THE OUTBACK LAST WINTER

THERE IS FRESH SNOW in the hills this morning, but our photo is from last winter, to share with you, dear reader, how much serenity we enjoy here.

This morning it was confirmed that we will have to move because the owner will be selling our home. This has been Mom's home since she moved to Bellingham during the summer of 1999, just after "The Great Explosion" which took place in the adjacent forest you see here.

We feel as if we are Greatly Exploding because, as gorgeous and tranquil as our home is, our neighbors are also our best friends!

We know the names of all the animals who live here, many of whom have come here for dog-sitting or just to play.

We guinea pigs are not excellent at non-attachment. We grieve just like humans when confronted with loss, with great change.

We all want you, neighbors and readers, to know that we cannot imagine life without you, and mom has instructed us to all have faith that God is loving us in ways we simply cannot understand at this time.

And mom asks all of you to know how deeply loved and appreciated you are, your rescue animals are, and how grateful we piggies are for all you have and continue to do for mom when she is sick...

The greatest beauty here is the love you have given us and that we feel for all of you.

You have to admit, though, God made a beautiful pond and forest for us and the eagles, beavers, ducks, and myriads of birds to enjoy sanctuary here at PandaPigSanctuary!

A PLACE TO BE QUIET

mom and edwin used to cross-country ski here in the winter.

they miss it.

they miss the silence closely guarded by Forest, willing to
hear their innermost thoughts
and keep them secret:

that's a good forest to know.

a  Forest who knows which way the wind blows,
keeping secrets
safe
in a windless Places

THE OUTBACK LAST FALL

Our landlady called today. Wants to meet with mom. Will we have to move? Mom has been here over ten years.

We love our Outback, we fly with our eagles and swim with our beavers. Life is uncertain.

So, tonight, we all cuddled in a hot towel straight out of the dryer.

At least we have each other.

And tomorrow is another day.

Tonight we will leave our worries behind and dream of the late winter snow that has begun falling on the hills just behind The Outback.
We will dream of flying.

HANGING OUT, JUST TALKING

RIGHT BEHIND YA!

When YumYum was first adopted, I took him in as family. Shared my house with him, taught him the tastiest foods and how to get mom to feed us abundantly, even though we have highly discriminating taste buds (read: expensive, fresh, organic produce ONLY)
and I became YumYum's constant companion.

Now that YumYum is a big boy and there is another boar in the herd,
I want my space. I need to think. To philosophize. To plan crafty
pranks on mom. I need the freedom to be me, Panda Pig, Peruvian wanderer, nose to the wind, following whichever way it blows.

Indoors, but still...YumYum has formed an unholy attachment to me. He follows me everywhere. It could annoy me but mom says it's good exercise. Whatever, he's like always behind me trying to catch up.
It's time for YumYum to "find himself" somewhere besides my behind. Any ideas, readers? I need to fly solo. Help me!

CHASING PANDA

HEY, WAIT FOR ME!

MOM IN MY EYE

CATAHOULA LEOPARD EYE

MEET MR. CARTER

Ebony and her mom have just introduced us to the newest member of their rescue family: Meet Mr. Carter, an eight-year-old chihuahua with no teeth! Who needs teeth, just look at the love in his eyes...yes, he is newly adopted and still trying to believe his good luck is for real. It is, because Ebony and her mom are already head over heels in love with him and so are we!

Welcome to the 'hood, Mr. C, and from all of us here at Panda'sPigSanctuary we send love, hugs, and hope that your new life in your new home will give you hope again: Love Lives Here! And you will thrive in your dear mother's warm embrace!

Trust us, we know.

EBONY

Gentle Readers,

Please give it up for Ebony, our neighbor's greatest rescue challenge EVER! Ebony is part Catahoula leopard dog, part great dane, and part shar pei! She was quite an uncivilized Giant when her mom first rescued her.
Like, HURRICANE-CRAZY-WILD! It has taken her mom years to earn her trust, train her, and teach her gentle manners. Apparently, it's an ongoing struggle. But Rescue People are Determined People: And Eb's mom has devotedly kept up her faith that Ebony would learn to trust, calm down, and become a loving, gentle giant.

When mom's neighbor brought home Mr. Carter a few days ago, Ebony's mom felt uncertain how Eb would react. Was she really a gentle giant or would the "old Eb" leap out at Mr. Carter?  Mom's friend was so worried but no one else was because we have all seen the sacrifices she has made to love and train Wild Eb with patience, firmness, and alpha-dog determination.  No, we weren't worried at all. 

Now look at them!  Could little Mr. Carter have a better, more protective big sister?

We give a big SHOUT-OUT to Eb, her mom, and all they have gone through together to reach a moment in time where this Big Dog proves she has heart: and it all goes out to Mr. Carter and their mom!





THIS ONE'S FOR EB! WE LOVE YOU!

FOR RIMJHIM AND ARJAN

All of us here at PandaPigSanctuary would like to share our Joy with Rimjhim and Arjan, who were just married in India!
In lieu of material wedding gifts, they asked all to join the Experience Giving Project inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who implored us to "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Friends from all over the world did just that and their inspiring accounts of selfless service appear on the couple's website.
Talk about INSPIRING! EPIC INSPIRATION!

Mom gave Rimjhim and Arjan...US! And since PandaPigSanctuary is their wedding gift, we want to express our joy and congratulations by sending you both our rainbow. It comes out on special occasions. This Rainbow is for You, newlyweds!

We love you. We will continue living with mom here in our herd, but dedicate all our good works on behalf of guinea pigs everywhere to you, now and always. May we serve selflessly with only the sweetest guinea pig love in the whole world!