Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Omar Blue, Batdog and the New York Experience

I was sitting thinking about the next chapter of the new book I'm working on when I happened to catch Omar Blue's eyes.

He had been staring at me and that's never a good sign. I looked away quickly, but not quick enough. Caught!

"Ma," he asked. "Would it be okay if I have a little company. We need to talk to you."

 

 To late. No way to get away. I was hooked, as usual. Too curious to say anything but, "Sure Omar, what's this about."

"I want you to meet my friend Lily. She's outside waiting."

I went over to the window and sure enough, there was a beautiful little Doberman standing on the outskirts of our yard, with the cutest ears, standing straight up in the air. Omar later told me that they call her Batdog because of the way her ears stand straight up.  "They're natural. Her people parents didn't have anything done to them.  Isn't she something. I'm taking her to K9 Town too. The females will love her."

I wanted her to come in. "Omar, go get her before she runs away." Little did I know, there was no chance of that.

 
Omar went out and without hesitation Lily followed him back inside. As the two settled down I went for the snacks.

When I returned Omar began to tell me how Batdog needed our help. She lives in New York City, he began. She heard about me and my pack from our friends, the show dogs.
 
Batdog took over then. She said she needed Omar Blue and his pack to help her find a place for a pack of dogs that are roaming the streets of New York, before they are captured and hurt. They're not really bad, they just don't have anyplace to go or enough food to eat.
 
 
My people sister Tatienne, and I, used to go to the park and sit together for long times but now she's afraid the dogs will come, even though she knows I'll protect her.
 
I was out looking for the dogs. I was going to talk some sense into them, when I heard those guys in the funny clothes talking about catching them and what they were going to do to them. That's when I decided to come to you for help, Omar Blue.
 
"How did you get here?" I asked, though I didn't really want the answer. No answer was forthcoming.
 
"Ma, we have to go to New York," said Omar. "What we, Omar, and how do you plan to get there?" Again, I really didn't want the answer. No answer was forthcoming.
 
Just then there was a soft bark outside. I glanced over and could tell Omar was expecting it.
 
When I went to the window, I saw that handsome German Shepherd, Freedom Dog. "Oh Boy," I said to myself. This is definitely serious. What were they planning to do? Omar went out to talk to him; he came back in, took Batdog out and away with them.
 
 
As they were leaving, he told me not to worry and he'd tell me all about the trip to New York when he got back.
 
Back from New York, Omarrrr!
 
I knew I couldn't stop them. I have to admit, if he were going anyplace without his entire pack, I was glad Freedom would be there with him. Remember when they were looking for the puppynappers and I made the mistake of following them. I'll never forget that night. I ran home before the action started. The tree monsters helped them find the puppies. I never asked what happened to the abusers. 
 
 
I waited for the three of them to return.  I was beginning to worry, when I heard barking coming from the back yard. It sounded like an army of canines. I looked out and couldn't believe my eyes. There were dogs everywhere.
 
 

Omar, Batdog and Freedom came in. They were as happy as could be. Omar and Freedom were telling me that Batdog didn't really need them. She was one tough little cookie. She needed rest now. The K9 Town females were waiting to take care of her.
 
They were taking all the dogs to K9 Town, USA. There they would learn the ways of Omar's pack and become a part of the K9 Town family. Those dogs were in for a real treat. They would never be without a home or love again.
 
I found out today that Lily and her sister Tatienne, are back to their old ways; sitting in the calmness of beautiful Central Park for long periods, enjoying each other's company, no longer worried about the furry intruders.
 
Too cute!

 
 

-------------------------------------------
 
A very special thanks to Batdog's family, Michelle and Tatienne for letting Batdog be a part of Omar Blue's "true tales."
 
To find out more about this celebrity canine, Batdog Desmangles Derenoncourt, visit her at  www.facebook.com/BatdogNYC  and twitter/pinterest: BatdogNYC. 





 
 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The K9 Town Puppies First Rescue


 

I had been thinking about Omar Blue and his Pack at K-9 Town, USA, and the latest news I’ve been able to get out of Omar.  He’s tight lipped, but he loves telling me about the K-9 Town puppies.

You may remember potbelly pigs Sookie and Mookie from my earlier “true tales.”  Well, they’ve had a baby boy and as with the puppies, he has a mind of his own.

Obviously, the following happened shortly after Omar Blue and his Pack rescued a few new members that had been mistreated and abused.

It scares me to think of the danger my pack leading Doberman puts himself into, but I can't think of a better way for him and his friends to help other canines. They're such a brave, compassionate bunch.

In our way of communicating, Omar told me this story about the beloved puppies. I admit, I laughed out loud, more than once, though it does have serious overtones.  Enjoy.....



They were resting under The Big Oak Tree
After running wild most of the day

Trying to understand what “rescue” meant

Before going back to play.


They knew their new friends had been “rescued”
From a place that treated them mean

When the Elders came back they were saying

“We put on one heck of a scene!"



As they sat they started to wonder

Why didn’t they teach us this too

They couldn’t think of a reason

So decided they’d rescue something too.



Almost like magic, what would appear

Baby Dukie the potbelly pig

Mad at his parents Sookie and Mookie



For not letting him eat that fig.

Don’t worry said puppy leaders Le, Li and Lu

We know what we have to do

Sookie and Mookie shouldn’t be mean

We’re gonna rescue you.


You can live with us

We never fuss

We eat and play all day

If Sookie and Mookie come for you

We’ll just chase them away.



Dukie thought for a moment

All this sounded good

Cause Mookie and Sookie

Didn’t treat him like they should.



He’d stay with the puppies

At least for a while

Until they missed him

That would change their style.



But at the end of the day tired and beat

Reality finally struck

They had to hide their new family member

But knew they would have no such luck.



Then little black Speedy

The first to speak up

" Dukie can sleep with us

Ma and pa will be out late

There will be no one there to fuss."



Meanwhile as the Elders looked on

At the puppies big rescue

Sookie and Mookie, potbelly pigs

Were watching the little ones too.



It was getting late

Time for Dukie to leave

Though they were so cute while asleep.

They picked Dukie up

Ever so gently

He cuddled not making a peep.



Goodbye Omar Blue and our K-9 Town friends

Thanks for keeping our Dukie with you

It’s all been so funny

To bad they must learn

 
There’s a lot more to a rescue.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Wendy Campbell

My nomination for Fenced In By Love "Volunteer of the Year"
 
Omar Blue says, "Thank you for all you do for my friends, Ms. Wendy"
 
 
When I read about the opportunity to participate in the Fenced In By Love 2014 - Dog Rescue Organization and Volunteer Of The Year blog campaign, I couldn't let the chance go by without submitting my nomination for Ms. Wendy Campbell.
 
Now, I'm going to do my best to let the judges of this campaign see how deserving my nomination is....
 
During many months of building relationships over the internet with people who have the same interests as I do, I've had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Wendy Campbell, who has impressed me more than she will ever know.
 
Wendy lost her beloved son several years ago.  He was killed while fighting for his country.
 
 
I haven't been keeping up with her long enough to know if this was her initial inspiration, or whether her son Andrew joined her as does her daughter Ryleigh in her dedication to the well being of animals and peace of mind of others.

 
I think I know the answer anyway. The love and kindness Wendy shows to people and animals, not only dogs and cats, but chickens, etc., comes from the heart and is not something that's obtained through life's hardships, though heartbreak may have made her more adamant in her pursuits.
 
Among other involvements geared towards animal well-being, Wendy is a member of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets. A national all-volunteer 501(c)3 Military and Veteran Support Organization assisting active duty service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and their beloved companion animals or assisting service canines through various assistance programs.  These programs include: the Military and Veteran Pet Foster Home Program, Military Pet Assistance Fund, and the Warriors' Angels Program.  The majority of these programs are available in all 50 states and all Branches of Service including National Guard and Reserves.
 




Following, from Wendy's Facebook page, are just a few excerpts from many instances where Wendy Campbell proves her love, kindness and commitment to others, especially our military and their furry loved ones.
 
"Sent my foster dog that belongs to a deployed soldier to the groomers today. Dooley is the beagle mix. He is learning that dogs are great."
 
"Tyson the deployed soldiers dog and Malachi my Doberman are having a blast in the snow.  The 2 foster dogs at my home were out in the snow playing too. Now they have had their baths and are resting."
 
"Dixie's Soldier daddy picked her up this evening. She sure does love her Hero. Derek stayed for dinner and dessert. We loaded him up with Dogfood to take to the troops at Ft. Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Dixie will be back in Jan. Derek goes to Afghanistan."
 
With a house full of family owned and adopted animals, a barn full of chickens that she give just as much love and care, how can we overlook this lady as Fenced In By Love Volunteer of the Year.
------------------------
 
For additional information about the Fenced In By Love 2014 - Dog Rescue Organization and Volunteer Of The Year blog campaign, visit http://www.dogfencediy.com/2014/01/03/fenced-in-by-love-2014-dog-rescue-organization-and-volunteer-of-the-year-open-for-entries/.
 
 


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Omar Blue - Winter's Frost





"There’s something different about this year;

double cold and double snow.
Don’t mind it, but I’ve had enough;

time for it to go.


Long walks with Ma going all around;
we do more when it’s mild.
And I worry less about my friends;
who live out in the wild."
------------------------------------
I asked Omar about his pack at K9 Town, USA. How they survive the cold? He said there was no need to worry. They’re well protected. This is one of the reasons they picked their fine location.

 
"The further we go in, the warmer it gets, Ma. The puppies used to go further than we wanted them to until they met up with one of our friends, Demon Hallow, on Halloween night. We planned it.
 

 
Had a lot of fun that night and no more worries about the puppies going too far without us. We love our home, Ma. It's perfect!"
 
I was so happy to hear this. I'd been afraid to ask before, but I knew Omar would have his pack out of harms way. Now I don't worry when he takes off for K9 Town to be with them.
 
That's my boy! 
 
 

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Omar Blue - Give The Females What They Want

I was minding my business, puttering around the kitchen, but peeping over at Omar Blue. He had something on his mind. As usual, I could tell.

 
 
Then they came.....those dreaded words. "Ma we need your help."
 
I could tell by the look on his face that I wasn't getting out of this, so I mistakenly asked, "What is it Omar, is anything wrong?"
 
"Not exactly, but the females at K9 Town are worrying us to death. They want to see Guinness Goheen and they want to see her soon," he said.
 
You may not recall but little cutie Guinness was a little bit under the weather the last time she went to K9 Town. I was supposed to keep her with me but let her go because she wanted to so bad and I could tell she was alright. The females watched her like a hawk and didn't like that she couldn't stay at K9 Town so they could take care of her.
 
 
They don't understand that Pam and Mike Goheen take wonderful care of their little princess. Omar said the only way they'll stop making a fuss is if he brings her to them.
 
Soooo, that's it! Here we go again. I knew she was fine, but that didn't help any.
 
I could understand the females. They love Guinness and just wanted to see her.
 
Luckily, it so happened Pam and Mike needed to go out of town for a couple of days. Super Bowl. What a break. Who better to dog sit then us.
 
When Omar and I picked Guinness up, she was doing her best to look calm but I could tell, though sitting upright, legs crossed and leaving no doubt who was most important in that household, she was ready to hit the road.
 
 
After the usual instructions from mommy Pam (you know how we follow instructions, ha, ha,) we were on our way back home.
 
As we pulled up I got a very pleasant surprise. Afghan Bee Bee was making her way to the house. So beautiful, with that hair swaying every which way. I saw Omar's eyes light up too but I didn't say anything. Another time.
 
 
Guinness was excited anyway; she and Omar had talked about how much she wanted to be with her friends at K9 Town, but when she saw Bee Bee, she headed in her direction.
 
 
When they got to each other it was obvious, we had done the right thing. Omar said, "Would you look at that Ma." I can't wait to get her to the others.
 
They didn't come in. Bee Bee thanked me. She knew Omar couldn't pull this off my himself, and off they went, the happy threesome.
 
They got back just in time the next day. Guiness was still excited and talking non-stop about the fun she had when Pam took her away. Good thing Pam couldn't understand what she was saying. She commented on how cheerful she was though. I just smiled and agreed.
 
Also, before she left, Pam asked what happened to Guiness's pretty bows and collar. I had completely forgot to put them back on her.
 
She had wanted them off. Letting me know with a cute smile, "We don't wear this stuff in K9 Town." Both Omar and me had to laugh out loud.
 
Well, that's how I spent my weekend. The females at K9 Town, USA got what they wanted, which wasn't really asking for much. It just shows how caring Omar Blue and his Pack are and that's never a bad thing.
 
-------------------
Special thanks to Pam and Mike for letting me include their little princess in my "true tales." From what I've told you, obviously this won't be the last time.
 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

A Fun Night With The Disabled Vets

Was a wonderful night at Veteran's Hospital in Virginia.

Lights low, slide show behind me, and you could hear a pin drop. What storyteller could ask for more on a cold winter's night.

I was reading from my book "Led By An Eagle" while the audience had hot liquids and snacks.


 
I was the happy greeter while hoping we would have an audience considering what the weather was like outside. I didn't have long to wait as they arrived in small groups. 

 
A few books already gone, this was our door prize table.
 
The raffles are always exciting. That's daughter Joy calling the numbers in the background.
 
 
After songs were sung by talented singers daughter Joy and good friend Semora Killings, which I will add to this post shortly, we had our audience in the palms of our hands, I'm happy to say.


 

Before leaving we took a group picture with the prize winners.



We've been asked to return and I promised we would, again, and again.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Omar Blue wins Best Dressed Award

 
 
 
Doberman Omar Blue wins Best Dressed Award while supporting statewide fundraiser benefitting the Richmond Animal League.

Omar believes his furry friends, given the chance, will enhance the lives of all who open their hearts. If you’ve ever had a dog or cat, bet you’ll agree.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Omar Blue - A K9 Town Christmas 2014



 
Omar Blue is his name. A 110 lb. blue Doberman. He lives at home with me, part of the time. Other times he goes off to a town he and his fierce pack of canine followers have founded and named K-9 Town, USA.
 
 
There was a Christmas Party at K-9 Town last night.
 


Omar Blue got home this morning. To my surprise, he started telling me all about Christmas Eve at K9 Town, USA. He was still excited.


He had puppy Dexter Payne with him; I knew he would be.

I was puppy sitting little seven month old Dexter for a couple of days, so my friends Mike and Meagan could get away for Christmas. He's their adopted baby boy.

You should have seen the list of do's and don'ts they gave me. I didn't let on, but that was very funny. Obviously, rules don't apply here. Lol.



When Dexter came in, he went right over to his favorite corner and laid down. He'd been hanging out with the K9 Town puppies who had, as we recall, vowed to stay awake all day and night, no naps, until Santa came, so they could play with him.

 
I take this opportunity to introduce puppy Baron Brock. He's with his mom, schoolmarm Sophie Jean. The puppies sent him to tell leader Omar their plans for Christmas and to meet me for the first time. His dad, Rottweiler Brady doesn't venture outside of K-9 Town often. Looks just like his daddy, doesn't he? So cute.




Omar says after all of their planning, the puppies fell asleep as he and Santa were arriving.

Dexter and the other puppies were up early playing with the new giant bones Santa brought. He'd had little sleep but it was a night to remember.

Of course Santa Claus stayed for the Elders' Christmas party. He loves to end Christmas Eve with Omar and his other furry friends at K-9 Town, USA.

Here's Santa dancing with poodle Sophie Jean, while listening to that big crooning bloodhound, Lufa.

 
All in all, Christmas at K9 Town was delightful.
 
The puppies didn't miss not playing with Santa, when they woke up to their new bones.
 
The Elders were happy because all was well and they were together, with leader Omar Blue, at K9 Town.
 
Santa couldn't have been happier as he boarded his sleigh and said, "Merry Christmas and Good Night," to all. 
 

 
Two of Santa's reindeers stayed at the party. Omar says he saw them off before coming home this morning.
 
We hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours and wish you a Happy New Year.
 
New Year's Day is Omar Blue's birthday. I'm sure there will be something going on at K-9 Town so please drop by.
 

 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Omar Blue - The Mountain Lions Cometh


 
 
I was on my way back with our snacks, when out of the blue Omar Blue asked, in that way I have of understanding, "Wanna hear some, about our trip to see my canine kin? I was so proud of my pack, Ma. Not one of us were afraid when those mountain lions came down that hill at us.
Here's what happened."
(Remember, just before they left for their trip, Mountain Lion Booby picked a fight with Rottweiler Brady and got more than he bargained for. He and his pride followed Omar and his pack into the mountains seeking revenge.)
Mountain lion Booby was filled with joy

He thought he had a plan

But why spend any time on that

They’d catch them as they ran.

 

Booby wasn’t very smart

But he should have noticed too

The higher they went into the hills

The smaller their numbers grew.

 

There was no explanation

For the others didn’t know

By then their numbers were so large

Who cared, let um go.

 

The only thing

He asked the pride

And he was speaking mighty low

“Save that professor Brady for me

Gonna beat him nice and slow.

 


You should have seen

The way he snuck me

I didn’t fall, I slipped

Just so happens I hit my head

Made it look like I’d been clipped.”

 

The others had heard the story

Quite different from what he said

If the rottweiler was that easy

Booby would have taken his head.

 

They were far up in the hills now

A place they’d never been

It seemed so dark and desolate

Though the sun was shining in.

 


There was something wrong about this place

They all felt this was true

But what it was

 They didn’t know

Didn’t even have a clue.

 

They went to talk to Booby

We’ve waited long enough

Tonight we’re gonna show them

Omar’s pack don’t look that tough.

 

Meanwhile down below the hill

Omar sat back with his Pack

They could feel the tension rising

The lions would soon attack.

 

They gathered in a circle

Each knowing what to do

A tougher pack you’ll never see

Led by Omar Blue.

 

Bennie Ba the big white wolf

Walked over to Omar’s side

Then Diggs, Brady, Sammy, Kooley and Jim

Made the front line seem quite wide.

 

The others were behind them

Too numerous to call

shepherds, ridgebacks, pit bulls, hounds

No way to name them all.

 

It was Paco the angry chihuahua

Who yelled out from the back

“Let’s get those mountain lions

We’ll teach them to follow our pack!”


 

Somehow the whole pack heard him

And they rallied to the sound

Gonna take the fight to the lions

No way to settle down.

 

Omar yelled “LET’S DO IT!”

With a deadly look on his face

“And don’t worry any one of you

Cause we all gonna leave this place.”

 


The females gathered the puppies

Who did what they were taught to do

 Brady and Sophie had trained them well

To stay out of the enemies view.

 

The females would protect them

Their number one thing to do

But the Elder Seers spoke up then

“We’ll protect them

You go too.”

 
The females looked suspiciously

It was great dane Jennie who spoke

“Grandma what have you two done

You know this ain’t no joke.”

 

“Jennie don’t you sass me

And Rasta Mama here

We made a special potion

When we knew the battle was near.

 

Together we’re stronger than 20 of you

We’ll keep our pups real calm

If the mountain lions make it over here

We’ll inflict plenty harm.”

 

Rasta Mama spoke up then

“I’ll prove what we can do”

She ran and kicked a big fat tree

Her foot went right on through.

 

The females looked at each other

The Seers had done it again!

They’d protect the pups no matter what

They’d be with them until the end.

 

They ran to their male partners

They left the Seers behind

 
Not worried about the puppies now

They knew they’d be just fine.
 
I couldn't believe it! Just then, the doorbell rang!  An unexpected friend.
Omar promised he would finish telling me later, but he hasn't. I have to catch him in the right mood. I will, and when I do, I'll let you know what happened too.
Or, it's all in my latest paperback and ebook, "Led By An Eagle." which can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other popular distributors.
You're probably thinking I know but won't tell.... How could you think that?