The latest phase of the move to New Hampshire is underway. I arrived Friday evening, with a loaded pick-up truck and trailer. I brought out seven dogs as the advance contingent -- Widget, Goldie, Bailey, Dexter, Daisy, Travis and Patti. Most of the rest are being picked up today back at the ranch in Montana, along with the cats. Alayne will bring the last five of the dogs with her when she makes her trip out to New Hampshire after closing up the ranch. The horses are scheduled to begin leaving this coming week as well.
My job is to have everything ready to receive the animals when they start arriving in a few days. I thought all the dog fencing was done, and thus was surprised to pull up Friday evening and find that, well, the fencing was done but not a single gate had been hung yet ... so in effect, I had no usable dog yards. I scrambled to put together some makeshift gates so I could turn my seven dogs out into the yards. The fence company will be finishing up in the next couple of days.
Today's major project was unloading the semi that arrived with corral panels, dog kennels, and extra hay. Yes, we need to carefully transition the horses onto the New Hampshire hay we've already bought, because too abrupt a change even with hay can cause intestinal problems. It's not just the lush green New Hampshire pasture they'll need to be slowly introduced to -- their initial grazing will be carefully controlled -- but we will need at least a week of mixing in the New Hampshire hay with their Montana hay when they're not on pasture. On the truck was about 1.5 tons (1,361 kg) of our hay.
The truck was driven by friends of ours, Hank and Mary Ann K. from Avon, Montana. This was the second load they've delivered. We have another couple from New York, Mike and Laura R., who have been bringing out loads with a pick-up and 24' (7.3 m) flatbed trailer. Hank's semi flatbed is 48' (14.6 m) long. It took over four hours to unload that thing!
Part of the trick to making this move happen was having a tractor at both ends, each equipped with pallet forks. So Mike hauled one of our tractors on one of his very first loads so it would be here in New Hampshire to use in unloading each shipment. The other tractor remains at the ranch in Montana for loading, and will be sent out on the very last shipment.
The other trick was finding people to haul who would also be willing to unload the freight for us, using our tractor. Most truckers who haul for a living won't touch the freight, and it's up to you the customer to get it unloaded. Both couples were willing to do the unloading for us, and that was absolutely critical since we couldn't be here until now.
In the next couple of days I need to set up all the horse corrals, put in water tanks, put together all the dog crates, and ... yes ... make sure all the gates get hung for the dog yards! Oh ... the new washer and dryer are being delivered on Tuesday, and that's a really good thing -- these incontinent Dachshunds have generated a lot of laundry for me over the past several days!
Meanwhile, speaking of Dachshunds, here was Daisy this afternoon enjoying herself:
After she'd get done rolling, she'd push herself across the grass, sliding and sliding. Then she'd roll some more. I think she likes it here.
Blessings to you all in your new home.
Posted by: Elaine | June 04, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Wow! You amaze me with your tremendous organizational skills! Your new place is gorgeous and Daisy agrees!
Posted by: Nina | May 25, 2010 at 09:24 PM
HA HA HA Rosemary. You helped with that squeeze chute too!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | May 25, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Oh my! I had NO idea you were moving to New Hampshire! Where?? This is so exciting. We live in Unity, NH. Love it here.
Do tell!
Posted by: Cheryl | May 25, 2010 at 03:27 PM
If only I had the funds to fly me and the other RDR volunteers over to help you put the pieces back together; hang in there!
With all that eh hem, 'spare time', please keep us posted on the other's arrival.
Wishing you the best!
P.S., I have the utmost faith that you will seamlessly put that squeeze chute back together ;) If a bolt is missing, it was Laura's fault ... remember she did break your leatherman, LOL!
Posted by: Rosemary | May 25, 2010 at 02:17 PM
I feel like I have been away to the war and missed a century. How can so much happen between early March when I last read the blog, and late May? When I started to read the blog today, it felt as if I had fallen into a different world. I have spent the entire morning, 3 or more hours, reading and catching up on what happened and to whom.
Your new home looks fabulous, My only regret is that I am more likely to travel west than north. However, my new hope is that I will someday get to visit. I was thrilled about all the good news about adoptions and medical news.
Looking forward to more news about your adventures in your new home. You never said what you did with the painting I sent. Maybe now it will serve as a fond reminder of your beginnings.
If time would permit, this would be a great time to write a book about the first half of your life in Montana. You are a wonderful writer.
Posted by: Barbara Crabtree | May 25, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Whoo-hoo!! Great shot of your new home; it's a lot of work settling in but you've been blessed with such big hearts and hands of help from Montana. I do hope you find community embracement, love and volunteerism in NH. Really...what's not to love about RDR? : )
Posted by: boundforglory | May 25, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Thanks for a wonderful update on the move to N.H. I just marvel at the way you and Alayne have taken care of the many details involved in a move like this. So glad that things are going so well (except the gates, which I hope will be done soon) and you and the furkids are getting settled in!
Posted by: Ann | May 24, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Steve,
Thanks for updating! Good luck to all with the remaining phases of the move!
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling DOG! Ranch..........
Posted by: Doe George | May 24, 2010 at 08:36 PM
Good grief! Organization is the key here, and obviously you two have that in abundance. I'm sure everyone following your blog is looking forward to a night in the near future when you all can lay your heads under the same roof....bet you are too!
Posted by: Susan Webel | May 24, 2010 at 08:33 PM
Wow, what an amazing thing you are doing to make this move. I got tired reading it all. I wish I lived close by to come & help. My prayers are with you all that it continues to go as smooth as possible & all the animals fare the change in environment & food well. What a really wonderful pic of Daisy!! Yea, I believe she has given her seal of approval. God's blessings to all of you!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | May 24, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Who wouldn't like to roll in that green grass? It looks like such a wonderful place for you all.
Posted by: Inger Wiltz | May 24, 2010 at 06:34 PM
Wow, I can imagine how disheartening it was to arrive and find that the gates weren't hung. I hope it didn't take too long to set up the temporary gates.
Your move is a logistical nightmare, but it sounds like you are super-organized and things are working out pretty well. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything continues to go smoothly.
Thanks for the photo of Daisy; obviously the new place meets with her approval! So glad to hear about the latest adoptions. I'm especially happy for Gabe.
Posted by: Tonya | May 24, 2010 at 03:08 PM
You two must be the most organized people on earth. I can't even begin to imagine what must have gone into planning the move. Your lists must have had lists. Your new home looks absolutely gorgeous. I hope you can sandwich some time in to hire a helper because I think you two are going to need a whole lot of recuperation time when the move is over! Many blessing for a problem free move.
Posted by: Miranda | May 24, 2010 at 03:05 PM
Welcome to NH! :)
LOVE the pic of Daisy... such a happy girl!
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Thank you to everyone helping with the big move. And thanks Daisy for the big roll of approval.
We are all wishing you a smooth couple of weeks until the whole family is together again.
Posted by: Chloe | May 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Well, it sounds like you and Alayne and your helpers have a smoothly-running organized plan! I think it's all falling into place well. Don't forget "one day at a time" does the trick. Got me through evacuating New Orleans after Katrina on the turn of a dime. And last but not least, I hope you can stretch out in the grass for a quick sunshine break with Daisy to rest your busy self. Keep up the great work!! Thanks for the update and wonderful pictures.
Posted by: Angela | May 24, 2010 at 11:54 AM
What an extraordinarily magical place for an extraordinarily magical couple and animals! Bless you all.
Posted by: Dee's Mom | May 24, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Best of luck to all of you (2 and more legged) in this big moving adventure! Fingers crossed until everyone is there and settled... and the gates are hung!
With Daisy's stamp of approval, I know everyone will like it there.
Posted by: Linda | May 24, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Yeah Daisy - you are a true rolling dog - I bet they are all loving that great yard. Best of wishes on your move, I will miss you dearly.
Posted by: Janet A | May 24, 2010 at 09:41 AM
Hi Alayne and Steve! Sounds like the move is going well (except for the fence--but construction projects and NEVER done on time!)
What an undertaking!!! We'll all be glad when the move is complete and everyone is settled in their beautiful new home!
Thinking of you!
Nancy and Buddy in South Carolina
Posted by: Nancy Longfield | May 24, 2010 at 09:40 AM
So glad to read the move is going well. You people amaze me...the thought, planning and all things involved with this vast undertaking is over-whelming, but you're handling it like the pro's you are. "Congratulations"!
Welcome to one of the New England
states.
Celia~Maine
Posted by: Celia Allen | May 24, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Thanks for taking the time to update & let us all know the latest news on the move. It's amazing this moving feat & all the planning that has gone into it. You've done an amazing job and I applaud all the helpers and people that have stepped up to lend a hand whenever needed. Wish I were nearby so I could be of some help. Thanks for all that you are doing to make sure that the animals are not going to have tummy upsets, and the like by switching over to NH hay, etc. You've really thought this all thru.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | May 24, 2010 at 07:13 AM
Oh my, I've just been away and off-line for a week and this morning I've found all these glorious news about Timmy, and Gabe and Cash!!!
Welcome to New Hampshire, Steve! Thank you for finding the time to update us on the BIG move.
Daisy, unlike the horses, doesn't seem to have any problems at all with the new grass...;-))
A huge hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | May 24, 2010 at 06:24 AM
When I first discovered Rolling Dog Ranch on the web I thought it was heaven on earth, but seeing this new place.. well.. it's Heaven's Heaven on earth!!
Glad to hear the move is going well.
Posted by: Maree in NZ | May 24, 2010 at 02:17 AM
Thanks for keeping us updated during what is a VERY busy time! Keep up the great work you are doing!
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | May 24, 2010 at 01:19 AM
Awww.... the first residents are already rolling! What a wonderful sight. :-)
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Alayne, all the haulers, and the animals themselves over the next few weeks. May all your journeys be safe and trouble free!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the kitty | May 24, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Wow the grass looks lush and green. No wonder your dogs love it. I guess that means you will be doing a lot of mowing for the next 4 months or so.
Good luck getting your check list completed. I am sure you will.
I admire your organizational skills.
Posted by: Ev | May 23, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Wow, I'm amazed at the thought that went into the logistics of this move. Y'all are amazing. Good luck with the rest of it!
Posted by: Ray the Blind Dog | May 23, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Oh, so happy for you to start settling in!
Posted by: Darcie | May 23, 2010 at 09:46 PM
One of my first thoughts after you told us a transport company would be moving the animals was Travis and his special diet. I should have known he'd travel with you! But, where is Madison? I'm so curious how you and Alayne decided who would travel with whom.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | May 23, 2010 at 09:44 PM
The picture of Daisy rolling in the beautiful green grass says it all! A picture IS worth a 1000 words.
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | May 23, 2010 at 09:17 PM
Even not being particularly religious my first thought was "god bless you", and those hauler helpers.
OF COURSE they love the grass. I wait to see how long the grass holds out with their love.
Be well and much happiness.
Posted by: lisa james | May 23, 2010 at 09:04 PM
The dogs seem to love the grass at RDR New Hampshire! One day soon the whole family will be together and life will have some sense of "normalcy” whatever that means! GREAT to read an update and see pictures!! You and Alayne continue to amaze us!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | May 23, 2010 at 08:48 PM
I hope you have a nice time in New Hampshire.Take care of your self.
LOVE Alexandra pohl Wethersfield, Connecticut
Posted by: Cheryl Pohl | May 23, 2010 at 08:31 PM
I am SO "waiting to exhale" once everyone is safe and sound at the new RDR! But in terms of rollability, the new place is THE BEST!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | May 23, 2010 at 07:56 PM