beaten and bleeding but on my feet

Robert R · February 16, 2007, 07:46:32 PM

I haven't been around much of late. 2007 hasn't been my year at all. Buried all three of my dogs. Had to sell off three horses and looking to sell more because of money issues and hay prices this year. The biggest kicker is suddenly finding myself still desparately in love but suddenly single after 14 years of marriage. But what can you do? You can't make someone stay who says they don't want to be with you anymore and they never really did. I managed to make it through my birthday and Valentine's day alive and things are starting to look up. God is good, all the time and He will take care of me. I believe on faith that all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose, even though I can't see how right now. We may get back together. We may not. But God will never leave me or forsake me and that is the only thing I can count on because it seems everyone and everything else will. Not a lot of need for Baptist preachers in the midst of a divorce. Even though it isn't something I want or caused, I'll never not have the big D over my head. Oh well. Just needed to whine a bit.

On a happier note, I'm tired of not having anything around and in the house to be happy to see me and am looking to get a new general purpose dog. Any suggestions? I'm open to about anything other than labs towards which I have a rather strong prejudice.

And if anyone is looking for a proven woods and farm and road work horse team, I've got a great set and a full set up of equipment I'd like to sell. I hate to do it but I won't let myself get into a position where I can't care for them properly and have to sell them fast and wind up sending them to an auction. I have far to much respect for them than that.

thecfarm · February 16, 2007, 08:29:10 PM

This is the place that will put a smile on your face and give you alot of support.Try putting the horses in the For Sale section.I'm still playing with my Haflinger.I think you have to be smarter than the horse to train him. :D He's doing fine.He's almost a year old.I'm trying to teach him to go slower down hill when I'm walking him.Up hill he's fine.We walked by 3 light poles the other day and went to go by the 4th one and I thought the way he was acting it was going to jump out in the road and bite him.I got him to walk up to after a few minutes.We put a blanket on him.That took about an hour and my wife to help out.We took it off him last week,still took me and the wife but only 10 minutes.Takes time.Too bad you have to sell off your horses,but like you said you would rather do it right than wrong.I'm not really a church person but don't see a thing a matter with it.A year from now things will look a lot differant.

WDH · February 16, 2007, 08:48:09 PM

I read a book that described a situation where an old prisoner in WWII was being tortured. After the most horrible treatment, the tormentors could get no reaction from this old man. Frustrated, the torturers asked him why in the face of all that pain and suffering he would not denounce his beliefs to get relief from the torture. The old man told them that they could do the vilest things imaginable to him, however, he had one freedom that they could not take away from him. That freedom was the freedom to choose how to react to any situation that life throws at you. He called it the "Ultimate Freedom". Based on your post, in the face of much trouble, you are exercising your ultimatel freedom to choose to go forward in a postive manner. I respect you for that.

On the other subject, get a bloodhound if you want a loyal partner and companion. At home or in the woods. Obviously, I am biased out of experience!!

Kcwoodbutcher · February 16, 2007, 09:17:42 PM

Ron, your bloodhound actually stays with you in the woods? Mine catches a scent and off he goes, usually comes back with a coon or a opossum in his mouth. Robert before you consider taking them to an auction PM me, I'll let the word out what you have for sale and perhaps I can help with their care until you get back on your feet. What breed, age are they? Can they skid logs?

SwampDonkey · February 16, 2007, 09:18:57 PM

You suppose the skunk juicer sprung a leak?

Of, course I'm kidding with you. ;) Sorry to hear of your misfortunes and having to give up the horses. Looks like your getting it from all sides right now, but I'm sure there is another path.

Coon · February 16, 2007, 09:54:26 PM

HANG WITH IT PAL,

Things will work out in the end for you as they always do. Think things over but keep in mind that there are your forum friends here to help you in a bind. If you were closer to me I would definately help you out in the horse department. Could look after your horses in exchange for some skidding. Check out the possibility of moving to another area where the hay is cheaper. If the horses can skid logs on a regular basis and you've got the time to skid the logs the horses should pay for themselves as well as axtra in your pocket. This will help to keep yourself in the right mindset to think things through. Hope everything works out for you. Just remember if you ever need someone to talk to there are members online most of the time.

thurlow · February 16, 2007, 10:04:41 PM

DanG, Robert, sorry for your troubles. Obviously, you need to be careful about taking advice from someone in cyberspace, but having been there (somewhat), I'll offer this; give HER some space and some time.

Burlkraft · February 17, 2007, 08:37:11 AM

Robert,

Sorry to hear of your situation. I have been there myself....It seems that things will never be good again, but now they are much better than thay have ever been... ;) ;) Time is a great healer.

As far as dogs go......I'm pretty partial to Golden Retrievers. Mine is named Rhino. She's always glad to see me and always at my side. Loves to ride in the truck and would love to drive it if she could.. ;D ;D ;D

Nate Surveyor · February 17, 2007, 08:51:07 AM

Get another dog! Dogs often are better people than some people!

And on the bloodhound note, I recently did a job where a guy had 2 non related bloodhound pups. I really wanted one!

I currently have a Rat Terrier, and a Golden Retriever. The Rat Sleeps on top of the golden... To keep warm!

Nate

DWM II · February 17, 2007, 09:04:36 AM

Robert, keep looking up and things will take care of themselves. I wish your horses well, a good home will come about for them.
As far as dogs go I'm real partial to my mountain curs, they are great pets as well as hunting partners, they will tree for you and defend if needed.

God bless, Donnie

Chris Burchfield · February 17, 2007, 09:07:56 AM

I think the smartest dogs I ever had were a red female and blue male Austrailian heelers. I have a female bloodhound, male and female Jackrats, and a hinze 57 mix that looks like a small Lassy. All stay outside but sleep in the insulated shop where I have a pet door for them to go in and out. A small ceramic heater to chase the chill of freezing temperatures. I put an aquarium heater in their water pail to keep it from freezing. Chin up and good luck.

JimBuis · February 17, 2007, 09:29:44 AM

Robert,
I always loved our beagles. They are always friendly and pleasant to be around. Good rabbit dogs of course. Lousy guard dogs usually.

Don't put yourself down so much. Divorced Baptist preacher? There isn't anything wrong with that when you were not the one that did the leaving. I could quote you some scriptures on that, but I'd expect you to already know them.

You shouldn't have to advertise that team too much before you have a decent buyer. You might try to advertise in the St. Louis paper. Good teams are hard to find on the Illinois side.

Jim

jon12345 · February 17, 2007, 09:51:19 AM

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate series of events, but it sounds like you're pulling through it all and will be feeling better about life and are back in the swing of things soon. Remember there are a lot of good people on the forum that are willing to offer their support through these hardships.

Low impact logging is definitely on the rise, and like JimBuis said, you should be able to find a good home for them if you really have to do it. I know a lot of people who have horses and feel like they're just as much a part of the family as a good dog.

Looking for a dog myself, I know how hard it is to find the right one for your needs. We've been looking in shelters, and have found a few that would be good but a lot of them appear to be aggressive or have pit in them. Maybe an ad with your phone number hung up in some coffee shops. There are also a lot of specific 'rescue shelters' for different breeds. At Pet Finder you can put in your zip code, and what kind of dog you're looking for (age/size/gender)and it will tell you whats available near you and if they are good with cats, dogs or children. Here they are about 100$ and come with all their shots , and are fixed.

bedway · February 17, 2007, 11:34:47 AM

Robert,,,your not the first nor the last person to have their lifes partner walk out on them. After 27 years of marraige my wife up and left me. Trust me, at the time i was devestated. I distinctly remember my brother saying,, in a year things will be fine. Honestly, i didnt think i could make it alone. But,,ya know what,,i found a great woman and i can say now it was all for the better. I see my x occationally and hold no resentment,,shes still my childrens mother. Shes still searching for happiness and i feel sorry for her,,,because my wife and myself are happier than pigs in chit 8),,,,,,,,,bedway

ps. my wife says to tell you,,,,,one day youll be able thank her for leaveing you,,,i agree with that,,,bedway

KGNC · February 17, 2007, 02:50:05 PM

Robert, sorry for your troubles at home. God is there and listening.

On the dog thing, we have always had good luck with the animal shelter dogs. And I've always liked the idea of giving a home to a critter that was alone and unwanted.
Beagles are great but we could never keep them at home.

Warren · February 17, 2007, 10:21:08 PM

Robert,

I don't knw your situation. But I will pray that God will give you strength for each day and guidance to lead you thru the situation.

Good dogs are like good people. They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Living in the country, I am partial to adopting strays that come along that have the right personality and disposition. We have been blessed to have at least one Golden Retriever / Golden Retriever mix around for much of the past 20 years. I think you'll know when the right dog comes along for you...

Warren

CLL · February 17, 2007, 11:39:11 PM

Robert just leased some land and I live in Missouri. Just getting started in the business, in fact my mill won't be here till 3-2. Probably not the greatest place, but would take care of them till you could get going. You can go to my profile and email me from there. Without a long story, I had a major accident several years ago, and NOW realize how precious life is. Now when I feel sorry about me, I just look around and thank God for what I have. Not preaching, just love life.

WDH · February 17, 2007, 11:46:01 PM

CLL,.

That is the Forestry Forum Way, as DanG recently told me. Way to go CLL.

breederman · February 18, 2007, 07:38:40 AM

Robert ,
I have thought of you several times and wondered how you were making out. I am very sorry that it is not so good. do you think her health issue sent her off the deep end? All I can say from my experiance is fight for her and your marriage if that is what you want. I've been through that and I think that I am a better husband for it.

asy · February 18, 2007, 08:08:05 AM

Robert,

So sorry to hear about your troubles,

I wish you were here in Aus, I'd love to give your horses a home, albeit only until you are able to take care of them again...

As Bedway said, when your marriage falls apart it seems there's nothing worse, but, if one (or both) partner isn't happy, it's a much better solution to part and regroup and start again, even if it's on your own.

I was with my ex 14 years (married 10) when we separated, at the time I thought I'd be single forever. Before long Andy walked into my life and I've NEVER been happier!

I'm sure you'll find peace, and love, again soon.

In the meantime, I hope you find a really good dog or two.

asy :D

Robert R · February 19, 2007, 07:22:55 PM

Thank you all for the well wishes and concern. I have found a couple prospects at area shelters and will be looking at them tomorrow. Maybe one will the right dog for me.

This will not beat me. I think in our easy living society, we to often forget that God is not only the God who gives. He is also the God who takes away. It is these times that we learn whether or not He truly is our God or if we are just paying lip service. "I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." My chin is up and it will stay there because Jesus holds it there for me. Thanks again.