Chow Chow [Mix]

Tarot is a 10 yr. old female chow mix. She is 13" tall, weighs about 15 lbs., is blind. She is an owner surrender. She is very gentle, and you just speak to her so that she knows you are approaching. She is one of the shelter favorites because she is so small and gentle. Tarot is in the Mid-Missouri Humane Society shelter in Sedalia, www.mmhs.petfinder.com and telephone 660-826-5816.

11-15-04 Tarot begins her trip on the doggy underground railroad today, going first to Dr. Jane, then to her forever home with Sue. Sue has handled special needs pets in the past and Deanna with Chow Rescue deserves a huge round of "Thanks" for making this all possible. Bless everyone for their tremendous amount of work to save this special little life. Our rescue took Tarot from Sedalia to Marshall where she will receive veterinary care and wait patiently for her trip.

12-04-04: Tarot Yoda Jackson leaves Dr. Jane's office with Wendy doing the first leg of the trip to Florida. This was just received from Sue waiting anxiously in Ocala Florida with a rocking chair at her disposal to hold and rock this sweet baby: Larry, the trucker bringing Tarot to Ocala, is goingto call me two hours out. I figure even with rush hour that should just about put us in at the same time. I will be driving in the daylight - yeah. NOTE: Will update again with Tarot Yoda is in Sue's arms and rocking to her little heart's content. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ocala!!

12-04-04 Tarot Yoda is on the Canine Underground Railroad! The last report I had Tarot was doing well and had no symptoms from the heartworm treatment. She had a bath yesterday and is smelling nice now. She had Advantage applied some days ago so pests are eliminated. Please be aware that she should not be allowed to exercise vigorously......everything on leash. She only has a kennel lead, but that should be adequate. Food(she is eating canned senior food), water, and bowl should be with her. Her records will accompany her. Please make sure the records get transferred at each hand-off. This run will be monitored.

UPDATE FROM WENDY: CUR driver: Hi, I am just getting back to my computer so apoligize for not sending pics this AM. I attached 2 that I took handing the dogs off to Erin (Very nice to meet you again!). Tarot was so cute she road in the front seat of my truck and my other 2 passengers were in the back seat. She would nuzzle her nose up to my side and wag her tail. I petted her most of the way and the tail would just wag. She would shake a little if we had to break a little suddenly or something else that would put her off balance but in general was doing very well. She is super sweet and will make a wonderful companion once she gets settled in.

She had a bath yesterday so is shedding like crazy as many of you have figured out by now.

Looking forward to further updates as she makes her way home.
Wendy
12-04-04 FROM DEL another CUR driver: Tarot is a sweet, sweet little dog. I enjoyed meeting her and helping her along her route to her new furever home. I'll send pix later.

Del

>^.^< Spay/Neuter Your Pets PLEASE
Save a Life, Adopt a Shelter Pet
PAWS of Union County, IL
Rescue Angels On Wheels
NOTE: We will be adding additional CUR pictures to Tarot Yoda on a separate page. Please check back as she makes her way to Sue in Florida. Thanks

Part 2

This is Part 2 of Tarot Yoda as she makes her way on the Canine Underground Railroad from Dr. Jane in Marshall, Mo, via Wendy, on to her forever home in Ocala, Fl. Shown with Del, Sandy and Sharon in the above pictures. Each of these wonderful volunteers takes a turn at driving her across the miles. Without their help, none of this would be possible. Please check back as we will update her progress with pictures until she is safe in Sue's arms. Sue has a rocking chair waiting and has been out shopping for her newest senior baby. UPDATE!!!!!!! Sun, 5 Dec 2004 14:21:25 -0600 Deanna wrote:

Transport is running a little ahead of original schedule and Tarot just left Perry Ga a few minutes ago. I'm going to go through the emails and make sure everyone gets copies of all the pictures now. NOTE Just as soon as we receive the pictures, we will be posting them on Part 3 of Tarot Yoda! Thanks for checking back

Part 3

Dec. 5, 2004 Update from one of the CUR drivers: Here are some pictures from Tarot’s overnight stay. She did well but did not seem to like our chow Sam. He was very sweet to her though and gave her plenty of space. I started to brush her out to alleviate the loose hair, but it appeared to stress her out a bit. We got the major loose hair out in the few minutes I worked with her. I believe she was tired from all her travel. Tarot rested quite well in her makeshift kennel in the laundry room, and she looked so peaceful sleeping. She was not any trouble at all. She did not want to eat anything so she should be good and hungry by the time she settles into her new home.

Sharon Steiert UPDATE 12-05-05 Tarot is now with Larry and Brandy and their furkids in Georgia. She will ride the rest of the way in an 18 wheeler! Here is the message from the family to anxious mom, Sue, waiting to rock her: Hello Sue,

Here are the pics I promised you, but they don't do her justice! Tarot is a love.......pure and simple. She is docile and friendly, and just loves to be loved. She is in the dining room with Larry right now; he is making friends with her so she will not be concerned when she goes with him tomorrow.

Also he said to tell you that he plans on being at Star by 7:30, but will call you from either one or two hours out at your preference.

While the pics were attaching, she went to sleep at Larry's feet. Don't worry about her; we will keep her safe for you until tomorrow!

Smiles and slurps from Georgia!

Brandy, Larry, and the furkids

Part 4

UPDATE 12-05-04 Just got this note and pic from Brandy. If anyone is seeing this rig in Georgia or Florida, be sure and honk that horn. Larry is hauling the most precious cargo, a little girl! Pasting in from Brandy:Hello Sue and Judy,

Larry adores this little girl and is thoroughly disenchanted with the people who gave her up because of her handicap. (An old softie, is my hubby!)

Attached is a pic of Larry's truck. Tarot is a true love and a snuggle bunny, and we adore her!

Hope this helps with your picture album!

Brandy Holleran
Founder - OTRA

12-06-04 The good news is Larry is in Ocala, and Sue has Tarot! Hip hip Hooray!

We screen all of our truckers very carefully. We have their truck numbers, license plates numbers and driver's lic. numbers, just like our "leg" drivers. OTRA stands behind its truckers.
A HAPPY HOLIDAY NOTE: For those of you that thought Santa drove a sleigh, this just goes to show you that sometimes he has a big, red 18 wheeler to haul special presents. Happy Holiday, Sue and Tarot and your furbabies!

Part 5

UPDATE 12-06-04 A special Thanks to all those that helped get this little blind chow into her forever home with Sue. So many people worked so hard and would not want to overlook anyone, so just a huge THANKS to everyone. So few people want a chow, a senior or a blind pet and this little girl had all three things against her. Yet, wonderful folks rallied to the rescue. It is going to be a very happy holiday in Ocala. What better way to end this photo album that to see little Tarot Yoda Jackson fast asleep. Thanks for being there to welcome her, Sue, and may you both soon be rocking away in that chair, humming a happy tune. God bless you, each and every one! UPDATE 12-07-04 from Sue: We have had a really nice, quiet day. Rocked a lot and she went with me to the mailbox - first time for that (actually in all the excitement yesterday, I forgot to pick it up so this was the first chance).

Tarot has been working on her letter for you and has a rough draft started - just has to put a little more into it and make some changes here and there. My job, if I choose to accept the assignment, is to get a picture of her worthy of her highness. Not sure I am up to that task, but will give it my best shot.

Hope what she writes isn't too much, but she has so much to tell everyone - of course, she won't let me read it - yet. I canceled Tarot's Vet appointment and rescheduled for Fri. That way, I hope, it will be three weeks from the first shot and they just may give her the last one - seems better than going out twice. I am sure she will think it is another leg of her journey and I want to put as much time as possible between so she won't connect riding in the car with moving. I think she is happy here and not knowing how their minds work, I don't want her to think I am sending her off - does that make any sense at all?

I have a great big furry head in my lap. Usually when she does that we go rock - I think that is what she wants (she was just out, so I don't think it is that), maybe she just wants a pat, but after seeing how she reacts to the rocking chair, I put my money on that.

Part 6

GREETINGS FROM CAMP FUR-EVER

Hello Everyone,

I traveled a long, long way to get to this camp. Met a lot of very nice people and I finally arrived in FL in a GREAT BIG TRUCK, vrooom, vrooom, vrooom, it was so exciting, vroom, vroom. I'm a girl and I really don't know anything about trucks, vrooom, vroooom, vrooom but it was sure fun- HE EVEN LET ME DRIVE - well, maybe not, BUT I HELPED.

Now, I am here at camp and just wanted to let you know that it isn't as scary as I thought. When I first heard I was going to camp in Florida, I was a little worried. I didn't know what a camp was or where Florida was, but I am here, and having fun - they do talk funny here, I will say that.

I was put in Cabin D which is the Special Needs cabin. There aren't as many of us, we have our own Counselor/Nurse who stays with us round the clock, and we have ramps instead of steps which are kind of neat.

I have made lots of new friends. Willie is my best friend and bunk mate (Willie is Wilhelmina but she likes Willie better). She helps me find my way around and reminds me when it is time for one of the activities. She knows EVERYTHING, she has been here for a while.

She told me to watch out for Daphne and Charley. They walk funny, something about wheels and watch your toes. I told her I can't see, so she said she would help me. Daphne is real young and gets to running and Charley can't see either, still don't know what wheels are.

Miss Maddie doesn't talk very much. She is the Foreign Exchange student from Taiwan and doesn't know her barks yet, but she is really sweet - sleeps a lot and doesn't take part in the planned stuff yet. That makes three of us that can't see, so I don't feel all alone anymore.

Then there is Scowy - he runs around all day singing "Kibbles N Bits - Kibbles N Bits" and picking up all the toys "Everything in it's place" - geez, I can see why no one wanted him in their cabin - Mister Neat.

We go hiking all the time. I get to go one-on-one with the Counselor till I pass my test. I'll have to study real hard so I do really, really good and they will all be so proud of me. I don't know what kind of test it is, wonder if we get a badge or a ribbon if we pass. Have to remember to ask Willie about that - she knows EVERYTHING. Once I pass my test, I can go with the others, I think they go rock climbing and swimming but I'm not sure about that. I love going with our Counselor. She wears bells and I always know right where she is and it is easy. She doesn't let me bump anything, and it is really neat. She gives lots of pats and hugs too - she always makes a fuss like that when I go potty and I can't figure out why. I'm just doing what I have to do, but I like the hugs so I'm not going to say anything about it.

I better tell you about our other activities, if your interested. We have Arts/Crafts - haven't done that yet, so will have to tell you about that later. We go hiking, but I told you that.

We have nap time several times a day (I sent a picture so you could see my bunk - Willie says I look very pretty on it).

We have snack time - I asked for milk but I guess they don't have that here, but the cookies are good. We all sit around and eat our cookies and talk about what we are going to do that day or what we did (depending if it is morning or evening snack time).

I like story time. We all sit near the rocking chair and take turns in the Counselor's lap while she tells us a story or we all sing songs. We do that lots.

Tomorrow night we are going to have a weenie roast - I hope they tell really scary stories - that sounds like fun, but I bet they won't, cause Daphne would get scared - she is such a baby.

We also have Sudsy time. Someone gets picked (I haven't been yet, but I WILL, cause I'm being very good) and you get a nice warm bath with pretty smelling stuff and then you get to sit in the Counselor's lap all wrapped in a big towel and you get to rock while you steam dry. Then you get all brushed out real pretty and you walk around like you are HOT STUFF. Well, I'm hot stuff and I want to play that - I know that's fun and I am going to do everything just perfect so I get my turn.

Willie helps me find the Mess Tent - the food is great, I know I am going to gain a million pounds if I keep eating like this. We all get plenty, but Willie showed me how to swipe some of the slowpokes food - we got caught last night, but nothing really bad happened.

I forgot to tell you, we have a mascot here and it is a CAT. Have you ever heard of anything so stupid - a CAT. She thinks she runs the place, and what she says is law. I'd like to show her a thing or two, but I won't. A DUMB CAT for a mascot, how stupid can you get.

We have a Doctor who lives nearby and we all get to go visit with him any time we want to.

Well, the Counselor just came in to remind us it is nap time and lights out. That's dumb, I didn't turn the lights on anyway, but I guess I have to take a nap now.

Talk to you later - Ciao - :) I made a funny!!

Love ya,

Tarot

PS PS I thought you might like to see the new flyers OTRA will be puttin up at truck stops to attract more truckers to help other dogs just like me get to their fur-ever home. Do you recognize any doggies in this pic? UPDATE 12-08-04She goes to meet her new Vet on Fri. and she will have to report to everyone what he is like.

She is getting so much fan mail, I may have to set up an account just for her. We talk about each and everyone of you while we are rocking. She LOVES the rocking chair. I can't make up my mind if she is use to a lot of attention or just trying to catch up. She would rock all day/night if we could, but the others have to have a few minutes here and there.

Sue and Tarot
Additional Letter from Sue: Hi Everyone,

First, thank you so very much for my little girl - there is no way I can really thank you enough - she is just wonderful - even better than I had hoped she would be. I know she is so tired that this isn't her true personality, but it can only get better and better.

We had the expected growls, barks, sniffs - sort of a "keep off my turf" party, but it all worked out and she staked her claim to her new bed and as long as no one else tries to sleep on it - all is peaceful.

I think she does have some hearing. I wear bells and when I would come near her, she would react. At first I thought it was just that she could feel the vibrations, but I would talk to her, using her name, and her tail goes a mile a minute. Outside, when I would shake the bells and call her name, her little head would come right up, tail would speed up and she could come right over to me, so she must hear a little. (She is so good about going outside like a good girl - no accidents as yet.)

Dinner time she showed me she was the perfect guest. I have a double bowl for her, so put what she was familiar with in one side, and what I make for all the others in the other side. She hit that bowl and didn't lift her head till she was finished - with all the food I had made - never touched the other side. Just proves she will fit in just fine - of course we had turkey tonight like I promised her.

OK, now what you are all waiting to hear. We had our first rock tonight. She snuggled right down in my lap in the rocking chair and fell sound asleep. We rocked and sang songs and she looked so peaceful. I swear she started to purr, I started to cry and all is well with the world.

Thank you all again so very much, without you, this wouldn't have happened.

Sue

Tarot and a rocking chair - made for each other..

=====

Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when they get mad, they will be a mile away and barefoot.

Sue Jackson - Ocala, FL

(Cat) Sugar Puss,

(Pap) Scowy my first rescue,

Miss Maddie a tiny little Peke who doesn't speak English,

Little Willie, a Chinese Crested,

Daphne, my little Shih Tsu on wheels,

Charley, my little Pumpkin Peke, who will walk again if at all possible.

Tarot, my Chow, she may not see, but she knows where the rocking chair is.

All in memory of Big Bird, my sweet old Magoo, my big black Tyler, and my tiny Munchkin.

UPDATE FROM SUE 12-09-04 (Sue is going to have every chow headed to Florida to her rocking chair and TLC) Hi Judy,

I just have to tell you, I HAVE CREATED A MONSTER!!! Only took a couple of days and she has me completely pegged for a sucker.

I decided tonight, after they were all bedded down, to take a few minutes to myself and do a little handwork. I sat in the rocker, got all my stuff ready, and felt this big head in my lap. She just sat there, wagging her tail, "looking" at me - what could I do. We rocked for a while and she was getting hot and my legs were getting tired, so I shifted her over for a second and put my feet up on the hassock. Well - let me tell you, that is even better. She can stretch out full length on her back and rock till the cows come home or she has to piddle, whichever comes first. When she stretched out, her feet were almost to my ankles and her head was under my chin. Boy, is she warm on a cold Dec. night. Such a love, but then they all are - she is just a bigger love.

While we were rocking, Scowy took full advantage of the situation and curled up on "her" bunk. If she had been able to see, I don't think she would have been very happy about it. When I brought her back in, I put her on her bed and she had to rearrange it right away, so she knew, but "fixed" it and reclaimed it as hers.

I have to find some way to get a picture of her in the rocking chair. She is so relaxed and happy that she drools.

Think I better go to bed - everyone has been fed, watered, walked and rocked - been a long day.

Sue and Tarot
UPDATE 12-10-04 Letter from Sue about the trip to the vet: Tarot went to see Dr. Toby today - she wants to write to everyone and tell them all about it, so that will be coming. All I want to tell you is - when I put her in the car, her little face fell - never saw such a sad, dejected look in my life. I almost called and canceled the appointment. She must have thought she did something very wrong and was going away again. I will have to take her everywhere with me (what a hardship that will be) so she knows that the car is a good thing, not a punishment, or a long ride or more new people. Did make me feel good in a way - at least she told me (and I do mean told me) that she likes it here. I almost cried - she looked old, tired, beaten down - that face just says everything so clearly. The ride home was a little better - I hadn't passed her off to anyone and I hadn't left her, so maybe she was hoping it was a change of plans. Think I will either have to win her over again or else she is so relieved she just wiped it out as if it didn't happen. She came in, got a drink of water, found her bed and curled up in a little ball and went to sleep.

Sue and Tarot UPDATE 12-10-04 from Tarot about Dr. Toby's office visit: GREETINGS FROM CAMP FUR-EVER

Hi everybody,

I asked the Counselor if I could miss nap time and write to all of you instead. She said I could if I promised to take a nap in her lap later. That means an extra long rock for me - boy, that was a hard decision to make.

I wanted to tell you that we went over to Dr. Toby's cabin today. I thought I had done something terribly wrong. Usually we sleep in - I like to wake up around noon. Before the sun was up - well, around 9:00 AM - I have to get up and go piddle - Counselor said. I thought it was a little early, but she said I had to. It was cold and the ground was still wet for goodness sake.

After I went piddle, I HAD TO GET IN THE CAR. I thought I must have done something terribly, terribly bad. I had to leave camp and I was so scared. I know she said we were going to visit Dr. Toby, BUT THE CAR. It isn't that I didn't enjoy my time with all of you, but I really didn't want to leave and go back to MO or someplace else. This place is OK and my friends are here and I didn't get to say "bye" to them (they were still sleeping - lucky them). Well, we rode and we rode and I was sure there was going to be a car at the end to take me on my next "leg" (I have four, thank you, never did figure that out - I guess "leg" means ride in the car - I told you people talk funny down here).

We finally get out of the car and go in this big building. There are lots of people there and they were all talking about me. They thought I was a puppy and they were all saying how cute I am - well I know that - only got upset when they started calling me a "boy" - I just turned around and told them I'm a GIRL.

We went into this little room and there is Dr. Toby. IS HE NICE - has a nice cabin also. He thought I was beautiful and he should know 'cause he looked at me from my teeth to my tail and everything in between. He even got a little personal. He said I have a tiny bit of arthritis in my one leg - well I could have told him that without all his poking and prodding. I wagged my tail the whole time - couldn't stop. He was nice, he was gentle, he was funny and he kept saying nice things about me. (He couldn't tell I was blushing, but I was.)

Then I heard him telling my Counselor something about a shot. If they were planning on shooting me, why did they drive me all the way to Ocala and let me meet all those nice friends just to shoot me? I DON'T WANT TO GET SHOT! I just put my head on the Counselor's chest and did the best I could to talk her into taking me home instead. Then I heard him say that since Dr. Jane had given me one shot (then I knew - and it wasn't all that bad) for the heart worm and that it had taken care of about 70% of the worms - What worms? I didn't see any worms, just felt like a shot to me - he wanted to give me Heartgard and let the rest die that way - well at least it isn't me - that was good news. He said since I was an old girl - OLD GIRL - everyone else thought I was a puppy - don't know that I like OLD GIRL. He thought that would be better for me and my kidneys. OK, I'll go along with that, anything to get out of getting a shot - or getting shot - if I can. He also sent home (I mean cabin) something call Prednesone to take with the Heartgard so it doesn't upset my tummy as much - I'll take that like a good girl - wonder if I can have it in peanut butter or something good like that.

Then he went to work on my ears and that felt sooooo good. I get to have that done twice a day with Clotrimazole and ChlorhexiDerm for two weeks. I think I will act like it hurts (it really doesn't, it feels good) and that way I can get another long rock-a-bye out of it.

When we were leaving, I got a Greenie - Willie told me Dr. Toby is nice - think I will go visit him again sometime.

But the best part is, we got in the car and came HOME, (I mean Camp) and everyone was waiting to see how I liked Dr. Toby and what he said and what he did. OH, IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD TO GET HOME AND SEE EVERYONE. I was really scared, but I won't be next time. I think it was just going in the car and meeting all those new people and being afraid I wouldn't see Willie and the rest again, I even said "HI" to the stupid cat. Then I had a rock and went to sleep - I like this place.

Everyone is up now and we all have to go piddle. I can go for a hike with the rest of them after New Year's Eve - whenever that is.

Love Ya - Ciao

Tarot UPDATE 12-14-04 Willie & Tarot are getting ready for Christmas. UPDATE 12-21-04 Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since I sent you an update on Tarot. She is doing just great. Gets more sure of herself everyday. She can manage the whole house and going out to her favorite spot in the yard without needing very much help from me. I go along just to make sure she is OK. She knows the signal if she is going to bump something. She moves so slowly that she wouldn't get hurt, but I want her to know so if she is away from where she is familiar, she will feel comfortable and sure of herself.

For those of you that thought she had a hearing problem, she doesn't. She knows the bells I wear and if I just move my foot, she is on her way. This is hard to test since she is usually on my foot or in my lap. She can hear the refrigerator door with no problem. She has also learned that the "ding" on the rotisserie means that if you stand there very patiently that little tidbits of chicken will drop from space. She is also the first one in line.

I took the one picture tonight during story time. As you can see, I am the only one who is really enthusiastic about this. I had to take the picture from the rocking chair - I knew she would wake up the minute I moved my foot.(Please be patient while the pic uploads)

Sue and Tarot
UPDATE 12-23-04 Message from Sue - Just use your imagination to watch this chain of events unfold:Hi,

Well, I have something else I wasn't able to get a picture of, but just have to tell you. Hope I can describe it so you get the idea - it was so funny.

Until last week, I took Tarot out by herself. I didn't want any stress and wanted to get her familiar with everything where she didn't have to worry about the others - just the two of us. I really didn't know how territorial they might get in "their" yard, but they are doing great in the house.

This week I decided it was time to start adding others to our outings. The door is on the side of the house at the half way point (this goes into a completely fenced in area). Willie always goes straight out and over to the fence where she peeks at the neighbors. About 99% of the time, there is no one out, so then she sticks to me like glue. I never leave them out alone - ever. Scowy always takes a sharp left and heads for the enclosed pen where he spends all his time. There is only one tree in the pen and it isn't dead yet, so not sure what he is doing back there - he is very good about using that area. Tarot always goes to the right to her favorite spot in the yard so I really didn't see a conflict with those three. When I add Daphne to the mix, it will get a little more exciting.

Well today, I golf cart - you know, those horrible things that every dog knows don't belong on streets, golf courses, or anywhere on the planet for that matter, went by. Scowy, of course, flew straight to the front - Tarot's territory - to tell that "thing" to get lost. Willie decided to join in - now Tarot is heading for the front and so are the others. Scowy went right past and headed for the gate which is the best "golf cart barking" spot. Willie took a flying leap and landed on Tarot's back - now I have seen circus dogs do this and they are real cute. Up on their hind legs, little ruffled collars, etc. Not Willie, she went for the old Western - ride em cowboy approach. Flat out on Tarot's back with her front paws around her neck and her head down right by her face - I guess for draft control - or to avoid stray bullets, whatever.

Tarot plodded right along - never missed a beat. Got to her favorite spot and did her thing. When she decided to stop and leave a deposit, I guess that was too much for Willie and she slid off. By then the golf cart had been properly chased and it wasn't any fun anymore, so everyone went back to their spots. I wish I had taken the camera - to see a Chinese Crested riding a Chow - a tiny one at that - jockey style, all she needed was a whip (or crop - whatever they call it) and they still would have come in last - Tarot will not be hurried for any reason. Having a dog on her back didn't faze her at all.

Anyway, Merry Christmas from my cowboys/Indians, furry friends, etc.

Sue and Tarot

Part 7

UPDATE 12-26-04 from Tarot:
GREETINGS FROM CAMP FUR-EVER

Hi Everybody,

Boy, this Christmas thing is really neat. Willie says there are lots of pretty lights up all over the neighborhood and the other night, we all piled into the car to ride around and look at them. I couldn't see them, but Willie said (she knows everything) that they were really neat and she told me how some of them looked. The ones playing music I could hear - don't know the songs, but it sounded nice anyway. The most fun - I got to ride in the front seat - that's cause I'm special. Daphne fell asleep before we got home, and Miss Maddie slept through the whole thing, but Willie kept up a running commentary on everything and Scowy just kept singing "Kibble 'n Bits" to whatever tune was playing, or not, he just kept singing - I wonder if he is that happy, or just likes to hear himself sing.

Charley didn't go see the lights, he wasn't feeling very good - I'm worried about him, he is my little buddy. He can't walk, so I try to sleep real near him so if he wants to snuggle he doesn't have to go very far. I don't know if I am helping, but I kinda think I am.

Last night was kind of dumb - but - kind of fun. I dressed up like Santa with a hat and a bag of toys. Everyone knew who I was, but Daphne got all excited - she is SUCH a baby. We all got new toys and then we sat around the Counselor and read "Twas The Night Before Christmas". Then we put out cookies for Santa and called it an early night. I listened for reindeer all night, but never heard one. Wish I could see one, anyone know what they look like?

Anyway, Santa came - I didn't hear him and neither did the others, even Willie. We had presents everywhere. There were new collars and leashes for everyone, new dishes, new beds - really soft ones - lots and lots and lots of toys and we each got a stocking with chew sticks and cookies. Boy, it was fun. Wish we could do this more often, but Willie says it just happens once a year - and Willie knows everything - she has been here for a long time.

Well, someone, I don't know who, just swiped my fuzzy ball while I was typing this. I have to go find it - they better not spit on it - that's mine, Santa gave it to me - got to run -

Ciao -

Love ya and Merry Christmas everybody,

Tarot


Update 08-10-05 from Sue--
Hi Judy, Just had to write and tell you all our news. Some good, some not so good, but that's the way life is I guess. As for Tarot - she is wonderful. Best behaved dog I have EVER had. Couldn't ask for a nicer, gentler lady and she is so loving and caring. She worries about the others more than herself. Her eyes don't seem to slow her down at all (of course she doesn't move all that much), but she is so smart that she has everything mapped out and knows where everything is. Her ears got a great report this last time - no sign of infection or anything. Her hearing is not the best, but at her age, I would say about normal.
I got a huge bag of toys from FreeCycle the other day - a woman had just lost her dog and wanted someone to have the toys. They were split between me and another who had 21 (I thought I was bad). They each took a toy and there were no fights, but lots of playing. Tarot didn't show any interest, so I picked a cute little lemur for her. She put her nose on it, but really didn't care if it was there or not. Well, when she stood up, she stepped on it and it squeaked. The look on her face was priceless. I think at first she thought she had hurt it, but finally figured out that if you step on it, it talks to you. Her idea of playing is different, but as long as she is happy. She now "sleeps" with her "baby" all the time, but isn't in to tug of war or tossing at all.
Took her to have her groomed - told them to make her feel like a "lady" and they did - no nailpolish, but she came home smelling like a rose. She won't let me touch her legs - doesn't bite, but tells me "NO" and I really wanted to get those legs completely brushed out. Well they clipped her feet and they are so tiny and cute and she really thinks she is "hot stuff".
Sue - Tarot and rest of us

Part 8

04-07-05 We just received the picture we have been waiting so long for, a pic. of Sue and Tarot in the rocking chair. Following is a message from Sue. As soon as the messasge from Tarot is received, we shall post it to Part 8. God love Sue and others like her that have chosen to care for special needs dogs.----- Tarot is the love of my life (don't tell the others I said that) - they are all special, but there is something about that girl that just gets to me. She also gets to me when she wakes me up to tell me she has to go out in the middle of the night, but we can live with that - old girls can't hold it - ask me how I know. She also WILL NOT GET HER FEET WET!!! If it has rained, she will hold it till the sun comes out and the grass is dry. If it has been long enough that I know she is uncomfortable, I pick her up and PUT her in the grass - she will go and then run for the concrete and "dry land". She is so funny and such a love.

She is also nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy around here. When I had the flu, she was right there and seemed to know just what to do. She would stand for hours with her head on the bed where I could pat her if I felt a need to. When I was tossing my cookies (only nice way I can think to put that) she was right there beside me - I think she would have held my head if she could figure out how to do it. I no sooner got over that, and came down with an eye infection - a bad one. It was so nice during all those weeks when I couldn't use the computer (it is still almost impossible and I read most mail with a magnifying glass), TV was a radio, big print books weren't even an option, etc. to have her in my lap rocking. The others were all off schedule and running around because things weren't normal, especially when I was down with the flu, but not Tarot - she just decided that this new "problem" was great because it meant more rocking time and who needs eyes anyway. I think the eyes are going to get a little better, at least I hope they are. I have no sight in my left eye and the right one is still fuzzy, but I do have my good days so hopefully it will get better - I would sure like to be able to drive, read, etc.

Tarot will have to write and catch everyone up on what she has been doing - which isn't much but rocking lately. Just wanted to send you a note and send the picture for you. My daughter/SIL were here for one day and I got them to get a picture before they left. I know if Taylor could have got away with it, Tarot would have been in the car with him when they left. He was crazy about her and she liked a big lap to sit in and snuggled right down with him. There was no room in the car, or I think they would have taken one of more if they could get them away from me, but since they were there to drop of their four cats for me to babysit, I think good judgment ruled and they passed on the idea.

Sue, Tarot and all the rest of the gang.

Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when they get mad, they will be a mile away and barefoot.

Sue Jackson - Ocala, FL

(Cat) Sugar Puss,

(Pap) Scowy my first rescue,

Miss Maddie a tiny little Peke who doesn't speak English,

Little Willie, a Chinese Crested,

Daphne, my little Shih Tsu on wheels,

Charley, my little Pumpkin Peke, who will walk again if at all possible.

Tarot, my Chow, she may not see, but she knows where the rocking chair is.

All in memory of Big Bird, my sweet old Magoo, my big black Tyler, and my tiny Munchkin.



08-10-05 From Sue----
Just had to write and tell you all our news. Some good, some not so good, but that's the way life is I guess. As for Tarot - she is wonderful. Best behaved dog I have EVER had. Couldn't ask for a nicer, gentler lady and she is so loving and caring. She worries about the others more than herself. Her eyes don't seem to slow her down at all (of course she doesn't move all that much), but she is so smart that she has everything mapped out and knows where everything is. Her ears got a great report this last time - no sign of infection or anything. Her hearing is not the best, but at her age, I would say about normal.
I got a huge bag of toys from FreeCycle the other day - a woman had just lost her dog and wanted someone to have the toys. They were split between me and another who had 21 (I thought I was bad). They each took a toy and there were no fights, but lots of playing. Tarot didn't show any interest, so I picked a cute little lemur for her. She put her nose on it, but really didn't care if it was there or not. Well, when she stood up, she stepped on it and it squeaked. The look on her face was priceless. I think at first she thought she had hurt it, but finally figured out that if you step on it, it talks to you. Her idea of playing is different, but as long as she is happy. She now "sleeps" with her "baby" all the time, but isn't in to tug of war or tossing at all.
Took her to have her groomed - told them to make her feel like a "lady" and they did - no nailpolish, but she came home smelling like a rose. She won't let me touch her legs - doesn't bite, but tells me "NO" and I really wanted to get those legs completely brushed out. Well they clipped her feet and they are so tiny and cute and she really thinks she is "hot stuff".
Lost my beautiful little Daphne last month. She was my soul mate and she was doing so great. It is hard when any of them go, but with the older ones, you just enjoy each day you have. Daphne was so young and doing so great, but the bullet must have moved (which they said could happen at any time you just wipe it out of your mind after a year or so). She was fine, spinal walking, being her usual little spit fire self, had a good bath and brushing, slept with me that night and was gone early the next morning. I could tell she was going and it was fast, but boy, does it hurt.
Sue - Tarot and rest of us
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when they get mad, they will be a mile away and barefoot.
Sue Jackson - Ocala, FL
Sugar Puss, a tiny quilting kitty,
Scowy, a Papillon my first rescue,
Miss Maddie, a tiny little Peke who doesn't speak English,
Little Willie, a Chinese Crested and my Velcro girl,
Charley, my little Peke, who can't see or walk but is my happy little doorstop,.
Tarot, a blind Chow, she sees things the rest of us can't.
All in memory of Big Bird, my sweet old Magoo, my big black Tyler, my tiny Munchkin and my precious Daphne who is now able to run free..

12-08-05 from Sue (We had contacted Sue as some of you have been reading the profiles and asked us if we knew how Sue and Tarot were doing lately, thus the following reply from Sue)--
Hi Judy,

Tarot was thinking about writing an update - she has so much to tell. I'll see if she can be talked into letting all her "work" go for a little and telling everyone what is going on.

Yes, we moved. Just got here on Nov. 15th and Tarot has been "SO BUSY" unpacking - you just wouldn't believe it. This moving business is hard. We now live in AR - and I really think Tarot knows she is closer to home. We have a big fenced in yard and all the kids LOVE it. Too cold for all but Tarot who seems to thrive in the cold and wants to go out and play all the time (when she isn't unpacking and trying to get her bed just right that is). We had snow for the first time tonight (just a dusting) and she wasn't all that thrilled with that - she hates to get her feet wet and this was the wet stuff.

She loved the car ride. Took three days with all the kids and potty breaks, but we made it and even found motels that would allow (for an extra charge) ONE dog. Just didn't mention that there were three others and a cat in the second car (my daughter drove along to help with the "directions" and the pit stops). She had one dog, the cat and the fish in her car, so she would go in the motel and see about rooms (I wouldn't leave the kids in the car even for a minute which got REALLY old after three days). She told them the truth - to a point - she had ONE dog in her car. They were all so good that no one even questioned the fact that every time I came out the door, the dog changed color and size.

I'll have Tarot work on an update and send it along ASAP. Maybe I can get a picture of her in her new yard or at least the house. This is SOOO much better for the kids, but I sure miss my nice Vet. Not sure they even have one here and going over the mountain with a sick dog could be a problem. Hopefully, no one will get sick, but you never know.

Better get back to unpacking - this is going to take forever - never knew I had so much stuff. I completely filled a 58' moving van and I mean completely filled it. To the point where he couldn't cram one more thing in and we had to take what we could in the two cars (which wasn't much) and the rest I had to leave.

I'll wish you a Merry Christmas and let Tarot wish you one when she writes.

11/28/06 - Haven't sent you an update on our girl in some time.

Tarot is just wonderful (but you know that), but I mean health wise. She is getting really white around the muzzle, but then so am I. She sleeps more and more, but is still having fun in her yard and walking more when she does go out. Still never had an accident in the house - which for me is a record. Still won't let me touch her feet, so she is a little shaggy in the leg area.

I did find out something about her last night, which is what reminded me that I owed you a letter. I had an 11-month old little girl (human type) visit. Two of mine where terrified and I put them in a "safe" place right away. Charlie didn't do anything but wag his tail (about all he can do) but didn't seem bothered by her. TAROT WENT NUTS. Tarot must have had a baby in her life before and just came alive. She went right over to the baby and started nuzzling her. When the baby grabbed a fist full of hair, Tarot all but purred. I gave the baby a cookie (now Tarot won't eat ANYTHING but her dinner - I have offered her treats when I give them to the others and she flatly refuses them) but not the cookie. The baby gave her that and it was delicious. I wish you could have seen her - she was like a young dog again. I know how a baby in the house makes me feel, so I know just what she was thinking. Her tail was going a mile a minute. We both hated to see the baby leave.

Tarot has decided one of my big furry slippers is HERS and sleeps with it. All I have to say is "where's your poo (it started out as slipper, but that didn't last long)" and she will nose around until she finds it. Sleeps with her nose buried in the slipper (so much for warm feet around here).

Not much else to report here. Still have Scowy, Willie and Charlie and haven't added any new ones since we arrived (not that I haven't been tempted) but think four is enough for right now. I know there will be others, but we have a happy mix right now.

08-23-09 Brandy-
"I have just chatted on Yahoo IM with Sue and our little flag dog, little Tarot Yoda, is still with us. She is totally blind and deaf now, but still enjoys her walks and her comfy rocking chair per Sue.
More to follow as I get it. Sue is off to feed her kids now, including her 10+ rescue Leghorn chickens. Just gotta love Sue!

---