Local girl, friendly neighbor, Kenya

2004 was "the year" for a local girl to hit it big. Just before Christmas, there was a picture on the lumber company wall introducing a litter of Great Dane puppies in Absarokee, Montana. Marty told me to put a deposit on the brindle female and soon thereafter Barlo had a playdate.
The lady was asking Barlo if she could become his pal, obviously the answer was yes. What should her name be? Our prior dogs had a name related to our veterinarian. The vet of choice at this time was Dr. Brown. But we couldn't name her "brownie", but his first name was Ken and we had just returned from Africa. How about Kenya?

In the winter months, our dogs can be found with a blanket (size - medium foal) on when they are outside. They grow so fast that there are make shift blankets or vests used. Although this one would more than keep Kenya warm, she didn't appear to pleased with this hand-me-down from Marty.

Being outside, going on walks with Marty and Clint, snooping around the ranch was always

considered a treat. On this day, there had been a carcass near the Grove Creek and since Kenya was the first to spot it, she got first pick of the pile of bones. She was so proud of this she carried it to the house and would not permit anyone to take it from her mouth. A few hours went by before we could take it and put it in the garbage can.

When Marty rested on the couch in the family room, or was watching television, the favorite place for Kenya and Barlo was sharing the couch with Marty. They were obviously content and enjoyed the companionship and the comfort.

Kenya enjoyed having her picture taken. This is one of many, but there were two that were enjoying the walk around the ranch on this January day. They were dressed well and happy that the sun was shining. There are similar pictures that were taken on trips to Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Springs, Paws Up, Woodbine, and many other places in Montana.

Shortly after Barlo's passing, Kenya jumped out of the Suburban and injured her front leg. A few days later, it was not getting better so we took her to Dr. Barlau. The fractured front leg was also infected with cancer. Dr. Barlau removed her front leg to avoid further spreading of the infection. It was a matter of days until Kenya was out running in the snow as if nothing had happened. Her sense of balance was great as well as you can see in this picture. 1 leg gone, 2 legs in the air, and 1 leg on the ground.

If you are familar with our dogs, you knew that when Barlo had difficulty laying down and getting up, we purchased a couch for him. Kenya's biggest challenge was getting in the back of the Suburban to go with us. We learned that the older Subaru Legacy was much closer to the ground so it was appropriate that we purchase this 1999 automobile for Kenya. Please note that she got her own license as well. Traveling with Clint and Marty was again a joy plus is was much easier to see out the windows while laying down.

Nothing seemed to be slowing her down. Her best friend, Rhia, would come to visit. She and Kenya would play together as if nothing had happened. This picture, taken by Rhia's owner, Heather Farmstead, shows the joy the 2 girls had when they got together.

In spite of valiant efforts on the part of Dr. Barlau, Dr. Miller, the staff at Colorado State University Veterinary College, Kenya has now joined Barlo. She will be missed by all. There are many fond memories of her held by Clint, Marty, our family and friends. We'll miss you Kenya.

Thanks for being a part of the Circle B Bar T.

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

Kenya had a great day, look what she found

We spotted Kenya running down the lane toward the house after our morning walk. She seemed in a happy mood and was moving at quite a rapid pace. We noticed something strange, take a look closely and see if you see what we saw. I agree, you probably can't see what's unique, in fact, I had to look several times after Marty told me what she had seen. The real question will be not what it is or where she got it but how it became hooked on her dog blanket under her neck.


If you still haven't figured it out, it is a bone from most likely a deer carcass, most likely a front leg and from the joint there are 2 bones that have created a hook that is lapped over the top of the dog blanket under her neck. Whether she was rolling on the carcass or the bone, it was most likely the way it got bound on the blanket.

This may be the best angle to see the bone. Barlo was either not interested or had been told by Kenya to stay away from her bone. Ultimately, when Marty took off the blanket the bone was deposited in the trash barrell. But that was just the morning scenario. We took them for an afternoon walk towards the mountains, turned around at the gate at the Johnson place and as we started back towards the house, guess what. Kenya had found another prize.

It was obvious what she had found this time. It was the remains of the head, neck, and some of the pelt of a deer. Whether the morning find was related to this part, we will never know. The close up will give you a better perspective of this prize.

Kenya was ultimately asked to drop her prize. With much chagrin, she relented, Marty grabbed her collar and I tossed her token into a field with a good fence so that she could not return to the scene of the capture. Whether it's old age or a predator, these carcasses are not rare and a dog on the loose is always attracted to the parts that remain.

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.

The Weather picture in Fishtail

In case you haven't been keeping up with the weather in Montana, we have had a very wet spell, primarily snow and it still hasn't stopped. The current snowfall started a couple days ago and is supposed to continue thru noon today. There has probably been 8 to 12 inches. I went out with my camera this morning, took a picture of the arena and sent it to a lady in Helena who has been trying to get here for the last 4 weeks to see Rafiki. While walking back to the house, I got this picture of Kenya - it says it all. Spring started a couple weeks ago, you'd never know it if you were here.

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.