Letters from Ascension Hermitage and Sanctuary

This morning we heard from our friend Robin that Jill died yesterday. Jill lived at Sanctuary House for many years before she was adopted by Robin when I was hospitalized with a broken leg. It was great for Jill because earlier Robin had adopted two of Jill's puppies, Jade and Shiloh - Jill loved being back with her girls, and she loved Robin, too. Jill had come to Sanctuary House long ago with the love of her life Jack. Jack and Jill were already expecting puppies! After the puppies were adopted, Jack and Jill settled in quite happily - sadly Jack died two or three years later. Jill who had been extremely shy and dependent on Jack became more outgoing and was always thrilled to run close for a few words and pat on the head before dashing off again. Jill was a sweet, gentle beagle. She is much missed, but has probably found Jack again at the Rainbow Bridge . . . and I'm sure they are waiting there for us! [Photo credit Robin Buehler]

 Love these black cats! Yes, it is Black Cat Appreciation Day - thanks to Rikki's Refuge for "inventing" this day. Here is the explanation, exactly copied from their blog (the photos are Sanctuary House cats - Clegg & Remmy, Queenie, and Holly): Since 2011, cat lovers around the world have celebrated Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17 th . It is a day to celebrate and appreciate the black cats in your life. If you don’t already have a black-furred feline friend but have been thinking about adopting one, Black Cat Appreciation Day is an excellent day to visit shelter or rescue and adopt your new best friend.  This holiday was created by a dear friend and volunteer of Rikki's Refuge Animal Sanctuary, Wayne H. Morris, in honor of his late sister, June, who passed away at age 33, a few years before the first official Black Cat Appreciation Day began. This date was chosen in memory of June’s passing. June adored her own beloved black cat, Sinbad, who lived t...

No sooner had we buried Rosie than our sweet beagle Goldie followed her to the Rainbow Bridge. Unlike Rosie, Goldie was an old girl and had been ill with congestive heart failure for many months, so her death was not entirely unexpected. Goldie had lived at Sanctuary House for many years - she loved the other dogs and loved cats as well. She liked being outdoors, although recently she had stayed inside, near the air conditioner. In healthier days, Goldie had enjoyed car rides and was pretty much ready for any new adventures. She loved people and was friendly toward everyone. For a beagle, she was quiet and unobtrusive, except when it was time for food or treats, and then her voice was heard loud and clear! Oh, my lovely Goldie, golden girl - see you later at the Bridge!

It is with great sadness that we report that our little Chincoteague pony, Rosie, died this afternoon Two nights ago Rosie had broken her neck - perhaps by running into a tree or a fence post or the corner of the run-in . . . we'll really never know. We were prepared for indefinite stall rest or even future surgery, but there was just too much neurological damage. Rosie, whose whole name was Moonlight Rose, had lived at Sanctuary House for a little over a year; she celebrated her first birthday in May. She was the youngest and smallest of our pasture residents, but she was in charge all the way. She was bossy, funny, loving, gentle, and entirely unflappable. She loved the other horses and they loved her. She loved people and always came to the fence for a kiss; she often tried to bite a shirttail or shoes - she wanted to play and she wanted to include humans in her play! Our hearts are broken . . . until we see you again Rosie pony, at the Rainbow Bridge  - rest in peace, mak...

Just a week now until Black Cat Appreciation Day!  Of course, we celebrate our black cats every day, but there is a special day for black cats - August 17th. Our good friend Dana sent a bag of toys and a large jar of Temptations cat treats, so we'll definitely have a party . . .  and maybe some black cats will even pose for photographs - maybe! Yes, of course, all of the cats will be at the party, not only the black ones! Did you know that one-third of the cats at Sanctuary House are all black? Well, they are, and that's a good luck thing!

Mimsy (r) and Jenny and all of the other Sanctuary House cats hope you are having a marvelous International Cat Day!

"Good morning," says Annie Oakley, "I hope you have something fun planned for today!" Meanwhile, Will and George - the double trouble boys - watch the sunrise and wonder what their day will bring. . .  biscuit treats and excitement for sure!

It's yet another hot and humid day - Verna, and almost everyone else is having watermelon for breakfast. On a more somber note, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of El Paso and Dayton - so sorry for your loss, siento mucho tu pérdida.