Helen and Spinner May 27

At midnight last night, Gale's caravan of Rolling Dog Ranch animals arrived … all safe and sound.  By the time we got everyone unloaded, let them wander around in the dog yards for a potty break, and then put them up for the night, it was close to 2 a.m. before I finally got to bed.  As I write this, about 9 a.m. the next morning, you can see who's still sleeping in … that's blind Helen and blind and deaf Spinner in the dog wing. 

The most joyous greeting I received last night was from Spinner.  As soon as she smelled me, she literally leaped into my arms and kissed and kissed me.  It was so incredibly endearing.  Bless her heart, to not be able to see or hear your person but to know him by smell, and for that flash of recognition — "Oh, it's him!" — to tell you everything is going to be alright in your world again … well, I knew what was going through her head. 

Here are some more scenes from this morning … blind Dusty on the porch of the "people wing" (why are dogs already taking over the "people wing"?): 

Dusty on porch

Yes, over in the corner there you see blind Molly and Priscilla:

Molly and Priscilla by gate

And in the back of the house, here are some more of the newly built dog yards:

 Dog yards Lancaster

The old tottering split rail fence you see behind the dog yards will be coming down.  That's Travis, Cedar and Patti in the yard nearest the camera.  There are four yards total here in the back, and one in the front of the house.  The fences are five feet (1.5 m) high, with the exception of one yard that has 6-foot (1.8 m) fencing.  I'm waiting to see how our veteran escape artist Travis does with a 5-foot high fence first, but that 6-foot high yard has his name on it. 

It's going to take me quite a while to get a routine established here and figure out the best who-goes-where solution, so this morning's "configuration" was just a starting point.  But everyone was delighted to be outside on that lush grass, enjoying a beautiful spring morning.

No one is happier than this little guy, Bailey, sitting in his patch of clover:

Bailey in clover

(Actually, come to think of it, a horse would be happier to be in that patch of clover.)

Yes, the cats made it as well — photos later! — and Margaret and her sister Daisy are on their way, too.  The horses will be here next week.

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56 responses to “They Made It”

  1. Lynn (in Louisiana) Avatar
    Lynn (in Louisiana)

    I can totally imagine your reunion with Spinner. All that love! Better than a paycheck.
    Thanks for the post; I’ve been waiting all day!!!!
    And thank you Gale, for bringing everyone safely home.

    Like

  2. lisa james Avatar
    lisa james

    What a wonderful time for all you. This makes it real. Just wait for the next big “YEAH” when your dear wife shows up. i don’t know who will be more excited you or the dogs – ha ha. They look soooo happy sitting/lying in grass Never saw too many pictures of the sitting/lying on Montana earth.

    Like

  3. Janet in Cambridge Avatar

    WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Wonderful!
    What a beautiful set of pix. I’m sure they’re all glad to be out of the transport cars, and they sure do look happy to me. The inside shot is like a palatial hotel.
    You’re going to need to put up an electrified fence to keep your East Coast contingent of volunteers wannabes out until you’re ready for us! Be careful what you ask for…. 😉
    This is good stuff.

    Like

  4. Gena Avatar
    Gena

    YAY!!!
    I can quit worrying now.
    Well, not really – can’t stop until all the kids and Alayne are there…
    Still keeping good thoughts for their journey.

    Like

  5. Sasha in MN Avatar
    Sasha in MN

    I want to jump through my computer screen and BE THERE so badly! It’s amazing there, heck even your floors are gorgeous! They look so content, they look like they SO belong there…ok time to open the bottle of wine and celebrate this grand occasion.
    Thank you for the update & photo goodies, seriously you guys should get a book out!!!
    PS looking forward to Margaret’s reaction and comments when she arrives 🙂

    Like

  6. Marla Avatar
    Marla

    So glad everyone is safe and sound and at peace….bless Spinner’s heart! It is so darn GORGEOUS there….I have always enjoyed looking at the animals and now I get to see the added majesty of the hills of New Hampshire. I am actually going to be about 20 miles from you in July and I am HOPING you will be open for visits then as it will be as close as this Kansas City girl will get to you. Bailey is looking especially adorable. Would love to see a Callie photo!!

    Like

  7. Kate & Luke Avatar
    Kate & Luke

    Everyone looks so happy and right at home!

    Like

  8. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Yahooooo, the caravan of precious critters made it to Lancaster! What a long haul across the country!
    Was especially touched by Spinner’s response to you, Steve….yes, all will be even better in her world at new Rolling Dog Ranch when Alayne and the rest of the animals arrive.

    Like

  9. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    Thanks for posting Steve, you must be exhausted! There must have been a thousand clicks checking for updates. I had a dozen of my own today.
    NH looks good on y’all.
    Having a blind girl of my own, I can imagine the acclimation that will take place. These animals are amazing with their ability to adjust.
    Spinner loves you, what a gift for both of you.

    Like

  10. leighsam Avatar
    leighsam

    One big, ginormous “YEA” that all are there safe and sound!

    Like

  11. Doe George Avatar
    Doe George

    Thank You for the update Steve!
    Everyone looks totally content and happy! Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Alayne,the remaining five and the horses to get to NH!
    Go RDR!!!

    Like

  12. Maree in NZ Avatar
    Maree in NZ

    Awesome work Gale and team!! I can’t get over how GORGEOUS it is in your new forever home.. I sooo want to move there myself!
    Looking forward to when Alayne and the rest of the gang arrive..

    Like

  13. Carla Polastro-Nigro Avatar

    Steve, it’s such an enormous relief to know that your furkids have made it to NH safely!!
    They all look so happy (who wouldn’t be happy in such a gorgeous place?:-)).
    I wish I had been there to see Spinner jump up in your arms and slobber you with his kisses…
    Welcome to your new and fabulous home, guys!

    Like

  14. ginger Avatar
    ginger

    What a thrilling post! The best will be when everyone is in NH, but this one is pretty darn happy! Looks like all the dogs are smiling and it’s wonderful that Spinner recognized you & was overjoyed to be reunited with you. I know you’re super busy, but thank you so much for taking time to post. Also, thanks to Gail & her crew for the great delivery of all the special charges from MT to NH. Way to go!
    Big hugs all around,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  15. Jessica, NL Avatar
    Jessica, NL

    What a lovely sight to see, all those happy faces in that lush grass. And what a view! The Netherlands are flat, flat, flattest (our only “mountain”, yes, is 300 meters high…) and your beautiful horizon is amazing…
    I can’t wait for the pix when everybody is together again, people and all others!

    Like

  16. Darcie Avatar
    Darcie

    Sweet Spinner! Glad to hear all arrived safely and are settling in.

    Like

  17. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    Oh Spinner how loved you are. In your dark world your nose knew who was there for you, your very own Steve. I am sure he was as happy to see you as you were to smell him. Welcome home to the dogs and cats of Rolling Dog NH. Now to get Alayne, her dog contingent and the “farm animals” safely home (yes Margaret and Lena, you are classified as farm animals to some!!). Travel safe and we look forward to you all being together again as one big happy family. God Bless each and every one of you.

    Like

  18. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    Home Sweet Home

    Like

  19. Dee's Mom Avatar
    Dee’s Mom

    Oh Steve, Thank you so much for this posting. Tears of joy for all of us following your move. What a relief. Thank you Gale and your helpers. What an absolutely beautiful place. P.S. Sleep is overrated! 🙂

    Like

  20. Mare in Somerville, MA Avatar
    Mare in Somerville, MA

    Look at all the lush green grass for happy rolling dogs! If the cats have outdoor access in their enclosure, they’ll enjoy salking through it as well (and eating it!). You even have a pond! I’m so happy for you! I wonder how quickly the dogs will start barking in a New Hampshah accent. 🙂

    Like

  21. Linda Avatar

    WOO-HOO!!!! Joyous reunion for everyone. The image of your greeting from Spinner is just awesome, bless her heart.
    Everyone looks very happy and settled. Honestly, I see those pictures of the deep, lush grass…and I think “flea and tick prevention!”
    I’ve got to tell you, Steve, that we’re in the process of trying to sell our house and move only about an hour away. But my dog, Jack, is in remission from lymphoma and finished chemo… and he’s an older guy… and I worried about the impact of moving on him. To see your pack settling in so nicely in their new home gives me hope that Jack can handle a move, too… as long as we’re together, he’ll be happy no matter where we are!

    Like

  22. mcappy Avatar
    mcappy

    Yippee for Spinner she found you again. Even if they all aren’t in their forever zones they’re back with you and get wonderful new smells and areas to explore. Glad to hear everyone arrived safely.

    Like

  23. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Very Interested in a report on the Barn Cats. Have they given you a stamp of approval on their new barns?.

    Like

  24. Katy Avatar
    Katy

    What a lovely post – congratulations on having most of your family home again – they sure seem to love it there, and who wouldn’t, it is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the final pics of Alayne and the rest of the dogs and horses, what a bunch of party animals you’ll have then!
    Katy

    Like

  25. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    What a gorgeous location and beautiful new ranch. Everyone looks so happy.

    Like

  26. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Glad to see that everyone made it safe and sound and everyone looks so happy – whether lying on the grass or on a comfy bed inside. I hope you all we be reuinted soon!

    Like

  27. Chloe Avatar

    Molly and Priscilla look so peaceful. And Bailey just so adorable!
    What a smooth transition the dogs seem to be making. Thank you for the update in the midst of this big move. You are always sweetly in our attention.

    Like

  28. Michelle (in Edmonton, Canada!) Avatar
    Michelle (in Edmonton, Canada!)

    What an absolutely beautiful place – and I lknow that the dogs can sense it!
    Wishing you, Alayne and your furry crew all the best and many happy years in your new home.

    Like

  29. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Wonderful post – as usual! Thanks to Gale and her team for the top-notch transition. And I loved reading about Spinner’s joy – we all love you and Alayne, not just Spinner. This places looks like heaven again – can’t wait to see and hear more.
    Bravo to call!!!!!

    Like

  30. NinjaPony Dad Avatar

    The looks of approval from those guys is enough. What an incredible adventure for all of you. Kudos to you and Alayne for your mad organizational skills, brave and kind hearts and wonderful foresight….the pictues of that grass make ME want to roll around!
    NPD

    Like

  31. Nancy Kelly Avatar
    Nancy Kelly

    Oh, what a magnificent view! You are in heaven. The dogs of course are in heaven just being with you. Montana of course was beautiful but in a much different way. I will be enjoying the photos in the blog so much, scenery and animals alike.
    Congratulations!!!!! Nancy

    Like

  32. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    Great post! Your animals all love you! They are taking over your house! Life is good. And the view is spectacular! So glad they arrived safely 🙂

    Like

  33. Barbara Techel Avatar

    So glad everyone made it safe and sound- and what an amazing view!! And we love Bailey in the clover!
    Barbara & Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

    Like

  34. Roxie Avatar
    Roxie

    Boy that was fast! Kudos to Gale & her team for moving the animals so swiftly and safely. And Dusty knows, dogs & porches just GO together — like PB&J, Fred & Ginger, etc. I have no doubt your posse will keep varmints (skunk, possum, etc) from nesting underneath.

    Like

  35. Christine Baltazar in Portland, OR Avatar
    Christine Baltazar in Portland, OR

    I know your lives are going through a HUGE transition right now and I just want to thank you for continuing to take the time to update us all out here. I know it takes TIME to sit down and do it and it is greatly appreciated. I love hearing what’s going on and it warms my heart.

    Like

  36. Linda Murphy Avatar
    Linda Murphy

    WHEW!

    Like

  37. Ev Avatar
    Ev

    Thank you for taking time in your extremely busy schedule to share your thoughts and pics with those of us who love RDR.
    You must be exhausted. Did you hire a ranch hand or find a ranch volunteer to help you out. I can’t imagine doing all of this on your own.
    Best wishes to Alyne on wrapping things up in MT. Things must be a bit quiet in RDR MT.

    Like

  38. Colleen & Wes Vermillion Avatar
    Colleen & Wes Vermillion

    Steve & Alayne,
    You two are so incredibly amazing!!! Every single one of ‘your people’ wait on tenterhooks for the next update on your move. How the animals are faring and adjusting throughout all this change is a testiment to the love and care you give to them and the trust they have in you. During ALL if this, just think about the night when you and Alayne will finally be able to sit quietly on your new porch and look out on all that you have successfully accomplished!

    Like

  39. Adele in the Bronx Avatar

    Wonderful! I’m breathing a sigh of relief.

    Like

  40. Mary, Ottawa Avatar
    Mary, Ottawa

    That’s a relief! Everyone is safe and sound in NH. Dear, beautiful Spinner – she must be so relieved to be with her person again.

    Like

  41. darla Avatar

    i want to come live there!!!!!

    Like

  42. Gale Lang Avatar

    Hello Everyone,
    I want to thank you all for your prayers. This was quite an undertaking, to say the least. But I have a great bunch of guys that gave their all to this project. Who, by the way, are, Tom, my husband standing on my right. Our life long friend Doug, standing on my left. And also a friend, Rick, who is brother to my main driver that was off in other parts of the country. I wanted to acknowledge them. Because this could not have been done without them.
    It was quite an emotional trip. Because all of us bonded with these dogs (and cats). When you spend 4 days and 3 nights in their constant presence, you cannot help but form a bond.
    Steve and Alayne are wonderful people with hearts of gold. It was a privilege to meet them. And a privilege to be part of this move.
    So thank you all once again for all of your prayers and encouragement. It meant a lot to all of us.
    Gale Lang
    TLC Pet Transport, Inc.

    Like

  43. Lynda Avatar
    Lynda

    So glad this caravan of animals made to the new digs safely. Hoping for the same for the rest of the move. Thanks for keeping us updated.

    Like

  44. Kenna Avatar
    Kenna

    They DO look fantastic on green, don’t they?? Looking forward to more tales of safe, happy arrivals!

    Like

  45. Jessica, NL Avatar
    Jessica, NL

    Hi Gale and team! Wow, great to read the update on how all this felt from your point of view and I think we lovers-of-them-all from afar can appreciate the intensity of the journey… Had you heard of the Rolling Dog before you were contacted (then you would have had an idea of the hearts involved ;-))?
    Good to meet your team and safe travels for all of you!

    Like

  46. Kathleen Rivard Avatar
    Kathleen Rivard

    Sweet Spinner! You bring tears to my eyes. As for dogs in the people area of the house, where there are dogs, there are no “people areas”.

    Like

  47. Eka Avatar
    Eka

    The new place is gorgeous! And Spinner is so sweet. I bet you’ve heard this so many times, but the work you do is amazing.

    Like

  48. Laura F Avatar
    Laura F

    I hadn’t read your blog in two weeks or so, and in that time I have read and been made aware of so many sad sad animal cruelty stories and shelters filled to the rafters. I needed a little pick me up and you never fail to do this!! Your amazing attitude and effort is always inspiring and infectious. THANK YOU. (And so happy to hear about the recent adoptions. Timmy had stolen my heart!)

    Like

  49. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Awesome!! Rolling Dog Ranch, welcome to New Hampshire and the start of this next exciting chapter!

    Like

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