Seasons Greetings from the Circle B Bar T

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year

Marty, Clint and the Circle B Bar T Gang

2010 was Marty's Year

2010 was a special year, when you consider the events that have occurred.

During the last 12 months, there have been at least 6 trips to Yellowstone National Park. On one occassion, Clint took a wrong turn in Mammoth Hot Springs as it was early morning, time for a potty call, and another cup of coffee. When we realized we were not where we wanted to be, we were amazed at the number of people on this side street. The occassion was a mama elk that had just given birth. (go to the June 10th posting for a picture). Clint took his first picture of an osprey and her family in June but didn't get the picture he wanted until 2 trips later.

Marty got to meet the members of the 1960 Ohio State University Livestock Judging Team, their coach, and most of their wives, as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. (go to March 11th to see Clint and his pals 50 years ago).

The grandchildren were very active, including a visti to the Circle B Bar T that started with the first arrival on June 23 and the last departure on July 12th. Jack is now a freshman at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, Petey's hockey team was the conference champions, Crissy not only had a successful season on the softball team but has been drafted by one of the premier girl's softball teams in Connecticut for 2011. Mr. Buckeye, Patrick, was a lineman on the Wreckers football team and was dressed as Brutus for the Halloween Trick or Treats. Curtis and Grace are swimmers with lots of winning ribbons; John is the youngest and celebrated his first birthday in July. Shy Vi is always into something and lost most of her locks this fall.

Another celebration started the first week of May, when the Fremont, Ohio ladies visited Paws Up, a ranch type resort in Western Montana to brag about reaching 60 years of age. We couldn't have packed more into the 5 days we were there. Debby Wenger and Tina Hablitzel were the other 2 celebrants. Husbands, George and Mark, made the trip across the US as well as Clint who escorted Marty from Fishtail.

Marty's birthday, the Big Six O, was September 14 and just 16 days later, she officially retired from her law practice with the law firm of Bricker & Eckler and remains to run the health care consulting company, QMCG, which she formed in 1994.

It wasn't all happiness, as Sammy, the favorite horse for the last 10 years went to horse heaven in June to join her father, Al Dude. The entire family celebrated her passing at the grave site during their visit. (go to July 28th for more about Sammy and the family picture).

In September, Barlo joined Chelsea, Levi, and Hannah. His last 18 months with us featured regular chiropractic sessions with Dr. Sarah and the purchase of a couch which made it much easier for him to lay down to rest. (Barlo's memories were posted on October 26th).

Mourning Barlo's passing, Kenya jumped out of the Suburban to injure her front leg, soon diagnosed as cancer. She is now the happiest 3 legged dog and currently going thru chemo therapy to prolong her life. Jumping into the back of a Chevy Suburban had it's challenges, so Kenya1, the license plate on a 1999 Subaru Legacy, is where Kenya has found it as easy to get into a car as a couch was for Barlo to lay down. The arrival of Emma and Baxter was none too soon to put joy back in Marty's life. They are Great Dane puppies, sister and brother, and have helped us to see the brighter side of life and added a new dimension for Kenya as well. They have almost tripled in size since their arrival just 2 months ago and are at the gate to welcome visitors.(see October 11th for when they were small)

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON, A WONDERFUL 2100, AND COME
VISIT US IN MONTANA

We'll miss you Barlo

What's in a name? When our 4th Great Dane was named over 8 years ago, it was in honor of our local veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Barlau. In retrospect, it was a bonding of the 2 and for sure extended Barlo's life at least 1 1/2 or maybe even 2 years.
Physically, Barlo had a very large head and the weight on his neck and spine caused him a number of physical problems over the years. Early on, Sarah developed a brace that he wore to take pressure off his spine and back. In later years, the condition of his back was one of the worst ever reviewed by Colorado State University veterinarians.

Dr. Barlau to the rescue again. This time it was chiropractic in nature and after each session, Barlo was like a new dog. In addition, Dr. Sarah had selected medications to reduce the pain as well.

During his lifetime, there were events that people will remember as Barlo. If you were a lady guest and you sat in our living room, Barlo would find his way to your lap. His fanny in your lap and his front legs on the floor. If Marty would lie down on the couch, who do you think her partner was . . . . . .

of course it was the lap dog, Barlo. Another memorable event was the photograph taken of Barlo and Kenya on the couch and Marty's lap. How about when he was a pup and he went to the dishwasher for more food.

He loved to walk in the pastures and on several occasions he found what he considered a treasure. A bone from a deer carcass was in his mouth for several days.

The remains of this carcass he dragged from the Grove Creek and was not about to relinquish it to anyone.

Then there was the day he discovered a porcupine under a bush near the creek. This was his prize and in spite of the pain, he didn't give up until the porcupine was dead and he had acquired enough quills in his head and neck that it took 1 1/2 hours at the vet clinic removing the quills.

He wrestled with Clint in the yard until Marty made them quit because she feared someone would not think Barlo was just having fun. He protected the front gate and most people arriving would not proceed to the house until the "big boy" was under the control of Marty or Clint. He napped on the deck with his favorite cat, Ruthie, and posed for photographs with the guests.

Can you image the stories that are now being shared with Chelsea, Levi, and Hannah?

He will be missed. Friends, relatives, Kara - his friend at the United Bank of Absarokee, the UPS driver, neighbors, and of course his name sake, Dr. Sarah.

Super Saturday for Barlo

Marty and I left for our daily walk through the pastures with Kenya and Barlo today. We decided to head toward the Grove Creek and see if the "wise ole owl" was in it's home in the old tree trunk. Unfortunately it was not there, but the dogs did cross the creek with us and were soon off on a venture of their own. I had noticed a few days ago that there was a carcass in the nearby field and Kenya was off to check out the bones and Barlo found the hide close by. We called, asking them to join us as we returned to the house. It was a difficult task to get them to come, and as they arrived we noticed that Barlo had claimed the hide as his own. It was too cold to have my camera with me, but this is what we saw coming through the bushes down by the creek.
This is all that we saw for the 1/2 mile trip back to the house. Usually, Barlo is lagging behind with Kenya in the lead. Not today, Barlo was proud of his trophy and was in a hurry to get to the house. Marty and I suspected that he probably had a place near the house or barn where he wanted to hide his hide. For a dog that has been crippled for the last year, he was moving at a very rapid pace and showed no signs of his debilitation. When we all got in the yard, Barlo got to examine his prize.
As you can see, it was quite large, in fact the hide and the bone pile looked like the deer was at least as large as Barlo. This was his and it wasn't until later that we realized how special it was to him. However, dogs have a language of their own, and you can tell by this next picture that Kenya was curious but knew this was not hers to share.
Now it was time for Barlo to determine if there were any morsels still attached to the hide. Sure enough there were and he was having a very enjoyable time until Marty observed his actions. Her direction was to take the hide away from him. I mentioned that it wasn't fair, especially after all of the work it took for him to get it to the house.
Marty approached Barlo to take his prize to the barn, so that later in the day, he could re-visit his trophy and at least she would have some indication by then if the snacks he was enjoying would have created a disturbance in his stomach. As she approached him, she discovered from the loud growl that it was off limits to her as well. Ultimately, Marty prevailed and the hide was taken to the barn while Barlo entered the house for a nap.

WHAT A HAPPY DOG HE IS TODAY

Happy New Year

This will be a Happy New Year, for all of us, the horses, cats, Kenya & Barlo, and Marty and Clint. We hope the new year bodes as well for you.

Marty and I finished the decade at Paws Up, a Montana resort. Kenya, Barlo and the 2 of us traveled some 300 plus miles to this beautiful ranch for a few days. Although it was cold, the climate could not have been better. Marty is winding down her law career at Bricker & Eckler, Clint is enjoying rural living and his new found hobby of photography, Ruthie & Martha (our barn cats) have just celebrated 10 years with us, Kenya is at the crest of her life, living big every day, and Barlo, in spite of his arthritic spin is a very happy dog, thanks to some special meds, his by-monthly chiro from his name sake, Dr. Sarah Barlow. 14 Arabian horses have a great life as well. When it gets too cold to stay outside all nite, they get to go into the arena for shelter. Their activities have slowed down during the winter months, but we think they are looking forward to being ridden and jumped as spring arrives.

An now for the latest episode of the dogs, captured by Clint on his new camera.

It started in this place, at the Paws Up resort, in Greenough, Montana.
This was our home for the last few days in 2009. Upon arrival, we started a fire in the fireplace and settled in for some relaxation and fun with Kenya and Barlo. Soon, Kenya had settled into a very comfortable postion next to the fireplace, very relaxed and very happy as you can see.
Just as Clint was settling down on the couch with his favorite libation, Barlo sat down beside him. Marty said, "Clint, before you get too comfortable, lets try something new". With that she took one of the dog bed covers that travel with us and draped in on the couch and offered it to Barlo. It was happiness at first site. He didn't have to crouch down to get on his dog bed which at times is painful. He sat on the couch and then laid down. For the next few days, that was Barlo's and he was there except when he ate, drank, or went for a walk.

By the end of the visit, Marty had already located several places in Billings that had special sales on couchs. By the time we returned to Fishtail, arrangements were already made to travel the next day to Billings and visit these furniture establishments. Of course, Clint went with her and they drove the ranch pick up in case they found something suitable. Need I say more.

This picture is the end result of our trip to Billings and the happiness on Barlo's face tells the story of why he is looking forward to the New Year.
This is Barlo's counch, it came back from Billings with Marty and Clint, it is located in the great room with a clear view for Barlo of the Beartooth Mountains, only steps away from the garage where he eats his meals, and exactly the correct height for him to scoot onto the cushions without any pressure on his back.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year. All of us at the Circle B Bar T know it is only hours away.

Kenya and Barlo usually go with us

The rules that you receive at the entrance to the park regarding pets, states that they are allowed and if they get out of the vehicle, they must be on a lead and can not go more than 100 feet from the road that you are traveling on. As you see, these are not Yellowstone wildlife, but are our 2 Great Danes. They enjoy the scenery and as we approach wildlife in the car, they come to full alert, yet are very respectful to the animals, have never barked, but certainly know these are different than they experience on our ranch at Fishtail. Marty was giving them an afternoon break . . . we were at least a mile from any wildlife at the time I took this picture.