Harley, our 13-year-old Jack Russell, could not join us for our family sailing adventure. Currently, she's happily relaxing with Grandma, Tom's mom. She's got her own personal country club, daily walks in Florida, games of fetch and lots of local canine friends. Letting Harley stay behind was a difficult decision, where she'd reside, was not. We know she's utterly pampered and content with Grandma. Not having our family pet, has made us magnets for other local animals.

Cole has befriended a couple of geckos. Goats enjoy living underneath Zen's hulls while blocked up in the boatyard, comfortable in the large area of shade. Betty, however, has had the most impact on our family. She greeted us, along w/her brother, on the first day we stepped foot in St Davids Harbor. Since then, she's been named, fed, trained and can climb up a ladder to gain access to our transom. She had a ton of fun stealing one of Tom's shoes from the bottom of the ladder. Off she'd run with her booty, across the muddy boatyard. When called, she'd coming trotting back with the shoe in her mouth. Much to her dismay, the shoes are now lifted and protected from her games. She's about 3 months old. Fortunately, there's a caring South African live-aboard couple, a few boats down, who have been feeding Betty, her brother, Rhody (Cole's name for him) and Mamma. Another litter was not as lucky in the boatyard. Yesterday was their big rescue.

A Toyota Four-Runner with a pretty, blonde British woman, a friendly American sailor man, and sleek female greyhound-looking dog in the back seat drove into the boatyard. Cammi and Cole were feeding a couple of puppies underneath Zen. Cole had named one of them, Amanda. Jenny, the British woman, approached the kids, remarking on how much the puppies enjoyed the children's company and care. She informed them Amanda had been chosen to be "rescued". She was going to be neutered and treated, then delivered to the home of a local Swiss woman. After neutering over 600 dogs last year, in conjunction with the local University, Jenny has been deemed "The Dog Lady". Her Toyota 4-wheels into the most remote sections of Grenada, looking for new, ill, or malnourished dogs. The European medicines are quick and efficient compared to American standards for eliminating worms, ticks and fleas. The late British scientist/doctor who invented the wonder medicine was our hotel owner's father. Small community here in Grenada. The locals are very supportive of one another. Jenny is not only very giving towards the dogs. After hearing about her garden and giving me a little lesson on some of the indigenous vegetables, I found 3 HUGE bags of fruits and vegetables from her gardens on our boat at 8:00am. It was one of the most friendly gestures. I am still wondering what I should give in return...some of my homemade french bread? some pasta fagiole? a spinach pie? Not sure yet. The kids and I had agreed to be her "assistants" in regards to Amanda's sister, who is in need of daily oral medicine. Beyond anything else, it was a beautiful example of charity.

And how is the boat's progress? Zen's bottoms are painted, hulls washed and waxed. She has a new wind generator and the custom table will be finished tomorrow. But, we are awaiting some special zincs for our sail drives. They had to be obtained from the US. Unfortunately, they are causing a delay. We are hoping to see Zen floating again by Wednesday. Three or 4 days beyond our original plan. Not bad, considering we are all on GMT. Thankfully, kids have successfully navigated their first round of major homeschooling tests. No rescues needed for teacher or students. All is good here in Grenada.

COMMENTS:

Lisa

so many dogs are in need of rescue on the islands. So glad you all were there to lend a helping hand. Looking forward to your next post...Love The Hornings

26 Aug 2008

Kate

Spinich pie gets my vote!! I would do anything for one of your spinich pies!! Love all of you dog rescuers! XO Kate and crew

28 Aug 2008

Mary

That is so great that those rescue efforts are being made and that you guys are helping. another great home schooling unit for the kids as well. When everybody does thier little bit it helps an enormous amount.