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Wednesday, February 09, 2022

Mabel Mae's Adoption Day!


Surprise, Surprise!

We welcomed a new family member to the Quiltville Gang yesterday - Mabel Mae!

Isn't it funny how sometimes things just happen - things you really hadn't planned on?

Well, we had planned sort of.  We've been looking - but not intently.  Just occasionally browsing shelter pages to see if anything came up that looked like a good fit.

We don't know Zoey's history before she came to us at 1 year old.  But every time she sees a dog, whether it be while hiking, or while driving through the country, or even on TV - she cries.

As in a mournful whining cry as if her heart is broken.  We think she had other dogs with her in her early life.


Yesterday, I happened to browse the Galax/Carroll/Grayson shelter page, and there was a black lab mix that I thought might be "The One."

I called the shelter, talked to the gal there, told her I was on my way and in I went.

Only the black lab was rambunctious, loud, and angry barky-bitey.  He has issues.  Poor fella.

I asked if they by chance had a calmer dog, one that was not so reactive to other dogs barking.

The attendant told me about a new dog that had only just been brought in 45 minutes previously.  She wasn't in the system yet.  

She is sweet, quiet, non-jumping.

Spayed. All shots. 1/12 years old.

"Why was she surrendered?" I asked.

It seems that she, an Aussie/Heeler mixed breed - chased cattle.  And I laughed out loud.

Isn't that what they are bred to do?

Well, chasing and herding are two different things.  Herding happens on command from the owner/trainer with distinct signals to get the cattle to go a certain way.  Chasing cattle into a frenzy is NOT herding.

Evidently this little dog didn't understand the assignment.  LOL!

But she was so sweet, sitting by my feet, so scared - not knowing why her family had dropped her off at this horrid place, I just knew I had to take her home.

Oh, and the price of adoption including microchipping?  $10.00.  Only $10.00.


Let's go home, sweet girl.

There is someone who will be so excited to meet you!


Out of the car, exploring the yard.

The squeals of delight coming from Zoey let us know we had done the right thing.

There was much sniffing, and eventually Mabel's tail came out from between her back legs and began to cautiously wag.

It didn't take long until this happened:


The two girls slept all night side by side.  This is a miracle.

And if you are wondering about Ivy - there has been no chasing going on.  Ivy perched herself on the loft railing and just watched from above.

This morning when we came down to the kitchen, Ivy puffed up her tail and made a quick run for under the bed.  But no chasing, no barking, no growling - 

I think we've found the perfect sister for Zoey Jo!


Getting to know you - 

Getting to know all about you -


Who's a pretty sister girl?

And yes, she is housebroken.  So very much so - we were afraid she'd run if we let her out unleashed, so since yesterday late afternoon we'd been walking her around the yard on a leash and she just wouldn't go.  We'd be out there for a long long time, hoping she would go.  She wouldn't go.

She slept all night long - and we repeated the leash walk this morning all around the yard and the edge of the woods hoping she would go.  She wouldn't go.  Not in the house, not outside on a leash.

I took a big chance - walked into the leaves at the edge of the woods with her and undid her leash.

She quickly walked over to a pile of leaves under a tree and instantly took care of EVERYTHING she needed to, big time.  Poor thing, she'd been holding it in since she arrived at the shelter.

A call of "Good girl!" and she came right back to me, and we walked to the back door of the cabin leashless. Right in for treats we went.

She is just a VERY good girl!

Her paperwork said her name was "Lady Mae" and that is just a bit too stuffy.  We knew she needed something that sounded close that she could learn to recognize, so Mabel Mae she is.

I almost wish I didn't have to go in to work today - but it's Quiltville Inn 2022 Opening Day!  The February Quiltvillians will be arriving around 4pm and there is still so much to do to be completely ready.


AND - it's time to draw for the winners of our Quiltmaker March/April '22 Gift-Away!

Who is entry 1364?


June Alton!
And entry 2817?


Congrats June & Shirley!

Please respond to the emails I've sent to the address you included with your entries and include your shipping address so I can get these magazine issues right out to you.

I've attached the PDF copy of Forever Mine to the emails I sent, so look for that attachment to download your patterns.

Thanks for participating, everyone!

And just for a refresher - My blocks from the first issue Jan/Feb '22 are found in THIS POST. I'm really loving how my purples are working out.

My blocks for the March/April issue (Part 2) are found in the Gift-Away post HERE.

Magazines are just appearing on news stands.  Some of you at home with subscriptions may already be working on your blocks!

Not a subscriber yet?  Subscribe HERE!

Digital issues can be purchased HERE.

We've got a gift-away for Bruce Leonard's Amazon kick off with his new quilt genre novel, Quilt City Murders!  I'm giving away a paperback copy and our winner will also receive a PDF pattern for my Cherry Crunch quilt.  Enter to win ON THAT POST.

And I think that's all I have time to share for right now - it's time to get myself over to the inn and put on the final polish!

Bring on the Quiltvillians!


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

It's hard to comprehend, but really - what other people think of you doesn't define you. 


No matter what the naysayers and the purveyors of negativity around you might say, your self-worth isn’t defined by an approval rating. 


There’s no objective rating scale that allows another person to judge you. 


They don’t know what you’ve been through. 


They don’t know your story, your trials, your tribulations, or the path you’ve walked. 


No, it simply doesn’t work that way. 


Just keep doing the next right thing - for you.⁣
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!


 

63 comments:

Our Homeplace said...

Awwww. Mabel Mae is so cute! Wishing all of you well with your new addition to the family.

Unknown said...

Mabel Mae is beautiful! Congratulations on your new baby and thank you for rescuing her.

Tasha said...

Oh this is such a heartwarming post! So happy for all of you.

cityquilter grace said...

adorable! now as long as she doesn't teach zoey to chase cattle...ROFL...

Nana said...

It just warms my heart knowing another shelter dog has a new home! Rescues are such special creatures. Thank you for taking such good care of one of God's creatures.

Astrid Reflux said...

Mabel Mae!! She is BEAUTIFUL, congratulations. And I'm so glad Zooey has a sister - I have a reactive/selective pittie mix whom I think is really lonely sometimes, but she's so picky! She can tolerate my brother's big dumb lab, at least (for awhile.) Now you'll have three critters competing for the between-your-knees hammock when you sew, lol.

Leah said...

Bonnie! My heart!

I'm so happy for Mabel and Zoey and all of you. Her golden eyes are striking - such a pretty girl.

Cats said...

Mabel Mae is going to be the best "big" sister for Zoey!!! Who must have come from a large family! and now the way you tell it, they will be so good for all of you!!! Sorry about the timing and the new group of retreaters, but i think you took the right advantage of the right opportunity... she probably COULD have been properly trained *(she's already such a good girl) not to "chase" the cows... but what a lovely boon for the Hunters, all... cats, dog, people! and she'll just LOVE meeting and hiking with the quilters! More joy and photos for us... good job, Bonnie!!!
Cats in a very warm (passed 80 yesterday) Carlsbad, CA

Lisa Burgess said...

So excited to meet the new quiltvillians , hope you have a great start to the season of fun :)

hared said...

Mabel Mae is adorable! What a wonderful addition to your family! Shelter pets are the best. ❤️
-Gina in Missouri

Amy H said...

She is beautiful! I'm so happy Zoey has a sister. They will have so much fun together. It took our kitties MONTHS to decide to like each other. The kitten wanted to play and the older cat wanted none of it. Now that they finally get along, it's so fun to watch them play.

Kirsten said...

Mable is beautiful. Heelers are a special kind of dog. We share our home with a 1 year old blue heeler. My 6 year old corgi isn't sure what to do about her just yet.

Rosie said...

Mabel Mae is a beauty. How lucky you are to find the perfect sister for Zoey.

Carolyn said...

What a beautiful dog! She is as lucky to have you as you are to have her!

Brenda said...

Congrats on your new addition. Hope she knows what a lucky girl she is. How will you have any space on your lap for quilting? Larger chair?

Debcal1946 said...

Mable Mae does look like a sweet girl. You are both so lucky to have found each other.

dorothy said...

Mabel's eyes say it all!!! She will be a great companion for Zoe! Congratulations to you for finding her!

Carol said...

Congrats on the new fur baby! She sounds like a wonderful friend for Zoey!

sue s said...

Our "sad dog" story was similar. We went to a breeder with the intention of getting 2 dogs. When we got there we picked out an 18 month old gentle gentle boy. And there was a brand new litter we fell for and arranged for a little girl when she was ready. Our boy spent a summer alone and he was a terror- chewed bags of charcoal and anything else he could find. When baby sister arrived he settled right down and they were besties after that. (Although I must say, she didn't learn by example very well and was never what you'd call a gentle dog!)

Juana said...

Welcome Mabel Mae! Congratulations on the adoption of your new fur baby to the Hunter family. So beautiful!!

Faye Neff said...

The best dogs seem to come in wonderful unique ways. Just like yours have done. Congratulations!!

Pat A said...

Good morning, Bonnie. The new addition is so sweet … they say, timing is everything, and for you and your family, it sure did apply. Welcome, Mabel Mae to the Hunter family! … and to the first group at Quiltville Inn!

Shiloh Nanny said...

Wonderful news all around. Looking forward to most posts of Mabel and Zoey. And new quilters at the Inn. Enjoy!

Mandy L said...

This new addition to your family is pure serendipity. Meant to be. I am so happy for you.

Carol Weber said...

Oh my. She's GORGEOUS. Congratulations on your new family member!

Karen said...

She's beautiful! She looks similar to a Chatahoula Leopard, I'd never heard of the breed until my son adopted one, also a hearding breed.

Viola Pleasant-Queen said...

Oh Bonnie she's a beauty. Reading your story had me in tears, my son had to put his dog down a few weeks ago, and we miss her so much. I hope Zoey and Mabel have many, many happy years together. Viola

Sandra Taylor said...

It was meant to be!

Kay said...

Loving Mabel Mae - she's a great addition to the family. And so beautiful.

priscilla said...

What a wonderful thing you've done! She looks like such a sweet girl!!

Kristy said...

Mable Mae is just beautiful. What a gorgeous color! I have never seen a dog that color. She looks like she fits right in with Zoey at least. Hope Ivy will make her peace with Mable. I don't know that you can fit 3 furry friends on your lap at the same time and quilt! :-) But I am so glad you have found Zoey a pal. Have a lovely first retreat of the season. Happy Wednesday! K- lkw2x6-apq@yahoo.com

Cheryl said...

Oh, Mabel Mae, you are such a lucky pup! You have found a wonderful home and siblings. Congrats to you, Bonnie & hubster, Ivey and Zoey! Looking forward to some cute pictures of all the furbabies.

KarlaK said...

Thank you very much for your daily "chats." You always share wonderful pieces of your life, and uplifting, cheerful thoughts. I appreciate you so much.

Sharon in Seattle said...

Oh, Bonnie, she's just beautiful and fabulous and I'm so happy for you and your family! I can't wait to see all your photos as they come. Just delighted!

Mary said...

Congrats to your winners. My Copy of QM came yesterday. Oh happy mail, my granddaughter wondered why I was so excited. Glad you could get Joey Jo a friendly dog who could play nice form day one. Welcome to the Quiltville family.
Have fun with the retreat gals. I'll be retreating one more day with My Granddaughter in my Quilt Zone. Her Grandma Quilt Camp Quilt is a Flimsy!

Ruth's girl said...

What a wonderful thing you did for Zoey in giving her a sibling! She does look SO sweet.
Susan

Sherrill said...

SO funny! I had an Aunt Mabel and Mae is MY middle name. I also adopted a cat yesterday from the shelter. I've been without a cat for over 2 yrs. after having to put down my 17 1/2 yo 2 days before Christmas. Didn't think I could do it again but I did. She's a year old and I haven't picked her name yet. The shelter named her Dojo--huh? LOL

quilteraddict.01 said...

Congratulations on your new sweet fur baby

Craig said...

Yay. So glad you got Mable Mae! We have 3 dogs. One we bought as a puppy and the other two we adopted when they were about a year old. All the best fur babies. I'm a believer in giving them a furry friend.Patty McDonald

Densews said...

Mabel Mae sounds like the perfect pet to join the others. I love the color. Had seen that color combination in one of the dog shows around the holidays. Those eyes are beautiful. Good timing to get to the shelter when you did. May Zoey Jo and Mabel Mae have fun herding each other.lol

stretchmarks said...

Those eyes! What could you do? Congratulations! Marilyn Marks

Pati said...

Congratulations! Mable Mae is gorgeous! I hope that you have a long and happy life Miss Mable Mae!

Janet said...

Sigh, just love seeing those two together. I’m glad you were able to rescue Mable Mae before she was in the shelter overnight.

nancy c said...

Congratulations on your new girl! She so lucky to join your family. Just wait for Spring and all those long walks!!! Got my Quiltmaker issue today and love the new Jubilee blocks and also this month's column block :)

April's Creations NC said...

Sweetest story! Thanks for sharing 💕

Sally Langston Warren said...

How exciting! Mabel Mae is beautiful! Her coloring is just exquisite. I think I see a quilt inspiration. Low volume shades of beige, brown, tan, off white, gold, a tad of yellow, black, gray. Wouldn’t that be beautiful? Maybe a tiny bit of pink for that spot on her nose.

Bernadette Izod said...

Mabel Mae looks like she has a bit of Coolie in her as well as Kelpie and Aus Cattle Dog, definitely a working dog. Lucky you to be able to re-home her.

Charlotte M. said...

Mabel Mae is so sweet. I am so glad Zoey will have a sister/companion. This whole story makes my heart smile for y'all.

Unknown said...

she's just beautiful!

Pam Dempsey said...

Ooohh! She is absolutely beautiful! So happy for you all and especially Zoey and Mabel Mae :) That was God's timing :)

Kara Benavides said...

My computer died and I lost your blog for several weeks. Then I come back to this pleasant surprise! What a beautiful creature you have found! Congrats to all!

Nikki said...

Awww, such a pretty girl. Congratulations on your new addition!

Kit said...

serendipity!!
i have aussies. best off leash dogs. they circle around us when hiking, not going out too far. always in sight.

melodie.gingras@yahoo.com said...

I was laughing at what you said herding...my daughters mini Australian Shepard made sure to herd her kids! She would never run off and stayed right by my daughter. Today Violet is 10 years old and she still herds my daughter. Violet was original brought home for Austin who is Autistic and Austin wasn't interested in her but she stayed in that house and is so well loved that it didn't matter. She's by my daughter side day in and day out when she's not teaching. When Danielle's home she still herds my daughter.

Jan R. said...

Your thought of the day is helpful...if you do not pathologically think of yourself in low terms. I pray my son will eventually allow other people's opinions of him to influence how he thinks about himself...

katie said...

My Grandmother's name was Mabel, was told once that it is Mothers Always Bring Extra Love. Beautiful dog.

Miss Daisy said...

This is just me , a person that only gets just one pet should not have any. Pets need companions too , a human is not a pet companion. So you pet lovers - be true pet lovers - Get Two !

C said...

Mabel mae is so sweet, how kind of you to adopt her and give Zoey a new ister

RoxySherburne said...

Dear Bonnie: Congratulations on your new fur baby! She is so, so cute! I'm so glad she is happy to be home with you and your whole family!

Nancy Yechout said...

Mable Mae looks like a real sweetie! Good for you, adopting her! So very special! Zoey now has a lifetime friend.

Unknown said...

Wonderful story!

KB from Texas said...

we have an australian shepherd who is also a herder.... his favorite thing is "Bear ball".... he "herds" a 16" hard plastic ball! I would live to share a video of him herding it, but I am not sure how to do it. Not only are these dogs herders, they are also very social, Zoey and Mable Mae will be best of friends. Enjoy

Sam said...

Mabel Mae and YOU have hit the lottery!!! What a delightful outcome!

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