Fall is usually the time where things begin to slow down a bit on the farm.
Hot, humid days are replaced by cooler breezes with the trees slowly transforming from their deep green to the vivid colors of southern Indiana that everyone knows and loves.
One of my many part-time jobs is helping out at the county Humane Society every Sunday morning, and sometimes, that work literally follows me home. During the slower fall and winter months, I usually welcome a dog that may be in need.
The past three years or so, I have occasionally agreed to foster a dog for a couple of weeks to help them avoid the trauma of being in a shelter. These dogs are usually small, timid and just need a quiet place to rest. My three resident dogs are the perfect companions for such an animal in need and help them adjust, allowing behaviors that may be warning signs to come out so that a potential adopter receives little to no surprises when they take the canine home.
It was four weeks ago that I agreed to take a 10-pound terrier mix female, who I called Shadow, home to help her. I got her settled in, introduced to the “pack” and prepared to receive a call soon about someone looking to adopt her. I was planning for her spay surgery and knew such a cutie wouldn’t be without a home long.
One evening, though, when sitting on the recliner with her in my lap, I was definitely fed a dose of reality. Looking at her belly, I noticed waves. “Surely not,” I thought. “Maybe she’s just got an upset tummy.”
Another look and sure enough, either there was an alien invasion in this dog or she was expecting puppies, and from a quick Google search, it would be happening soon.
I’ve had hundreds of chicks hatched on the farm through the years, but never a dog. What was I going to do? What needed to be done? Did I need towels, blankets, warming pads, a nose sucker?
Thankfully, a reach out to connections for quick tips and a couple of weeks ago, Shadow delivered four puppies that resembled little baked potatoes. There were three girls and one boy, and all received potato temporary names: Spud (male), Au Gratin (female), Julienne (female) and Tot (female).
It will be several weeks before puppies (and mama) will be up for adoption at the local Humane Society, but until that time, these little spuds will learn the ways of country life and how to be a proper companion for someone. I also have to announce that I’m beyond thrilled that my mama has already staked claim on the little one named Tot.
You know, I had thought about growing potato plants on the farm this season, but time just didn’t allow for it. I guess I should have realized things happen, just not in the way we expect it.
Until next time…
Stephanie Strothmann owns Purple Shamrock Farm in rural Seymour. Send comments to [email protected].