Chickens and GREAT NEWS!

Just recently I was feeling quite at my end of patience with the animals. I strongly suggested that no more animals come into this house unless they can provide us with food somehow.
So, over the weekend Todd built us a chicken coop with the help of Collin and Kaitlyn. The frame is made of PVC pipe for durability and measures 10'X5'X5', the top is covered with sun shade material to give the chickens a place to hide from the hot summer sun, and the sides have green garden fencing to keep the chickens in and the stray cats out.  The hen house was attained through Freecycle, but still needs a little bit of work before the chickens can use it. When they are older we'll turn them out to spend their days in the yard, but for now their home will be the coop.
We picked up our six chicks: two Jersey Giants (Jenny and Janie), one Amercuana (Amy), a Plymouth Rock (Penny), one Rhode Island Red (Rosaleigh) and a Mystery chicken (Mystery).
They are very happy in their new home. These pets will provide us with eggs in a few months...so I am happy to have them here!

 Amy, Penny, Rosaleigh and Mystery.

Chickens are my favorite pets. I love to watch them walk and scratch, take a dirt bath, eat and drink, and I love the sounds they make. If they are handled a lot when they are young they'll be very friendly when they are older and will come when you call them. Kaitlyn has spent much time with the chicks and they seem very happy to sit at her feet and pick at her toes.

 More exciting news... our Ellie has been matched!! 
When a pup is returned to Southeastern Guide Dog school it is observed, tested, gets a complete check-up from nose to tail, and then begins the training process. Not all the pups meet the qualifications and standards needed to become a working guide dog.  These dogs are career changed with other careers that await them...

Canine Connection Dogs work as gentle companion dogs with visually impaired children, preparing them for a future guide dog.
Public Service Dogs work with Search and Rescue, Arson, Bomb and Drug Detection personnel.
Ambassador Dogs provide outreach, education and comfort to those in hospitals, nursing home, hospices and schools.
Veteran Assistance Dogs are exceptional dogs trained to work with veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Gaining confidence from these dogs, veterans expand their lives, regain mobility and independence and re-integrate into their communities.

Our Ellie was placed with a Vietnam War Veteran. We are so excited for Ellie! She has a forever home and  person of her own to love. 

It is exciting to be a part of such an awesome opportunity and to share in the raising of guide dogs who will facilitate life's journey with mobility, independence and dignity.  We are so proud of our Ellie Girl and can't wait to meet her person and see her again soon.