Welcome to JKs Rough String Ranch

Welcome to the Rough String, and thanks for stoppin' by!! Grab a hot cup of coffee and sit a spell!
10/22/18 You will see a name change on the blog. Lots of things have changed in my life in the past few years, and I feel compelled to share my story.

What's your health score?
Just Take Your FREE Health Assessment: Click Here
Please DO NOT copy or reproduce my photos or writing in any way without my permission...just ask!!!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Bella Jo's Gotcha Day~One Year Today!!

~I won't change my mind because someone told me to.~
~Rebecca Akins 1910~

Where did 365 days go?!? It was one year ago today that I drove to a foster home for Harney County Save A Stray Rescue to pick up a rescue dog, Bella. We were contemplating another dog...which would make a total of 4...and would take her on a trial basis (actually My Man had to be figure out if 4 dogs would be takin' it a lil' bit too far over the edge). Bella's first story is here.

On the Road to a New Home
Bella's first photo...ridin' in the back seat of my truck...on the way to her new home...and a better life.


I'm Confused~A New Home
Such a confused look on her face...sided up to Cowboy for comfort.

I wanted Bella Jo to be my cow gathering dog, but not only had she never seen livestock before...she was terrified of them!


Varmints-I'm a Good Varmint Getter!
On day 5 she proved herself useful with her very first varmint...and she never looked back! She's the best ratter on the place because she's so quick.

After a week with us, I started lookin' at her belly because they said she could be pregnant. It had a lil' bit of a pooch and I made arrangements with Save A Stray to have her taken to Bend for a spay operation ASAP...thank goodness we did because she was 5 weeks along and had 10 puppies in her! It's hard enough to place 1 rescue dog...let alone 10 more puppies. I know it's sad, but it was for the best.


IMG_1844
Bella Jo finally came to terms with Tat...who she would chase...they seem to have an agreement.


Bella Jo is Checkin' Out the Up Draft
Trail ridin'...Bella Jo took to it like a fish takes to water.


Dog on the Watch
Her confidence increased daily.  Always on the look out and always a pretty picture~


Smellin' the Fresh Cut Alfalfa
Farming alfalfa brought new sights and smells...mostly varmints!


The Happy Dog Dance
Of course her BFF neighbor dog Missy and her still play like crazy dogs!


Gatherin' Pairs
Cattle dog? Yes, she is actually learning what she's supposed to do. The trips out gathering pairs this fall have really changed her. We've got to work on commands (actually I need to figure it out) to make it all come together. But she's getting the herding drive that I didn't think she had.


Me & My Shadow
Bella Jo's a momma's dog and gets the most pathetic facial expression when I have to leave without her. She's acclimated herself to ranch life and is the happiest dog...can you blame her?!?


Bella Jo
Bella Jo~a full-fledged member of our family.

Cheers to you Bella Jo to many years of companionship. We love you dearly!

23 comments:

  1. How time flies. What a lucky dog she is to have such a good home. She even outrats cindy sue?

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's amazing how pets become so loveable and a part of the family.
    We have had our puppy standard poodle only since August 11th and can't imagine not having her around. She is a joy.

    I am glad Bella was able to go into a good home.

    ReplyDelete
  3. She sure did turn out to be a gooder! I love that photo of her and Missy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I remember when Bella first arrived! Fell head over heels for her then, and still love her to bits now. So glad she worked so well into the family for you guys! May there be many many more years to come with Bella and all the k9 crew out there!

    Big belly rubs to Bella Jo on her one year anniversary!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the healers, Bella Jo is a very cool dog.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the healers, Bella Jo is a very cool dog.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aww gorgeous Bella Jo !!! Happy Anniversary pets and ear scratches

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Gotcha day Bella....I think you lucked out bigtime!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awwww, sweet Bella Jo, the luckiest dog around! I've loved all the pics of her in the past year, and it's amazing to look back now and see the change in facial expression. Dogs are such blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I knew the minute I saw her that it was a match made in heaven. Lucky you and very lucky Bella Jo! Hard to believe that it's already been one year!
    BTW tomorrow I will pick up our new rescue dog. Shet will probably give me a reason to blog again. Wish us luck. I only hope she looks half as happy as Bella does after her first year with us.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats on a fabulous year - new faces and new places. Bella sure looks content.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love this post! In those first photos from a year ago, Bella Jo looks so wary ... but that's so neat to see her "blossom!" NICE dog!! Glad y'all could give her a great home - she does indeed look happy! I really like the photo where you're driving cattle, and she's following along the dirt "road." Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Commands? My rat terrier is a wickedly handy dog with cattle. We taught him with these commands....Not that one!...Git back here!...Knock it off!!!!....you sorry *&%*##%&!!!
    Luckily he figured it out in spite of us....

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a cool post, I remember when you first brought her home, I can't believe its been a year already..:-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. shes a pretty lucky dog to have found you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks everyone!!

    Sydney~Yes, Bella Jo out "rats" Cindy Sue. I attribute that to Cindy's diminishing eye sight. I'm having her checked, but it's probably cataracts. It's hell to get old, no matter what species you are :(

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh she is a lucky dog, and I bet she will now do pretty much what ever you want her too..great rescue! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there. Just found your blog from GoWestFeralWoman's place (I just found hers yesterday). Love your photography and am a kindred spirit when it comes to 4-legged kids. Will enjoy following you, I'm sure! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a pretty girl and she seems like she loves her life!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy gotcha Day!!! What a great story. So sad about her pups, but yes important that that difficult decision was made. Glad she found a great home and that she is starting to understand her "job". Awesome pictures by the way. You have some very beautiful dogs.
    Glad to find another kindred spirit....I have four dogs myself and they are not even on our farm for a job. You should tell your hubby that he could be stuck like my hubby with two very old basset hounds and two wild cattle dogs with no cattle to round up. :)
    Great reading your adventures!!
    Summer

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yay one year, that sure went by fast. I remember when you brought her home.I think you all got lucky to have found each other,many happy years to come.

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments! Let me know what's on your mind~~