Jennifer-Jeanne Murdock, Chickadee Healing

More Summer glory— from morning walk with Rusty, to the soundtrack
of a family of osprey, circling and calling overhead, like airborne Marco Polo

Summer, season of the Fire Element, in her glory

♥️Doogan♥️
Such a pretty little spud

ADOPTED

Doogan is a true couch potato!

At 45 pounds, he's a 10-year-old chunky monkey dachshund mix. He is happiest stretched out on a comfy bed enjoying head scratches and tummy rubs. This easygoing boy enjoys the company of other polite dogs and shorter walks. Looking for a gardening companion? Or a buddy to binge watch your new Netflix series? Doogan is your boy!

Doogan is posted for the Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale WA,
Check out their website here:
https://www.kitsap-humane.org/adopt/available-pets/
If you are interested in Doogan or another one of the awesome dogs waiting for an adopter at Kitsap Humane Society please email: [email protected] (best way to inquire) or 360-692-6977

This is not an Old Dog Haven dog. Old Dog Haven has not assessed this dog for medical issues and will not be responsible for medical care after adoption. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

As Summer, the season of the Fire Element, knocks at the door, you likely won’t see my here— I post less. Still doing my healing work with others, but also focused outwards on the life all around me and the many projects I have going in and around the Chickadee Medicine House (and there are more than usual right now).

I greet neighbors— the doe and her fawn; rabbits on my evening dog walk. I spy nests and remember my bird calls. I pull weeds and discover who has volunteered to grow where. I harvest plants and hang them to dry. I smell the roses and harvest their buds and petals. I fill my planters and scatter late seeds. I hum and I hope. I dream vivid, busy dreams.

There is so much life all around, and also death, transformation. I find myself stopping at times, mouth gaping, just sensing, overwhelmed.

Early this morning, before the twilight, I was awakened by coyotes chorusing. They were far off. Even more haunting than I usually find their song. I fell back to sleep, fitful and bewitched, trying to grasp the message.

♥️Dakota♥️

No inquiries have come in for Dakota :( We are hoping that with your help in shares today, that will change! 🙏🤞🐾 Let's help Dakota find his home!! 🙌

"Hey there! My name is Dakota. I'm a 9 year old big boy who weighs 85 pounds. My people say I'm a cattle dog and akita mix. This blend gives me my grand ears to hear you with and my strength and stamina. Because of my age I'm called a "senior" but I will tell you I can out walk some of the youngins!

I've been with the same family since I was a puppy and in that time, I've always been the only dog. Because of this I have "social struggles". It can take some time and good supervision with just the right dog for me to accept another dog. I guess that means my best home would be another without a dog already there. I lived with a cat long ago but my people say it wouldn't be a good idea for me to do so now. If you are looking for a friend, I could meet that need! I could also make a great family dog, a home with older kids would be nice. I love car rides so I could tag along for after school activities or go on road trips with my family. I am a very loving, happy dog.

Currently I can stay home alone when you need to leave the house. I can manage quite a bit between potty breaks. I have been known to be a bit mischievous when the humans leave so best not to leave stuff out I may get into. What can I say, I'm a curious guy and I can get bored! I will need time to learn about my new life: the routine and what's expected of me and that you will return. That's a biggie for all of us dogs who have to be returned-we need to learn that you ARE coming back! Once you come home I'll greet you and make you feel like you're the best thing ever! I will let you know with barks when a car arrives. I'm a good alert dog but I don't bark at just anything-I'm not one of "those" dogs!

Walks are great. I enjoy a 2 mile walk, 3 times a week. If you can take me out more days. I am happy to do so and I'll behave on a leash for you. I'm not my best at dog parks, when I'm allowed off leash, or in an unfenced yard. It can be a dangerous world out there and I don't want to get lost either! If you have a yard for me to go and chill out in, that's great. I can keep you company while you work in the yard. Stairs are not a problem for me now. While I don't like to swim, I will splash in puddles.

Overall I'm a calm kinda guy who can be active when you're ready but also I know when to just be and enjoy the moment. I think I could be a great addition to many types of homes. Mostly, I just want a family or person that will love me and keep me forever."

Dakota is located in Walla Walla, WA. For contact information please email: [email protected]

This is a courtesy post. Dakota is not an Old Dog Haven dog. Old Dog Haven has not assessed this dog for medical issues and will not be responsible for medical care after adoption. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

Lost Rescue Dog!!!

FOUND!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Friends, we have been sharing Purdy for our friends at Save-A-Mutt. Unfortunately she is LOST! We told our friends we would share their post for Purdy and hope she is found safe.

Purdy was with a new foster home and she bolted on leash in the Lake Tapps (210th AVE NE) area. She's a bloodhound and very sweet. She has eye issues and is wearing a pink leash / pink collar. She is microchipped and we have contacted them. If found, or seen, please call Elizabeth at 425-345-3876.

FOUND!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Friends, we have been sharing Purdy for our friends at Save-A-Mutt. Unfortunately she is LOST! We told our friends we would share their post for Purdy and hope she is found safe.

Purdy was with a new foster home and she bolted on leash in the Lake Tapps (210th AVE NE) area. She's a bloodhound and very sweet. She has eye issues and is wearing a pink leash / pink collar. She is microchipped and we have contacted them. If found, or seen, please call Elizabeth at 425-345-3876.

Foster this guy!!

Update: OOld Dog HavenHome FOUND!

We would love to find a home to send this fellow to! He needs an Old Dog Haven home and he needs your shares, Friends.

PERMANENT Old Dog Haven FOSTER HOME FOUND!

(In W. Washington state, Spokane or Portland, OR only)

Chihuahua boy, only 6 pounds not yet
neutered. This little guy came into the shelter after being found
with his owner's body.... he is a bit shy but well behaved with
people and seems housebroken. He has a big heart murmur so will need an
echocardiogram before neutering. He's a sweetheart who really needs a
home.

All of this little guy’s vet bills will be covered by Old Dog Haven (thanks to donations!) as soon as we can shelter pull him. Here’s where you can read more about how to joint our network of homes:

https://olddoghaven.org/how-to-help/fostering/

♥️Louis♥️

ADOPTED

Check out this handsome dude!

Louis is an 8-9 year old Great Dane mix who has been bounced around a lot in the last couple of years. Currently this big boy weighs in at 136 pounds. Louis is ready for a committed home to spend his final years in.

Louis gets along well with the pack of female dogs in his foster home. He doesn't mind chickens, but he does need a cat free home. Louis does well with people and would be OK with older children.

This nice boy loves to go outside to do chores and sniff around for an hour or so everyday. Then it's back to the house for his naps and dinner. He walks nicely on a leash or off.Louis has really great recall as well.

Louis has been checked by his rescuer's veterinarian. General prognosis is that he's an old dog! Louis needs to lose about 20 pounds; this will help him move and feel so good. His hips are weak, joints a bit stiff. He gets itchy and red with certain foods, but keep him on what works and you're good to go. He does have occasional incontinence at night. (He uses a dog door well) He's up to date on his vaccines and neutered of course.

Louis is so ready for a person of his own. He loves toys, and he does enjoy playing with another dog in his foster home. He also loves to keep an eye on his person and gives good snuggles!

Louis is posted for the Northwest Great Dane Rescue located in Spokane, WA.
If you are interested in giving Louis a home please submit an adoption application on their website: www.northwestgreatdanerescue.com

This is not an Old Dog Haven dog. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

♥️Sweetie pie♥️

This girl sounds like such a great little dog! We'd love to pull her into our rescue ASAP. As an Old Dog Haven dog, her vet bills will be paid for by our organization (thanks to donations!). We understand that not everyone can foster but everyone can share-that truly helps. Thank you, Friends. 🙏

PERMANENT Old Dog Haven FOSTER HOME NEEDED:
(in W. Washington state, Spokane (roads permitting) or Portland, OR. only)

Spayed female shih tzu who weighs 13 pounds. She is blind and 14 years old. She has lost most of her vision likely due to "dry eye" but will definitely need daily drops; she seems to hear a little now that she's out of the kennel and in a shelter foster home. Her labwork is quite normal. Her back end has some ataxia with slow reflexes, so a bit weak, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to be in the yard exploring/sniffing. She is super easy going and very sweet, with tail wagging frequently. She's housebroken with frequent breaks, she's itchy but tolerates baths and anti-itch spray. She sleeps in a crate in the kitchen and sleeps through the night. While in the shelter she did great with other dogs and remained cheery. She needs an Old Dog Haven home as soon as possible!

Would you like to begin your journey as a rescuer, fostering for Old Dog Haven? An Old Dog Haven Final Refuge foster gives the dog a home for life. We call them fosters because we pay the bills and oversee veterinary care. Here's where you can learn more and find the contact information to apply to join us!

https://olddoghaven.org/how-to-help/fostering/

Some of the bounty of last Spring and Summer, dried and stored. Now ready to become part of today’s Goddess soap.
The Wheel turns…

Woot!! It's Saturday and here's where you can meet some Old Dog Haven Final Refuge (not adoptable) dogs and their humans today, Saturday February 17th:

NW Harley Davidson
8000 Freedom Ln NE
Lacey, WA 98516

Come and join in the fun at the Hogs and Hounds event!
We will have a booth set up from 11 am - 3 pm.

ADOPTED

Here is Bacchus! She is waiting at the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor for her adopter to finally come for her. The shelter is open Today and tomorrow from
11 am-4 pm.

Meet Bacchus. Isn't she gorgeous? This girl is a bit shy at first, but is quick to warm up with a little TLC...and it doesn't hurt to have some tasty treats either! She is a bit of a sensitive soul with a gentle spirit, and would do best in a quiet, routine oriented home where she can be loved and doted on. Look at her AMAZING coat! With all that hair, she will require regular grooming from her trusted guardian, and in return she will continue to look like the gorgeous Lioness she is.

At 10 years old, Bacchus may be a senior, but she is no slouch. Seeing her run with a bounce in her step, her hair swaying in turn with every movement, is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face, including Bacchus herself. It is pure joy to behold! She loves her walks and playing with friendly dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. However, being a senior comes with its limitations so one should make sure to keep it light and not to over exercise her, as Bacchus is currently on medication for pain management of her hips which really seems to be working for her. You would never know she was arthritic by the way she runs and flops on her back for some good old' fashion belly rubs n luvs!!!

Currently Bacchus weighs 82 pounds. She is a bit plump right now, but after some consistent, regular exercise and a high-quality diet, she would be more comfortable in the 70ish pound range.

This sweet senior came to the shelter after it was discovered she is very afraid of young children, and it was no longer safe for her to be living in the same household with toddler aged kids. Toddlers can be very unpredictable; therefore she needs a home without children, or one with older dog-savvy kids that can understand and respect her boundaries. Bacchus lived well with a cat in the home. After a slow introduction it is believed she would be fine living with a dog-friendly-cat in the home!

Once Bacchus is comfortable, she is the most loving and trusting, sweet girl. She is looking for mutual love and trust, for her to spend the remainder of her retirement years. Could you be the one?

Bacchus is posted for the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor in Friday Harbor, WA. If you are interested in adopting, and would like to make an appointment for a meet and greet, please fill out and submit their Canine Adoption Application from their website here:

https://www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application/

This is not an Old Dog Haven. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

I’m sorry Cascadia Terroir customers, but I am staying home from market with a sore throat today. These guys practicing their healing magic♥️

♥️🫶♥️

We are ending our day with this old boy who needs our help. We'd appreciate your shares to help us find a forever foster to send him to. 🙏

PERMANENT Old Dog Haven FOSTER/HOSPICE HOME NEEDED:
(in W. Washington state, Spokane (if transport is possible) and Portland, OR only)

Border collie, very old, who has never been neutered. He was very thin on intake at 42 pounds. This old guy and his friends (all unaltered) were taken in by a small rescue after losing their person in an accident, but he is too old and frail for adoption. His bloodwork, heart and lungs are fine. His marked weakness in the back end may be spinal so may progress fairly quickly but improvement so far is encouraging. He's doing well in a foster home, getting around better with some meds on board, even plays with toys at times. He may be too old and frail to neuter so one would need to have dogs in the home that are OK with that (it can sometimes set off other males in a home). He needs a home that can help him get stronger and commit to the "assisted living" part of what Old Dog Haven does.

To learn more about how you can become an Old Dog Haven Final Refuge foster-meaning a permanent foster and Old Dog Haven pays all of the vet bills (thanks to donations!), please read through the link below. If once you've read through this, you would like to apply to join our network of homes, email us!

https://olddoghaven.org/how-to-help/fostering/

Just Me selfie (truly the second-to-last day): waking up
We are all waking up. Plants and animals. Poking our heads out of the dirt, our caves, pillow forts…
There is no need to rush or hurry. No need to “hit the ground running”.
But it feels that way. I get it.
Trying to let myself emerge slowly today. From deep rest.

♥️Cognac♥️
(Look at that face! He needs a family to appreciate him!)

ADOPTED

Hi Friends!
Let's start this week off with another share of this stunning boy who is a cross post for the Regional Animal Services of King County. Look at that face, those eyes...

"Hey there! My name is Cognac. I came to Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) as a stray and now I'm ready for a new home! Upon arrival, I weighed 77 pounds. The shelter vet estimated me to be about 11 years old. I'm an old man in my golden years just looking for a cozy couch to cuddle up on this winter. I'm pretty easy going - one good walk a day is just fine by me. I'm a total chow hound and get so excited for meals and treats, it's the best part of my day! I am missing a few teeth but that doesn't slow me down. I especially love puzzle toys filled with wet food. I would do best as the only animal in the home. I am an adaptable dog who loves to go with the flow! I am outgoing and carefree, and I just can't wait to find my forever home!”

Lucky for Cognac, A RASKC foster parent came forward, willing to foster him until he found his new home and has learned quite a bit about him! YAY for fostering!!

Cognac’s foster parent wrote this about him:

“So far, I think he needs to be an only dog - he's still showing a lot of reactivity when other dogs who come try to check him out. He's ok until they are within a couple of feet of him so walking him is pretty reasonable. Poor guy, I actually feel so bad for him because he is the sweetest guy! He does like his walks, but I don't feel like he needs a ton of exercise. We took a walk on the beach today, and he didn't like the waves! He likes treats, and usually takes them gently. He also loves to carry around our squeaky stuffed animal toys. I think he would play with a ball at least a little if he had his own fenced yard. He's doing ok with my few steps at my house and can get into my car on his own. He does need a boost getting up a high jump, like into my truck. He's been coming to work with me and just naps. He's met my client's kids several times and he's happy to see them (although they are gentle kids). He's happy to meet anyone really. He's happy just hanging around. He's ok with being crated -he needs a treat to go in, and he's a little upset at first, but he's always fine when I come home to get him out. He could use a bath & grooming, he's got some matting on his back legs and under the tail - I've been able to cut out some, but he doesn't have much patience. He hasn't had any potty accidents! He comes to ask for pets, and he likes to sleep in the bed that's next to my bed.”

Cognac is posted for the Regional Animal Services of King County in Kent, WA.
The only way to meet Cognac or apply to adopt through the RASKC foster program you can fill out a foster adoption interest form and the foster will reach out to you about meeting him! https://kingcounty.gov/.../regional-animal.../adopt-a-pet...

This is not an Old Dog Haven dog. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

Just Me selfie: Day of rest

Just Me selfie: Seeing the Light
This morning I was out with one of the dogs just before sunrise. The birdsong was raucous. It always strikes me in late Winter how the life around me ramps up. Even as I am trying to make it to my birthday (early March) and just slogging along, the plants and animals see the light/feel the light/trust the light to return. And noticing them helps me trust too. A reminder that I always carry the light inside me, to sustain me through these times when the light outside may be (or seem) hidden, obscured, scarce.
May you feel your light today.

Just Me selfie: Not done yet
(I thought this was my last but apparently I said I’d go through Feb 14… )
This morning it is foggy out. And foggy in. This Winter, I have not always been able to see much of the path ahead. In the past, that would have really been hard for me. This year, I notice, I am a little more comfortable being moment to moment. I don’t always need to see the grand purpose of my journey. Some days, I just need to take each step. Breathe. Drink water. Do some work. Eat. Sleep. Sometime, The fog will have cleared. But for now, I’m in it.

Just Me selfie, second-to-last day:
Keeping on
Sometimes (fairly often, really) I am
I’m inspired. Sometimes (lately) I’m not. This Winter has been an inspiration flat-line for me. It’s not a comfortable place, but it’s where I need to be. “Keeping on” is my focus. Being where I am, but still moving. Slowly. Without a ton of grace. But moving. And that’s OK.
I’m not stuck. I’m just slogging.
What is the quality of your movement right now? Can you celebrate that you are right where you need to be?

Just Me selfies, day something-or-other: Monday, Monday
It’s easy not to feel light and enthusiastic on a darkish Monday morning in February. I’m already aware of several of my people who
Are feeling the same today. And it’s not even 9am.

So, I breathe.
I invite you to breathe consciously, too.
It really helps ♥️

Just Me selfie, special guest addition:
Everything is better when we have friends♥️

Can you provide a home for a senior dog? Old Dog Haven places unadoptable dogs with families like yours across Western Washington state.

When you take a dog into your home we pay the medical costs-you provide the food and love.

We need Final Refuge Homes where the dog can stay for the rest of it's life, which can be weeks, months or years.

We always have a waiting list and for many dogs, Old Dog Haven is their only chance for a home or continued life.

It's a commitment but it's paid back in joy. Interested? Contact us!

https://olddoghaven.org/how-to-help/fostering/

♥️Oh my goodness, young senior bonded pair doxies!♥️

ADOPTED TOGETHER

Love dachshunds?? Then you know two is even better than one!! Meet bonded pair Maggie and Bailey. These best friends are about 8 years old and weigh about 14 pounds each. The pair find themselves in need of a home very soon as their senior owners are unable to care for them anymore.

Bailey is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. He has a very calm disposition and all this boy wants is love and to be in the same room with his family. When he is taken out to potty and told to "go potty", he usually goes, however he can sometimes have an accident in the home. Staying outside longer, with treat rewards has been successful. He needs a gentle soul who is looking for a partner in peace, someone who will sit and love a cozy dog on their lap or cuddle beside them. This boy is special, and he just wants love. Bailey seems to be fine with men and women alike. Maggie is sassy, independent, loves to cuddle, bossy, loves to walk and uses the doggie door. She is completely potty trained. She adores Bailey and he adores her. They love their walks, yard and both share laps at the same time. Maggie doesn’t like loud noises or quick movements and takes her time with strangers until she gets to know you.

It is believed the pair could live with another friendly, small dog but it is not known how they are around cats and children. Bailey and Maggie's rescuers are looking for a home with someone who is either retired or works from home. A single-family residence with a secured fenced yard. They would appreciate a quiet lifestyle with people who would love to take daily walks with them. Adopters with breed experience are required.

Bailey and Maggie are posted for Heart4doxies Rescue. The pair is located in Seattle, WA. For more information about adopting these sweethearts, please email: [email protected]

These are not Old Dog Haven dogs. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.

Just Me selfie (Day Whatever… I’m doing this until February 14)
Judgement/Acceptance
I find (and I know I’m not alone) that I’m judgemental of myself more than anyone else— to vast degree. I have to consciously cut myself some slack in ways that I would naturally do for others, without trying. I am even judging myself for judging myself right now!

When are you judgemental? How does that feel in your body? Do you want to change it? Could you look at where you could invite in acceptance?
Today I will notice my self-judgement and invite acceptance into those cracks. I’ll let you know how it goes.