Back to Work!

I am getting back into my pre-vacation running form, starting with a great 8 mile run this morning. It was in the lower 60's so very refreshing. I haven't run that far in three weeks, and I am happy to say that I haven't felt fatigued from the run, just the sun the past two days! I ran it in about 65 minutes and the last mile was in 6 minutes. Not too shabby!
I am also starting to enter our file info into the database that I have. It's been a while but I need to catch up. I will be doing this, probably forever, but the boys are playing nice in the mornings so I can get about ten files entered this way. I am determined to make this summer a "Summer of Fun" which means that housework and cleaning go by the wayside and fun with my kids will prevail! It's working so far but it will be hard to overlook the dusty wood floor during certain daylight hours. Oh well, it's only dust. We went out on the Missouri yesterday and to my parents' "house" on the river in Ponca. Today we went to Hillview Park in Hinton with our friends and had a great time. The boys are exhausted now, but wow, fun a fun time so THANK YOU ANNE!!!!!
On Thursday, Siouxland Paw Prints Rescue is getting 10% of all receipts for lunch and dinner from Chili's....if you ask for or have a voucher. So all you Sioux City area residents, go to Chili's on Thursday, July 2nd, and ask to have your 10% given to us. We thank you in advance!
I am still trying to learn how to use my new camera so I can't upload any new pictures.

I am strongly considering entering in the race for this Saturday in Dakota Dunes. It's a 5k and should be a lot of fun. I heard the stories from last year, running in the downpour, and there's some rain expected Friday night. I don't know why running in the drenching rain would be any worse than running in 20-30 mph winds and 40 degree temps. I guess I've gotten spoiled recently with the good weather! It would be another boost for Paw Prints, so I expect to be there with my "Running for a Paws" shirt on.

Has anyone else been trapped in the back of a plane with a disgruntled flight attendant who wouldn't let you past the drink cart because you didn't wait for the little light to go off (which it rarely does anymore) and went to the bathroom anyway? I guess I unknowingly broke the rules, but she was rude and I was glad I didn't eat lunch that day or I wouldn't have squeezed through the cart and seat. I'm still thinking back with a rather disgruntled view. I'm also a little peeved that I made a sleeveless t-shirt for running into my "running for a paws" shirt and the iron-on brand was so bad, that after one wash, it was terribly cracked. I followed the directions and my other shirts haven't been ruined like this one.....me-thinks a refund is due.

I am thrilled that my sister is coming for TWO weeks at the end of July. I will tell the story after she is here and makes a decision about a pet she has, but it's an important story to tell about Paw Prints and making decisions.

Thanks for being patient with me while I took some time off. I plan to blog as much as I can. I thought of tons of stuff to write about. Do you think I can remember them???? Time to watch my wonderful hubby (who got me some sparkly bling for our anniversary) play Mario Kart!

By the way, I looked at some of the last pics. I am a LOT more tan than I was before. I love the sun!!!!!! Yes, I do wear sunscreen!

I'm irritated

I just spend half an hour blogging and adding interesting pictures and my *^#$%$ computer made windows quit. This is going to be short because the boys want to go for a walk. Here's a picture of the coolest animal at the "zoo" we went to in S. Carolina. I won't be returning for reasons that I blogged about that are now wiped out, but anyway, I must continue.

First of all, HAPPY TEN ANNIVERSARY to the love of my life!!!!!!!! Hopefully I don't look like the animal in this picture when I get up in the morning!!! :)

Second, thank you Sherri and Bill for your generous donation. Siouxland Paw Prints Rescue appreciates it more than they can express! This brings the total to $1522, not including the approximate $500 pledged at the end of October.

Third, I have Goldie Girl back at my house. I really missed her and want to make our household a nice and peaceful one. It doesn't seem to be starting off that way, so I'm researching making these cats get along.

I will be posting more than I have been. The vacation has been fun but must get back to work!

Back to Iowa

Well, our vacation has finally come to a close. We left Wilmington (yes, she will always have my heart) this morning and are leaving Charlotte Tuesday morning. We will fly to Atlanta for a 3 hour layover and then hopefully get to Kansas City around 2pm, ready for our long drive back to Sioux City. It has been so much fun and memorable. Very memorable. So thank you to our hosts. Thank you to Randee and Chip, Wayne and Nancy, Stuart and Allison. We love you!
At least I busted my rear to clean my house before I left. Hopefully the cats didn't have a keg party and destroy it out of anger that we left them and turned the air conditioner up to 82!
I did finally get back and jogged for an hour this morning. It felt great except for misplacing myself in Randee's huge-ass subdivision. Oh well, nothing like running on the highway to get back to square one! It was funny that I can't remember simple things like the street that I turned from after only about 15 minutes.
Back to fundraising and cat issues!!

The beach part of vacation

Here is my new look and me and my boys at the beach. Maybe the glasses are a little bit too big?? haha! Tyler is off with his Aunt Randee (DeeDee) and Uncle Chip to the snake zoo. It's actually called the Serpentarium. Yuck. He's been looking forward to it for a long time and it's good for him to spend some time alone with his aunt and uncle. He is thoroughly enjoying the ocean. He loves to just play in the water and Ryan is loving the sand. Ryan got knocked by some large waves yesterday so he's not too thrilled with being in the ocean. He entertained himself in the sand for two hours this morning while Tyler played in the water. I am enjoying getting some fun time with my sister, her hubby, and my little family. It' svery relaxing and we are trying not to schedule everything like it was in Charlotte for the first part of the vacation.
I have taken a few days off from running as well, which isn't normal for me and I'm actually having a little bit of difficult time NOT running. I think it's more important to get some good sleep and spend time together. There's so many miles of sidewalks to run on when we get home and things get back to normal. Who knows, I'll probably go out for a jog on Monday before we get in the car for four hours then travel the majority of the day on Tuesday. Thank goodness for salads and Diet Coke!
Well, Ryan was supposed to be napping but isn't so we may take off and go do something....maybe not!
As for Paw Prints, Beth said that there have been 26 adoptions from June 1st until June 17th. They have most of the adoptable cat "supply" down, which means that some abandoned cats will be dropping from the sky as the supply never stays slow. People are seeking Paw Prints out instead of leaving them with Animal Control, where they will almost certainly be euthanized, because that is what Animal Control does. Don't get me started!
I am going to put my newly exfoliated feet up and rest a little before heading out shortly. Walking in the sand is about the best pedicure ever, and so cheap!!!

Simple but Very Important Request

Dear Readers,
I am having a tough time dealing with all of the stories about animals being abused, lost, dumped, killed, and all that sort of thing. I request from all of you, regardless of where you live, to paste the letter following to your word document and print then send. It would mean the world to me to not let this dog's death be in vain. If you aren't familiar with this story, a man beat his dog in the face 30 times and the dog died a bad death....not that any death by beating is a good one but it was a relatively slow and painful one. This guy needs to be punished to the fullest extent, if only to teach other hethens a lesson. Anyway, this is what I am asking and posting for today. Please help me make all of this blogging do at least one good thing for our animal friends.
Thank you......very much......

Patrick Jennings Woodbury County
Attorney Christine Rupp Assistant Woodbury County Attorney
County Attorney Office
Woodbury County Courthouse
7th & Douglas
Sioux City, Iowa 51101

RE: Bobby Loggins charged with aggravated misdemeanor for animal torture PLEASE ADD THIS LETTER TO THE FILE ON THE CASE

Dear Mr. Jennings and Ms. Rupp:
I have learned about Bobby Loggins, who is currently facing aggravated misdemeanor animal torture charges. The dog, which was punched over thirty times, according to a witness, was seriously injured and later died. The Police are quoted as saying, “we just don’t see cases like this where it’s an intentional act by the owner to assault an animal to the point of its death.” I strongly urge you to pursue prosecution of this case to the full extent of the law. I also suggest you ask the Court for: maximum jail time, probation to include mandatory psychiatric evaluations and treatment at his own expense; a meaningful fine; and that Mr. Loggins not be allowed the privilege of pet ownership in the future. The link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans is well documented. Research shows that if animal abusers are not adequately penalized for their crimes, it is likely that they will continue to commit abusive crimes in the future. To break this cycle, intervention and treatment, including stiff sentencing, is critical. I am personally very pleased to hear that the Woodbury County Attorney’s office has chosen to pursue this case against Bobby Loggins. I commend you and your staff for recognizing the significance of this case, and I urge you to continue your pursuit of this case and others like it.
Sincerely yours,

Race in Lake Wylie, S. Carolina

Pictures of the Lake Wylie Splash Dash 2009

*Click on any picture to enlarge... and sorry if they aren't in the right order....when I post, things get screwy.
Picture top left: Andy and my self portrait after the race. Say CHEESE!

Next picture to right: 1st water stop. Boy Scouts were handing out water and there was plenty of it. THANK YOU!!!!!

2nd Picture from right: Every runner's favorite thing- the FINISH LINE!

Top right picture: Pasture and horses at the start/finish area....I was hoping to pet one but they were busy eating.

Picture to left: View of golf course along the race course...beautiful!

This morning Andy and I went to beautiful Lake Wylie, South Carolina, to run in the Splash Dash. What a wonderful lake and race! I have to mention early that I raised about $50 for Siouxland Paw Prints Rescue- thank you pledges! I did get a few comments about my "Running for a Paws" shirt so I hope I have a few new followers today! We got there a little early but because of the unknowns, we would have rather been early than late. The race started at 8am, with the 5k and 10k runners starting together, then the 5k walkers starting a few minutes later. It was a beautiful and sunny morning with lots of humidity, which we aren't used to any more! It wasn't overwhelming though and Andy and I both had good finishes. I ran my 10k in just over 50 minutes and Andy ran the 5k in just over 25 minutes. We were very happy with those times, especially considering the hilly terrain-for what we're used to anyway! We ran on the road looping through the neighborhood touching the lake. I did see several "For Sale" signs on houses I was passing and it sure made me want to research a little! Ha! No, Iowa friends, we aren't moving back here...yet anyway! :) I was very pleased to place first in my age group, now 35-39, and 7th of all women, and 39th overall. I got to go up and receive my blue medal at the awards ceremony, which is always good after running hard! I was also pleased that I did not have the typical stomach pains. I think it was due to eating a large amount late last night and being too tired for nerves. I will have to redo my race planning from now on as it was great to finish hard and fast instead of waiting to spew chunks at the finish line!

I do have several comments to make about the race and you'll be happy to know that no one ran with loose change this time! Haha! I did see a new fashion trend of women wearing what looks like tennis skirts. I don't know what is underneath but I'm confused. They look great but I would think they would sort of get in the way. I know my legs would chafe if I didn't have shorts on....oh well, very interesting. I saw a cute girl wearing some Princess Lea buns (although much smaller than the actual princess) and some low pigtails that I would like to try if my hair ever decides to start growing again! The guy who won the 10k in 38 minutes ran with his pit bull. What a trooper! She was one tired dog but boy, was she in shape. The young age group winner of the men's 10k was a very young man who had a huge stride. It looked a little uncomfortable to me- almost like loping, but he ran very fast and did great. One more comment about a pretty quick guy who had legs that looked like the Muppet Beaker. Remember the scientist guys helper who couldn't really talked and only said "Mbeep"? Anyway, his legs immediately made me think of Beaker. I do have to say to the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce: Job well done, keep it up and if we can make it back in June of next year, we sure will try and make the race as well! It was worth it, so thank you! The ice cream was an especially good treat for someone who's not used to sweating for another 30 minutes after the race is complete! Yummmy!
Here's more about our adventure vacation:

We got to North Carolina on Thursday. That event deserves an entire blog to itself, so more about the travel later! Let's just say that it was a stressful situation that could have turned into a nightmare. But we did feel like we waited all day......not fun but we got here safely and that's what matters.

Our neice, Ashlee, graduated from high school last night, so we watched that. Very proud as she's the first neice or nephew to graduate from high school. The next oldest is only 11, so it will be a few more years before we get another one! Power to the Kerkhoffs! It was a late night and we got the boys to bed at 11:30pm! They are both napping now!

In just a little bit, we (our little family of four plus Andy's parents) are meeting Andy's brother and wife plus three boys and his other brother, wife, daughter (the one who just graduated) and her boyfriend. We are going to have a late lunch/early dinner then go to a park to have family pictures taken. I think we will be back home early to get some really tired boys to bed! Tomorrow the boys are going to stay overnight with their cousins, which is great since two of the cousins are the same age as our boys plus one who's 11. They will have a great time together! Andy and I and his parents will be heading to dinner then seeing Phantom of the Opera. It's been while since I have seen this show so am looking forward to it!

I hope to post some adoption updates soon but haven't heard from Beth...I know she's swamped right now.

More cats and adoptions!

Enjoy the pictures of Miss Goldie!

I found out today that Paw Prints is adopting out cats like crazy! That's awesome! That Tigger 2, who was at Petsmart that I talked about Sunday, was adopted. What a sweetheart! I'm hoping a bunch more get adopted out this weekend.

I will be out of town for a few weeks and have been experiencing some "cat issues". I don't want to go into details, but let's just say that they aren't using the litter box appropriately. I was blaming Goldie, but since she is not here, it isn't her fault! I'm reading up on how to deal with it, but man, it's frustrating! Good luck to our house sitter, a local college student staying here while we're out. Poor guy!

I'm posting some cute pictures of Goldie....I will also be blogging about my journey, so be sure to check back! I have been working on personal projects around the house and since the majority are done, I hope to blog a little more frequently than I have been.

Anyway, wish me luck on my run on Saturday in S. Carolina! It's a 10k with a view so I assume I will carry my phone as I did in Des Moines to catch some nice pics. Hopefully it's not of me falling down a cliff..... :)

More adoptions today

Eight cats were adopted over the past three days and that does not include any after 2pm on Sunday! That's great! Their new owners seemed so happy and I'm excited for the cats.
Now, I have to say that I cried a lot today over taking Goldie to Petsmart. She was grumpy about being there and I could tell she wasn't happy. She's such a great and happy cat at home, so we're checking into behavior modification to see if it's possible that she get along with Bailey and Tigger. At this point, I a.l.m.o.s.t. don't care, but yes, I do care about the happiness of my current cats. I don't want to sacrifice that for Goldie's happiness. Or mine. Although I really do want to.
There is a wonderful soft yellow and white cat named Tigger 2 at Petsmart. He just has to get adopted soon! What a total sweetheart. Yes, the other cats were as well, including London. She and Tigger 2 were reaching their arms through the cages and patting at me as if to say, "Hey, Lady, let me out!". It's heartbreaking. Anyway, Tigger 2 is such a lovie and I hope he gets a forever home very soon....and he is one that was surrendered by Animal Control the day before he was to be euthanized. How many more loving and wonderful cats are going to be killed? That is why I am on a mission to raise money for spay and neuter clinics so this stops. It's absolutely crazy. Paw Prints has saved so many lives and I am proud to be associated with this group of animal lovers! Thank you Beth and Kris.

Some adoptions and fundraising!

The left picture is of Max and Marie playing with Goldie Girl's tail. She is such a fun cat and I hope she finds a home soon! She is special...very special to me, but she doesn't get along with my cats now, so I don't feel it's right to interrupt their quality of life for Goldie. I'm trying to figure out a way to make it work, but she's aggressive towards Bailey and Tigger and it's just not fair that they are scared to come out of my room! Plus, I'm tired of having a litter box in my room- oh the things I do for these cats I love! Hmmmm, maybe I should get her declawed....

Thank you so much to Buffalo Alice, who donated $100 for my cause! We appreciate it so much!!!! I am also thankful to Chili's, who will donate 10% of receipts with our fundraising vouchers back to us. This will be the entire day on July 2nd, so MARK YOUR CALENDARS, GET A VOUCHER, and DINE AT CHILI'S in Sioux City!

Max and Marie, my two little tabby kittens pictured above, were adopted yesterday, along with some other cats that I don't have pictures of. Montana, the beautiful calico that I fostered about a month ago was adopted as well. Some kittens were also sent to rescue last weekend, plus Paw Prints is at Petsmart full time- that always helps adoption numbers! I'm so happy that they were adopted as they were all great cats and deserved loving homes!

It has been yet another busy week for me personally, but I am trying to get a few huge projects done before my family leaves for North Carolina on Thursday of next week. I will continue to write this blog and be on Facebook, plus I plan to run a race at Lake Wylie, S. Carolina next Saturday. I've taken it pretty easy this week but my right leg has been hurting more. I don't quite understand that, but it could always be due to the long and fast run from last weekend in Des Moines. I hope to run 8 miles at least three days this week, travel on Thursday, then have a short run on Friday before the race on Saturday. I guess writing about it reminds me to sign up for it! Thanks Blog!

Paw Prints is still not communicating appropriately with Animal Control at this time. I don't know if they are finding homes for all their cats or are taking the route from before Paw Prints took the cats who were about to be euthanized. It totally breaks my heart and I have to sort of put it in the back of my mind or I would be heading straight to the doctor for some sedatives and anti-anxiety meds(for me, not the cats!). I have learned far more than I thought I would but I do have to concentrate on the main goal....stop the madness and raise money for spay/neuter clinics so there aren't cats and dogs at Animal Control to euthanize. It is possible. We just have to work together to make it happen. It's hard to not try and do everything all at once, but then you lose sight on the overall goal. Hopefully, the cats and dogs who have sacrificed their lives at the hands of Animal Control will have something to show for it soon. I will keep you posted!

Happy weekend!!!!

A busy week!

I took three days off from running after this race, which is not normal for me. I was just exhausted and then stayed up late so figured that taking that time off wouldn't cause the prior two years conditioning to deteriorate. I am my own worst critic.
I ran 6 miles this morning and it felt great, so I might take that time off more often. Of course, the next time I do, my first run after the time will will probably make me feel like a clydesdale!

I have been working a lot with Paw Prints this week. We are going to apply for grants to get our first spay and neuter clinic held. This grant money could help Paw Prints change Sioux City's cat and dog euthanasia rate to almost nothing if the goals are accomplished. Please wish us some very good luck with this difficult procedure. It hurts my heart to know that so many good good pets are uselessly killed. It's honestly hard to sleep at night sometimes and others, I wish I didn't know the details.....yet I do so it's impossible to sit by and do nothing....hence, this page, facebook, the fundraising campaign!

I shall attempt another fast run in the morning.....we shall see!