Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Monday 2 March 2015

Out of a blue clear sky

The title is   from a song by one of my all time favorites George Strait. and of course it is about a love , that comes along when you least expect it . The song like most is about a girl but this story is about a boy.

A blond beautiful boy, who I will be calling Henry.




I wasn't looking for a puppy, I was happy with having my beloved Winston home, and his wonderful little buddy Skeeter. The thought of another golden retriever cruised through my mind from time to time, but not just right now was what I thought. It is winter, we are soon leaving for our holiday and I just wasn't there yet.I thought maybe in the spring.
And then I opened my email and there was a message from my friend Deb saying that the breeder who raised her lovely dog Autumn had a littler with a special little guy who would need a special home. Henry was born with the bottom of one front paw missing.

The breeder suggested he might go  to go to a home when he might do pet therapy. Well I don't currently take my dogs to do pet therapy but they do play a big role in the work I do with the kids and horses.And I am quite open to it, Winston and I did do some work in that area when he was young . I talked to my hubby about it and a couple of veterinarians I know to be sure we would be able to provide the right home for him. Once we were sure  I emailed and said yes I was interested.

I then waited and worried the remainder of the day that maybe he was already spoken for ,or they would think I was not the right person or, or, or...
  Because, you see ,when I fall in love with a critter I fall hard and fast , and he was in my heart from photos alone!


Henry is only 14 days old, I will not be able to see him in person until I return from Mexico. Am I jumping out of my skin? why yes, yes I am !!!!
But thanks to good friends(Deb is planning to maybe go next weekend) and a very talented young lady named Kass who is an aspiring photographer , and a good one at that! I will be kept up to date on Henry`s growth and development , and I will be out so see him as soon as I get home.




This special little boy will be given the best we can give him, Winston as a older pack mate teaching him and protecting , Skeeter for fun and, well I am sure some wisdom. The cat Delilah, and the horses for a balanced  well rounded life,and Martin and I with all the family with  hearts full of love to share.
Many thanks to Dawn and Kass, of Kozy Kountry Golden Retrievers . All photos credit to Kass

Stay safe my friends

17 comments:

Ami said...

Oh my gosh, I'm in love!!! How cute! Can't wait to watch him grow up on your blog. And have a wonderful trip to Mexico, too. :)

Anonymous said...

How delightful! Can't wait for your report when you meet him in person!

aurora said...

Awww, how sweet!!!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh you are amazing and he is adorable. Have fun in Mexico. I am sure it is warm there, sounds perfect to me:) Hug B.

kden said...

Well, isn't Henry the luckiest little dog around?!

Shirley said...

Great news! He will fit in so well with your other program, because kids with disabilities will be able to relate to him and there is no happier dog than a golden.
Have a wonderful holiday!

Janice said...

What a cutie. Sherry you are funny, that pup could not have landed in a better place, or with better people. He will have a wonderful life with you, your family and farm. I can't wait to follow his progress......there should be some amusing photos along the way. Have a great trip and I think I've said this before.....could you have some fun for me too.

Country Gal said...

Awe what a little love he is soo cute ! I am the same I fall in love with animals just by photo to that's how we got our Harley kitty and our Miggs ! I am so happy that this little guy has a forever home with you all . He fit in just perfectly . Thanks for sharing , Have a good week !

Cut-N-Jump said...

While it is a George Strait song, the title of it came from a line in Forrest Gump.

Have fun in Mexico and let me know if you're coming thru again... lol

My only question is who the lucky one is? You and Martin get a new dog, but Henry gets a family.

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

He is beyond adorable!!

greymare said...

You're Welcome Sherry, I am so happy that Dawn called me. As Autumn is a Pet Therapy dog she felt I would be able to help her with little Henry. It's like adopting him myself as I will be able to watch him grow and enjoy him. He is a full brother to my sweet Autumn.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

thank you for all of your kind words, I think Henry will be just fine with us, and we will all be enriched for having come together

Leah said...

Ahhh congrats - he is adorable! And soon will be home with you and all of your critter friends.

Leah said...

Just had to catch up on your news - the pictures you submitted for the challenge are wonderful and the one that is done by digital painting is stunning! I knew that Winston had returned - that naughty boy! We recently had our almost 10 yr old aussie walk away (only to find him that same night hours later) but I wonder why they do this... age causing their brains to do something different? guess we won't know but keep our fingers crossed that it doesn't happen again. Keep looking for spring it has to be coming soon!

C-ingspots said...

Oh my gosh Sherry, he is just absolutely perfect!!!! I would have taken him in a heartbeat too...no doubt about it!! He is a gift. He will be a blessing, you just wait and see. :) Oh happy dance, I'm so happy for you and for him. Oh, and God bless that angel, Winston too! There's a puppy in my future too, but not quite yet, Ruby and I are just embarking on our one-on-one time since my beautiful Annie's passing. :( I miss her so much, but it was time. You sound like me - when I fall, I FALL!! Have fun in the sun too! (totally jealous!)

C-ingspots said...

Oh, one more thing. That's how I got Annie...out of the clear, blue sky. She was a gift and a blessing from God. I'm just sure of it! Sometimes when you're not looking, you get the most amazing surprises. This is one of those "meant to be" things!

Nicole said...

Oh how sweet is he!