Alayne was off the other evening again looking for the Beagle-in-a-hole, blind Austin, when she noticed Oliver the wire-haired Dachshund sitting near an aspen. She had seen him playing with Austin not long before, so she figured -- Inspector Clouseau-like -- that the wily Beagle might be near at hand. Sure enough, as she got closer to Oliver, she could see Austin hiding in a newly discovered hole, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Except for that confounded Dachshund marking the spot.
---
Yes, indeed, it looks like we managed to come in third in the Shelter Challenge -- the Top 10 results today show us in 3rd place -- a feat we still find rather amazing! It just shows you how a whole lot of people, individually doing something for a common cause, can really add up. But while we'll have to hold off celebrating until the official results are announced on Wednesday, Alayne and I wanted to say a big "thank you!" to all of you who kept casting your votes, day after day after day, for the past few months. We appreciated that dedication more than you can imagine.
Speaking of which, it's kind of odd not having to vote in the Shelter Challenge today, isn't it? That became such a daily habit -- but one we're glad to give up for awhile!
Oliver you need to get Austin to teach you his hiding techniques!!
Congratulations! I am so excited you won 3rd place. I voted every day & it did feel strange not to vote. It felt like I was forgetting to do something. Anything I can possibly do to help your great efforts count me in. I wish I lived closer to come for a visit & meet everyone. To visit RDR one day is on my Dream List. And then you'll be blogging about me.... Title: "The Lady Who Came for a Visit & Never Left!" I enjoy all the pictures & wonderful stories you share every day! God bless you & Alayne & everyone who makes it possible for you to do what you do!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 29, 2009 at 03:47 AM
Voting every day for such a wonderful cause is nothing compared to what you do everyday!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Posted by: Carolina | July 28, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Congratulations! Maybe next time, if each of us gets 1 or 2 friends to vote daily, you'll get SECOND prize!!!
Posted by: Consuelo Larrabee | July 28, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Congratulations!! It is well deserved and will go to good use. How funny those dogs are! Such characters.
Posted by: Leila from Washington | July 28, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Congratulations Alayne and Steve!
I'm happy, in anyway I can, to help our beloved furry friends at RDR. Big hugs and smooches to all!
Posted by: Beverly | July 28, 2009 at 11:54 AM
You are most welcome - and CONGRATULATIONS!! A click is the least I can do - wish I lived lots closer - would come visit the ranch if possible. In the meantime, these great pictures and stories are a real and special treat.
Posted by: Angela | July 28, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Well, I have to be honest. I'm sooooo glad that darn contest is over. It seemed to take forever with my ol' dial up. But, sincere congrats on your winnings !!! Funny thing though.... I voted every day and only got a picture of a dog once (on the last day), kept getting that darn scary, grey snake.
Austin cracks me up.
Posted by: Lynn | July 28, 2009 at 11:44 AM
My morning routine is all messed up now. Maybe I'll just vote for something somewhere...anything.
Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Teri | July 28, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Congrats...I think you did get third place. Very cool..thanks supporters!!
It does seem like my routine is broken up now that the shelter challenge is over. 24 days until a new habit, we have 22 more to go. ; )
Posted by: boundforglory | July 28, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I click on their website daily, so voting was just an extension of my daily routine...glad you took #3!
Posted by: Debbie | July 28, 2009 at 07:35 AM
"it's kind of odd not having to vote in the Shelter Challenge today, isn't it? "
Yes , I was wandering around like a lost puppy : ^ )
I'll make some leashes and send them your way !
Congrats and Bless You
Larry
( bleaf Dave's seeing eye person LOL )
Posted by: Larry & Kathy Plutchak | July 28, 2009 at 06:47 AM
I think the RDR beagles are building a BUB (Beagle Underground Base). According to UFO lore UFO's use underground bases as parking garages. This fits in with my idea that beagles are indeed from Venus or even another solar system. PS I'm in Phnom Penh on business but can't skip my RDR fix.
Posted by: Bob | July 28, 2009 at 02:42 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Evelyn | July 28, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Congrats! I felt like part of a daily routine was missing...I would read the new RDR blog entry Sun-Thurs and then vote. I had a calendar reminder set for Fri-Sat. :)
So happy for you all!
Julien
Verdell the rescue dog
Melvin the rescue cat
Posted by: Julien Sharp | July 27, 2009 at 11:35 PM
So I guess it is time to take the direct link out of my browser Quick Links.
Congrats!
Posted by: P2 | July 27, 2009 at 10:06 PM
My workday routine will not be same.....congratulations on 3rd place!!!
Posted by: Nina | July 27, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Whatever will I do---no animal (picture) to identify each day!!??
Greetings from Kansas!!
Posted by: Joyce | July 27, 2009 at 09:14 PM
You are right.....it has become a daily habit and a very good habit it seems. An early CONGRATS on the 3rd place win. RDR is now on the national map. You know I have to ask.....how is Miss Callie doing?
Posted by: Marla | July 27, 2009 at 08:06 PM