Sweet "frazzled" Frizzle

She is a “Frizzle” chicken by breed.  Even so, we decided to call her “Frizzle”.  How could we not?  What name could be better?  Before HartSong, she lived for 3 long years in a crowded, un-tended coop, spending most of her time hiding under just about anything, trying with all her might, to survive.  As you can see, most of her feathers are gone, plucked out by the other hens in the coop that quite obviously, “did not like her”. 

Frizzle on the move

She appears to have some sort of deformity in her feet, causing her to stagger occasionally, as if drunk.  We find this little “hitch-in-her -giddy-up” quite charming even though I’m certain it’s the reason for her battle scars.  Just the same, everyone at HartSong finds her adorable.  One thing’s for sure, she’s a survivor.  Only 6 days at the sanctuary and everyday, she is happier than the day before.  I haven’t a clue as to when her feathers will return but already, her dignity is on the rise.  Someday soon, her spirit will shine.  After all, her name is ”Frizzle”…

Dewey, hiding in the blankets, his first day at HartSong

When my husband Jim and I moved to Northern California in 1997, we notified the various animals shelters and rescue organizations in the area of our interest in becoming foster parents for dogs.  It didn’t take long until we had a house full of canines.  Most of them came to us due to over crowded conditions in the shelters.  We provided safe housing, lots of love and companionship and then one day, when the perfect forever family was found, off they would go to a new, happy life. But every once in awhile, one would come along that could never be put up for adoption.  The sanctuary cases.  The ones like Dewey.

Dewey, before his escape to the bushes

He was turned in to the Nevada County Animal shelter at about 8 weeks of age, severely dehydrated, dying of starvation and terrified, truly terrified of being around people…being handled by people…being confined…being touched.  Dewey was not just a frightened little pup, he was a frightened little “wild” pup and he was very, very sick. We’re not certain what became of his Mother, but from the looks of him, he had been on his own for quite some time.  A kind hearted couple at a Northern California camp ground noticed this starving little pup hiding in the bushes.  After a few days, they were able to capture him in a large box, lured in by a bit of left over cat food.  The following morning, they kindly delivered him to The Nevada County Animal Shelter.  Christened Dewey, he was immediately admitted into ICU.   Sammie’s Friends, a 501©(3)non-profit organization located in Grass Valley,  provided the funds for Dewey’s 3 day stay in ICU.   His condition improved, but only slightly.  He still suffered from chronic diarrhea, dehydration and his fear of people caused him to remain in a very anxious state.   Emotionally, he had a really long road ahead of him.  No way could a dog like Dewey survive the adoption process.  One of the shelter administrators, aware of our work with “special needs” dogs, decided to give us a call.  This special little pup, she explained, didn’t need a foster home…this special little pup needed sanctuary.  The next day we drove to Grass Valley and brought him back to HartSong.  He was only 9 weeks old.

Dewey's hiding place-the Juniper bush

Terrified of being in or anywhere near the house, he found safe haven, much to my dismay, in a large Juniper bush in the front yard.  For the next 12 months, that’s where he lived…in the Juniper bush.  Twice a day, we would put his food bowl near the opening of his den and only when the coast was clear of humans, would he inch out of his hiding place to gobble down his food.  About a year went by and then one very special day, there he was, standing in the middle of the yard, away from the bushes.  Slowly but surely, he started to trust.

Dewey today-calm, comfortable and happy

2009 marks Dewey’s  4^th year at HartSong. 

He now spends his days romping and frolicking with the other dogs that live at the sanctuary.  He has his favorite spot on the dog sofa and curls up with the rest of his buddies when it’s time for bed.  Finally, he is one very happy dog.  His major quirk?  He is terrified of visitors.  As soon as he spies a stranger, he immediately reverts to his old ways…back to the bushes.  More than once I’ve been asked by concerned on-lookers, “what‘s wrong with that dog…is he OK?”  So…just so you know, if you happen to visit the sanctuary and you notice a medium sized, brown-brindled dog, slinking from bush to bush, trembling, salivating and obviously very afraid, well that would be Dewey…the happiest little pup in the whole wide world.

Dazed after colliding with a window

 Will she fly?  A must see video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvWFO73q6wo

Every 6-8 weeks, a gem-of-an-individual, Beate Anderson, comes through our front gate, compassionately donating her time and expertis to provide hoof care for the eight horses at HartSong Ranch.  We owe a heap of gratitude to this amazing woman who gives so much of herself to ensure comfort and health in the lives(and feet) of some very special horses.

Beate at work

 A personal note about Beate;

For those of you that have never seen a farrier at work, let me tell you, it’s back-breaking, highly skilled, hard labor.  It can also be very dangerous.  Probably not much taller than 5’6″ and maybe just a smidge over 110 pounds, Beate is by far, the strongest, leanest, most-in-shape woman I’ve ever known.  She hoists, squats, lifts, and supports…files, nips, picks and digs…contorts, comforts and concentrates, all while wedged near or under the frame of a 1200 pound horse, that may or may not, be in an agreeable mood.   It’s fascinating to watch her work.  Strength, compassion, patience and an excellent work ethic, all rolled up into one.  She is what makes women “mighty”.

BEATE ANDERSON FARRIER SERVICE  530-823-8605  Cell: 530-320-4024  coolfarrier@gmail.com

Most folks know HartSong as a facility that offers permanent sanctuary to blind horses, but we also offer sanctuary to many other barnyard critters. 

Lacey, the little blind goat

Lacey is a 2 year old Nigerian Dwarf goat.  Born blind, she came to live at HartSong at 8 months of age.  Oh, how we worried about her at first…how would she get around?…would she fall into the canal?…would she get lost?  Well, have no fear for her brother and designated tour guide, Nigel, is here too!!!  Most days Lacey can be found lounging in the pastures with our merry band of blind horses, but every now and then, she gets what we call “the goots”, just a- flippin’ and a-hoppin’ and a-springin’ all over the place.  And all the while, she never bumps into anything!  She is the happiest, little goat!!!

Spumoni, the beak-less chicken

Here you have it folks, a real life “chicken with lips”.  Sweet Spumoni was the victim of a brutal dog attack.  The pooch literally chewed her beak off.  Unable to fend for herself, Spumoni was welcomed to the sanctuary in March of 2009.  The good news, with proper care and a nutritous diet, her beak will grow back.  But this is going to take some time.  Maybe as much as a year.  In all other regards, Spumoni is a normal, run-of-the-mill chicken.  She struts around the barnyard everyday with her chicken buddy ”Flour”, takes dust baths and even lays eggs.  For the moment, however, she has difficulty feeding herself(throw down 10 grapes and she might be able to gobble up 3).  So, twice a day, we help her along by hand feeding her a mash of blended lentils, cheese, split peas and believe it or not, one raw egg, which she herself, graciously provides.  Slowly but surely, her new beak is starting to grow.  “Well, I’ll be darned”.  Such a fascinating little bird.

Red, 1 minute old

Red, slurping down his formula

Weaning him off the bottle was no easy task.  He wanted his bottle more than anything in the whole wide world and would stand for hours in the barnyard Mooing and Mooing and Mooing…the most agonizing Moo you can imagine.  We could hear him all over the ranch.  “Where’s my milk”?  “Why aren’t you feeding me”?  Neighbor’s called with concerns and Jim and I found ourselves with a tremendous case of the guilts.  Finally, after what seemed like forever, he gave up and accepted his fate to spend his days grazing in the pastures along side his mother and other cow companions.

Sweet, mischievous Red, all grown up

There are so many wonderful, genuine moments that take place at HartSong, especially with the young ones.  I would like to share one with you.

Natalia Biale & Chickita

Natalia Biale is a 9 year old girl who lives in Coloma with her Mom & Dad, sister Simone, a couple of dogs, a turkey and way too many chickens to count.  When time allows, she volunteers at HartSong and becomes especially happy when it’s time to groom the horses.  Her “most favorite” horse at the sanctuary is Cash, a 34 year old, blind, Appaloosa gelding.  He is magnificent for his age, as sweet as they come and absolutely adores Natalia.

Beautiful Cash, 34 years old

 One day while grooming Cash, she called me over and asked, quite softly, if she could have a clipping of Cash’ tail hair.  “Well sure”, I said and asked her “why?”.  She told me she wanted it for a book at home; an interactive, fill in the blanks, diary sort of book called “My Dream Horse”.  Her mission was to collect all sorts of items; articles, photos, poems…anything and everything that represented her vision of the perfect horse.  Her dream horse.  The book had a special place for a lock of hair.  A lock of hair from a very special horse.  A beautiful horse.  A kind, sweet and loving horse.  An old, blind horse named Cash.  Her dreams inspire me.

~Upon our children – how they are taught – rests the fate – or fortune – of  tomorrow’s world~BC Forbes

2 Dusty Divider’s and 33 year old Dandy

The Dusty Divider’s 4-H Club paid a visit to HartSong on Saturday, January 31st, volunteering their time to help us out with some of the never ending project’s around the ranch.  How cool is that!!!  I’m certain a great day was had by all, even tho most of the time was spent moving ”something” from one spot to another.  Armed with manure and pitch forks,  the Dusty Divider’s spent the morning hours moving poop…a whole bunch of poop…from numerous pastures surrounding the old barn, all the way back to the manure pile(10 cows and 9 horses create an awful lot of patties and apples!!!).  Ahhh!!!…such is life amongst the animals.  Then, off to move “a whole bunch of big rocks” piled up by the caretakers cabin, all the way down to the dam on the south side of the pond.  Hard work makes for big appetites…finally, lunch time!  Then…you guessed it!  Off to move “a whole bunch of downed branches” from the west side of the pond all the way over to the burn pile.  Ahhh!!!…ranch life. 

The day was also filled with laughter and lots of giggles.  Some of HartSong’s residents had an adventurous time, as well.  Chickita, the blind chicken, Lacey, the blind goat and her brother Nigel, all joined us on the east side of the property.  Chickita(she’s one smart chicken) hitched a ride on the shoulders of Brandon Biersteker while Lacey and Nigel followed along. 

The Biale family, however, provided the animal highlight of the day. 

Showgirl Chickens~ZaZa & Obama

They brought along and introduced us to ZaZa and Obama, Showgirl Chickens, which are crosses between Silkes and Naked Necks.  These very special chicks have black skin, featherless necks and five toes(most chickens have 4 toes).  Incredibly cute!  I want one…maybe two…OK, maybe three!

“I’m so pretty, I’m so pretty…”

Around 3 o’clock, we started to wrap things up for the day and said our good-byes to the Dusty Divider’s.  What a great group of hard working, young people.  Lily, Rachael, Natalia, Simone and all the parents…thank you for giving so generously of yourselves to HartSong.  How wonderfully rewarding to spend the day in the presence of young people that make such a difference in their community.  Awesome Job!!!

Chickita Cruisin’

At days’ end, Nigel, Lacey and sweet Chickita somehow managed to finagle a ride in the truck back to the west barn.  Chickita made the entire trip roosted on the doorframe of Big Blue…and some people think animals are stupid…go figure!!!  

Chickita is a 1½ year old chicken, blind since the day she cracked herself out of her shell.  Removed from the coup at a young age and hand raised by a kind woman in Garden Valley, Chickita’s up bringing didn’t give her much of a notion as to how to be a chicken.  She is, however, a sweet bird.  She loves people, loves attention and often carries on lengthy conversations while being admired.  Everyone who meets her, adores her.  Especially children.  They are so taken with her calm nature.  Since her arrival at HartSong 8 months ago, Chickita has spent most of her time perched, passing the daylight hours grooming herself, eating and sleeping, but never straying, never exploring.  Not usual chicken behavior….what to do?

We operate on a buddy system here at HartSong.  Every animal has a special friend.  It was time to find Chickita a buddy.  Word got around and come to find out, there are lots of folks living in these foothills that are very much into chickens.  We received so many calls, talked with some of the nicest folks and conducted quite a few trial runs in our barnyard, but to no avail.  Then one day, along came Flour, a beautiful 4 month old Leg Horn chicken.  She was hand selected by our dear friend and sanctuary supporter, Peter Biersteker.  Peter himself raises chickens and after much consideration and no doubt, observation, decided to pick Flour because “she had a kind way about her”.  We were anxious to give her a try.

We have enjoyed the pleasures of Flour for almost four weeks.  It would be a stretch to say that Flour and Chickita are best of friends.  They are not.  But they are buddies, they have a relationship, they hang out together and quite remarkably, Flour has brought out the chicken in Chickita.  Chickita now spends her days a’scratchin and a’peckin like any other chicken.  She struts around, takes dust bathes and just the other day, I caught glimpse of her pulling up a worm from the manure pile.  Way to go, Chickita!!!

Best of all…Christmas morning, we opened up Chickita’s coup and right there in front of us, nestled in the straw, a gift for all…one, beautiful, perfect egg.

Merry Christmas, Love Chickita

                                 …the little blind chicken that could

Ciara with her beautiful Mother

 We have enjoyed the pleasures of Ciara for a little over a year now and my oh my, what a wonderful year it has been.  We invite you to enjoy the attached video of Ciara’s journey – she is such an inspiration.

watch?v=RRbSBo3kk7c