SAMMY

         Our Sammy is a study in courage.  He never fails to amaze us.  A couple of weeks ago, without warning, Sammy could not get up - he could not use his hind legs.  My girlfriend Dee and I rushed him to North Carolina State Vet hospital where they administered every test known to dog kind - including two different MRI's.  The result - nothing - no conclusion at all.  There were two theories however.  The first - Degenerative Myolopythy - a condition from which he would never recover the use of his hind legs.  The second - a stroke to the spinal cord - a piece of disc material broke off and created a block.  If so - recovery would be certain - at least partially anyway.  

         We took him in Thursday and by Saturday he was ready to be released - but he couldn't use his hind legs and it took 4 people to manage him.  Fortunately - there are now such things as rehab clinics for dog - complete with hydrotherapy, massage, accupuncture etc.  The hospital recommended Animal Rehab Clinic in Durham NC - run by Dr. Kevin Jones (vet and certified canine rehab practioner) and Jessica Sheets (physical therapist and also certified canine rehab practitioner).  We took Sammy to them and prayed. If she showed improvement over next 2 weeks it was a stroke and he would regain some, if not all, use of his hind legs.  If not - well - we didn't want to face that decision just yet.  

       Sammy settled in and began a program of water therapy and exercise.  Here are some photos - you can see that he looked perfectly normal - just could not use his hind legs.

That's Kevin and Jessica with him.  Kevin's the one with the great legs :) Here's a photo of all three of them.  Kevin and Jessica are miracle workers in my book.

For a real treat here is a video of Sammy in the water tank.

Untitled from sharon kinsey on Vimeo.

 HALLOWEEN IN VIRGILINA

     We live in a remote area (ya think?) so its not possible to let kids roam around trick or treating from farm to farm.  Most of the churches around here do what is called "trunk or treat" where members of the church decorate the trunks of their cars and pull in a semi circle in the church parking lot.  Each person has candy or treats and the kids go from car to car.  Some of the adults dress up.  Well - not one to miss a chance to dress up - Dee and I put on our scary best and joined the party.  Not only that - but Bailey and Solomon - unwillingly joined the fun.  Here are a few pictures - I think you'll be able to tell which one is Dee and I.  You can tell from Bailey's face that he is thoroughly mortified.  The kids enjoyed them immensely though.  

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM FARM AT THE COUNTY FAIR

      What good is living in the sticks if you don't participate in the local fair.  This year I took the goats and the 4 unsold babies from this year's lambs just to exhibit - no judging.  They were a huge hit.  No one had ever seen miniature sheep much less black ones.  One couple stopped by the pen and the woman exclaimed:  "look honey at the baby buffalo!"  I'm not making this up.   Her husband thought that they might be sheep but she corrected him by saying that no sheep that color and size existed.  I thought about trying to sell her a couple of "baby buffalo" but thought better of it.  

           Fall is well under way here and the weather has been wonderful.  Dee and I are riding when we can.  Even took Kate out for a spin.  She needs some work :)  On Monday tossed Gideon in with the girls.  He wasted no time - he thinks he's died and gone to sheep heaven!  In closing this update - here is a picture of Sammy and his best friend joshua hanging out together.  No question that it was Joshua who missed Sammy the most the past 2 weeks.  Everyone take care and God Bless.