The Danes Of Domingo Part 2

Snow In The Camper

The Danes Of Domingo Part Two

When we were at the ranch our time was taken up in building roads, fencing and beginning the construction of the first dome-home. The girls loved this time and turned every day into an experience for us all. It was the hardest year I have ever known and the most rewarding as well at the same time. To the girls it was a time for learning and growth both inward and outward. This proved to be true for everyone in the family. Learning, growth, introspection, laughter and tears. It pushed our levels of endurance both physically and emotionally time after time.

The pups were oblivious to all of this. For the pups every day was spent romping and playing, investigating all the wonders that this new land had to offer. They loved the ranch but didn't care much for our place in Texas because there was only a typical back yard to play in. For a Dane "typical" means too small. They knew immediatly when we were preparing to go on the road again and if we were headed for Texas Misty would refuse to get into the car! She knew we weren't just driving to town. Sometime hubby had to literally pick her up and put her in the car. Once we got on the road she was fine but she was ready to turn around before we even crossed the border into Texas.

Snow was easier going about the whole thing but then she was easier going about all of life. Danes are wonderfully calm tempered and Snow took it to a whole new level while her more sensitive and active sister was forever ready to romp.

Winter set in early that year and we had three feet tall snow drifts all over the ranch long before we were prepared for it. Once the snow hit we had only one way to get in and out of the ranch and that was on foot. We didn't have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or the luxury of a snowmobile. Our cars had to be parked at the closest county road. Our food, hay for the animals, everything had to be hauled in by hand. That's when I decided I was going to turn a Great Dane into a sled dog. We had already gotten a sled to bring in the hay so all I had to do was devise a harness to fit a Dane.

The answer turned out to be a bull's halter. I took a small halter made for a bull and turned it upside down. Mistys front legs fit through it very comfortably and I simply fastened it over her back. The way in which they are made created a perfect harness for her chest. With the reins from a horses bridle attached to the side I was able to hook the sled to her new harness and away we went! The rest of the winter Misty helped us haul in the supplies to keep us, and the place going. She loved it because it gave her a "job" to do.

The Night of the Coyotes..............

As soon as we had fencing up we had gotten some Dexter miniature cattle. Two of the cows were due to deliver in November of that year. The Dexters are a story in themselves but I will only say that just because they are short it doesn't mean those horns are any softer or their temperments any better!
Misty and Snow were reaching their adult size as the cows began to calve. For the most part cattle are best off just being left alone to do what comes naturally but we had one beautiful little gal who found herself in reall trouble, even in danger of death while trying to deliver.

When we went up to feed the cattle that morning I noticed she was looking uncomfortable and since I knew she was already overdue I made a mental note to keep an eye on her. By mid morning I had my confirmation. One tiny hoof was sticking out but things were not progressing and the cow was beginning to tire. It was time to call the Vet. because we had a problem.

Here is where I have to give huge praise to our Vet. She is a lady who will come through for an animal no matter what. She does what she does out of a tremendous love for all life. She drove as close to the ranch as she could then, bringing along a few supplies, she walked in through the snowbound road. She's a tiny thing and those snow drifts nearly hid her at times.