Farm Crew, Foster Dogs, goats, karakachan, LGD, Nigerian Dwarf, rescue, Uncategorized

Mud Farmers

Our winter here in Georgia has consisted of rain, and more rain. We like to joke and say we are Mud Farmers! Last winter we had 10 inches of snow, while this winter we set the record for second wettest year! I know lots of you are still seeing snow fall and might roll your eyes at this post, but Spring is beginning to emerge here in the South!

The rye grass I planted in the Fall is lush and just what I hoped for, probably due in part to all the rain. The mud is still plentiful here and the ponies still look like they just swam through a swamp, but the sun is finally out. Oh how we have missed the sun. Every human and animal found a warm spot outside today.

With warm temperatures approaching, we are planning for a busy kidding season. Most of our does are set to kid in April, which is obvious now by their expanding bellies.

But happiest of all for this break in the rain is certainly the dogs. Cindy and Annie are back to their marathon play sessions outside. And yes, Cindy is still looking for her forever family!

Chickens, Farm Crew, Foster Dogs, goats, karakachan, LGD, rescue, Uncategorized

Spring Break at the Tucker Farm

DSC_0701I always know when Spring arrives in Georgia. This farm girl gets a sunburn and first case of Poison Ivy. Although I grew up in the North, I love the warmth of the South. The daffodils begin to bloom in late winter and the days quickly get longer. As the weather warms, we eagerly put ferns on our porch and enjoy an evening cocktail on the deck. We bought this little farm three years ago with the goal of having more animals, especially goats. More importantly, we acquired this land and lifestyle for our children.

DSC_0420I always hoped they would grow up on a family farm and experience what I dreamed of as a little girl. Don’t get me wrong, I had a dreamy childhood, but like most kids I always wished for more. That said, Spring on the farm is magical. It’s full of baby animals and playing in the dirt. When we are outside, our girls enjoy simple things like playing with the hose and running through the long grass. This is why ‘Spring Break’ for us means taking a break from fostering. As much as we love fostering, we need to focus on farm life during Spring.

DSC_1096On a daily basis, we receive at least one request to help an animal in need. We cannot deny, it’s difficult for us to take breaks as rescue will always be an important part of our lives. However, for now, we must be strong and stop to smell the blooming roses. While we are on a Spring Break from fostering, we will not be absent from rescue. We will continue to fundraise for our favorite rescues and share pictures of our pack. Our Tucker Farm family hopes you continue to follow our journey and rest assured, we will soon foster again!

Foster Dogs, rescue

Wanted – Foster Homes!

We’ve been fostering animals for over a decade. First, we were just excited about playing with cute kittens before sending them to their forever homes, but then fostering became so much more to us. We saw the overwhelming need for foster homes and never looked back. It began with kittens and expanded to other animals including dogs, birds, bunnies, horses. And while all of our foster animals are special, our hearts belong to dogs, so that is what we most commonly foster.

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Our most memorable foster experience, Betsy and her 11

Foster homes are crucial in saving animals and they are always needed. What most don’t realize, fostering is easy. It really doesn’t take much. Rescues often cover vet costs and provide supplies for the animals. All that is required is time and love dedicated to the homeless animal until it’s adopted. The rewards far outweigh any sadness on adoption days. The best part about fostering is watching the animals thrive! Just look at our current foster, Stewart. What a difference 10 days of love and care make. It’s amazing. Stewart came to us neglected and emaciated and now he’s a flourishing puppy. We’re proud of the little guy and proud to be his foster family.

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Day 1 at animal control

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Day 3 at the vet

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Day 10 at his foster home

 

What most people want to know about fostering is ‘how do you let them go?’ If you follow us on Facebook, you know some we don’t let go, but the majority we do. We put our feelings aside so other families can feel the love we feel, and we can help another dog in need. You see, when a dog is adopted, it allows for another to be saved. What people don’t realize is foster parents are proud of what they accomplish. It feels amazing to help homeless animals and to make other families complete!

FTTF-simple-logoWe foster for Friends to the Forlorn Pit Bull Rescue. They are an amazing group of selfless, dedicated compassionate people. FTTF is currently seeking foster homes. If you want to foster a pup like Stewie and live in the Dallas, Georgia area, please apply here. If you don’t live in Dallas, GA, please check out your local rescues. We guarantee they need your help and we promise you won’t regret your decision.

 

 

Farm Crew, Foster Dogs

What’s In a Name

I have over a decade of experience naming foster animals, and then after deciding on two human names, I felt tapped out. After deciding on names with my husband for our daughters, I’m very glad we didn’t always have to agree on foster animal names!


untitled-6A dog’s name is important and often the first thing they learn. It needs to suit their personality, not just their appearance.




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My track record with naming fosters is pretty good. I would guess about 80% of our foster pets kept their names (Myrtle, Billie, Eddie, Vera, Calvin, James, Betty, Ethel, Steve, Abe, Chip, Wilbur, Louie, Norman … the list goes on).


DSC_0491As goofy and silly as this puppy is right now, I wanted to name him based on what he could become.



DSC_0115His breed, the Great Pyrenees, has been used a livestock guardian for many years. Originally the breed worked with Shepherds in France and Spain. The breed is known for their impressive size, gentleness with children, and loyalty to their family (herd and human). Obviously, you can see here he is definitely cut out for guard work. 😉


DSC_0613The Great Pyrenees will guard their territory by using the least amount of aggression/force possible, often times just their bark is enough to scare off an unwanted guest. Because of this, I like to refer to them as a peacekeeper.


untitled-5RANGER … is what we are calling him. It’s a strong name meaning “protector.” Sorry for those of you who voted for Fluffy, Puff, Cotton, or even my daughter’s favorite, “Huppy.” Although “Ranger Huppy” will be his full name. 😉

Foster Dogs

Help Hendrix find a Home!

If you are familiar with our former foster pup Billie, then you can sympathize with Hendrix. He has suffered a great deal in his short life. As you can tell, he had very severe demodex mange as well as secondary skin infections when he was found by animal control.

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He was rescued by Animal Action Rescue (Atlanta, GA) just one day before he was set to be euthanized. A week later the poor guy broke with Parvovirus and had to fight for his life. He stayed in ICU for a full week but thankfully made it through. Since then his foster home has gotten his mange under control and his hair is growing back!  Hendrix is your typical loving Pit Bull; loves to snuggle, chase bugs and go for walks.  Please consider making Hendrix a part of your family!  Contact Animal Action Rescue for more information on Hendrix.

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