I always knew this was going to be hard – to switch up my email address with a new provider so I’ve been putting it off for literally years. We wrote in business for 35 years with internet added in the last 10 or so years. Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING was tied to my email – website, Facebook, email, all accounts, anything that required an email address. Staff used every initial combination they could to set up multiple gmail accounts, etc. so I just got lazy about changing it all.
Now it’s done and I should not have jumped the fun and posted the first email address. I am so sorry and regret it so much but after a few days now I think I can safely say my email address has been changed to:
maryehazel2020@gmail.com
My screens are now directing emails to the email icon so I can find them again. I will keep my fingers crossed for a few days before I’m comfortable and can say it’s all 100%.
So – I haven’t gotten much sewing done but here’s what Connie’s been making:
What a sweet little pillow!
I hope I have all the DD’s – if you don’t ever see your posted, please send it to my email again. Note! You are not allowed to post pictures on the blog yourself so they will only appear there if you first send it to me. I’ve also included a couple of Magnolia Bay Gazette versions.
I get lots of presents in the mail and this one is from Connie R. In Wisconsin – a Be Still plaque! I’ve gotten cards, a book, a t-shirt, a necklace – all with Be Still featured. Thank you – I know you’re reading the blog for sure!
Here’s another scripture that I just became aware of and I think it’s good advice.
I recently emailed with Mary Ellen of Little Quilts and I sent her this picture of their quilt that hangs in my upstairs – I still love it after all these years!
Yesterday when it was so warm and soooo nice, I carried Jo outside. No, she wouldn’t walk yet. Here she is standing – a minute later she laid down on the ground and eventually I picked her up and took her back to the kennel. I bought her a thunder shirt which she wore for awhile and then I took it off. She needs time to get used to it.
Well, the next Jo photo will not post and I see my Wifi has disconnected. Now what? I’d better hit “publish” before I lose this.
Be still.
Mary, what is the story with Jo?
where di d she come from.
Robin – she was brought to Patriots For Pets on a transport from Texas and they asked me to foster her which I was glad to do but I’ve never experienced this kind of terror in any dog I’ve known. She is now only 9 mos old so whatever happened to her happened when she was a young puppy. Now what could a puppy has possibly done to deserve such abuse?
Sadly, Jo most likely didn’t do anything that warrants being abused. Her behavior isn’t at fault here, it’s the abuser’s behavior that was so wrong. But we all understand your question.
I didn’t realize she was so young. Wow, so now she’s been with you for a significant part of her life.
I wondered if she might perk up if you took her outside. Being outside sure helps so many of us!
Mary I was going to ask the same question. It breaks my heart but I love hearing about Jo everyday. Paula in KY
It makes you wonder what happened to Jo that she doesn’t want to walk. So sad, but with your patience and perseverance one day she will come around. Thank you for all your hard work with Jo and for this blog. I do look forward to reading it.
Got your email updated. Tim and I think Jo’s face is just like our first rescue’s face. Bourbon was from Sioux City Humane Society 49 years ago.
Deb – the dog you spent your $15 wedding gift on, right? Such a sweet story!
Simple Times from Little Quilts is my November dirty dozen awaiting quilting, as soon as my machine is repaired. I also just love it!
Nancy S – my Simple Times is actually hand quilted by a lady we loved very much. She quilted Country Threads quilts for years and we were soooo lucky to have her!
What lovely quilt finishes and I’m so glad that you are able to get Jo outside for some fresh air. Your patience and love for animals is shining brightly. Kindness matters be it animal or human.
Mary, As much as I look forward to retiring some day, I also dread the changing of email. I had my work email before any personal email so much is tied to my work email. Plus I know it is secure with firewalls etc that I don’t necessarily trust myself to keep my home laptop as good. So I’ve been slowly trying to change many emails over or at least make a list. I just renewed by TSA precheck for flying for another 5 years. I had to wonder if I would really fly again in flve years but I have to believe we will but it is tied to my work email so added that to the list to change. It will be a real pain so I understand your putting it off.
I am sure you covered this when you first brought Jo home but does a vet look the dogs over when they arrive at the shelter? Do you think she could have something wrong with her that makes it painful to stand? I know it doesn’t make sense considering she scatters the toys etc when you are not around. Just curious if she has had a full vet visit?
I was wondering the same as Amy M if Jo may have something else going on. You could put up a camera and have it tied to your phone to alert you when she moves so you could monitor her movements. My son put one up when our political signs got torn down and it works. I can see when anyone comes to the front door. So far we have also seen a bobcat, rabbits, opossum, cats and foxes. Love Connie’s pillow and your Simple Times quilt is a treasure.
Does Jo have a problem standing-is it painful-underlying condition? Can you put a motion camera in her room so you can play it back & see how she behaves when no one is around? Does she limp? Such a sad story for a 9 mos old. You must be so frustrated but you are making progress. Keep up the good work. We’re all rooting for you & Jo.
Yesterday your email was posted as maryehazel@gmail.com
Today your email was posted as maryehazel/2020@gmail.com
Which one should we use?
Jo looks much smaller standing up! What are your guesses as to her breed(s)? I’ve shared here about our dog that was a puppy mill breeder until she was five. She’s very damaged emotionally and does not act like a normal dog who grew up with love and positive reinforcement from her humans. She mostly lays all day, that’s it. A lot of the time when she goes out to potty, she literally goes at the door and then scratches to be let in. She does not enjoy being outside, I think the open space scares her because she prefers to be protected by furniture. She also still, lays down to eat and drink water. I’ve tried raising the food off the ground but then she just doesn’t eat and she’s not a great eater anyway. Assuming she lived in a cage and so her paws were probably sore from the wire so laying down all the time became a coping strategy and it’s too ingrained for her to change the behavior. Poor Jo, if only they could talk.
Teresa – oh my goodness, thanks for telling me! Yes, this sounds just like Jo.
Teresa – oh, your poor dog! I’m so glad you rescued her – she sounds just like Jo. We’re guessing she lived all of her short life in a cage, too.
I have your email address updated; I hope it brings you luck. I really like the four-patch DD by Rhonda from Iowa. The four-patch is one of my favorite patterns.
I smiled upon seeing your Simple Times quilt. Making that quilt helped me through a rough spot, when our 19-year-old Jeff died in a motorcycle accident. I called it my “grief quilt”, but it actually gave me a focus and helped me heal. I also made the other quilt in that folder and love them both.
Mary, good luck with sweet Jo; bless you both. 🥰
Jeanie S. – I’m so sorry to learn you lost a son in a terrible accident! Other readers have made this quilt, too, and I’d make it again in a heartbeat.
Mary – no fun messing around with computers as my mind isn’t into them any more since retiring. I like my simple life now. Good luck with the change and hope we hear from you again soon. Keep pampering Jo as she needs it so much.
Hi Mary, nice to seeJo outside to enjoy some fresh air, she is a sensitive wee soul, it will take time to heal.thank y,ou for being so patient with her.take care everyone, best wishes from sandy
Mary, I am new to your blog and have been following your progress with Jo. I have rescued several dog in similar situation as Jo. Sounds to me like you are doing all the right things. I did want to let you know I tried the Thunder Shirt and it made a difference. I was skeptical at first. Keep with it. The little guy I used it on, we lost last Christmas and he was 14 years old. Thanks for your blog. I so enjoy it.
Lynn – should Jo be wearing the thunder shirt 24/7 or do I put it off and on? Thanks for any help you have for me.
I would not leave on all the time. Use when you see that she seems more stressed. Times of day, when she goes outside. One other thing that may help is being around other dogs with easy going personalities. Really helped a golden I had that was maybe even worse than Jo in the beginning. Good luck and ask anything anytime.
Lynn – my dogs are just bored with her and the rescue doesn’t have any other dogs for me to foster right now. But I’ve thought of it, too. I considered one of my friendly cats but haven’t moved one out there yet.
Got your new email. DD’s are beautiful & Jo is slowly looking better ! She will come along with your love Mary!
Mary, you’ve reminded me that I’ve made that same quilt. But mine is still only a top so I’ll have to hunt it down and finish it. Jo looks like our Kate dog who wandered into the yard one day and stayed for 13 years. She was timid and afraid of my husband at first but turned out to be one of the best dogs we ever had. I’m surprised Jo lets you pick her up and carry her.
BE STILL.
I think of that often during my days. It does help me settle down.
You are doing a wonderful with Jo. I know you aren’t hearing back from experts but I think of you as an expert!
Merry Christmas dear friend. Your blog is a year round Christmas gift to us all.
Donna in Kansas – oh, thank you so much, Donna! A reader gave me a necklace that says Be Still and I often reach for it and remember that we are being watched over and it will be ok.