Helen stuck in snow 2

This is blind and three-legged Helen, who ventured off yesterday morning in the yard and got stuck in snow that was too deep for her.  This has never been a problem for her in the past, but she's really getting up there in age now and she's developed hip dysplasia in her remaining rear leg — and that makes maneuvering in deep snow a real challenge.  This is the first winter she's had this problem, and we think she's finally beginning to figure out she isn't the athletic girl she once was … but she's still getting herself in a pickle every now and then.

And rather than struggle and flounder around in the snow and wear herself out, she patiently stands there and waits for us to notice she's stuck.  Whenever we let her outside, we keep an eye out in case this happens and she needs a human tow-truck to come along.  So we know, when we see her standing motionless, that she's ready for us to come and get her unstuck.  This is what she looked like yesterday when she heard Alayne coming for her:

Helen stuck in snow 1

We hope that before this winter is over, she'll learn not to follow her nose into the deep snow but stay close to the house!

468x120_ShelterChallenge_Jan2010

Please vote for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge — and you can
vote every day!  Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code,
MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.

Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.

Last
year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand
Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for
a wonderful gift for the animals here.

Thank you!

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22 responses to “I Could Use A Hand, Please”

  1. Chloe Avatar

    Hi Helen,
    It’s so great to see you.
    I love the way you know that if you get in a bit of a pickle, Alayne or Steve will come rescue you.
    What a sweet look on your face.

    Like

  2. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Awww…I love that look Helen is giving Alayne. Guess Helen is still young at heart even if she’s getting up in years.
    Don’t forget to vote!

    Like

  3. Sandra Avatar

    Poor girl….but she knows she has friends near by :))

    Like

  4. Shirley * James/Portland, OR Avatar

    Bless her heart as you and Alayne would say! So SWEET that Rottie!

    Like

  5. Shirley * James/Portland, OR Avatar

    P.S.
    I have everybody voting again!!! Round three! 🙂

    Like

  6. Lynne Parker Avatar

    What a sweet, trusting face.

    Like

  7. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    I just love Helen to pieces…she still thinks she’s a young pup…to heck with reality. Give her a big ole hug for me, will ya?

    Like

  8. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    What a cutie

    Like

  9. Kenna Avatar
    Kenna

    It’s so good to see her out in the snow just being a dog! and that second picture – her face is to die for! What a sweet, sweet girl!

    Like

  10. Aliza Avatar
    Aliza

    Poor Helen. My mom’s dog does this when he has a e-collar on (that big plastic white lamp shade they put on dog’s head after surgery or to keep them from licking an area) he just freezes in place and won’t move like “Get this thing off my head, please!” We’re moving up in the ranks, a distant second place to the Iowa group. Keep putting in those votes everyone!

    Like

  11. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Maybe sweet Helen just enjoys the extra attention she gets from her most favorite rescuers. Bless you!

    Like

  12. Kevin Pohl Avatar
    Kevin Pohl

    Helen, you look like a bear out there!!!!!! please do not sray far from the house!!! love, The Pohls

    Like

  13. Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin Avatar
    Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

    Aww, that look says it all. Thank you & I love you Alayne for rescuing me. I can relate dear Helen…there are things I think I can do too & I just can’t do them anymore but sometimes we forget!
    Voting every day & I noticed from day 1 RDR moved up 3 slots…YAY!!!

    Like

  14. Gena Avatar
    Gena

    At first I couldn’t figure out how you’d get her back to the barn – she’s too big to carry, right?
    But then I put on my “if I lived in Montana thinking cap” and decided you probably walk in front of her, making a path in the snow….
    Am I right? 🙂
    We had a dachshund once who would do the same thing – get all excited and bound into the deep snow and get stuck. She was shorter than the snow and all we’d see is a trail that ended suddenly. Then we hear a bark… and another bark. Luckily she was small enough we could pick her up and carry her. She loved snow….
    I’m glad Helen is still adventurous in her “old age” ….
    How do you all stand those winters? Yikes… I get cold everytime I look at your winter photos –
    Sending you some sunshine in the form of a cyber hug and smile – feel the warmth? LOL

    Like

  15. Marla Avatar
    Marla

    Poor baby girl…this is one instance in which that fourth leg would be a tremendous help to her. Hang in there sweet puppy.

    Like

  16. Lynn (in Louisiana) Avatar
    Lynn (in Louisiana)

    This post reminded me of one of your posts from last winter where Soba would need help from what you called RDR’s Human Lift and Carry Machines (or something like that). But Helen must be close to 100 pounds so apparently there’s another technique like Gena says.
    Helen’s expression makes me think she was hearing some very comforting and reassuring words from someone she loves, appreciates and trusts with all her heart.
    Thank you so much.

    Like

  17. Debbie Burke Avatar
    Debbie Burke

    That’s the face of faith and trust. She knows darn well she won’t be stuck for long because she trusts her beloved Alayne will rescue her. Helen’s expression personifies what all RDR animals feel for Steve and Alayne–absolute trust and faith that they will be loved and taken care of, no matter what. What a tribute to two amazing people!

    Like

  18. Lisa Koch Avatar
    Lisa Koch

    Everyone remember we can vote on weekends, too! Even though we don’t get a post from RDR that day, remember to keep voting!
    By the way, what an adventurous girl you are, sweet Helen! Exploring that cold cruchy stuff that you can’t see must be a little daunting, especially when you get stuck & can’t move any longer. But you know you have a family to count on, don’t ya girl?

    Like

  19. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Helen, you are sooo loving and trusting! Your precious face says it all!

    Like

  20. Linda Avatar

    Thank goodness Helen has her human tow trucks ready, willing, and able to assist! It’s tough learning that you can’t do the things you once took for granted.
    My dog, Jack, who is going through chemo is less steady on his legs this winter and has trouble with snow when it gets too deep or too… crunchy. So we’ve learned to shovel off a patch of grass for him to do his business. Plus, the resulting pile of snow makes a terrific target!

    Like

  21. Maree in NZ Avatar
    Maree in NZ

    Oh Helen.. bless you!! Such a beautiful dog!

    Like

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