Letters from Ascension Hermitage and Sanctuary

 Another rainy day here, but many flowers are in bloom! These little white flowers are called Star of Bethlehem - they open every morning, especially if there is rain or heavy dew. The iris were a gift from the garden of Bill Asplen, who died sixteen years ago. I think he would be very happy to see how the iris have grown . . . or maybe he's still keeping an eye on them!  

 May God continue to bless the good Earth and may we learn to care for it. We at Sanctuary House hope that you are having a beautiful, safe day. Happy Earth Day!

 Janie was a little skeptical at first . . . really, a t-shirt? But that is just what Dr. Coulston, her vet, suggested to protect a sensitive area on her chest. Of course, Janie has the ordinary doggie jewelry - a collar and tags - but now she has new clothes, too! Her friends were quite interested in her new clothes. Annie Oakley and Sammy thought a beagle in a t-shirt was certainly something they had not seen before. But before long the newness had worn off and Janie settled for a nap on the sunny steps.

We just heard this afternoon that our Lucy beagle has left for the Rainbow Bridge. Lucy had lived with Joan and Kenny at Penny Angel's Beagle Rescue since late 2017 when I was recovering from a broken leg. Before that, Lucy had lived at Sanctuary House for many, many years. As are most of our beagles, Lucy was a retired hunting dog. Lucy was an independent thinker - yes, she loved being part of the beagle pack, but she also enjoyed having her own space, and she had no intention whatsoever of sharing food! I have missed Lucy and look forward to seeing her again at the Bridge. Farewell doggie girl.

Ascension Hermitage & Sanctuary is participating in Fair Hill Saddlery’s Covid-19 Horseman’s Relief Fund to help ease the financial burden caused by the worldwide pandemic. To help us: 1.  Shop online at  www.fairhillsaddlery.com .  2.  While checking out add our Horseman’s ID in the comment box: AH599 3.  In return, Fair Hill Saddlery will send us a check for 20% of the transaction (regular priced items only).  If you do not need any products there is an option to donate money. We will use the funds to help cover the costs of feeding, farrier and veterinary care. 

Royal Choral Society: Hallelujah Chorus in Isolation   -- just in case you missed this, click on the link!

We are sad to report that our sweet chicken, Verna, died last night, or perhaps early this morning. Although her life was relatively short here, Verna had an outgoing and affectionate personality. If you had known Verna, you would never even consider eating chicken again! See you again, Verna, at the Rainbow Bridge. Remember to stay safe - stay in, wash your hands - save a life! Willow the pony thought of that - washing her hooves, as she got a drink. This shallow water source will be gone with the heat of summer, but in the meantime, it is fun for splashing!