These two adorable girls arrived on Friday from the Humane Society of North Central Iowa. That's Noodle on the left and her sister Wobbles on the right. They're Collie mix pups about 8 months of age. Alayne took this photo of us late this afternoon. They have cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition that affects fine motor skills and balance. It's the same condition that Allie the dog and Wobbles and Claire the cats have.
But Noodle and her sister Wobbles are definitely more challenged than the other cerebellar hypoplasia animals we have. They make Allie look like, well, a ballet dancer by comparison! (If you've ever seen Allie in person, you know that's a significant statement!) So they definitely wobble and flop a lot, and once they get going they can have a hard time stopping. When they tumble over backwards it can make us wince ... but my-oh-my, they are such happy, joyful little things.
When they see us come through the gate into the isolation yard, they struggle to their feet -- it's not easy for them to get up -- and bounce and wobble their way over to us, big smiles on their faces, making happy little barks as they come. Then they'll lick us and lick us. They just love to be petted. These sisters are happiest when they're held, and they go absolutely still. That's because their brains no longer have to think about maintaining balance, and so their bodies just relax. Of course, they're usually so excited to see us it takes a while for them to calm down and become still ... but they do!
When the shelter staff emailed us about them, they wrote:
When the puppies first came into the shelter some people told us that we should just put them to sleep, but we couldn't do that when their eyes were so full of life. They WANT to be here. Just because they are different or require more work doesn't mean they should be dead.
And full of life they are! It's such an effort for these girls to get up, to walk, to hold themselves still long enough to drink from a water bowl ... but with sheer determination, they (eventually) do everything they want to do. Despite that effort, they are incredibly happy, and their faces show it. I hope to get some video of Noodle and Wobbles "in action" this coming week so you can see what I mean.
Until then, please join us in welcoming them to the ranch!
(Click on photo for larger image.)
What two beautiful little girls,
I know they will recieve much love on the ranch, God Bless Them.
Posted by: Donna L. Strout | April 14, 2007 at 01:15 PM
It is so wonderful to know that there is a place such as yours. The only problem, there is not enough of them or people to run them. Iknow i would probably never be able to run one but if i could get out there i would surly work in one. No animal deserves the things they go through and its nice to know there are people who care. Keep up the good work. It is well worth it. All animals are beautiful
Posted by: lisa | April 13, 2007 at 04:57 PM
You are the most wonderful people. These animals are so lucky!!!
What I wouldn't give to be able to start a place like yours in Illinois so that I could have joy in my life everyday!
Your animals are beautiful creatures.
Posted by: gothamcity13 | April 13, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Wow! What wonderful dogs, and to take them in when other people thought that they should put down. It makes me happy to think that you gave them a second chance at life!
Posted by: Brittany | April 12, 2007 at 04:47 PM
It is SO good to know these girls are being cared for. Thanks for all the great things you do for these beautiful animals.
Posted by: Nova Vega | April 12, 2007 at 04:42 PM
RDR is as wonderful as this world gets. Thank you thank you thank you!
Posted by: Patti Mynatt | April 12, 2007 at 03:33 PM
The girls look so happy! Thank you very much for taking them in! I am the proud owner of their sister Fidget and a volunteer and the North Central Iowa Humane Society. I feel lucky every day for having Fidget and having the opportunity to meet such great dogs. They truley touched my heart and will always have a special place in it. Thank you again for the wonderful things you do every day!
Posted by: Shannon Phillips | April 08, 2007 at 06:51 PM
It is so nice to hear that these two found their forever home. We adopted "Tipsy", now known as "Bodey" from the same litter as these girls. You explain them perfectly -- Bodey too is such a happy guy -- the smile and small barks as he gallops to greet me makes my day -- He puts things in perspective for me daily! You've got a wonderful place there.
Posted by: Rich and Carrie Delaney | April 07, 2007 at 04:20 PM
Thank God they are there!!!
Posted by: Mandy; Laramie, WY | April 03, 2007 at 07:01 PM
Welcome to the ranch! Wobbles and Noodle, you two are precious!
Danielle, you have a heart of gold!
Posted by: Nina | April 03, 2007 at 07:49 AM
You there at the ranch are INCREDIBLE ! Big Hug. Welcome girls.
Posted by: Karen | April 02, 2007 at 08:09 PM
WOW is all I can say. What a beautiful story & beautiful photo, I've got goosebumps! To the shelter who contacted you rather than euthanizing these gorgeous dogs - THANK YOU. So many shelters would have ignored the beauty of these girls & not have given them a chance at life. And of course, THANK YOU to RDR for taking them in and giving them a good life. You do amazing work!
Posted by: Janel Greenland | April 02, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Welcome Noodle and Wobbles - 2 of the cutest dogs I have ever seen. I can't wait to see them in action ! Steve and Alayne - what you have done with the ranch is amazing. To know such special girls have a place to live, play and know love makes the world a better place.
Posted by: Leigh | April 02, 2007 at 02:31 PM
What beautiful girls you have in your arms there, Steve! Noodle & Wobbles are really lookers! They look so happy & content with you. I'm so glad they are at the marvelous RDR where they will get the best care & lots of TLC. They will have lots of new friends to play with once they can leave the isolation cottage. Welcome to the RDR, ladies! You've arrived!
Big welcome hugs,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | April 02, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Congrats on the new arrivals - and welcome, Wobbles and Noodle! That is a heartwarming story and I wish everyone at the ranch the absolute best. You do such wonderful work...Happy Spring!!! :)
Posted by: m | April 02, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Welcome to the ranch girls and a life with a future!
Posted by: Miranda | April 02, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Such beauties with a happy ending/new beginning!!! Thier joy of "being" shines through even the pictures. Congratulations to you all that have helped them find a way home.
Posted by: Margaret | April 02, 2007 at 12:06 PM
This picture doesnt need a lot of comments it speaks for itself!! Welcome to the ranch you two!! This makes my day today!!
Lots of love to the ranch from Phoenix!
Posted by: Susan | April 02, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Yes, I've met Allie in person. So if you say that your new pups are more challenged than that, I can only stand in awe. But a merciful providence (with the help of the folks in the shelter) has brought them to the best place in all the world for them to live. Bless you two for finding space on your pretty-much-at-capacity ranch and in your infinitely capacious hearts for these two sweet girls.
Posted by: Jerry Stemnock | April 02, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Congratulations on the newest additions to the Rolling Dog Ranch family! It is a breath of fresh air to know that there are people all over caring and making a difference in the lives of our 4 legged friends. Thanks to the people that cared about Noddles and Wobbles at the shelter and to you Steve, Alayne and all those that help at the Rolling Dog Ranch. Hopefully this summer we will have the
opportunity to come to volunteer and visit!
Posted by: Lynn | April 02, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Noodles and Wobbles are so beautiful; their coats, eyes and personalities are brilliant!
Their story is touchingly told by you, Steve and by Danielle.
Danielle, you have given these young girls a wonderful gift...life, and their lives will be filled with love, understanding, companionship and care at Rolling Dog Ranch.
Welcome to the ranch sweet girls!
Posted by: leilani | April 02, 2007 at 10:46 AM
What a couple of adorable kids and how lucky they are to have found RDR. They look very relaxed with their surrogate mother "Steve". I can't wait to meet them!
Posted by: Kimmer | April 02, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Are they ever sweet? You guys are amazing! Our current dog was found in a dumpster with his litter mates and mom. We know that he has no memory of that horror and though he does not have the challenges these girls do, he, too, may have met a different fate. You do the work I wish I could do everyday!
Posted by: Kari | April 02, 2007 at 08:36 AM
From the Big Dog's Porch to Rolling Dog Ranch, we would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for making this dream possible for Noodle and Wobbles. We have been following their story for some time now and are all ecstatic that they have finally found their HOME.
Dana Montero, RVT, CCN
BDP Pack Leader
www.bigdogsporch.com
Posted by: Dana Montero | April 02, 2007 at 07:08 AM
Wow! what pretty girls..I know you will make these girls even happier in their new home.
I check your blog every morning and sometimes its a really sad one and other mornings like today its just sheer joy.
Thanks for being there to look after these guys and let them know they are loved.
Posted by: Cathy Chambers | April 02, 2007 at 06:42 AM
I have been refreshing your blog off and on all night just waiting for this update!! I have tears of joy streaming down my face for the girls. Thank you so much for taking them in. Weebles (their brother) and I miss Noodle like crazy but I can't even begin to express how overjoyed I am for them.
On behalf of the Humane Society of North Central Iowa, our staff, and volunteers who fell in love with these girls, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Danielle Breiholz
Board Secretary
Humane Society of North Central Iowa
www.fdhumane.com
Posted by: Danielle Breiholz | April 02, 2007 at 01:29 AM