scarlett went from a nice retirement back to having to work and then have to reproduce as well. This makes me cringe." People, please. First of all, we bought all three goats two years ago to help with natural weed control. Scarlett is only two years old and was not "rescued" or in "retirement." She didn't go to a commercial "dairy" but to a couple who want to produce milk for their own family, and do so in a sustainable and humane way.
As for "exploitation," here's an excerpt from an email I received from Scarlett's new family, who also have two other Nigerian Dwarf kids: "Hi Steve, well, no more Miss Shy Girl, Scarlett is right at home here now. When I bottle feed the little girls she rubs her head on my hand my shoulder, my back, wherever is handy. We let them out of their pen almost every evening after work, and yes, they all come in the house for a minute while I put the bottles in the kitchen. On the weekends we take them for a walk up on our treed hill behind our house, we have 50 acres, part is up hill, the rest is rolling hills. They love the hill and huge boulders to high-scale. They stay right with us on our walk and have a blast. Scarlett runs and twists just like the little girls and is so funny. This is turning into a real adventure. We love our funny goaties."
I just started crying when I saw Ella. I had a three-legged dog for 11 years. He died two years ago and I miss him so much. He was such a special dog and I'm sure Ella is too. If she needs a new home, please let me know. Thank you.
Posted by: Monica | June 22, 2010 at 09:02 PM
I just thought of another one......Lawdy, lawdy, Miss Scarlett! I don't know nuthin' 'bout birthin' no goats!
Some of you may know of that novel and others will be far too young. The cats, like all the other animals must be thinking they've landed in a pot of jam - Yum!!!! I wouldn't mind sitting on that balcony myself, but I'd need more than a mat to lie on. My rickety bones couldn't take it for long.
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | June 09, 2010 at 09:08 AM
As to all the suggestions that Steve write a book about RDR...THIS is his version of a book about what goes on at RDR. It is just in very short chapter form, one every few days. It insures that one cannot stay up too late reading far into the night when one should be sleeping, and it keeps us on the edges of our seats waiting to see the next installment. This book has everything...love, loss, caring, moving,work, play, silliness and of course animals!!! When the cast of characters is this big and different from each other it is bound to be good no matter what. Keep the "chapters" coming Steve, we all enjoy your life vicariously thru your words and photos. And, what a BEAUTIFUL place you and Alayne chose to move to!! I hope she arrives very shortly to start enjoying it with you and the critters. Bless you and the work you both do.
Posted by: Anne | June 09, 2010 at 08:50 AM
Oh boy - I LOVE that view. What a sanctuary for sure. Best wishes on continuing with your getting settled bit. I hate to say this, much as I loved your old location, this one is so lush, green, and just any animal's idea of heaven. Good for you!
Posted by: Nancy | June 08, 2010 at 07:12 PM
You are doing so much good for those creatures who have no voice and no home. How many times have people commented that they wish they could do the work you are doing. Well, YOU are the ones who have sacrificed and committed to these animals and have given up so much to ensure they receive the care, love and respect they deserve.
Your decisions appear to be always motivated by what will ensure that you can provide care to the animals that need it the most. Finding Scarlett a loving home is entirely consistent with this.
That next animal in need that is unloved and unwanted that can somehow find their way to the RDR will have benefitted by your moving Scarlett, a perfectly healthy animal on to a new home.
You deserve the utmost respect from all animal lovers.
Posted by: Carol | June 08, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Steve, I just want to echo all the sentiments others have written. You and Alayne are my heroes. I am 110% sure that you would not have considered parting with Scarlett if you weren't certain that she was going to a loving home.
Posted by: Mary | June 08, 2010 at 10:50 AM
I'm just catching up on the blog.. I too never gave it a thought about Scarlett being "sold". As I have known Steve and Alayne for five years through volunteering every month (and I mean every month) ..they would NEVER NEVER adopt or sale one of their "children" to someone they didn't throughly check out. God some people just assume away and don't know the whole story!! Makes me sick! You have always done what was in the best interest of your charges..always asking what is the best quality of life for them. I have two of the best dogs I adopted from the ranch. They are such loving dogs. I know part of the reason for that is because they came to the ranch and received the care and loved they deserved. Don't think twice about all the negative comments. We all love you and think you are doing an AWESOME job!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | June 07, 2010 at 08:33 PM
I must echo the comments that say to disregard the critical people. You and Alayne have proven time and again your desire to provide top notch care and concern for all of your animals. I do envy your barn cats new digs and their views of the surrounding areas. Once again -- thanks for all you do.
Posted by: Marianne | June 07, 2010 at 08:13 PM
I have read Steve's blog from the very beginning and have the utmost respect for what he and Alayne have done at Rolling Dog. I've introduced countless people to the wonders of this sanctuary because I just think it's extraordinary what Steve and Alayne do for disabled animals. Their commitment to their animals is legendary.
Having said that, I think it's a little sad that readers of this blog would resort to calling people ignorant and uninformed when they are simply concerned for an animal's welfare. I don't recall these same words being used when certain blog readers have questioned Steve's choice of medical protocol or surgery options.
Among those of us who get involved with animal organizations, there is a wide variety of opinion as to which animals deserve consideration and which don't. Certain sanctuaries rescue farm animals and certain sanctuaries focus on dogs and cats. And those that support farm sanctuaries are not used to hearing of the animals being sold so it was probably a bit of a shock for some blog readers.
Also, because people do not believe in milking animals or killing animals for food does not make them purveyors of sh*t; they just have a different perspective on the world.
Perhaps some of the e-mails were not worded in the best way but they were sent because many of these people are aware of what goes on in the farming world and they were simply concerned for Scarlett's welfare. Far from being ignorant, they are probably very well-informed.
I know a small-scale, humane dairy farmer who sends his male calves to be slaughtered for veal so it's not entirely wrong to question what might happen to Scarlett and her kids.
I also understand that the scope of Rolling Dog does not include farm animals as a rule and I completely respect this so please understand this is not an attempt to stir things up, simply a request for everyone to be a bit more tolerant of those with differing opinions. I always felt this was a very supportive, welcoming group of people on this blog but I certainly didn't feel that today.
Again, Steve and Alayne are incredible individuals who have carved out a little slice of Paradise for the animals in their care and I, too, hope to hear more about Margaret and Daisy in the future.
Posted by: Marisa | June 07, 2010 at 05:34 PM
Anne at 7:21 AM - I just about spit tea out my nose when I read your comment about the dogs doing the navigating.
The vision of 5 blind dogs trying to read the map made me laugh out loud.
Alayne is so nice I can see her trying hard to not insult them but saying... "thanks for the help guys, but you know you really can't even see the map, right?" and the dogs replying "What!!!? We're blind???... We are not!"
My heart goes out to her because even though I know Alayne CAN do the drive, it will still be hard to make the trip alone. All six of them will be dead tired when they finally get home but then! All will be well in RDR-Land.
Soon. Soon.........
And a final thought - Steve, in your "free time" have you two ever considered writing a book about your story? Something like James Herriot's books... I think there is definitely a market for it....
I know, I know, it's probably not even in your mind what with the move and all....
Posted by: Gena | June 07, 2010 at 04:26 PM
Oh dear, sorry you had to deal with the negative comments. It's good that people care; too bad they're misguided in this case! I appreciate all the updates. I know it takes considerable time to post when you have so much else to do, but I'm grateful to be able to keep up with events at RDR in this way, and I'm sure there's a large silent readership that feels the same.
Your new place looks lovely. So happy you found such a great new situation.
Posted by: Tonya | June 07, 2010 at 04:04 PM
I know you have so much going on right now, but I can't resist asking if you could let us know one of these days how Helen is doing.
The pictures are all so beautiful and everyone looks like they are settling in well. Home is where the heart is, for sure.
Posted by: Chloe | June 07, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Thanks for the update Steve. I'm behind you 100%! I love the updates on the barn cats. Lucky kitties.
You and Alyne are tops on my list of great people.
Posted by: Ev | June 07, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Dang, please correct my typo on "it's" instead of "its" in the second paragraph! Should have previewed...
Posted by: Vickie | June 07, 2010 at 02:41 PM
I did wince when I read the Scarlett post - not because of what it actually said, but because I feared you were going to unleash a s***storm on yourself. Hoo boy. Well, people have opinions and they always want to be heard, even when they don't have all the information they need to fully form said opinion...
I've greatly enjoyed hearing everything about your move to NH. The new place looks beautiful. I've enjoyed the updates on all the animals as I can only imagine their wonder at this new place with it's lush grass and different smells.
I've always appreciated your patience with all of us outside observers Steve - those of us who haven't walked in your footsteps and couldn't imagine doing so as a lifetime commitment. We keep the faith in you, and despite those few who went nuts about the goats, we hope you can keep the faith in us!
Posted by: Vickie | June 07, 2010 at 02:39 PM
Lawdy! Lawdy! Sounds like Miss Scarlett has landed in Heaven Pt. Dos. As for you who would believe that Steve and Alayne would betray the trust of the animals or us......Shame on you!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | June 07, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Sorry you are having to 'step on eggshells' regarding RDR's updates, especially during this time of transition. So sad, but I am happy to see so much support from others and their faith in RDR...A BIG SHOUT OUT TO THANK YOU ALL!
As a volunteer (ex-volunteer, sniffle-sniffle) and working closely with RDR, I am SO very respectful of your decisions and have learned SO much from RDR. I cannot thank you both enough for that opportunity.
BLOG ON!
Posted by: Rosemary | June 07, 2010 at 02:19 PM
What a wonderful new life for the kitties!! And, I especially like the part where they can gaze down on the dogs below. It's perfect since they already think they are truly the superior domesticated animals that we humans are lucky enough to have in our presence. But, that view they have is amazing & if I were a barn kitty you bet I'd be trading in the barn for the deck. I love the fact they are roaming & already feel at home. I have to be sure Erin doesn't read this blog or he'll be packing his little kitty bag & be moving to RDR to enjoy the kitty deck.
I'm sorry that anyone wrote to you & made negative comments about Scarlett. That is very unfair to you & Alayne after all the time you devote to saving animal lives & share that with us on your blog & ask for nothing in return except for a possible donation if the person feels it in their heart to give. It's amazing to me that anyone would ever doubt your judgment about any animals. She is having a great new life & definitely living in a loving new home.
Hugs all around to everyone at RDR!!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | June 07, 2010 at 01:23 PM
For me FAITH IS BELIEF WITHOUT EVIDENCE!In saying that, with ALL the EVIDENCE of RDR's love and compassion for every animal how can one not have FAITH that the decision made on Scarlets behalf was with her best interests at heart! You always inspire me to do just a little more. Thank you!
Marcia, Jaki, Angel & Jazz
Posted by: Marcia Hughes | June 07, 2010 at 12:53 PM
If nothing else, you can see from the messages that everyone is concerned about the welfare of all the animals. Whether there for business (of weed control) or for rescue, their presence is covered by lots of love from out here. I think a little explanation about what a great life Scarlett (or any animal) is living in the new home would have saved you from the flood of worried messages. That's what happens when people become attached to the animals. Even though they love them from afar, they still want to see them happy. Lesson learned for future blogs? Thank you for letting us know Scarlett is being loved and is happy. I'll bet all the worriers have stopped frowning.
Posted by: Miranda | June 07, 2010 at 12:00 PM
What a beautiful place for you and the animals! Thank you for the pictures, I will continue to enjoy seeing your new digs.
Technology does seem to embolden people (to put it nicely). I'd guess most of your followers trust your judgment (I do).
Posted by: Dawn | June 07, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Oh bother.....I would LOVE to have the life Scarlett went to live...it sounds like she is having the time of her life.....my only other question would be, uh, can I come be your barn cat?????? LOL!
Posted by: Debbie | June 07, 2010 at 11:04 AM
LOL. I guess you can say this post serves to show those not to jump to conclusions or judgement. I trust Steve and Alayne's judgement and they would never put any animal in a harmful situation. Sounds like Scarlett is having a ball!
P.S. For those who don't enjoy reading the postings and have something negative to say, please restrain yourself. The other 97% of us enjoy reading the postings and wouldn't want Steve to stop on account of naysayers.
Posted by: Aliza | June 07, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Steve
Thank you for the update on the Barn Cats. Sounds like everyone is settleing into Yankee country just fine.
Posted by: Eric | June 07, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Hi Steve, I'm glad that everyone seems to be adjusting so well to the move. Your place is gorgeous! I'm so envious! And thanks for the update on Margaret and friends. Its obvious that the people who left the unkind messages have no idea about your mission--you guys would NEVER put any of your animals into a situation that was less than great for that animal. So please, don't forget to periodically post about your goaties--they're always so funny!
Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Dawn Moore | June 07, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Steve and Alyane,
Please keep the goat posts coming. It brings such joy to my day -and the days of many others.
And I echo all the comments that have been made-
"Blow that sh*t off Steve."
"Your judgment, as always, is excellent, and more importantly, not ours to question."
"You and Alayne are sanctuary angels who deserve only respect and rolling green hills."
Anyone who has followed you, Alayne, and the ranch for any amount of time knows how much you both love and adore all those animals and ALWAYS put their well-being before both of yours. Heck, you guys don't even leave the ranch at the same time-just so one person can always be there with the fur kids.
I, and many others, would never doubt that any decision you would make on behalf of YOUR fur kids is the best decision possible in your eyes.
We love you and support you both-ALWAYS.
Randi, Mo and Parker
Posted by: Randi | June 07, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Definitely looks like kitty heaven!
Sorry you had to expend some time & energy defending/explaining yourselves in regards to Scarlett when we know you two constantly have your plates full of activities, chores and challenges. Assumptions can be avoided if people take the time to really get to know the people & situations.
We are constantly amazed by not only your efforts but character and care.
Posted by: Sasha in MN | June 07, 2010 at 09:52 AM
You have a wonderful new home...can't wait to hear Alayne has arrived and you both can settle in together!
Please ignore the comments of the uninformed...anyone who reads your RDR history knows you always carefully screen new homes for your animals...and they are so lucky to have been with you at RDR...sold or free...Scarlett has found her new loving home!! Rock climbing even....goat heaven on earth!
Thanks again for all you do for our beloved animals.
Posted by: Brenda | June 07, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Oh, the kitties! I love your cats! Steve, I hope YOU are settling in as well as all your animals seem to be. Moving can be such a pain in the neck! I hope you have some time to enjoy this wonderful new home. How lucky Alayne is to have you as the advance person at the new place. Alayne, I'm glad you have your little contingency of dogs to keep you company. Safe trip Alayne!! (Remember, dont let the dogs do the navigating! They just want to see the sights and dont really know how to read a map! ;)
Posted by: Anne | June 07, 2010 at 09:21 AM
So glad Scarlett is enjoying her new home! LOVE the pic of Margaret! That sweet face makes me laugh every time! The stories that come with her pics are always priceless. Whatta sweet and funny girl! : )
Posted by: Christine Baltazar | June 07, 2010 at 09:09 AM
I also want to know, when will Alayne & her minons be arriving?
That's a heck of a view for barn cats! I should be so lucky! So glad that everyone is settling in so well. Thanks for taking the time to continue posting, tho I know you must be super busy.
Hug to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | June 07, 2010 at 08:18 AM
Here's something to do in your copious spare time! ;-) Get up on the roof and take a 360 degree set of photos of your surroundings. What a beautiful place you have chosen. It sounds like everyone has settled in very nicely.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | June 07, 2010 at 08:05 AM
Steve and Alayne -
Cute story about the kitties.....and as well as you guys took care of our new "son" we KNOW how much you care and we are forever grateful for you both. To be an animal in your world, is a perfect place to be.
(Gabe told us he was very very loved and cared for! : )
Best -
Paul, Jenny, & Gabe
Posted by: Jennifer McRoberts | June 07, 2010 at 07:36 AM
I was actually gladdened to hear of farm animals living their destiny at your place :) I also wanted to tell you that I am so happy you moved east! I love your blog, and I am really on the same page with you wrt your work, and I am in NY, so maybe some day a visit would be in order :)
Posted by: Julie Williams | June 07, 2010 at 07:19 AM
How sad that Scarlett went from a nice retirement back to having to work and then have to reproduce as well. This makes me cringe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to admit that I laughed out loud when I read this !!!! It is so wrong it is laughable and the writer obviously doesn't read
the RDR blog !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Bibi | June 07, 2010 at 06:47 AM
Wow, what an awesome view for the barn cats...and the rest of you, furry and human...to view every day. A slice of heaven!
As for the goat bashing "do-goodah" types, just let it roll off your back. Those people are obviously ignorant and uninformed. They need to get a life...or better yet, read the entire blog from the beginning so they can see what RDR is all about. Scarlett is in a wonderful home with a great family!
Posted by: Ann | June 07, 2010 at 05:39 AM
Hi guys!
I love reading about the move, I hope all goes well in N.H! I love all the green grass photos...wish it looked like that here in Western Wa!!!
I hope you two won't give those nasty emails a second thought, We've been to your place and see how much you care...I'm sure Scarlett is lucky to be at her new place, since you made sure she went to the best possible home!! People who know how small time dairies work, know that all the goats are cared for as part of the family...not treated like crap!!
Hope the rest of the move goes well...
Posted by: Sabrina | June 06, 2010 at 11:41 PM
Steve~ Another wonderful post! Happy to read the "Kitties" are enjoying their new surroundings!
Looking forward to your post of Alayne and the remaining five arriving!
Pfft-Pfft to those who question your judgement, like others have stated, if you read only a few of your blog posts it is abundantly clear that youadore your charges,and you carefully choose the very best option for each animal in your care......ENOUGH SAID.
Posted by: Doe George | June 06, 2010 at 11:25 PM
I don't know if Montana mice know they aren't wanted in the house, so they stay out, but here in New England mice prefer a nice warm house to a cool barn anyday! Hopefully the cats near the house will catch them before they get in!
I knew when I read about Scarlett that any new home you were OK with was OK with me. It never occured to me that someone would be concerned.
When is Alayne arriving? Do you have any local human help yet? I can't imagine you left there all on your own!!
Posted by: kathy | June 06, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Love the reports on how everyone is settling in. I was also wondering, as someone else asked, when Alayne and five doggies are due to arrive. I know you've told us (I think), but I don't remember.
And I, too, was drooling over the view from the deck. Goodness! We southern Arizona folks don't see views like that, unless we go to nice, green places on vacations!
Posted by: Vicki Small | June 06, 2010 at 11:19 PM
LMAO ~~ I'm with Lynn in LA! There is NO ONE better than you guys. GEEZ LOUISE!
Posted by: Sharon | June 06, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Thanks for letting us know about the cats. I've been waiting to hear like I'm sure many other supporters have as well. So glad all are adjusting well.
In regards to the emails you mentioned receiving about Scarlett, my first thought was: PETA troll. I bet they get Google alerts for "milking"!!
Blow that sh*t off Steve. Anyone that reads even just three blog posts know you and Alayne would never, ever contribute to misery of an animal. Good grief. Wish those concerned people would come down here and wash pelicans.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | June 06, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Interesting what people read into blogs. These must be individuals that really don't know you. I never had a second thought about the goats, except that she must have gone to a great home. Keep up the wonderful work you do.
Posted by: Janet A | June 06, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Okay folks a comment on Scarlett - do you really believe Steve and Alayne would do anything that was not in the best interest of an animal? If they sold her than I for one would never question their reasons; sounds to me she has a wonderful new home. Please keep us updated on Margaret and Daisy - they are so darn cute!
Posted by: Arizona Fan | June 06, 2010 at 09:53 PM
Steve....I would be interested in knowing how YOU are enjoying the new property and what benefits you are seeing already. We can tell the fur kids love it....what about the human?
Sounds like Scarlett is having an awesome life in her new home.
Posted by: Marla | June 06, 2010 at 09:50 PM
Sounds like Scarlett has a wonderful life with a great family! Hurray!
And gee, I wish I had the view your barn cats do. Wow!
Posted by: Lisa Koch | June 06, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Three cheers for the barn cats for settling in so nicely! Looks like everyone is adjusting admirably.
I'll admit when I first read that you "sold" Scarlett I was a little surprised, but I've been reading this blog now for at least 4 years, I think, and I am 100% confident that you only do what is best for the animals. If you thought that was a good home for her, that was good enough for me. I trust your judgement.
And by the sound of the report from her new family, it is a perfect, happy home for her!
Posted by: Linda | June 06, 2010 at 09:35 PM
Luv to see the working kitties! Glad they are also enjoying the new digs!
As for the goats, I can appreciate why we don't hear much about them, given that your focus is on caring for disabled animals, and highlighting the young healthy ones kinda misses the point. As much as we love them from afar, they are still farm animals. Your judgment, as always, is excellent, and more importantly, not ours to question. :-)
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the kitty | June 06, 2010 at 08:20 PM
When are Alayne and her Minions arriving?
I'm of two minds - tell when she's due and I'll worry until she's there.
On the other hand, if she just magically arrives before we can worry about her driving with 5 blind dogs all that way, well... then we can celebrate without worry... :-)
So....... when is she due? LOL
Her journey will be a safe one, no worry about that. You have many good karma bucks in the bank.....
Posted by: Gena | June 06, 2010 at 07:59 PM
Steve,
I am so sorry you had to read those emails... anyone who knows you and Alayne knows that you would never do something so terrible.
I can only think that those posters didn't know the whole backstory. Even though Margaret, Daisy and Scarlett had jobs to do eating the weeds, they were loved and treated like RDR family.
They work just like the barn cats work keeping the mice away...
And when Scarlett needed to find a new home you found her another little patch of heaven on earth.
Don't be discouraged. You and Alayne are sanctuary angels who deserve only respect and rolling green hills.
And please don't stop posting about Margaret and Daisy! They are cute and funny and they deserve their moment on the blog stage just like all your other babies!
Posted by: Gena | June 06, 2010 at 07:53 PM