The Farm of Danger and Excellence

10/27/2024

Cross posted, but so important to me today:
I struggled with whether to share this memory- but frankly, I dont care- this is too important.

988.
The number anyone can call or text if the thoughts are too overwhelming, too much or you just need SOMEONE.

988.

Death by su***de isn’t “the darkness won” or anything of the sort. It’s a horrid loss, the moment those left behind lose not just You- but the prospect of days to come and shared experiences.

So save the number.
988.

It may be the most important contact you never have to use, the lifeline if you need it, or the number you share to a friend.

988.

I told Diane awhile ago that there are many moments while riding that you just want to soak in and remember forever. These are those moments from our last r...

09/25/2024

09/20/2024

It’s Ranger Roo’s gotcha day!

Ranger was originally named “Saylor” and came with another beagle named “Sawyer” via Beagle 911. Sawyer and Saylor came for South Carolina, and just when we were poised to adopt a different basset/ beagle mix, the volunteers decided we should meet this guy instead. Another tale for another time- but- It was love.

There were the stories of where he and his brother had come from, and the scars on his ears were confirmed by the vet that he had been a “bait dog” to other dogs that were trained to fight in the situation he was scooped up from. This baby pup mistrusted loud noises, fi****ms, men, and anyone in a baseball cap.
But he immediately loved his dad, sister and mom- and just about everyone he met- and became the nucleus of the Farm of Danger and Excellence pack.

On our journey to Roo, we had THREE home visits (including a “fence test” where a dozen beagles tested Trav’s fence installation) , and a $500 “donation” and 4 hour orientation later- we had our Roo.

His brother remained “Sawyer” was adopted the same day, and hiked the complete Appalachian trail twice with HIS new dad before we lost touch over time. Ranger, of course, slept not a single day in a kennel or on the floor again. A life of leisure and lounging, adventures of a different sort and a love that was freely given to Ranger. He became our shadow, our buddy and on many a night, a confidant and protector.

The Trav and Roo bro-mance was one for the ages, and from day one until Travis got called away, they stood a bounded pair.

Happiest Gotcha Day, Ranger Roo. Puppers. Rootie TOOOOO. You are the goodest boy, and everyone loves you🐾❤️good boy.

03/10/2024

10/26/2023

A year of life with a Travis sized hole.

Wherever you are,
I bet it smells like motorcycle jackets after a fall ride.
And sounds like laughter.
And is always almost Halloween.
And you knee doesn’t hurt.
And the drive to Busch Gardens is only 15 minutes.

But we still miss you here.

08/09/2023

Trav and his two wheels- a match made in heaven! I was so proud to help him bring a Duc home again, and I’m not saying he slept in the garage that night, but he may have 🧡🏍️