Ann Womack finish and shelter news update

March was crazy.  The good news is, my jeans are fitting a little bit looser and I made it through.

I'm updating today, because I need to, and because Bonnie O. sent me a wonderful photograph of Ann Womack, which she just got back from the frame shop.  She stitched it on 40 count Confederate Grey by Weeks Dye Works with DMC floss 3857.  Didn't she do a great job?  I love seeing these finishes!  If you've got a recent finish of a pattern of mine, e-mail me a picture to xspeddler@yahoo.com.  I'd love to post your handiwork.

I've had some questions about how things are going at the shelter with the dogs we rescued from Stone County a few weeks ago.  Number 76, my favorite (above), had to be put to sleep, as she had breast cancer.  Southern Pines Animal Shelter took in a lot of the dogs that were in the roughest shape (we got the last ones that were pulled from the house and yard, so they were the ones hardest to catch and least socialized.)  But, I think so far, about 15 had to be put to sleep, due to aggression and health.  We sent out another dozen or so on a transport to a rehabilitation program in Sarasota, Florida.  And we have another dozen-plus left at the shelter and in foster care.

One of the dogs we took in had puppies the day after rescue.  They are all well.  And our remaining dogs are starting to act more like ... well, dogs.  They play, run, bark and sleep SO soundly.  Each dog is starting the healing process.

Shirley Gai, an area woman with a past history of hoarding behavior, turned herself into authorities the day after our rescue, and was released on bail.  She relinquished the dogs to the shelters, which made things much easier for us in terms of rehabilitation and medical treatment.  Her attorney has said she is anxious to move forward, and I am hoping that she gets into some kind of treatment program to help her with her mental health.

I'm hoping this month will seem a lot more "normal."  Believe it or not, I am still working on a reproduction, and hope to get to other designs this weekend.  I continue to put in many hours at the shelter helping with facility improvement, crisis management, bookwork, and just the day-to-day stuff.  I will have a preliminary interview this Thursday or Friday, and hope to know soon what the future holds for me.  Wish me luck!